Interview with Vivian V Taylor
Vivian V Taylor is a 24-year old model from Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi! I’m Vivian, I was born and raised in Connecticut, living between my parent’s and friend’s houses, I definitely grew up with the concept that it takes a village to raise a child. I have so many hobbies, I love trying new things; ballet, cooking, singing, car racing, horseback riding, whichever. My true passions are sewing; I run a handbag company, yoga and attempting to cook. I have an Associates from FIT in fashion design and I’m currently finishing up my BA in Apparel Industry Management.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I was always interested in fashion and modeling. I was that kid at school trying fashion risks, when I turned 18 I started modeling for local art classes and stumbled across Model Mayhem and that’s when I started doing print work. Since then I’ve had the pleasure to work with some great photographers and artists.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Both goals are so deeply intertwined and blurred together. In five years I plan to have turned my handbag company; One Tuff Chick into a lifestyle brand that offers fashions, home goods and jewelry. I also hope to own property by then, though in Los Angeles, that might be a little up in the air. Another thing I hope to accomplish is to really get into the pinup community and become a retro model, pinups for me are the definition of classic beauty. I’ve always been inspired by that lifestyle, my clothes, makeup, hair and music.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I took a break from modeling when I had moved to Los Angeles, I wanted to settle in and get my ducks in a row first. But when I still lived in Connecticut I often had many shoots a month. I’ve done many fashion/glamour shots, implied and some nude. I’ve never had an issue with shooting sexy images, I just always made sure that whatever I was shooting, that I would be comfortable and proud to show them to my family. I figured if I couldn’t do that, than that was my line of what’s appropriate for me and what isn’t.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
Thankfully I’ve never had bad experiences. The closest I think I’ve come is that a photographer misrepresented what he wanted from a shoot so I was confused when I arrived. Then on top of it I had the worst stomach ache ever. Luckily that shoot ended early.
My best experiences are photo shoots that are done outside. I feel they are more organic looking than in front of a plan backdrop and add contrast and interest to an images.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
A photographer that I shot with very often would always joke, “Are you ready to make some porn?” It became an inside joke for us, and then we then have intense ten minute shoots that created some amazing images. I love that the move you develop a working relationship with someone, the better you work together, the better the images are and the less you have to sit down and explain the idea out. We’ve shot in some cool places, a store’s boiler room, a pawn shop, a burned down bank, we were constantly thinking of interesting and new places to shoot.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
That people should be more embracing, I feel that there’s no reason to put people down. Whether it’s to help people grow in their profession, I’ve found that the minute you start to get comfortable with a way of modeling/shooting, the images start lacking.
The rudeness factor is something that needs to be done away with, I’ve found that working with some photographers gets so uncomfortable because they think that they’re the shit and get so rude during shoots. There’s no reason for it.
The last big thing for be would be body standards, there’s no reason for people to be starving themselves to get a “perfect” body. People come in all shapes and sizes and it’s not our place to judge, belittle or put them down. As long as they’re healthy and happy than that’s all that matters.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I used to run a lot, I had the perfect spot back home. Now I really just try to always each a salad with dinner, stop eating when I’m full and drink two glasses of green tea a day. If I start to get uncomfortable with how my body looks I’ll add in some simple exercises like push-ups, crunches and leg lifts. I’ve gotten lucky with a decent metabolism so it’s always just been about eating well and toning up my body. Lately I’ve been adding yoga in the morning and night to add flexibility and encourage a goodnight’s sleep.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I had an opportunity to travel when I was in school, so I got to spend two months in an eight foot camper with my family, touring America. Because of that I’ve seen almost every Civil War battle field and monument, and it’s become a running joke in the family when we vacation if we’ll get the chance to see anymore.
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
My nose, sometimes I feel that I have a Louis nose (from Family Guy), obviously it’s just my brain over thinking of it. Plus on most days I like it, but it’s that photo every once in a while that I’m like, “Oh no!”. And to be able to roll out of bed with a good hair day.
Visit Vivian V Taylor’s website for more photos and information