Blog Archives

Oct 29 2014

Interview with Candace — a courageous outgoing risktaker.

Candace is a 22-year old model residing in San Diego, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My lovely name is Candace Carroll, friends and family call me just candy. I was born is Sunny Day go, I have two older brothers also an older sister; they have their families, I’m not at that stage yet in my life even though it would be a blessing to have God just knows when you as a person -well my case- myself is fully ready for that responsibility putting a roof over a family is.

My interests are more of a technique style in playing pool, loving the beach and the warm sun, My profession is criminal justice and a few languages, I am an outgoing hard-working woman and I don’t let anybody take me for granted; life is amazing but I always say “Life is just a mere chance, live it like every emotion matters, a mere chance is worth living for”.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

As an 18 year old fresh out of high school, my close friend was asking beautiful women to shoot for portfolios and offered me a try and I just fell in love with angles, dimensions and especially the beauty in this type of art, I may not be able to draw like a tattoo artist but being a model, being in front of a camera posing has beauty in it, the perfect lighting, posture, face and body angling is exactly what I love doing, making a new pose is my art, that’s my expression and I would love to be doing this for a very long time, beauty is always alive, it never fades beauty is everywhere we just forget the beauty in simplicity at times.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goal is more of a family goal, first is to take my parents out of this crazy place and buy a home for them to retire and enjoy their lives, I am the strongest person when it comes to them but also when it’s about them I’m the weakest, they are my strength and my weakness and anything I do, I want them to be beside me in moving up in this world, I see myself in five years being a lawyer and helping people fight for themselves and actually prove they want to change and live better than before, five years after that, I want to be a judge and just do good for people who deserve a second chance.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I mainly do shoots, it’s a very easy schedule. I model in fashion, erotic, glamour, editorial and commercial, the work hours are fairly simple. A few hours in a day depending on photographer, which I don’t mind whatsoever.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

Anytime I model I love every second of it, I never had a bad experience; every photographer I have had was very professional and respectful, I understand their viewpoints and their dislikes in working with certain type of people which understand can’t take criticism for their professional services experiences.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

In my few loving modeling years, it’s been a good one no complaints in any field, I can’t even think of one thing to be completely real and probably sad but it was professional and comforting.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

If I could, I would change the way that media portrays females to young children, that being skinny is in and being built bigger is something to feel bad about; beauty is in the eye of the beholder and only seeing beauty in one thing but not another shows for a narrow minded person, beauty is everywhere in the sky above, in the color of the ocean, the way every woman is, their motherly nature, the trees in the forest, animals, being in love and even feeling pain, pain is an emotion that brings color no matter how down a person is they way a person heart feels the inside of a person’s mind, body and spirit is beautiful, nobody should feel judged only by looks alone.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I honestly eat as much as I can, I work out at night time after a long day, I eat protein, and fruit, being healthy in this industry is a great thing especially to promote health to young children growing up.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Let’s see! I’m an awesome pool player, better than novice, better than beginner and rookie, just a little before professional, and I love being challenged; it’s the best thing to know someone expects you to be a better you, learning everyday to be better than yesterday, that is my personal self goal.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t change a thing, improve yes, change, I’m God’s creature, I am beautiful the way he made me, if I was supposed to be something I’m not, I would have already been that but I’m not so I apologize if that answer was boring.

If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?

If I had 24 hours on this planet to live, I would take my parents everywhere and anywhere they wanted in their whole life to visit and explore, my parents mean the world to me, I would want to see my last few hours just seeing them smile and happy for that will be their last and most emotional favorite memory of their baby girl, their little girl, to make my parents happy will be a great ending to my life.

Oct 29 2014

Interview with Marylyn Brooks — Aquarian ArTist, MoonChild & Musician

Marylyn Brooks is a 23-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in the suburbs of Southern California, in a city called Rowland Heights. I began getting into mischief at a young age and snuck out to pierce my belly button when I was 13. I attended a strict catholic school from kinder garden till 8th grade and then an all girls catholic high school which was much, much worse. Finally, I convinced my parents to let me transfer to an art high school where they played political beatles songs through the loudspeakers at lunch. I fell in love with the school, with art, with music and with myself… and the rest is history!

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I did a commercial when I was a child and it seemed to flow so naturally to me… but I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was about 16 and I was gogo dancing at all the underground raves. The event photographers began to offer me paid shoots and I really took a liking to it. Soon after, I was picked up by a commercial agency and began booking like crazy.
I was supposed to attend NYU university but the year I graduated my parents got divorced and my father said he wasn’t going to help me like he had promised and so I moved to Hollywood and began taking acting and commercial modeling very seriously because I needed the income while still pursuing my arts.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I plan to continue acting and modeling but I am turning my main focus to my band Bizarra, which I sing and play guitar in. Bizarra is my heart’s truest desire and I shall keep pursuing it until the Lotus flowers blossom. I’m also in the process of publishing two children’s books out of a series of books I have written and illustrated, titled “My Mogwhy and Me”. Aside from that, I create and sell my original paintings under the art name No.Y2K and have exhibits quite often. I also just started a new art collective and record label called The Hissing Cats, so I plan to do more with that as everything gradually progresses.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

When I get booked for modeling gigs they’re pretty much always print work because I’m 5’1… 5’2 on a good day, and I don’t fit the norm. I use to book mostly 18 to play younger roles but now that I’ve gotten a lot more tattoos I am booking mostly rocker-type shoots, which I am happy about. I am alwwwaaayyysss late and I always feel horrible about it but there’s just some things you can’t change about life.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best experience was shooting with Leg Avenue because afterwards I got to be a guest on a bunch of cool radio shows and interviews, and at the time, I still went by my rave name Sparkle Sparkle Bang bang, so I landed a lot of additional work from that as well. The worst experience was when I shot this short film, which actually turned out amazing, but during the shooting of it the guy kept making all these weird sexual comments and told me he was “getting aroused and needed to adjust himself”. And then, he had the nerve to ask me to shoot additional footage a week later and for no extra compensation and we ended up getting into a very heated argument, and I never heard from him again.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

In 2011, right after booking a national ESPN SuperBowl commercial, I was hit and run while riding my bike during the middle of the day. The car hit the back of my tire, throwing me from the bike and on to my jaw, breaking my jaw in 4 different places and knocking out 9 of my teeth and splitting several more in half. I remember coming out of my blackout and immediately thinking of the shoot, which was set to take place the same week. While holding up my hanging jaw, I remember thinking “God, please let me be able to ice it and fix it before the shoot”… but after I saw myself in the mirror I knew that wouldn’t be the case. I was so devastated to say the least. My jaw was wired shut for 3 months and I had surgery after surgery for about 2 years. I am still dealing with complications from my accident and they never caught the driver… but everything happens for a reason… even the ugly stuff… because during the time when my jaw was wired shut I began to teach myself guitar and then formed the band Bizarra a year later. I grew up playing the violin and was made Principal Second String Violinist by the Claremont Symphonic Youth Orchestra that I was in for many years but had dropped it all together upon moving to Hollywood. I guess my accident was a blessing in disguise…a horrible… rotten… painful… miserable disguise haha.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would change the current expectations of models. I would do away with paper thin, anorexic models and replace them with healthy, happy, beautiful models that would give young girls more positive body images to look up to. So many young girls develop all sorts of addictions and eating disorders because they want to look like the women in the magazines. But they don’t know that those women struggle and harm themselves continuously to look the way they do.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I try to go to the gym as much as possible, probably like 2 to 4 times a week. Sometimes when I miss more than a week of the gym and I’ve been binge eating, I will force myself to stay at the gym at least 3 hours. I try to eat as healthy as possible; all organic, mostly vegetables, and organic meat from time to time. My weakness is cake and candies… most desserts, really. I don’t limit or restrict myself when it comes to food I truly enjoy because it makes me happy to indulge a bit, but I try not to eat past 7:30pm and I stay far away from over processed GMO foods. If you can’t pronounce more than 2 ingredients, don’t eat it. And if any of the first 5 or main ingredients are long chemical names, hydrogenated-anything or colors such as RED-40, avoid it at all costs!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have really poor eyesight. It’s gotten so bad, I can’t even see my own tattoos without my glasses. But I still go without them for long periods of time and I just deal with seeing blurry all day. Sometimes friends pass me in the street and think I’m ignoring them or mad at them because I don’t wave back and things like that haha. When I don’t wear my glasses I feel like I’m in my own little world of fuzzy life.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would remove all judgements from my mind. Judgments against myself and against others. It is so hard not to criticize myself sometimes, but I always try to see myself and those around me through the eyes of the Buddha, free of judgments and from a place of love and appreciation. I feel like we make it a habit to put ourselves down to others, as not to seem full of ourselves or prideful. But there needs to be a happy medium.

What is the longest you have gone without taking a bath?

I went hitchhiking for 3 months last year with some friends that have been living off the grid for a few years and I wanted to see life from that perspective. I wanna say, the longest I went without showering was 7 days… give or take. It was rough and very unpleasant. I would not suggest it to any one unless they really wanted to shake up everything they knew about life and find our very deep truths about themselves. I definitely found myself while on the road… and I found the same person I had left as haha, just dirtier and weathered.

Visit Marylyn Brooks’s website for more photos and information.

Oct 28 2014

Interview with Victoria Sea — Short but talented

Victoria Sea is a 18-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a born and breed California girl. I grew up in the greater Los Angeles area with my parents, and my older twin sisters. I have lived there all of my life, except for three months I spent in Maui, and three months I spent in Nashville. Traveling is one of my life passions, and I do not feel comfortable leaving a place until I feel like I have seen it completely. I fell in love with swimming from the first time I ever got in a pool, and have been nicknamed “Fishy” ever since.

I grew up dancing, singing, and acting, but when I had my first photo shoot, and knew that that was the path for me. I have interests in careers, besides modeling, such as fashion, real estate, and anything that could get me a job by the beach for the rest of my life. Some of my favorite things are rice, bathing suits, peonies, the Pacific Ocean, rainy weather, and Christmas lights.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I had my first photo shoot when I was 16. My boyfriend was an incredible musician and had all this passion and direction for what he wanted to do with his life, and it would always drive me crazy that I didn’t have the same kind of love for anything. I knew I loved being out there in the industry, and wanted to be a face people recognized, but I didn’t love any of the things that could get me there: singing, dancing or acting.

One day, I was on tumblr and I saw this picture of Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of how rad it would be to see a picture of myself like that. I told my dad I wanted to model, and so he got out his camera and started taking pictures of me. Still in my school uniform, hair a mess, I posed for those pictures like no tomorrow. They came out awful, and I never showed a soul but that’s when I really knew that this was something I enjoyed. On my first photo shoot with Rage Models, where I was previously signed but not anymore, the hair, the makeup, the outfits. I was in heaven. From that test shoot in the owner’s house, I knew that this was a dream I had to chase.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goal is to find what makes me happy, and to chase that. For now, that’s modeling, traveling, and constantly being around the people that make me smile.

My professional goal is to prove that you don’t have to be 5’10 to be a model. I believe that although I am vertically challenged, I have everything it takes to be a well-known and working model in the industry. I hope that in 5 to 10 years, I am modeling full time, traveling the world, and showing people that if you really want something, ignore the odds and the restrictions, and make it happen anyway.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

This summer I really started getting into it, and had at least two photo shoots each week. It’s a bit slower right now, while I am in school but I am actually changing some things for next semester so that I can focus more on modeling. I do mainly photo shoots, but I have done a few videos as well. My shoots have been mostly fashion and for clothing companies.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My very best experience so far absolutely has to be Project Mermaids. Project Mermaids is a save our oceans campaign, where they take pictures of celebrities and models as mermaids to ultimately raise money to support saving our oceans. I’ve been obsessed with mermaids for as long as I can remember, so this was absolutely a dream come true. I took land pictures, and underwater pictures at Catalina Island. They just recently had their kick off party in Venice, California, where there was a 9-foot print of me as a mermaid in the center of the gallery, surrounded by celebrities and other models. It was the coolest.

I haven’t had many bad experiences modeling, except for the occasional scams that I almost fall for and or the creepy photographer that texts me pictures of his face before our photo shoot.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Not much, I was one time at this one photo shoot that started at 9am. The photographer, let’s just say, was not my style. This person wanted to place me for every shot, tilting my head just a little bit before taking the picture. It was so painfully slow, I was there until 7pm, not to mention I was only running on 3 hours of sleep.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

My biggest frustration about the modeling industry is the height discrimination. If you are not at least 5’8, agencies won’t even look at your profile. This is my biggest challenge for sure. As a 5’5 model, getting signed has not exactly been a walk in the park. But there are other ways to model besides agencies, and it’s definitely taught me a lesson in fighting for something you really want. I would love to see agencies lower the height requirement for print models, not everyone that’s applying wants to walk runway!

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I am a yogi. I do yoga every chance I have, whether it’s going to a class or whipping out my matt at the end of the night when I really need a good meditation. Yoga is really important for strength building. I accompany yoga with Pilates and sometimes spin to work out all muscles, but the yoga classes have my heart. Other than that, I run almost everyday, and swim whenever I can. Gyms and me do not get along. I have to be outside, or in a class. I am a very picky eater. I have always loved healthy foods, and live for my local Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. I was a vegetarian for three years. Now I’ve added chicken to my diet, but basically stick to a vegetarian meal plan.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a Sagittarius, I can touch my tongue to my nose, I’m allergic to dairy, chocolate, and onions, water and tea are my favorite beverages, I absolutely hate texting, I would take coffee bean over Starbucks any day, if I could sell my soul to turn my legs into fins, I would seriously consider it, I love the sun, but I also love sweaters and wish that they would just get along and let me have both, I have to sleep on the left side of the bed, I have a phobia of feet, and I buy myself sunflowers regularly.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’m not perfect, no one, but Blake Lively is, but I try really hard not to look in the mirror and create a list of things that I wish were different. Sure, if I could have a perfect body without working out, and be a few inches taller, I wouldn’t complain, but I think these imperfections are in my life for a reason. Having to work out constantly builds character, and makes you much more proud of the result than if it were just always there. And being short has made modeling harder for me, but has shown me a place where I could make a difference.

Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever peed?

One time when I was much younger, I went to an elementary school playground with my friend. I really needed to pee, but it was a saturday that meant the bathrooms were locked. We had walked a long way to get to the park, and we weren’t ready to go home yet, so I decided to squat in the bushes, no big deal. But right as I started to go, a security guard came out of no where, my friend dove was behind the bush to warn me but it was too late, I was mid stream. She quite literally cupped her hands under me and caught my pee to stop the sound so we wouldn’t get caught. Talk about a friendship right there.

Visit Victoria Sea’s website for more photos and information

Oct 27 2014

Interview with Bunny Girl

Bunny Girl is a 24-year old model residing in Long Beach, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Boston and currently live in Long Beach California, just moved here in June. I don’t have kids but I spoil my pet rabbit Puffins, he’s my furchild. I’m currently unemployed, hoping to make a career in music; I write my own lyrics and melodies and perform on the streets and at open mics. I like to go to yoga, take my bunny for walks in his petstroller, and I enjoy bringing people together and helping people out in any way I can; building community is important to me so if I have something I can share or give, I do it.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I haven’t been in the industry too long; I started modeling when I was a kid and my mom tried to get me and my sister to act, but we weren’t too interested back then. Then maybe 4 or 5 years ago my former boyfriend started taking photos of me and it was fun finding spots and coming up with creative ideas; I was always very photogenic, then I started contacting local photographers and I’ve worked with some in Boston as well as some here in California

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I really enjoy modeling, but it’s kind of hard finding jobs when you’re on the short side. My professional goals are to just do what I love, which is being creative. I just want to start focusing more on my music because to me music is so universal, it brings people together and I just want everyone to realize their purpose and potential; we all have problems, but everyone here deserves love and I want to spread that kind of awareness to my brothers and sisters. In five to ten years I see myself having some type of positive influence. I don’t do anything for money or fame I do things with love, my purpose here is to unite people and help those who are lost.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I model at least once a month; I mainly do shoots, glamour, art nudes, bikini, sometimes I get hair shows as well; again it’s hard finding work when you’re on the short side, but it’s awesome when I find open minded photographers who are just looking to get creative because creativity is very important.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

I went on a group beach shoot in Malibu; there were probably 6 girls there and ten photographers. I had my make up done and the artist painted my lips yellow which I thought was awesome because I like to paint my face crazy and put diamonds on it, so I was down. Only one photographer was into it and I felt a little discouraged, but I’m unique, I like to be different and I’m always going to be myself where what I want no matter how outlandish it is to me, it’s their loss.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I actually got scammed on Model Mayhem, someone posing as a photographer sent me a check, told me to cash it, then deposit some into the “designers” account. The check bounced and the bank took all my money, luckily I was able to get the money back, I felt so stupid, but I give everybody the benefit of the doubt. I like to believe that the world is full of good people because we are inside the same; some call it vulnerable, or naive, but I’m not a bitter cold person, I give everything a chance.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I’ve always dreamed of being on the runway; I wish they allowed shorter girls to work runway and fashion, the industry should be more open minded when it comes to height and weight. If you look good and you have that presence then why not give the model a chance?.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Stretching is very important. I go to yoga at least 5 times a week, the best exercise is dancing: it’s fun and it gets your energy up. As for nutrition I’m vegan, I don’t eat any kind of animal products. I like to make vegetable dishes, soups, salads. People assume it’s hard to eat this way, but it’s actually very easy, they even have vegan ice cream and cookies that taste better than the regular stuff.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m very shy but when I’m on stage or in the spotlight that seems to melt away and I feel I’m where I’m supposed to be.

Would you change anything about yourself?

No, I appreciate what I have on the outside and to me we look the way we do for a reason; the way we appear outside is how we are supposed to be and it’s perfect.

What was the meanest rumor ever spread about you?

Boys seem to think that just because you are comfortable enough with your body to wear something revealing that you’re automatically a whore; I like to wear tight clothes and lacy see through stuff, to me it’s about style, so some guys start saying rumors that I have STD’s and that I sleep with a lot of people, but I don’t take anything personally, it’s just a reflection of their insecurities and I empathize with that.

Oct 27 2014

Interview with Paraseau Bear — Fiery Phoenix w a Heart of Gold

Paraseau Bear is a 25-year old model residing in Los Angeles, Callifornia.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi I’m Paraseau. I’m an image and sound maker residing in Los Angeles. I love telling stories.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I became involved in modeling when I realized I’d get jealous of the girls auditioning for roles on the music videos and other projects I was making that I to wanted to be a work of art, an object of art as well as a creator of art. Jealousy I quickly transmute to inspiration and motivation and began pursuing a career in front of camera.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

In five or ten years, I’d love to be gracing magazine covers, touring the world to sold out stadiums, collaborating with the most amazing designers, tour managers, costume designers, producers, and directors. My idols will become my creative family and I’ll start a family of my own. I’ll be proud of the woman I’ve become and what I’ve contributed to the world one day at a time through full surrender to the greatness bursting through me.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

Fashion, swimsuit, lingerie, editorial. I also act commercially and theatrically.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

I’ve only had good experiences. I’ve learned so much about myself how to best support and express myself, take care of myself, how to collaborate creatively and artistically with others and how to be a living, breathing, moving work of art and grace.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

There are always embarrassing moments in set, trying to give the photographer what she or he wants, doing quick changes in odd places. It’s definitely an exercise in fully accept myself and owning my power and knowing every outtake just helps build laughter and relationships. Like I used to do this funny growling face that I thought was fierce until a photographer showed me what it looked like and it just looked… Weirdly demented. I had to laugh it off and find another look for the moment. You gotta be able to laugh at yourself, be easy, and relax into your happiness for the camera.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I think it’s great. I’m really happy that more sizes and shapes are being embraced. I’m curvy and have such striking features like red hair, I often thought about modeling but thought I wasn’t the “right type”. Turns out the industry recognizes beauty as beauty. Simpler than the voices in my head at the time.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I have been a student of yoga most of my life, and lately I’ve been running in the hills around my house several times weekly. I also took up ballet and hip hop. I love the discipline and the freedom, respectively. I also love that it’s a fluid moving art form and I get to be the embodiment of that art form.

I’m vegan and gluten free and all that other stuff that being in the industry in LA lends itself toward. It feels good in my heart and body to eat clean.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Although in a red head with light skin, my family grew up in and around Native American reservations most of my life due to my parents’ careers. So that culture and the spiritual practices of the tribes we lived with are very much a part of who I am.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would maybe be a little less stubborn, but it’s a family trait and a lot of beautiful things have come out of the tenacity of it as well.

I would also maybe be a little more trusting of the Universe and not feel like I need to work hard at things and instead love in grace a little more.

If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you do?

If I was the opposite sex for one day, I would make love to the most beautiful and kindest woman I know, I would wear the best business suit and walk into a meeting like I owned the place, and I would pee standing and write obnoxious things in the snow with my urine, I’d pull the move that the dude in American psycho does during sex and watch myself flex muscles in the mirror, and then I’d finally take a kid or a grandparent or both out to ice cream and pick up the kid and toss them in the air a few times. I might also dress like a girl and just see what kind of looks is get from people.

Visit Paraseau Bear’s website for more photos and information

Oct 26 2014

Interview with Freya Gallows

Freya Gallows is a 24-year old model residing in San Jose, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in the Silicon Valley and originally went to school for engineering before opting to spend my youth stumbling around the world without a plan instead. I don’t really live anywhere; I spent the beginning of this year living out of a backpack around Southeast Asia and Australia, went to Reno to spend six months building Embrace, which is a large art Burning Man art project, will spend the fall roaming and camping around California and the winter home-basing in New Mexico in order to hunker down for a few projects that I haven’t been able to work on from the road.

Modeling has been my primary source of income for the last five years, though I’m just as much a dabbler as I am a wanderer, and I’ve also gotten work teaching skiing, practicing Thai massage, harvesting beets, freelance writing, building trails, I did a lot of rock work on the PCT, operating heavy machinery, taking care of horses, and I’ve spent much of the last few years volunteering for Burning Man, for which this year I spent six exhausting months on the build crew for Embrace. It’s both my greatest fortune and somewhat limiting that I do not have a singular passion to devote my focus to, and that my interests diverge into a squillion facets.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

The “how” came before I knew the “why”: Initially I didn’t pursue modeling so much give in to it. At twelve, I was a really tall, gawky little string bean and my parents were approached about my potential as a future model, though they thought it’d be damaging for me to enter that world as a kid, and I vehemently agree. Once puberty did its job, I was still tall and thin, but not “agency-standard” tall and thin, so I never looked into modeling as an option until I was approached by a photographer who told me about freelance modeling. After that, it wasn’t until two years after I’d signed up for a Model Mayhem account that I went to a shoot. I was curious and nervous but a bit reluctant.

At that first shoot, I unexpectedly found myself completely transformed, free to explore a character. Modeling has gotten me more acquainted with my own body, and with sides of myself I don’t often see: I’m not someone people would describe as glamorous, girly, flirtatious, or fashionable. It’s play and experimentation, and it’s freeing.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Well, I’m planning to spend next spring doing a modeling tour up the Atlantic Coast, Florida through Maine, on a bicycle. The prospect’s terrifying to me, which is why I’m making myself do it.

Otherwise, modeling-wise, I’d like to get my butt over to Europe for a tour; I’m thinking next summer I’ll skip Burning Man and do just that. And I’ve always got my mental fangirl-list of models and photographers I want to work with or meet or get to know better.

As for five- or ten-year plans, I don’t believe in planning that far into the future; I’m a creature of change, which I think we all are, if we’re experiencing healthy growth, and have no idea who I’ll be or what I’ll want in five years, it’ll depend on what I experience and learn in the meantime. If I try to limit my five-years-into-the-future self to pursuing what I think I’ll want, right now, then I wouldn’t have as much room to explore or change.

Please tell us about the most memorable experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

There was one time I got to crush a car with a track loader. Another time where we were interrupted by a herd of very curious cows; one came up and started licking my elbow. Another time when a hair stylist turned my hair into a three-foot-wide cloud, which I had on the one-hour train ride home. Once I posed in a zentai suit and ankle cuffs in an old elementary school that the photographer had turned into a studio, darkroom, and bondage dungeon, there was still a lot of memorabilia left over from its days as an elementary school, which added a fantastic dimension of creepiness to the place. One shoot had me wielding an oxyacetylene torch. I’ve done multiple-day shoots in national parks, I’ve done shoots where I’ve spent hours in a make-up chair, I’ve been suspended from the ceiling, and I’ve posed for daguerreotypes and ambryotypes.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Absolutely. I’ve been trying to change it in my own small ways.

When I modeled in Australia for the first time, I was shocked by how well I was treated; it made me realize fully, for the first time, how much I and other freelance models in America put up with being disrespected, emotionally abused, physically violated, and financially shortchanged, without even realizing it. Of course, many American photographers are great people. But there are also photographers who get away with a lot, especially if they’ve got a big name. I’m sure anyone reading this can think of at least one or two famous photographers whose track records of physical or sexual assault haven’t slowed down their careers.

I’ve tried to combat this by putting my foot down firmly about my own limits; I don’t allow myself to get bullied into anything, from posing outside my comfort zone to lowering my rate for no good reason. It’s taken a lot of trial and error and practice to get to that point, though; at a shoot, it’s hard not to want to be a people-pleaser and just get along, or swallow back frustrations in order to be non-confrontational. Some level of being flexible and easygoing is really important, but it can be hard to find the line between “easy to work with” and “easy to take advantage of”.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I don’t have an exercise routine, but I try to make activity a lifestyle; I don’t “work out” and what I do doesn’t feel like “exercise”. It’s just play. I climb rocks and trees, swim in rivers and lakes, snowboard and ski, scuba dive, do yoga, go backpacking, and have jumped on random opportunities to do everything from whitewater rafting to trapeze. I walk around small towns and big cities. I run around the beach with a few drinks in my belly. I play with dogs. I lose at push-up contests.

Nutrition’s important to me and I try to eat well overall, but I’m a bit of a gourmand. I don’t spend money on clothes or makeup, but I’ll blow money on really good beer, wine, cheese, or chocolate.

Sometimes people try to completely cut out “bad” foods that they love, like junk food junkies perpetually afraid of relapse. I personally think it’s a lot more effective and healthy to learn to practice moderation, and to find ways of preparing healthy foods so that they taste amazing without overloading them with sugars and fats and starches. I am very much anti starvation diets and cleanses, but I am pro juice fasting: I could talk about juicing all day, but for anyone curious I’d suggest the documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Well, I can pee standing up. And my first language was Mandarin, before English.

Would you change anything about yourself if you could?

Buddhism discusses cultivating “beginner’s mind”; you can’t fill a full cup. I want to learn and do everything, to go everywhere, to never get too comfortable for too long and to never submit for too long to holding patterns, neuroses, or rationalizations. To always be getting faster and stronger, physically and mentally. To learn to be more compassionate, easygoing, open, and humble, to internalize that no one can “make” me feel or do anything except myself. To get better at living presently and paying attention. Lather, rinse, repeat, until my heart stops.

Oct 26 2014

Interview with Brittany — Law student, part time model

Brittany is a 22-year old model residing in Sacramento, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello, my name’s Brittany and I am a 22 year old student going to School, working full time and modeling part time. I was born in San Jose California, But lived my whole life back and forth from San Jose to Sacramento CA. I love spending time with friends and shopping. I have three best friends; Erika, Yvette, and Niki, whom I’ve had since I was in middle school.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I’ve been told since I was a little girl I should model. In the 6th grade I attended Barbizon Modeling School for a short period of time. As of about 5 years ago I started getting asked all the time if I’m a model and finally as of a year ago I decided to start modeling part time to see where it takes me.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

As of my school related goals I am attending for my bachelor’s degree, after I will be attending a law school of my choice. In ten years I see myself graduated, having a job in my field, and owning my own house.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

As of now I’ve done promo modeling, paid promotions, and built a large portfolio with the numerous photographers I had the pleasure of working with. So far it’s been a fun journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

So far I haven’t had any bad experiences with modeling. Oh ya actually I have. I’ve had a few weirdos e-mail me asking for weird stuff, and I’ve had of course spam. But it’s pretty easy to tell if it’s a scam modeling opportunity.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I just got a gym membership a week ago and have been working out at the gym. Up until then I only did at home exercises. I also started using this awesome detox tea -your tea, or known as tinyteatox- love it! I am working to change my body and can’t wait to see the transformation in a few months.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love to play the piano, I wish I wouldn’t have stopped a few years ago.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Kind of, so I get asked on a daily what race I am. After stating African American and Indian I’ve gotten the response, “Oh I see it, your nose.”

No, when I was younger I broke my nose and from it the bones broke and caused a bump on my nose making my nose look bigger than it was. I would go get that fixed. Part of me still isn’t sure if I want to do it yet, because it has defined the way I look, and maybe it happened for a reason. But then the other part of me doesn’t care because I don’t like the way it looks. So for now that’s the only thing I’d possibly change about myself physically.

Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?

No, I actually love underwear! I own way more than 100 all from Victoria’s Secret. I have the biggest lingerie and underware obsession, you have no idea! I could probably never go panty less.

Oct 25 2014

Interview with Meg Vega — The California Girl

Meg Vega is a 20-year old model residing in Santa Rosa, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Meg Vega. I am a 20 year old model in Santa Rosa, CA. I was born in Pleasanton, CA. I have always been a Cali girl and always will. I am the eldest of two. I have a younger brother, Mike. I was raised in a loving family with a firm grip. My dad was born in Japan, my mom in Germany, both on United States Airforce bases. So they came from a very militant background. My dad definitely wanted a boy so I did every sport known to man. I thrived in Field Hockey and Pole Vaulting in High School. Since then I have just been keeping up workouts at the gym. My family is very close knit. When you come from a German background on one side and a Russian side on the other you definitely stick with each other like glue. As my grandpa used to say, “We stick to each other like glue, we are gonna be ok.” In a Russian and Bronx accent of course. Now I work as an Assistant in an office here in Santa Rosa, however I hope to fulfill my dream one day of becoming a famous model.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

When I was 16 I lived with my mom, and we were struggling with money. My brother just moved in with us from our dad’s in Oregon and I needed to make sure he was eating decent whole meals. My whole life people would comment on how pretty I am. I thought if I could make money off of that, I could help my family! No one in a college town would hire a 16 year old with our labor laws so I looked at agencies.

I found an agency in San Jose called John Casablanca’s Model, Talent Management. For a little background John Casablanca’s is the creator of Ford models. One of the most prestigious Model Agencies in the world. This division was more for everyday people. I was accepted that day but I had to pay 3,000 dollars for training. I did, sadly, and my first job was a Hair Show for Aquage a year after I signed. They dyed my hair, for the first time ever, and cut it in three shows on stage. I didn’t know that this was the best thing that could have happened to my career. It was going nowhere. When my hair changed I became different, more fashionable. People started to see me. I joined MM and One Model Place to get noticed when I went free-lance. Over the last year I have done close to 40 photo shoots. Developing relationships with photographers and other models in the greater Bay area, I hope to sign to a bigger agency and take some time to actually pursue modeling.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I want to be the first successful petite model. The industry has been changing a lot over the last few years. If I work hard enough and get the right opportunities then I can be the first successful petite model. For now I am working on the back side. Working the fashion angle. Styling myself to get noticed and get out there. Look like a model and soon you will become a model. Know the designers, know the trends and who is up and coming. Though, thanks to my height I will never walk a runway, I photograph tall.

Hopefully in a couple years I will be signed and five to ten be behind the scenes but still involved in the fashion world.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I model at least twice a month right now. Thanks to my two jobs it is hard to actually get out there and go to the agencies I need to and get my face out there.

The modeling I do ranges from Glamour to Boudoir to editorial. I have done quite a few styles. The one thing I do is I like to leave my viewers curious. I don’t show everything, I show just enough to keep them coming back. It is no surprise that I am a voluptuous model. I am not plus sized but I have some curves. So photographers tend to put me in lingerie or swim wear.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experience was with a photographer named Paul Mango Chon of Bittersweet mango productions. He was a class act. His photos were spot on and he was an all over good guy. He was so creative and stylized. He really launched my career. I got the most feedback from his images. Sadly he moved down to LA to actually work in the industry. But we still keep in touch. He is onto bigger and better things.

My worst experience was with a photographer that will remain unnamed. We had met and talked about shoot ideas. We wanted it to be a Grunge fashion shoot. When I got to the shoot, he wanted more and more articles of clothing off. It was leaning more towards porn than fashion so I had to walk off set and go home. That was the only shoot I have done that on.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Haha, yes, a few things but this is the funniest. I was doing a Swim wear shoot with Jim Parks, who is another amazing photographer. This was in San Francisco, CA and it was super overcast, which is not abnormal for SF but still, it was cold. Anyways I was taking pictures in some Beautiful Disaster stuff and he wanted some water shots, so I of course said why not! So I went to lay on the beach and a couple people were gathering around, watching us shoot and a giant freezing cold wave crashes down right on top of me. I started laughing and rolling up the beach, Jim collapsed in laughter and the people that were watching started laughing too. It was definitely embarrassing but I didn’t really care; it was fun and I was in a swimsuit which is supposed to get wet. haha.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I do have something I would change. The modeling industry makes every flaw a huge deal. “You’re too short. You’re not a 10 % BMI. You’re not a size 7 shoe. I feel like they would sell so much more if they gave people a more realistic hope that they can be fashionable. Let the woman with a C cup and a bodacious bum wear Louis Vuitton more people will want to wear Louis. If you let a 5’3” woman on the cover of Vogue I guarantee you people will have healthier goals. This prestige in the fashion industry is becoming a bit of an unattainable goal. Why would anyone want to strive for something they can never get to?

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I love food so I have to exercise a lot. I eat three meals a day and snacks in between. I eat a lot of chicken and my favorite thing in the world is Zucchini sauteed in olive oil with Garlic salt. Taste just like french fries. I work out about five days a week. I start with running for about a mile before my workout. Then I do lots of squats and leg workouts, move onto abs, then last some arms. I have to be careful because my arms get very bulky if I work them out too much. Then I drink tons and tons of water. It’s my magic potion to a great body and great skin.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a car fanatic. I am currently tricking out my 1997 Mazda Miata. I am a muscle car kinda girl but I will die of excitement if I see anyone or any car from any of the fast and furious movies. I learned how to drift from my ex and I love racing on the back roads of Napa valley. Back roads = Less Cops = More speed.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Only one thing and that’s my height. If you could tell by my article already, height is a huge thing in this industry and that is the one thing I want. Maybe one day the industry will change and the time of short beautiful woman will rise.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Taco Bell. Crunch Wrap Supreme’s. I know not a model food…but it is so good!

Oct 25 2014

Interview with CattyComplex — Breaking Stereotypes

CattyComplex is a 23-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello World I’m Catty Complex! Im from a small town in NC and have managed to find myself in LA these days. I enjoy all forms of art, dance and music. I spend my time working on multiple life goal projects while dancing to my own rhythm. I love to be a part of massive music events and even do some promotion. I also Model and am looking to break some serious stereotypes.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I have always enjoyed the idea of modeling but never thought I would get into it the way that I did. I originally started in the Adult film industry back in 2010, but since then have decided to make the ever so difficult leap into the mainstream world.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Some of my personal and professional goals include combining the Alternative modeling world with the Glamorized high fashion society; I see myself representing multiple clothing lines as well as having my own store, which I am currently working on.

I also still see myself promoting events, and even throwing my own. Hopefully one day I will have my own traveling circus…. yes the type that rolls through town with the bright colored train that everyone used to get ooh so excited about!

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I have been doing some slightly alternative shoots with a glam edge. I am using these to submit into magazines and things of that nature. I am also working on booking more street wear brands and other amazing lines looking to expand their reach.

I have done some extras work on set for a few tv shows, but have not had any big parts yet. What I am most excited about though is the fact that I have some videography of my GoGo dancing and Hula hoop performances coming out soon. Some for music videos, and others as simple introductions of what I bring to the table in the entertainment industry.

I do a lot of live arts performances in my spare time, things most folks can’t even believe that they are seeing!

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

I’ve had many good and bad experiences. I will say the most important thing that I have learned is to always have your own modeling release available, because not every photographer will have one and will try to make things difficult or awkward. Having your own documents helps avoid all the non sense.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

My live arts performances are pretty out of this world! I do everything from extreme wax shows to electricity shows!

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

My diet is not necessarily the healthiest, but I do eat well. I have a protein deficiency so I crave red meat on a regular basis.

As far as exercise goes, I love to ride bikes, take long walks, or go hiking. I also go pretty hard with a weighted hula hoop and that helps exponentially!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I freckle when I tan.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I am completely happy with myself and have no want to change a thing!

Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever peed?

There are two types of people in this world;
1- People that pee in the shower
2- Liars

Haha, but the weirdest place is probably in a parking lot on my 21st Birthday… haha.

Visit CattyComplex’s website for more photos and information

Oct 24 2014

Interview with The Baker Twins — “Slashy”, Model and Actress

The Baker Twins are 25-year old models residing in Los Angeles.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

We are known as the ‘Baker Twins’. We grew up in northern Canada in a little reservation called the ‘Stellat’en First Nation’. The population of our reservation is only about 200 people. We grew up hunting, fishing and hiking. We had a very different upbringing than a lot of people and usually people get very surprised when they find out where we were raised and where we are from.

We grew up in a place where your whole family takes part in raising you. That includes your mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles. Your cousins are more like your brothers and sisters than your cousins.

We have a ton of hobbies including working out, hiking, rock climbing, cross fit, tennis, jogging and writing. We are actors, models, film makers, photographers and producers.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

We got involved in modeling right after we graduated from high school. A few photographers approached us about modeling. However, we watched quite a few 20/20 episodes and were way too paranoid to take the jobs. Then one day we got a card from a photographer when we were shopping and decided to do our research on him. It turned out the photographer worked on quite a few magazines. It was our very first modeling job and we were very happy when we discovered that the images were published in a magazine.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Our personal and professional goals are one in the same. We want to be actors that can pick and choose the movies that we get to do while keeping healthy and fit by eating healthy and working out.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

We take about 1 to 2 modeling jobs a week. It used to be a lot more when we first started modeling. Our goals have changed dramatically compared to the beginning of our modeling careers. We are mainly focusing on acting and have collectively decided that 2 jobs per week is the maximum amount of shoots we are willing to do so we can 100% focus on acting. We mainly do print modeling jobs. But, when we first started modeling we took a lot of runway modeling jobs. We were very fortunate with our modeling careers in that we were able to travel by modeling internationally.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best experience in modeling is being able to travel. We have traveled to various places around the world and without modeling that wouldn’t have been made possible. Modeling opened a lot of doors so we have so many positive experiences.

The worst experience is probably seeing the lengths that some models are willing to go to stay thin. We feel like the industry is changing in that in some countries they make sure the models are a certain weight. But, the peer pressure to try to stay thin in order to book jobs still exists.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

We were booked on our very first runway job for fashion week. We were so excited that we booked the job that we got ready and curled our hair and used way too much hair product. We also did our own make up. We didn’t know that when you go to a modeling job you go with a clean face and clean hair. We also didn’t know that the booking agent booked us based on our dead straight hair. The hair stylists couldn’t straighten our hair because we used too much hair product. The models and the production knew right away how “green” we were. The show ended up by only giving us a few looks so we weren’t used as much s the other models. The whole experience was quite embarrassing.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

We think kids should be allowed to be kids. So many agencies are taking on kid models instead of women. If you are under 18 you should be given the opportunity to be a kid and do what teenagers do instead of being thrust into the industry where there can be a lot of pressures to look a certain way or act “grown up”. Just because you may be taller or look older doesn’t mean that you should act like an adult.

We have a teenage sister whose name is Emily Graceanna. Since she was 12 years old she has had many modeling agencies that have wanted to represent her. Our mom and dad decided to not let her get a modeling agent until she was old enough to decide that was what she wanted to do. Allowing a child to be a child is so important.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

We play tennis, crossfit and workout a lot. We typically eat a paleo diet. However, we do have cheat days. Nutrition and exercise has become a huge aspect of our lives. When we first started modeling there was a lot of pressure from people in the industry that would stress to us to not work out too much out of fear of us becoming too “muscular”. I think more and more people in the industry are realizing the importance of fitness and healthy food.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

We grew up on a native reservation hunting and fishing, and a lot of people don’t know that we have a small weakness for gaming. Call of duty is definitely our game of choice.

Would you change anything about yourself?

We would have a bigger booty. That is why we do so many lunges and squats when we work out.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

It would definitely be to fly.

Visit The Baker Twins’s website for more photos and information

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