Blog Archives

Jul 06 2014

Interview with Plastic Martyr – A trans-gender model

Plastic Martyr is a 24-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California. She’s not your typical model though. What makes her special is the fact that she’s not biologically female. We had a chance to interview her:

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’d probably do a little curtsey and say “Hi, I’m Plastic Martyr”

Do you have a nickname or artist pseudonym? Who came up with it and how?

I do. “Plastic Martyr” is my stage name. I came up with it when I was 14 and had a big following on MySpace. I didn’t want to use my real name for safety reasons so I made up a fun little stage name and it stuck

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

I was about 14 years old, I was doing make up for a photographer in San Diego (My home town) and after the shoot he asked to photograph me because he liked my style. Then I posted the photos on myspace and next thing I know I was being contacted by all these different photographers to shoot.

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

Well for me I have many goals which involve evolving the industry a little. The fashion and entertainment industry is still very close minded. I have been modeling since I was 14 and I’ve been self represented the whole time because no agency in LA wanted to sign a “transgender model”. So my goals I guess would be to continue to inspire others, open the minds of many and personally get signed and get more work. Im really only happy when I’m on set shooting or filming.

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

My best experience, has been getting to work with amazing talented photographers and designers. I was lucky enough to be asked to model for Gerard Malanga who was Andy Warhol’s photographer at the Factory so he is a legend and totally inspirational.

The worst experience, hmm I don’t really have 1 specific bad experience. I guess it’d be having to deal with the Hollywood scum-bags who try and take advantage of people.

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

Oh yes, many. I’ve had things fall out of places they shouldn’t on runways and photoshoots. I’ve had more wardrobe malfunctions then Janet Jackson and I’ve had some pretty terrible make up jobs where I ended up looking like a clown and you cant help but crack up and try and work it!

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

Yes, to be more accepting and open. Embrace individuality.

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

I’m not much of a sports person. In fact my idea of a work out is walking in heels from my house to the corner market. I do however live a VERY healthy life style. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke or do any drugs. I eat only organic and healthy foods. Im gluten free and I only drink alkaline water. My body is as pure as it gets.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have a very bad “germphobia” and I know most people think they… but I take it to a new level.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

Nope, I love who I am. And the few times I find something I don’t like about myself I fix it. I had a nose job to correct a broken nose that I hated. I get botox in my forehead to soften lines in my forehead. I don’t think there is anything wrong with self improvement and being who you want to be. At the moment I am very happy with who and what I am physically, but I guarantee you I will find something that bothers me, but I will do my best to change it.

For more, visit Plastic Martyr’s website!

Jun 30 2014

Interview with asian model Agnes Liong

Agnes is a 23-year old beauty queen currently living in Mesa, Arizona. I got in touch with her because of her unique look and amazing portfolio.

Do you have a nickname or artist pseudonym? Who came up with it and how?
Empress Evangeline. I like princesses and royalty since I was 5, as it portrays elegance, poise, honesty and bravery.

When and how did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
One of my friend was a photographer and he asked if I could become one of his models; I always wanted to become a model so that was the perfect start. From then on more and more photographers asked me to be their models and I am lucky and blessed to be able to work with various photographers, designers and brands.

What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
My goal is to become one of the few international petite Asian model to be a positive inspiration to others that everyone is uniquely beautiful just they way they are. Bullied as a child due to my appearance, I never felt I was good enough and I struggled to love myself. Modeling has enable me to be confident in myself and accept me for me. Hence my goal is to become an international model, singer, actress, designer and modeling agency owner, who embraces and encourages inner beauty by accepting everyone regardless of their height or shape.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
My best experiences were getting to know various people, share the same passion with them and evolve that passion into final products (images, videos, commercials, etc.) Although it is a lot of hard work, at the end of the day when I see the final images and people loving our work, I am so happy that I can put a smile on other people’s faces. =) My worst experiences are when someone rejects me. I know not everyone can be liked by everyone, but you should not judge or reject someone based on their appearance. That is why I think part of the modeling industry is one of the reasons of eating disorders and lack of self-confidence, because we are consistently judged by how tall and skinny we are. We are role models for many young girls and so we have the extra responsibility to depict inclusivity and accept everyone who they truly are.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
When I was walking down the runway, the light was so bright that I couldn’t see anything. However, I kept walking with confidence and pretended that I knew exactly where I was heading (believe me I was so not!). I almost fell off the stage, when I turned around to walk back, but luckily my sixth sense told me that it was time to turn around. My heart raced so fast during that runway. LOL!

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Yes, the height restriction. I still get a lot of rejections, because I am not 5’8″? The average population has a height of 5’4″ ish, so why don’t we represent the majority? What purpose does a model serve, when the clothes or brands she wears is only applicable to the minority?

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat?
No sports, lol. But I exercise for 1 hour every morning. I do cardio and hip hop dance. I eat very healthy (I am a pescetarian), so I eat salads, seafood and of course desserts!! =D

Please tell us something most people don’t know about you.
I am part German, Indonesian and Chinese, so I speak 3 languages fluently. When I was 8, I moved from Indonesia to Germany due to the May 1998 Riot War. I learned to become independent from a young age. I didn’t know anyone nor the language, but I never gave up and worked hard to learn the German language fluently in 5 months and also created an after school curriculum for International students. This journey shaped me into the strong woman I am today. =) It helped me to realize the values of hard work and perseverance, because I know that with hard work and positive mind, you can achieve everything! =D

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise)?
I am truly happy with how God has made me. I believe that He made us the way we are with a good purpose. Although we all have flaws, I think that what makes us unique and memorable! Wouldn’t the world be boring if everyone is picture perfect? (That is what photoshop is for! LOL!)

For more, check out www.agnesliong.com