Blog Archives

Nov 21 2014

Interview with Michael Hillebrand — Fighter and Model

Michael Hillebrand is a 25-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Michael Hillebrand. Im a German American model out of San Francisco California. After graduating High School in the Sierra foothills, I started working as a Firefighter for the state of California. I eventually decided to drop everything and pursue my dream to become a world class Jiu Jitsu fighter. Jiu Jitsu is my passion, but modeling has been an interesting side hobby that sometimes helps pay the bills.

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

From middle school till high school I took drama, but I got started when I was training at the gym. One day this director came in looking for fighters to help with some scenes for his movie. It sounded like fun and from there the snowball just kept growing.

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

I have 3 goals for my 5 year plan
1. I want be the first German to win the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Championship
2. Create something to give back to the world
3. Have fun doing it

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

I usually end up doing photo shoots and runway. Id like to get more into the acting side of things.

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

I think one of my best experiences was the first time I was on the Discovery Channel’s TV show “I almost got away with it”. It was my first time being on a nation wide TV show. I just remember being incredibly nervous and the feeling was very surreal. It felt like I had finally reached the first step to the staircase leading to my acting and modeling career.

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

I did a runway with Calvin Klein, and they had us in the store’s window pretending to be mannikins. It was funny seeing people’s reactions to the group of underwear models in the window.

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

I wish there was a way to filter past all of the creeps and non-professional photographers. Having a camera does not make you a photographer. So until that magic filter exists, I recommend always bringing someone you trust with you to the shoot.

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 live by a very simple rule of thumb, eat food in its most natural state. Processing is the killer, stick to the produce aisle and you’ll be fine.

Living in a city like SF it’s hard not to cheat from time to time, but with my involvement in Jiu Jitsu, I like to think I more than make up for it with exercise. Jiu Jitsu is my main form of exercise which I do about 6 days a week, I do yoga at least 3 days a week, strength and conditioning 3 a week and cardio and explosive training 2 a week.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

In my free time I really like painting.

Would you change anything about yourself?

More self control when it comes to candy.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

I would choose Time-Space manipulation. The ability to just stop everything would be a pretty cool ability that we could all have fun with.

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