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Photo credits: Paul Dubois

Interview with Ilvy Kokomo — Full time model from small Latvia

Ilvy Kokomo is a 24-year old model residing in Riga, Latvia.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a full time model, from a very small and cold country in Eastern Europe named Latvia. My hobbies include sports, swimming, traveling, photography and of course my main hobby as well as my profession is modeling. I have just received my University degree in Physiotherapy, which has given me a vast amount of knowledge, and I am very grateful for it.

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

It all started when I was 17 years old and I knew I wanted to try nude modeling as soon as I turned 18, and then I started working with a modeling agency in Latvia. After some time, I started doing freelance work mostly, and at the same time I was attending University, which proved to be difficult, but somehow I managed to do it and now I’m modeling full time and enjoying my every single travel.

ilvy-kokomo-modeling-a-blue-gown

Photographer: Marie Otero; Styling: Jean Fernand; Make-up and hair: Sonya Kaur; Designer: Linda Friesen

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

My personal goal is to take from the world as much as it gives and my professional goal is to get well known in this industry. In five to ten years I see myself as a well known model from a small country; I also want to develop my own photography skills, and although I am still just a beginner, I really enjoy being on both sides of camera.

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

I do modeling full time. I mostly travel around Europe and sometimes I come to the United States as well. My modeling work mostly consists of glamour photoshoots and I am doing commercial works as well. My craziest commercial experience was a photoshoot and acting for bungee jumping Latvia, where I had to do several bungee jumps and it was awesome.

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

As I am a very positive person, I will talk only about my best experiences. As I mentioned before, I really enjoyed making commercials from bungee jumping Latvia, but I also enjoyed photoshoots in wild Norwegian nature for personal art projects, and really enjoyed working with Unique Photography Events in France, shooting in amazing designer dresses in an old French chateau. And I am very excited to participate in a photography event in Puerto Rico organized by Caribbean Dream Photo Shoots.

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

Of course. It was funny once to do body paint when I was completely golden-painted. I also enjoyed a crazy underwater shoot, although it was very difficult to hold my breath with empty lungs and then pose. It was a crazy experience to pose in Norway in the snow, very cold, it gave me a feeling like thousands of needles were sticking into my skin. But the pictures came out gorgeous, so it was absolutely worth it. I could write a book about my crazy modeling experiences!

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

Yes, definitely. I would like to change a stereotype among the people that models are dumb. It is absolutely not true, as models are usually very intelligent. I have met so many different models and it is very rare that they are dumb, because it’s just not possible in this industry: models need to use their brains, it is also a very strategical work to develop ourselves and show us from the best point of view.

Photo credits: Mark Crislip

Photo credits: Mark Crislip

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

Sport in my life is very important, so I do sports daily. When I can, I go to the gym and do some different dancing classes. When I’m traveling, and with a limited time for exercise, I do running and yoga. On the other hand, I don’t have a particular diet: I eat almost everything I want, I just try not to exaggerate with the amounts, and always try to hold to a principle: as soon as you feel the hunger is gone, stop eating. In addition, I am a vegetarian, and love sweets; all sorts of chocolates, candies and cookies. If I eat more than I should, I just add some workout time to the next day routine.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a very ordinary and simple person. And I believe in faith, karma and energy transmission to other people.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I am very happy the way I am and I think everyone should love him or herself. It is immediately visible in a person if they are happy with themselves, it transmits totally different energy than from the person that is with a low self-esteem and not happy with themselves.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I wish I would be a ballerina. I’m a huge fan of ballet and I really love ballerina photoshoots; it looks very elegant and fragile, at the same time very strong and powerful. As I always try to achieve what I want, I wanted to look like a real ballerina in a photoshoot, so I took ballet classes to learn how to pose as a ballerina, just some basic poses, and you can see the result in my portfolio; I think I achieved what I wanted and I was very happy with the result. Thanks to my ballet teacher and all the photographers who agreed to capture my crazy ideas.

Visit Ilvy Kokomo’s website for more photos and information

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