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Jul 10 2016

Interview with VikTory — International ft. ballerina travel model

VikTory is a 26-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada and New York City, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born and raised in a small town in Austria and I have 5 siblings and amazing parents that are still happily married! After graduating college and earning my degree in professional classical ballet and modern stage dance I worked full time as a dancer in focus ballet and lyrical dance at European Ballett St. Poelten, the same company I have performed and danced already part time while attending school. I started at the Corp de ballet and later on I performed as a soloist with the company. We danced all over Europe, went on a 5 weeks tour to China, and I danced the opening for an opera ball in Dubai, danced in Brazil, Sydney, Turkey and other places around the world just to name a few. My whole life was about dance and school, yet I am very close with my family and siblings, from whom by the way nobody dances.

VikTory at the golden gate

BY laeey taggesell

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

My dream was always to be a dancer in NYC, so at the age of 21 I did the step and I came to NYC – with 2 suitcases and nothing else. I got a part stipend for “Steps on Broadway” but I had to build my whole life up from nothing… by myself. I was not naive, I knew it would be hard but I had a passion and a dream and I had to give it a try, as I never thought about myself as a model, because I am short -5’3″- and I don’t consider myself as very pretty, and I just didn’t fit in in any category: too short for fashion, too “ugly” for print, not muscular enough for fitness. I had some experiences with photo shoots, because while dancing with the company in Austria we had a lot of shoots for magazines, newspaper, billboards, and I truly enjoyed it.

At the beginning I still worked as a ballet dancer in NYC when I was asked to do a photo shoot for a ballet catalog. After the shoot I did some research and I realized that there is a “whole other world of modeling” out there and again I went all in: I decided to be a full time model overnight! It may seem naive, I knew it won’t be easy but I knew if I want to make it – I have to make it work because I did not know anyone nor did I have money I could fall back on.

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

That’s a good question. I always have very long term goals and a lot of ideas, but I very often have no exact plan on how to achieve them but always do so by staying flexible in the way of approaching them; one big goal I am working on at the moment is to get my green card, it is a big goal for me, as most people and even lawyers told me it is impossible to do so, but I got already my work permit as a ballerina model with “extraordinary abilities” which made me very proud and I am not afraid of working hard to archive the next step.

I want to eventually write my own book as I had a lot of crazy things already happening in my life and I get asked quite often when I will publish my book. I also want to keep inspiring people, put my toes more into acting as I enjoy that part of modeling a lot… there are many ideas I have but I like to convince people by action not by words. As far as personal goals, my whole life has been about work and my career so I would like to eventually settle down, a little bit, not really settling down in the ordinary way but maybe just find a place of my own in a city I want to live in.

VikTory next to a white classic car

by Rod B.

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

Well every day is different really. Most work I do are photo shoots, specially ballet and dance related. When I am touring I shoot a lot: 1 to 4 shoots a day, and then sometimes I don’t shoot for a week… it all depends. I always work out in the morning, do my shoots and after my shoots I answer emails to set up new work.

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

I prefer to focus on the good, no matter what kind of work you do there is always something you don’t like, but all in all I had good luck and the good things definitely outdo the bad ones. I love hearing so many personal stories of people I work with, and I feel very blessed that nearly at every shoot it ends up to be a collaboration and I have a lot of saying specially regarding poses, timing, angles, and others. My work with dbox, an incredible agency in NYC who hired me for the “432 park avenue project” was definitely one of my highlights so far, but also the work with Samantha Yousseff for “Studio Technique” was very inspiring, and I felt very honored as she flew in from Toronto just to work with me.

To work with the well-known sculpture artist Richard MacDonald and seeing a statue I posed for at the Bellagio in Las Vegas was fantastic as well. I love leaving “quiet little footprints” all over the world by having images of me in galleries in San Fransisco, NYC, Boston, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Austria, Italy and many more. Posing as the cover model for the highest luxury apartment in the western hemisphere in NYC and posing for Richard MacDonald as well as getting booked by Gene Schiavone, one of ballet’s top photographer and published in NYC times are definitely one of my best experiences so far.

VikTory walking on the skyHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I had a lot of funny moments at the beginning of my career due to the fact that english is not my native language, A lot of people use sarcasm in this industry which was really hard for me, because at first I had to translate the meaning of their words and then figure out if they actually mean it or not. It caused a lot of “little – long breaks” which turned out a bit embarrassing for me.

As it took quite a while until I got a joke, sometimes I said things the wrong way, and it came across very wrong. e.g, for me it is important that the photographer got the shot he had in mind or we created the vision he was going for, the “Austrian” way of saying this is : “Are you satisfied” – you can image that I got a lot of weird looks and laughter at the beginning; but believe me, I learned fast. Out of the ordinary: Well very often people told me to do an image where I stretch, so I did my stretching. I am very very flexible, due to hard work, not naturally, so people where literally shocked when I really stretched. We then agreed on the fact that it would be a better picture if I just pretend to stretch.

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

To be honest I had a very hard time to refer to myself as a “model”, because there are just too many bad associations with this job title; and while people immediately think about a tall and beautiful girl, other associations are: lazy, bitchy, irresponsible and dumb. I met a lot of other models over the years or am at least in conversations with them and believe me most of them are anything but that.

Therefore I would love for people to understand that this is a job as well and it takes a lot of work to create beautiful images and art. Not every model just models for the fact of “fast or easy money”, not every photographer sleeps with the model or vice versa and not every model takes drugs. These are all stigmas, maybe a small percentage behaves that way but definitely not the majority of the models.

VikTory with body paint face closeupDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Yes I work out a lot, as lot of the bookings I get are due to my ballet and dance experience, and as a former ballerina I am used to practice 7 to 10 hours daily and I want to keep my technique and physique as much as possible. When I shoot dance or contortion images it is just kind of an additional little work out for me! I do work out daily, a routine I have created for myself that consist of stretching, yoga, Pilates and muscle exercises, and I constantly watch what I eat and follow a vegan plant based lifestyle.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am really shy in “normal” life, I feel very comfortable posing nude and dancing on a stage but I still get very uncomfortable in groups… Yes I feel more uncomfortable wearing a bikini on a public beach than posing as a model in front of a large group of photographers.

Would you change anything about yourself?

A few years ago I would have given you a long list, but nowadays I try to work with what I have. I still wish to be taller and have bigger eyes and longer legs and clean skin at all times, and be funnier in bigger groups, but I learned that nobody is perfect so I decide to work with what I have and make the best out of it.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I would love to speak more language, as I think that a language barrier is the main reason that causes misunderstandings and separation. I speak German and English fluently and I learned French at school, and I taught myself some Brazilian Portuguese – as I have a lot of friends from Brazil and I fell in love with the country. I understand a little bit of Russian, because most of my dance teachers where from Russia, but I would love to speak all languages fluently! And, if I can get a second wish: I really really really wish I could tackle the whole media,  internet, and computer thing better as I would love to improve my knowledge of using a computer as I am not the best in that.

Visit VikTory!’s website for more photos and information

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May 12 2015

Interview with Cheyanna Lavon Zubas — Internationally Published Model, Actress

Cheyanna Lavon Zubas is a 24-year old model residing in Atlanta, Georgia.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Cheyanna Lavon Zubas and I was born at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. I am very passionate about my modeling and acting as well as singing, song writing, and guitar playing. I am also an entrepreneur as I own a company called Isabela Couture. My passions include modeling, singing, song writing, guitar playing, and acting. I am engaged to Jack Andrad, guitar player and owner of the Atlanta based band Uncrowned. I am constantly working to expand my portfolio and love to try new things!

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

As a young adult a local photographer approached me about shooting together. The thought of being a model had never crossed my mind until then but I took the opportunity with excitement and an open mind. After building a substantial portfolio and falling in love with modeling, I was informed that I needed a Spinal Fusion Surgery and if I didn’t have it done within the next five years I would become paralyzed from the waist down. This terrified me but with the help of my friends and family I was able to stay positive and recover quickly and in the end it actually aided with my posture which is a big plus for modeling.

Cheyanna Lavon Zubas holding an assault rifleWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

People tell me that I need to simply focus on one thing and make that my ultimate goal in life; that I won’t succeed if I aim for multiple things at once. This is when I look at them and say, “I am focusing on a goal, and that goal is to be successful in as many dreams of mine as I can and as long as I never give up and stay true to myself. I don’t see why that’s not possible.” I try not to limit myself. In five to ten years I see myself being more successful with my modeling and entertaining career as well as my business.

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

My work is very consistent. Whether it’s editorial, advertising for companies, salons, promotions, published work, I am constantly working. I try to spread out my interests evenly but mainly my work is for modeling and acting. I have been internationally published in magazines and featured in many television shows such as Institute Magazine and The Vampire Diaries.

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

The worst experiences I’ve had are being rejected by agencies because of my height. That, and the often talked about circumstances when a photographer tries to pressure you into shooting nude regardless of what you have agreed on. This, however, is easily handled. Just walk away.

On a lighter note, my best experiences have been finding gem photographers to work with who are as professional and driven as I am.

I love to learn from experiences. Whether it’s good or bad, it helps you to grow not only in your profession but also as a person.

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

I was shooting for this magazine and they hired a freelance photographer to shoot me. The phototgrapher was amazing! Great portfolio and very professional. Now… although the pictures came out great and got really good feedback, no one would know that for the entire shoot his two-year-old was strapped to his leg with a death grip screaming non-stop!

Cheyanna Lavon Zubas modeling military outfitIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Absolutely. One of the things I would change are the crazy measurements. I won’t call them unrealistic because obviously there are people who fit the look but there are very few people who can. You may be a phenomenal model who wants to take their career to the next level but if the agency wants a 5’10” girl who has the body of a little boy and you are 5’7″ with the body of a woman you’re not going to be given a second thought in most circumstances. Women are naturally insecure about themselves and these measurements just exacerbate the stereotype that models have perfect bodies. We all know that’s not true, nobody has a perfect body.

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

Exercise is very important to keep your body toned and in proper shape for shoots, not to mention it is wonderful for overall health. Especially in the long run. I go to the gym very often, about 6 to 7 days a week and I like to add runs when the weather is nice. Now when it comes to nutrition I am a bit guilty with pizza and wine binges. I do like to eat healthy but I’m definitely a foodie so exercise is key to keep my body in proper shape.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love animals! Especially little ones! I have a bit of an obsession actually. I’m constantly asking my fiancé for a puppy… or a kitten… or a fox… Haha!
I’m also a huge fan of Dragon Ball Z.

Would you change anything about yourself?

My love for food. Actually, I take that back. The fact that if you put a gourmet meal in front of me I will finish it. All of it. Haha!

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

I would walk around in public without a shirt on. Girls get hot too!

Visit Cheyanna Lavon Zubas’s website for more photos and information

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Dec 09 2014

Interview with Logan Westbrook — Petite Model:Think Tall, Dream Big

Logan Westbrook is a 19-year old model residing in Denver, Colorado.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am the exact mix of my Puerto Rican father and Southern blonde hair blue eyed mother, born and raised in Denver, Colorado. As an only child I have been incredibly blessed with support from parents who have sacrificed almost everything time and time again to let me dream big and strive towards my goals. Learning to live with the alcoholism, depression, and bankrupcy that has plagued my parent’s marriage and at times our whole family, I put my passions and stresses into sports, music, horses, and eventually modeling as I grew up. I have grown up riding and training my own horse who is my forever companion through good times and bad, and singing all kinds of music.This has lead me to be able to sing for various charities, sports games, and events across the state and in other states as well.

When I was 7 I traded in my tae-kwon-do belts for a pair of figure skates and have been skating competitively ever since. To my parent’s dismay I discovered yet another expensive hobby when I was 12 – pageantry. Pageantry lead me from state title to state title and national competitions across the country that provided scholarships and opportunities I never could have dreamed of. As of late, I have taken up college as a pretty much poor first generation student with dreams of going into the medical field. None of this has been without my having always had a part or full time job since I was 14 years old, and I have been grateful for every second of every blessing and opportunity that has come my way.

Logan Westbrook modeling a sports outfitWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

Once “America’s Next Top Model” came out when I was still in elementary school I was hooked. I have always had a naturally slender build with lots of leg but was fully aware that 5’8″ is the typical minimum height requirement for runway models. It wasn’t until the petite season of ANTM came out on television that I realized there was hope for an aspiring 5’6″ girl like me. Starting from the ground up in 2007, I worked with various freelance photographers and a small local talent agency to build my print portfolio and add to my skills and experience. I took any job that I could, bending over backwards for projects and photographers to earn my way up the ladder of diversity and experience. Slowly but surely, after years of working without pay and dedicating lots of time to the modeling world my confidence and skill grew to the point where I was ready to pursue modeling more intensely than ever before.

My sophomore year of high school I was suddenly on the rise of what would begin my more professional modeling career. After having been asked to be a senior model and spokesmodel for a local photography company, and winning my first state title at a pageant in the same year, I was picked up by Barbizon Southwest. For years I had been selected for massive scouting opportunities overseas that my family and I simply could not afford, and never seemed to be able to find work in Colorado. Here, finally, was the training and the exposure that I needed to kick start my professional career, and kick start it did. Since then I have been so grateful and blessed to be the cover for local ad campaigns, featured in editorial and catalog magazines across the state and a few nationally published magazines, walk various runways for hair and fashion shows at the local and state-wide level, judge modeling and pageant competitions, work on award winning photography projects, and am continually requested to audition for large company commercials like Hyundai.

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

My goals for modeling from this point forward in my life are to begin moving to more diverse work across the country, perhaps even out of the country if the opportunities should arise. I have lots of print and runway experience now at the state level and have tasted work in other parts of the country. I can’t get enough, and want to experience other runways, meet more designers, and one day be featured in an international magazine. Given this is all hopes and dreams of a petite model living in a tall world, all the while struggling through college. I figure if I made it this far I certainly can make it farther, it will just depend on the connections I continue to make and the opportunities that arise.

Logan Westbrook modeling a long black red dressHow often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

For the past few years working for Barbizon Southwest I have worked for a paid job in modeling at least once a month every month. During busier seasons I have worked and continue to receive work several times a month and often several times in a week. Most of this work is couture print work for regional magazines followed by local runway shows. I also do a lot of commerical, catalog type work from voice-overs to clothing brand advertisement.

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

The best experience I have had so far with modeling has been working on a project called “The Diver” by photographer Paul Miller. This incredible shoot was almost a 12 hour shoot that feautured massive elaborate sets and wardrobe changes. This year it was awarded for it’s amazing finished photos and artistry by the Art Directors Club of Denver at their annual show. The greatest part of this project was that, once it was published I began receiving calls for work like never before.

When it comes to my worst experiences modeling, it is difficult to really say because what many people would consider the worst are still things that I am grateful for in the big picture. I have sat for hours on a freezing cold location set while they do hair and makeup, or been practically naked on the runway while my poor father looked on in horror but understanding that being model means you don’t always get to choose your wardrobe. I’ve been jostled around back stage or been told time and time again that I’m not tall enough or I don’t have perfect model features. The reality is that sometimes the behind the scenes stuff isn’t all that glamorous, and yes they are correct, but I have learned that fashion and modeling isn’t at all about perfection or what’s “the right size”, and those standards have not kept me from enjoying pursuing this dream.

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

I was asked to model a dress with an incredible high slit that showed a little too much if the dress flew behind my legs on the runway…Of course, it did… as the designer sort of expected, but much to the joy of my onlooking boyfriend and his pals who continue to taunt me about it to this day. I didn’t think twice about it while I was on the runway, but giggled hysterically when I saw my mom’s face in the audience as I was walking off. My poor sweet parents have never said anything about my modeling work but good things, even when it rubs their parental side the wrong way.

Logan Westbrook inside a barn wearing jeansIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would absolutely change the height standards for runway models, not just because I myself am petite but also because I know so many other incredibly talented models who would do anything for this industry but cannot change their height. It is a sad loss of talent in my opinion.

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

I enjoy running because that was my sport in high school -track-, but most recently I have fallen in love with this workout called “Body Barre” which is basically a workout spin on ballet moves. It is very challenging but makes for really well toned muscles, good posture, and flexibilty. The coolest part is that we do the workouts in out sock and it’s all about isolation so there is no running around like a cardio workout, while still making you work incredibly hard. I tend to stick to gluten free foods because that seems to be a trigger for face breakouts for me. I also love a well made protein shake and keep up on daily vitamins and at least one serving of vegetables a day plus tons of water.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

People typically don’t know that, although my work and my hobbies usually put me in a dress and heels and wearing lots of makeup, I am very much so a tomboy. My favorite outfits behind the scenes are anything that isn’t a skirt: I adore pants, baseball caps and boots.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Honestly if I could be 5’8″ of course I would love to have more modeling opportunities. Otherwise I am happy and grateful to be myself and have the life that I have been given, even if I never make it to the pages of an international magazine.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I have a strange phobia of dark water and big fish. I have never experienced trauma in these areas so my family has no idea where this comes from. I won’t even jump into a dark pool.

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