Blog Archives

Jun 15 2016

Interview with Emily Dodson

Emily Dodson is a 25-year old model residing in South West Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Emily Dodson, I’m 25 and I’ve been modeling for nearly 9 years now. I was born in Miami, OK, moved around a lot as a child, and finally ended up in Joplin, MO. I have two older brothers, both of my parents, and a fiance who fully support my modeling, and encourage me to strive to be better. There is also a pretty large network of models and photographers in the Joplin, MO area that are very lovely and supportive of each other. I am truly impressed and inspired by these people; so many of them break their backs just to help another photographer or model in need. I’ve never seen a community work this hard together so that everybody involved can succeed.

If there’s anything my family and friends know about me, it’s that I am mildly obsessed with foxes and I love to model. I work as a cashier in a small town, with small town problems, but the people are genuine. Some customers there would never guess that I could take such shots, but some ask me on a regular basis when my next shoot is so they can check out the photos.

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

I started modeling at 16 years old. I saw a calling for a promotional shoot, sent in my information and was invited to participate. After that my self confidence was majorly boosted and I started reaching out to photographers myself. I had a main photographer when I lived in Springfield, MO which allowed me to express my “Jim Morrison and Rock N Roll” side, and I began branching out to different photography styles. In 2012, I moved back to Joplin, where I was able to book shoots with Brian DeMint of Eyeworks, which is when my modeling bookings skyrocketed; I was even featured in a 3 page spread in BeautyLook Magazine in 2013.

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

My goals are to branch out even more with different photographers and different styles, and to limit myself less because of confidence issues. Although I’ve been modeling for 9 years, I haven’t been putting myself out there as much as I would like. However, in the long run, my goal is to have an animal sanctuary for misplaced and rescued wild life, and if I can raise awareness through modeling… my life would officially be perfect.

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

I don’t model as much as I used to due to my conflicting work schedule and personal life, but I want to start doing it more than one shoot every few months. My portfolio mainly consists of Art, Nature, and Glamour, but isn’t limited to these categories.

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

The worst experience I ever had modeling was when I went to Shutterfest in 2015. I was asked to be a make up model for an MUA who was supposed to be one of the best, so as you can imagine, I was very excited. When I reported to the requested room at the requested time, I was informed that they were pulling and replacing me, I was never told an exact reason why. But, as if that wasn’t bad enough, they told me they were taking me to get hair and make up done so they could immediately get me into a shoot with a photographer who was waiting; that got my spirits slightly up.

I was put in an Asian style dress, where my hair and make up were executed very poorly. And now, the icing on the cake! When I met with the photographer, I was already in a bad mood, but I was still trying to make the best of the situation. We found a spot to shoot, when she then informed me I was her first human subject, and that she was a dog photographer. She asked me how models should pose, and how or where she should take her shots. I wasn’t angry or anything, I was just disappointed. I went from feeling on top of the world, to thinking, “I’m so bad, they won’t even put me with a photographer who even works with people.”

My best experience is so hard to pin point, but I suppose, ironically, it was also at Shutterfest 2015. First of all, I wouldn’t have even had the opportunity to go if it wasn’t for the support of my mom and the network of models and photographers I previously mentioned. We all worked together to make sure everyone had transportation, rooming, wardrobe, and a great time. I was invited to be in a closed conceptual event created and hosted by Kendra Paige. All of the models invited where extremely pampered while we all waited for hair and make up. We felt amazing walking through the sea of people, trying our best to hide our make up and outfit through Grand Station Hotel; people trying to stop us for photos, yelling how amazing we looked.

It was an after hours event so it was already somewhat late when we started. We had many photographers participate in the event, and were able to create many different amazing photos and settings. Walking back to my hotel room at 1 in the morning, I have never been so exhausting and adrenaline pumped at the same time.

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

Once I was invited to be a model in a “Recyclable Fashion” runway show. I figured it’d be a great way to get into the runway business, seeing as how I’m fairly short and have always been told it’s for models 5’7″ and taller. In my head, when I pictured it all going down, I was thinking a news paper dress with a soda can purse, or something like that. When I got there, I was dressed in an XL blue fleece pullover and given a thermos. But I looked so silly, I wasn’t even disappointed. I definitely had fun and a good story to tell by the end of the day.

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

I haven’t heard of many issues in our area, and I myself haven’t had many, but I have heard about individual’s who’ve had horrible issues with photographer’s boundaries. That’s the scariest thing to hear about. You expect to go make art, and return feeling degraded and dirty. I am thankful every day I have not had any real issues with this.

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

In all honesty, my main exercise comes from disc golfing. There’s a lot of walking and movement so it really gets your heart pumping and keeps it that way; getting a sun bath in the process is also a plus! When it comes to nutrition, I make sure I get my daily dose of the food groups, but I also eat a lot of fatty foods because I have always had an issue with my weight. Ever since I was 16 I’ve been a skinny gal, so I try to gain healthy weight every chance I get.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

When I was around 5 or 6 years old, I pulled a “monkey see, monkey do,” with throwing trash into a fire. I put my sucker wrapper into a candle, which then wrapped around my right thumb and was engulfed in flames. The doctors tried everything to make the burn heal, but nothing was working. They told my mom and dad their last resort was Silver sulfadiazine, and if it didn’t work they would have to remove my thumb because the burns were just too bad. A week or so after using the cream, they said it was healing, and faster than expected! My thumb, thankfully, healed so well you can’t even tell; there is absolutely no scarring!

Would you change anything about yourself?

There’s not much I would change about myself, I don’t look like anyone else and I like it that way. I guess if there is one thing I’d have to pick, it’d be that I wouldn’t mind being a few inches taller. Runways and catwalks have always seemed to be out of my reach being 5’4″, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a model.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I am absolutely terrified of birds! When I was young, I was playing at my grandma’s house, and walked in on Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, when it shows all the birds flying away from the old man and his eyes are gone. I to this day can’t be around a bird for the fear of it pecking my eyes out!

Apr 28 2016

Interview with Inky B — Tattoo Model doing the best I can!

Inky B is a 23-year old model residing in Kansas City, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m from the Kansas City Area, mother of two amazing children who loves to read, spend time outdoors and loves traveling! I am the kinda girl who is either dressed up fancy or lounging around the house in my pajamas, and love doing makeup and trying new hair colors.

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

I got started with modeling back in 2014, when I was told I had the look by many highly known photographers here locally. I truly just do it as a hobby, I am a nurse by day and model, promote, and assist my photographers with their models. I love modeling and am so glad I started it!

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

My ultimate goal in life is to be the best mother I can be. Modeling goals though… I would love to become a suicide girl; I am a published model through Leather and Lace Magazine, and would love to still be modeling for magazines in the years to come!

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

I do photoshoots about two times a week, but I actually took a few months off of nursing because my money was better with my modeling work. Other than photoshoots I run the Leather and Lace Chrome Girl Modeling, Bike washing, and events department for Chrome publications and I love it!

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

I am a tiny girl with little to no balance so I would have to say toppling over in my heels on a windy day.

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 being outdoors doing any type of sports. I have such a high metabolism that I can eat anything and not gain a pound; I also do pole fitness as an excercise and I love it, as it’s amazing for a full body workout.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think everyone is beautiful in their own way including myself so no I would not change a thing.

How do you think you are most likely to die?

I have Lyme Disease, therefore I will die from that, maybe not lyme in specific but the many many complications that come with it as in heart disease, memory loss, seizures, and plenty of others. My advice to you is check for ticks. So prayers please and thank you!

Apr 24 2016

Interview with Erin Scrivner — Shy girl turned model

Erin Scrivner is a 22-year old model residing in Springfield, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! I am 22 year old Erin Scrivner, I was born and raised in a small rural town in mid-Missouri with a population of about 5,000. I have always been a small town girl, and enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors. I enjoy going to the gym everyday, yoga, and staying healthy, as well. I have been lucky enough to work in the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks for quite sometime now, and am very into the design industry and am pursuing a degree in Graphic Design at the local college in my hometown area.

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

I met a good friend in HS that always wanted to be a photographer. One day we just decided to try an amateur photoshoot for the first time with all of her equipment, and it turned out great, and we continued from there with different styles and themes… this was 3 years ago.

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

My goals in the next five to ten years are to move up in the modeling world, work hard, travel some, achieve the best shape of my life, and finish my degree in school. My main goal is to just be happy exactly where I am in life on my own personal journey.

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

I am modeling less than I was in the last few years, just because of other things that life consists of, including relationships, work, and other stuff. I have just recently picked back up and gotten serious with my modeling career, and I mainly do photo shoots, no catwalks or acting. I have done fashion photography, themed photography, and some boudoir.

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

The best experience I have had in the modeling industry is having a close friend to shoot with, as one of my best friends is a photographer and shooting with her, while being completely comfortable and having fun, are some of my greatest memories. I have not had any necessarily bad experiences in the modeling industry, but I will say from experience that I do prefer photographers who consult with the model before posting any photos on social media sites just to keep the relationship positive and comfortable.

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

During a shoot that was outside, the weather did not want to cooperate, it was very windy, and I was wearing heels, trying to balance on one foot. The sight of this made my photographer laugh, causing me to laugh. The wind was blowing very hard and we were standing there both laughing until we were nearly crying. There was an accidental photo taken during it all and it actually turned out looking very unique and beautiful.

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

I think I would change the fact that the most common type of photography models are asked to do is nude or implied nudity. I just love seeing modest photos turn out just as beautiful as lingerie or nude photos. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate a classy boudoir or lingerie shoot, but over the last few years I’ve heard the term “sex sells” often and I just wish that it was easier to book a shoot without worrying about being asked to take more clothes off.

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

I do weightlifting and a yoga class during the week, as I love exercising and staying healthy. I typically eat lean mean, veggies, and fruit with some carbs… and always peanut butter. It is very important to me to treat my body with care and love so it can keep me healthy.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am gluten and dairy intolerant.

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change anything in the world about myself it would only be to always be confident no matter what I am feeling or how bad of a day I am having! Yoga and meditation help with this tremendously, though.

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

I would visit as many people and my favorite places as I could in the 24 hours, and take photos of every second so my last day on Earth would be fully documented for all my loved ones to see. I would make sure I let everyone I loved know how much they mean to me and give all my material possessions to people who needed them more than I did.

Apr 21 2016

Interview with Jessie Murray — Full Time Mom, College Student and model

Jessie Murray is a 25-year old model residing in Branson, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Jessie, and I have been modeling since I was 6 months old thanks to my parents Edwin and Patricia, who helped me to start my career. I was born in Arkansas but have lived in Missouri all of my life, and my main hobbies are singing, dancing, acting, modeling, do some photography, play the guitar and so much more. I am interested in the arts as well, and I am currently in College majoring in automatics and studying to be a wildlife conservation officer. I do all that I can for my child and I plan on becoming successful.

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

My parents are my biggest supporters, because when I was six months old -during early 1991, the following year after I was born-, they got me started off in modeling at a very young age, taking me to photography and artists studios, where they used my images in their arts.

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

My personal goal is to finish College so I can have a fantastic career to be sure that I can take care of my little family. If I make it in the modeling industry that would be extremely amazing, as I have been involved in it for so long and hope that I can do well with it at some point.

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

I model a few times a month, although I used to model at least 3 or 4 times a week before I got my full time job and started College. I mainly do photo shoots, actings, pose for artists, as well as the catwalk; in general, I have done all genres except in the adult industry, which I don’t plan to either. Figure nude is OK for me, but if it looks unclassy I will certainly not do it.

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

My best experiences are meeting new people, as it is great talking to them, seeing their amazing work, appreciating that everyone is different, and I am happy to work with them all. Worst experience is meeting some photographers who do not give you any images after a shoot, and I have even met a few that did not give me any images at all.

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

On one photo shoot I almost fell off a little cliff into some mud.

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

I wish people wasn’t so judgmental on race, hair and body shape, and I’d love to have them to be more understanding of models that are parents, as no matter what our children come first. In the same way, I cannot stand them picking favorites and not giving others 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.

I like to hike, play basketball, go out dancing and just working out in general, since I am a pretty active person. I eat just about everything, I am on no diet.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have a scoliosis problem.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would not change anything about myself. I am who I am, why change?.

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

I would spend that time with my family, do things that my daughter wants to do, make as many happy memories with her that I possibly could and show her more of how much her mommy loves her. Her happiness is way more important to me, so no matter what I would spend it with her.

Visit Jessie Murray ‘s website for more photos and information

Apr 19 2016

Interview with Ashlyn Ahlers — Hot-Mess Motivation

Ashlyn Ahlers is a 22-year old model residing in Saint Louis, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey everyone! My name is Ashlyn Ahlers, from Nashville, Illinois. I currently live in St. Louis, Missouri with my man, Joey, 7 month old daughter, Collins and my fur-baby, Pixie. I love to travel, attend concerts, get dinner with friends and spend lots of time outside. I am a full-time mommy, part-time Certified Personal Trainer, and volunteer for two non-profit organizations.

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

I was first introduced to the model industry in 7th grade when my grandmother signed me up for modeling classes in St. Louis. A month after I started my classes, I submitted my portfolio and head shots to a few local businesses and received a call for my first print opportunity.

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

My personal goals have changed dramatically since having my daughter. I used to be ‘all about’ how my body looks in the mirror and wasn’t too concerned with being strong. Now, I want to be as strong as I can to keep up with my growing child, although looking awesome in a bikini is always a bonus! My professional goals are to inspire my clients and followers on social media by living by example. Having a healthy diet and exercise program myself is so important when coaching others through their mental and physical transformations.

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

On average, I do 5 to 6 modeling jobs a month, and most of the positions are for print advertising for clothing boutiques, or in-person demonstrations. Once in a while, I will do on-camera shoots for commercials, but before I had my daughter, I was booked for quite a few fitness photo shoots for catalogs, social media advertising, and online video promotion. I am working on getting back into pre-baby shape and expect to jump right back in to fitness shoots.

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

The best experience I have had as a model is getting to travel all over the US to do demonstrations, promotions and seminars for a fitness and nutrition company. It’s also funny when I get tagged in all kinds of funny photos of people posing by my pictures in the St. Louis airport. The worst experience I have had was working with a very unprofessional company that tried to put me in harms way to get a photo for a CD cover… who even buys CDs anymore anyway?

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

When modeling at a fitness expo, I got completely star struck by one of my favorite fitness icons and stepped on her foot when she came to ask me about the company I was working for. If you’re reading this, sorry DLB!

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

If I could change anything about the modeling industry, it would be to give the fitness models credit for having a real life, just like everyone else. Contrary to popular belief, fitness models don’t get to spend every second of every day in the gym. We have children and families, other jobs, and food cravings. We’re all human.

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

Diet and exercise is so important for everyone, you only have one body- if you don’t take care of it, where will you live? I always try to keep my diet pretty clean and healthy; my body is super sensitive to carbs and dairy so if I stray from my clean diet, there’s no hiding it I am also a breastfeeding momma, so the better I eat, the better my daughter eats. I exercise every single day, and although I may not make it to the gym every day, I am sure to get at least one hour of some sort of exercise daily. I lift weights 3 to 5 times a week, and also run 5k’s 10k’s and half marathons to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer; this year, I am running 5 runDisney races. Don’t hesitate on contacting me on my social networks if you’re interested in getting involved.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Fun fact: I can play the harmonica like a pro.

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change anything about myself, I would love to be better at multitasking, since I always seem to take on so many things at once and it always ends in a cluster. I am also a huge people-pleaser, which is usually why I take on too many tasks at once.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I had a superpower, it would be to sprout extra limbs so I could play with my kid, play with my dog, be on social media, shop online, do the laundry, clean the dishes, iron clothes, workout, draw, play the piano, study, message my friends, and work… all at the same time.

Visit Ashlyn Ahlers’s website for more photos and information

Apr 16 2016

Interview with Savannah Bice — Fitness, finance, and full-time model

Savannah Bice is a 19-year old model residing in Saint Louis, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in a small town in Missouri, since then I have moved to the Saint Louis area where I have pursued several different ventures, and after finding out that the basis for any success was my networking connections, I started applying it to my modeling and acting career. Although I have a high interest in finance and fitness, I found myself day dreaming about the world of modeling and acting. Now I do my best to combine my businesses, modeling, acting, and traveling.

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

I started out auditioning for a modeling and acting agency when I was 15, after a while I started networking outside of my agency to land photo shoots. I grew up with a desire to be in magazines and movies. I look at modeling and acting as my artistic and expressive side and I like to explore them through my work.

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

My personal goals are to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have the flexibility to travel very often. I plan to finish up my undergraduate degree in finance and I plan to graduate with my MBA by next year (2017). I take education very seriously and it has been very compatible with my other interests; I want to own my own business within the next five years and further my career as a model. I also take my health very seriously so that I can stay in shape for modeling and acting. In the next ten years, I will have a steady modeling career, and plan on modeling for fitness, gown, and swimsuit companies.

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

On average, I have at least five shoots a month, and I model primarily fitness, glamour, fashion, and swimsuits. I have recently decided to start acting in web series to see if I have a connection to it, while also participating in pageants to get experience on stage and expose myself to new environments.

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

The best experiences I have had are modeling for a dress boutique. I love modeling beautiful wedding and prom gowns and that experience allowed me to do so, while I also competed at the Miss Missouri USA pageant and that was an amazing experience to meet other models in the industry and learn new things about modeling. My worst experiences have been, on a few occasions, photographers not acting in a professional manner. I take my job seriously and I do not like it when people try to undermine me or act unprofessional. It has only happened to me a few times, but I do my best to spot it early before working with a person.

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

During one of my first auditions at my agency when I was 15, I went in to read a cold script for a potential commercial contract. I ended up completely forgetting the whole script and running out of the room without a second thought. Ever since then I have had to work up the courage to start acting again.

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

The industry is tough and only a few people can actually make a living out of it, but if the industry wasn’t hard, then almost anyone would try to be a model or actress. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication in this industry and I wouldn’t change that. I have worked in other industries and there is negativity in every different kind of business.

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 competitive cheerleader and now I run cross country. In order to run for hours I have to maintain a very balanced diet so that I can exercise vigorously. Along with a strong running routine, I have to incorporate a lot of strength training so that I can also tone up. I like to eat a lot, but in order to keep my figure I eat a lot of proteins and veggies, while I’m also a big fan of keeping healthy by taking vitamins and staying active altogether. I care about my health because of my modeling, but also because I know it is important to any balanced lifestyle.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a huge book nerd, and I read 2 to 3 books every month. I believe I learned most of what I know through the books that I read. I am a big fan of literature by J.R.R. Tolkien, and the best movies that I see today are based on books and that is what sparks my interest in acting. After reading a book I can understand and relate to the characters in the book and I believe that is a major key in acting. Some of my other favorites include James Dashner’s The Maze Runner and The Eye of Minds series and Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies Series.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I could list a million and one things about my physical appearance or life in general that I would wish to change. But seeing as though I cannot change them, I like to work with what I have got.

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

If I had 24 hours left to live I would buy a plane ticket and take my family to New Zealand. If there is one place I want to visit before I die it would be New Zealand. The natural beauty of the country is enough to make anyone fall in love with it, but it is also where the Lord of the Rings were filmed. I would take all my saved up money and take a helicopter around the whole country since that would be the fastest way to see everything.

Visit Savannah Bice’s website for more photos and information

Apr 14 2016

Interview with Celka — A musician who models

Celka is a 23-year old model residing in Springfield, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Celka, and I come from a very unique family. I was born in Houston, Texas, however currently live in Springfield, Missouri, and will be moving to LA this fall to pursue an MM in Music Composition at USC. As it stands right now, I am a freelance model, musician, and office manager at my mother’s weight loss clinic. My father is a physics professor for a local university, but has credentials that extend to doing contract work for NASA occasionally; he was a finalist in the astronaut program once upon a time and therefore trained with people who eventually became astronauts.

My mother has an incredible musical history; her father was principal bassist for a symphony in Seattle, but also played jazz bass and trombone. This musical history is why I am a musician now – when my grandfather died, we inherited several instruments, including a cello older than the United States. My older brother now plays that cello, I have a younger brother who plays violin, and I play viola. We therefore used to play regularly as a string trio, and all of us play professionally. While my younger brother has decided to pursue performance, my interests went in the direction of composition, which is why I will be studying at USC this fall.

My family is very proud of our heritage – my grandmother on my dad’s side is a famous cook known to be the one in America to turn to for Finnish cooking and much of Scandinavian cooking. All of us have been to Finland, my brothers and I having both played music and visited the town of our ancestors. My Finnish and Scandinavian look is why people thought I should model in the first place, and other than writing and performing music, I enjoy drawing, have conducted music for productions in the past and like to sing.

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

Throughout high school people consistently told me that I should model, but I didn’t believe them. My career was sparked when the photographer that took my senior photos asked me back for a makeup shoot for his online magazine, however it didn’t truly start until a couple of years into college, when I decided I would take the plunge, primarily to raise money for myself. While monetarily it hasn’t supported me, it has improved me substantially as a person – I am much more confident than I was before I started modeling.

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

The question “Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?” has always bothered me simply for the fact that, while I have goals, I have no intention of being upset with where life leads me. My goal in life is to expand my horizons – I intend to pursue music composition professionally, perhaps with modeling, but perhaps without. I will not be discouraged if modeling is not always a part of my life; it has been fun and I would love to do it professionally, but I’ve never been in a position to pursue it full-time.

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

I primarily do photo-shoots – I used to do them almost weekly, with most photographers wanting me for artistic shots, however with my current schedule I was no longer interested in trade for time. I do shoot for pay perhaps every month or so. In the past I have done a few fashion walks for charity and also just for fun.

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

My best experience was a photo-shoot I set up myself, when I had adopted a rescue dog who had lost all of his faith due to maltreatment. He was a breeder dog, from a pedigree bloodline, so he was still gorgeous. I coordinated with a photographer to model an outfit from a local boutique that matched the dog’s markings. As for my worst experience, I will not name anyone specifically – the worst shoots were always ones where the photographer or organization was ambitious, but disorganized. I have frequently worked against egos convinced of their superior professionalism, which in turn ruined the quality of the shoot. When fellow models’ feelings are hurt or when my day basically goes down the drain because of someone’s poor organizational skills and lack of care to the models’ schedules, I put those photographers or designers down as people with whom I will never work again.

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

This doesn’t pertain specifically to my modeling career, but – I went viral for a while for making faces! Last year I submitted a bunch of hideous photos of myself imitating celebrity facial expressions and the internet ate it up. Thanks to that little fluke, I ended up with a contract with an acting agency.

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

As with many gigs people try to give me musically, a lot of modeling gigs are expected to be voluntary. Models, especially where I’m from, are frequently used without payment. I do not have time to do modeling voluntarily, which is why I don’t model as much anymore – I have other ambitions, just as anyone organizing a shoot or fashion walk does. When I’m there, I will do my best and be as efficient as possible – sometimes actions taken by organizers suggest that they assume otherwise.

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

For exercise, I walk and do an exercise program called Essentrics – it’s wonderful because it tones and lengthens your muscles while stretching your body and keeping it nimble, so I walk away from a workout refreshed. Diet-wise, I listen to my body, as I don’t eat food that leaves me feeling exhausted, which includes fried foods. When eating out I always ask for grilled instead of fried chicken, forgo extraneous sauces such as ranch dressings, and make sure my plate is colorful, with greens to combat the carbs and meats. I believe in a protein and fiber quota – each meal must have a healthy serving of both. Some carbs are okay but must never be the main constitution of a meal. It’s all about balance.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

My passion for dinosaurs never died: I still know a lot about them and love reading news on new findings. For a while growing up I wanted to be a paleontologist.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’m always working to appreciate something new. Sometimes my developed biases get in the way of learning about a new thing; I am regardless still doing my best to keep an open mind.

What features do you look for in a partner?

I don’t care how interesting it is – humility. People are going to say all sorts of things, but humility is perhaps the strongest factor in who I choose. Humility is what makes one strive to be a better person than they were yesterday – if you don’t have that, why would you ever aspire to change?

Apr 11 2016

Interview with Alison P. Stuart — Natural Model and Versatile Artist

Alison P. Stuart is a 21-year old model residing in Kansas City, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I reside in Kansas City, MO. where I was born and raised, and have always been kind of a complex individual who’s curious about almost everything under the sun. I enjoy creating art whether it’s tagging a wall or modeling in a photograph; I do a little bit of everything almost.

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

I started modeling when I was a Junior in High School because of my friends, RaeAnn Walters and Manaliki Wilson. RaeAnn actually needed me for this photo shoot she was doing for a scholarship to college and at first I was pretty iffy about it because I wasn’t as confident in my appearance but I ended up doing it anyways due to the fact that it was for a good cause. After I saw the photos though I felt more than confident and I have the both of them to thank for that.

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

As for goals, I want to travel and shop at all the thrift stores around the world, I want to be my own boss and rule what’s mine, I want to help promote young artists whether it’s modeling in their designs or blasting their music on the metro, I want to help them build up their confidence like RaeAnn and Manaliki did for me. Who knows where I will be in 5 or 10 years though, probably somewhere waiting on my next flight.

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

I model probably once a month if not more or less. I’m not signed to any agencies at the moment and I’m just doing freelance work right now. My modeling consists of photo shoots with different photographers. I have had auditions that required me to act out a commercial and walk down a runway, though.

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

I play a lot of tennis, enjoy running, skating and riding bikes. I always make sure to stay hydrated whether it’s water or juice, while doing my best to stay away from consuming too much of one thing including sugar, salt or whatever the case may be. My diet basically revolves around the main food groups though especially protein and sugars. Without consuming those two I’m super cranky and tired.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m gay.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’d like to say nothing at all, but if I could get rid of the hair on my forearms that’d be pretty cool.

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

If I only had 24 hours left to live, I’m not really sure what I would do. I would say I’d get on a plane and go to Brazil but that plane ride would probably take up half the day. So I’d most likely just go sky diving and do all the stuff I was scared to do because I was afraid that I might die while doing it. I’d also eat all my favorite foods and spend time with all my favorite people.

Visit Alison P. Stuart’s website for more photos and information