Blog Archives

Sep 10 2014

Interview with Drue Detox — VFX Motion Graphics Artist & Model

Drue Detox is a 22-year old model residing in Tustin, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! My name is Drue Marie McKelvey. Drue is not short for anything, it’s not a nickname, it’s just Drue. I was born in Kettering, Ohio. My parents moved me and my siblings to Herndon, Virginia when I was 3 years old. That is where I completed elementary school. My parents moved us again when I was entering middle school to Orange County, California. This is where I reside now. I am the middle child of 3. My older sister is a mathematician, and my younger brother is a bio-chemist. I took after my mother and became an artist. I attend the Art Institute of Orange County and will receive my Bachelor’s in March 2015 for VFX and Motion Graphics. When I’m not working on artwork I’m out at the beach; surfing, skating the boardwalk, or just hanging out with friends enjoying the sun. I’m incredibly adventurous and particularly intrigued by extreme sports. I intend to travel the world someday and just live life to the absolute fullest and happiest.

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

I got involved in modeling shortly after I turned 18. A friend of mine joined model mayhem and wanted me to tag along to a photo shoot with her. When I showed up the photographer liked my look and ended up taking a bunch of photos of me too. I decided to make my own account shortly after that. Sooner than expected my inbox was overflowing with requests for shoots. I always dreamed of becoming a model ever since I was a little girl. I do a lot of free shoots just because I love being in front of the camera so much.

Drue Detox standing next to a classic carWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My top personal goal is to graduate college and get my foot in the door with a major motion picture studio. I’ve always dreamed of doing artwork for Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks, Sony, or any other animation studio out there really. I could definitely picture my name in the credits of a major motion picture in the next 5 to 10 years. I’d love to still be modeling on the side too of course. Maybe my work in the art industry could also lead to a more professional modeling career. Only time will tell.

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

I don’t get to model as much as I used to since I am so close to graduating college. I’m really busy with putting my demo reel and portfolio together. I try to shoot at least once every few months just to keep my modeling profile up-to-date. I shoot a little bit of everything. People always tell me I can pull off just about any look. I love doing my hair, makeup, and playing dress-ups. What girl doesn’t?

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

The best experiences are always the ones where you make a lasting impression. I have my go-to photographers now because we have become such wonderful friends from having great and fun times at all of our shoots. Bad experiences; I’ve met some real creeps, jerks, and total amateurs from doing this.

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

Nothing embarrassing or out of the ordinary has happened during my career in my opinion. I’m kind of a funny and out of the ordinary person in general. I tend to make a lot of goofy faces and poses on purpose, just for laughs. It’s always good to enjoy yourself and have fun when you’re on a shoot. The more fun you’re having, the more confident you feel, and the better your photos turn out.

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

Most of all, I wish there weren’t stereotypes. I hate when people use the term “plus model” or “petite model”. I wish people were more accepting of skin color, tattoos and body art, piercings and modifications. I wish that there were a wider variety of models than the average 5’7″ white petite blonde girl with an even tan and huge breasts. Give the job to someone other than Barbie, please!

Drue Detox wearing a red dressDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I was the captain of the Varsity Lacrosse team at my high school, but since then I haven’t played any sports. My whole life I have been blessed with an extremely speedy metabolism. I can literally eat anything and not have to worry about my weight. I am addicted to sweets. I’ve been more cautious about my diet recently though, because although I am able to stay thin that doesn’t mean that I am healthy. My doctor told me that I have high cholesterol. I am now eating plenty of whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. I have a profile on bodybuilding.com to help me keep track of my workouts, diet, and supplements. I plan on turning my lifestyle around and becoming a lot healthier now.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I would choose a good book over a night out. I’m such a book worm. I’m a picky reader though. I tend to only read sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, mystery, survival, you get the picture. I’m also a zombie fanatic. I could survive a zombie apocalypse without a doubt. I’m also into comic books and cartoons. I like video games, mainly on N64. I’m kind of obsessed with Yoshi. Oh yeah, and I thoroughly enjoy jumping out of airplanes!

Would you change anything about yourself?

I struggled with really bad acne as a teenager and it left me with a lot of unwanted scars all over my cheeks. They aren’t super noticeable, and I can cover them with makeup, but I always wish that they just weren’t there at all. I don’t let it get to me though. I love myself and my life. I think I am a pretty confident and successful woman and I think other people know that and respect it, and I am grateful for that.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I always wish that I were more musically talented. I would love to play the piano or the guitar, but I just don’t have the patience or the hand-eye coordination. I don’t even have a good enough voice for singing. If I could have just one of those talents my life would be complete.

Visit Drue Detox’s website for more photos and information

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Aug 21 2014

Interview with Ashley Brooke Mitchell

Ashley Brooke Mitchell is a 24-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Originally from the country on the east coast of the United States, a little state called West Virginia. I always dreamed of growing up and becoming a fashion model. As soon as I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at a young age, I ran as fast as I could to the bay area in California. Being a gymnast and cheerleader in my past, I gravitated towards Pilates and yoga and completely fell in love with the culture of NorCal locals. Now I’m an avid runner and hiker when I find time in my hectic schedule. I’m an MTV reality personality that was on Real World EX-plosion, travel around the world for shoots and runway shows, as well as a brand ambassador for many high profile companies.

Ashley Brooke Mitchell wearing a bikini on the beachWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

When I first got into the industry I was a promotional model working for companies like Bacardi, Budweiser, and Covergirl. I was working so much I didn’t have time to sleep! Once I was out about in my new hometown a few photographers and fashion designers started coming up to me or friend requesting me on different social medias. My very first photoshoot was then published in a local Bay Area magazine, from there things took off. I was walking in runways all around California, being published in every magazine around the bay and even landing spots in worldwide commercials for Adidas and Skechers! Not soon after, I landed a spot on a reality Tv show on MTV. I have now traveled the world working in Paris, London, New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and all around the world.

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

My goals for the years coming up is to gain more worldwide exposure, continue building my skills and resume, and approve my connections and knowledge of the industry. I also am trying to break into the acting industry, so I am always trying to learn and grow

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

I model anywhere from 2 to 5 times a week. It almost always consists of fashion shoots, but I am not surprised to have a runway twice a week. I also shoot a lot of commercials and product ads, at least 4 or 5 times  a month. I am a full time model and actress so you can find me in random short films and extra in shows on HBO, Discovery Channel, and more.

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

I believe the best and worst experience are all due to attitude. Always have a positive attitude on set and with coworkers, you never know who you will meet or what connections you can make. Everywhere I’ve gotten is not only because of my skills, but because I try to always smile, be positive, helpful, and friendly backstage or on set.

Ashley Brooke Mitchell wearing a red dressHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

You can not get embarrassed as a model or actress. Always laugh at yourself and be laid back, no one wants a stuck diva. Also, when you are lighthearted those embarrassing moments turn into a bonding moment for the whole crew. I always seem to be laughing and giggling when the cameras not on, so all of my sets are rememberable as well am I. This will guarantee re-bookings and positive references.

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

I guess it could be possible for girls anywhere to have a chance to break into the industry. Right now if you are not in one of the fashion capitols, you have no chance.

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

My eating habits are not the best, although I do eat a lot of protein, mainly cheeseburgers. My trick is good genes, lots of running, hiking, and yoga! I also hit the weights at the gym, it’s the trick to staying toned, healthy, and strong!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I get homesick a lot and miss my mommy! I also recently went through a heart tearing break up and am just trying to get back to my usual positive state of mind.

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

I try to be happy with who I am. You can’t change yourself physically, so appreciate yourself. When it comes to the real me, what’s on the inside, I wish I wasn’t so sensitive. I also wish I didn’t have this southern accent, it’s hard to pretend like I don’t have it for acting!

What features do you look for in a partner?

I look for someone who can make me laugh. Someone who knows what they want and can make up their mind of what they want. Someone who makes me feel safe, loved, and worthy. Someone who can take care of themselves and who is close with their family. I like guys who are dark, tall, and handsome, but all of that comes second to the way they make me feel. I love to be loved. Who doesn’t!?

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Jun 07 2014

Philippines Parkour with a Storyline: Rush Hour

There are plenty of Parkour videos on YouTube and other video sites, but rarely do you find one with an actual storyline! This video features some pretty cool parkour moves and an amusing story about a kid who uses his free-running skills to get to class on time and beat rush hour traffic. The video is well shot, with scenes in traffic and more suburban and rural locations. Also, it features a sound track that really compliments the moves of the featured free-runner, Jhonny Ramos. The video was shot in San Pablo, Philippines and uploaded to YouTube in high definition by the Philippine Parkour FreeRunning Association.

+ Who

The video was made by the Philippine Parkour FreeRunning Association, and features Jhonny Ramos. The PPFA is a non-profit organization that promotes Parkour and FreeRunning Philippines. The group was started by the Philippine free-runners, and in March of 2009, the PPFA was established. It was made up of the Philippine FreeRunners, Parkour Pampagna (now the Pampanga FreeRunners) and the Tacloban FreeRunners. They established a website (parkour.ph) to spread their love of parkour and free-running and have uploaded more than 50 videos to their YouTube channel. They also have an active presence on other social media sites. There are now 13 teams affiliated with the organization, and 20 featured runners.

+ Where

This video was made in San Pablo, a city in the Laguna province in the Philippines. It is on of the oldest cities in the country and has a population just shy of 250,000 people. The city is known as the City of the Seven Lakes and is nestled in the foothills of three mountains. The Philippines (officially known as the Republic of the Philippines) is an island nation in Southeast Asia. It is made up of 7,107 islands.

+ What

The video begins with shots of gridlocked traffic, and Jhonny sitting in the back of a taxi. He hope out (0:17) and begins his run down the crowded sidewalks, as the the traffic continues to flow. He cuts through a forested park (0:25) and the runs along a street, hurdling an obstacle (a person) at (0:32). He takes on some decorative steppes in the park at (0:35) and hurdles a small stream at (0:40). Shortly after, he leaps the stump of a giant tree. He runs along the street again and leaps off the roof of a one story building at (0:50). He hops through an opening in a mural at (0:52) and cuts across a field towards some benches, which he leaps and then crosses a road. He climbs a brick retaining wall at (1:02) and then does an impressive flip. Then it’s back to a more forested area, leaping over huge tree roots (1:07) until he gets to campus. He flips over the parking lot barrier (1:10) and is then running down the hall to class. He hops down the stairs and flips over his teacher (1:25), who has helpfully dropped his papers. He high-fives a classmate at (1:35) and then credits roll along with behind the scenes and practice footage.

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