Blog Archives

Nov 02 2016

Interview with Kati Lubek — Dancer turning into model

Kati Lubek is a 28-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Moscow, Russia. As a young child I loved dancing, that’s why my mother brought me to the ballet school, so I grew up as a “creative” kid. Self expression was always important to me and modeling is one of the ways how I can express myself. Besides modeling and dancing, I’ve also studied Philosophy and Graphic Design.

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

I was discovered at the age of 16 by my friend’s cousin who was a professional photographer. Back then I didn’t think about it seriously but I definitely liked to be in front of the camera. Since then I started to get more photoshoots, meeting different photographers and agents and started working in this industry.

kati-lubek-wearing-a-light-blue-tshirtWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

For the past ten years I’ve researched a lot of pictures of good photographers and famous models. I think that helped me to develop “my eye”, so I’d love to become a photographer, although I don’t think I love it that much to give it all of my effort. However, I’ve gotten into a graphic design, and I’d love to do more of graphic design, to work with the images, lines and colors. In the future, I also want to create my own dance show, maybe it would be a musical about a young model in a big city, who knows…

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

I model pretty often but sometimes there are slow seasons. I’m signed with the commercial agency FFTmodels, therefore most of my work is commercial modeling. I also do artsy stuff for dancing photo projects as a ballerina, and still, once in a while I have offers for video, fashion and other types of modeling. It all depends, but I’d say that I’m a commercial model.

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

My best experiences are working with established brands like “Bloomberg Business week magazine”, “Wella” hair salon, “GNC”. It is so inspiring to see all of the professionals coming together to make one picture happen. Unfortunately, there were bad experiences as well, as a lot of photographers aren’t professional at all. With this type of job you just have to learn how to deal with it.

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

To be honest, I cannot recall anything extraordinary funny:) It is just fun all the time.

© NayMarie Photography | Model: Kati Lubek | Hair: Egypt Buck of Haiir Artistri | Makeup: Magali Alia | Bridal Accessories: Bridal Styles Boutique

© NayMarie Photography | Model: Kati Lubek | Hair: Egypt Buck of Haiir Artistri | Makeup: Magali Alia | Bridal Accessories: Bridal Styles Boutique

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

I’d be more persistent in my younger years. I had many opportunities, but I missed some of them just because I was too young and careless.

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

I did many types of exercise but I found that ballet classes are the best for me. Besides, I eat healthy three times a day and trying to avoid alcohol and sweets.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love flowers and gardening.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wish my chest would be more voluptuous.

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

If I had only 24 hours to live I’d just start going somewhere. I wouldn’t want to spend time commuting somewhere, but I’ll try to enjoy this world, its weather, nature and people. I’d spend some time with my family. I will definitely take a ballet class. I’d go to eat some amazing food with amazing wine.

Visit Kati Lubek’s website for more photos and information

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Oct 30 2016

Interview with Corinne

Corinne is a 22-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born and raised in a very small town in the middle of New York State. I have always loved the idea of modeling, acting and preforming, and with the support of my mom, I began modeling at 14 years old. It has been my “side hustle” for almost a decade, I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t do it.

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

When I was in kindergarten, my teacher wanted to cast me as an elf – one of the lead roles – in the school’s Christmas play, but I turned down her offer, even though she insisted. I lied and told her I was too shy to sing in front of the school, but really I just didn’t want to wear the funny ears. When it came time for the play, I watched the elves sing and perform and make everyone smile. I was so jealous! I regretted not taking the role, then my mom asks me why I wasn’t an elf and I told her what happened. She explained to me that I need to take every opportunity that is given to me, and to never shut any doors. I know it’s a silly story, but ever since I’ve given my all at every opportunity that comes my way. As time went on and I became more experienced, I get to be more selective, but in the beginning I did it all, and I think my good attitude played a big role in my success.

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

Modeling and performing has given some so much true confidence and social skills. I am able to make connections and communicate with people in such an honest and meaningful way, that I want to continue to help communicate messages, whether it’s in front of or behind the camera. There are stories to be told, I love finding ways to tell them, and as I get older, I see myself doing more television segments and leaving my photo and print work behind me, but as I said before, I’m not one to turn down opportunities – so it’s all up in the air.

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

During my freshman year of college, I had a full class schedule, worked at a clothing store and modeled. This is where promo events saved me! My class schedule conflicted majorly with photo and video work, but I could go and work the launch parties and late night fashion events. I’d work until 3 or 4 in the morning and wake up the next day for a 9:00 am class! Now that I am working full time in the cosmetics industry, my modeling has become more of a hobby than my main source of income and I like it like this! I like collaborating with friends and new photographers to create something, and since I’m only shooting a few times a month, I am able to give 150% to these jobs and I’m not as burnt out!

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

My best experience is working the Today show with Lilliana Vazquez and her assistant and stylist, Lauren Dougherty. These shoots were high energy! Live television goes fast, so you need to be on your toes. These women are so great to work with because they have fun with each other and laugh together but are still so professional and take their jobs very seriously. I’ve had some crummy experiences where the photographer and I just aren’t flowing, or the makeup artist makes me look crazy… but I just count these as lessons and move on.. no use harping on a bad experience.

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

I tell people the time I got hit by a taxi while I was dressed as a cheetah in a body suit and body paint for a jungle themed runway. Hair and makeup was across the street for the venue… mine took such a long time because they were painting on every spot. So I’m late… I run out of the building and am darting through cars and a taxi just does not care and nudges me… not to hurt me just to prove a point: I know I shouldn’t of been running in traffic. I made it to the runway on time… missing a few spots that rubbed off on the taxi… but on time!

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

I would like to see a better respect for the models. For example, if I go to a print shop, I need to have a release to print a photo of my face, this protects the photographers’ rights and I understand that… but the photographer can go to the same print shop and print the same photo of my face and no one asks for a release from them. There aren’t many practices in place to protect the models’ rights, and this leads to models being disrespected and taken advantage of.

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

I’m a cardio junkie. There’s this fear when you’re a short model -I’m 5’5″- that if get too toned and muscular you get defined as a fitness model and won’t get as many fashion and art jobs, so I never got into that kind of training. I do yoga, but that’s mainly for my mental well being. I have also been taking Pilates classes which I feel like keep everything toned and tight without bulk. As for my diet, I believe in balance, so I eat as organically and unprocessed as possible, but I’m not perfect. Food effects more than your weight, it also affects your attitude and energy; not eating or going on a strict diet might make you skinny, but if you’re tired and grumpy and your skin looks sallow no one will want to work with you, no matter how skinny you are. My body fluctuates very easily, so the day of a shoot that will be body focused I alter my diet to make sure I look my best.

corinne-black-and-white-photoPlease share something people don’t know about you.

I really am an open book, I guess maybe that’s what people don’t know, that if they ever want to know something they can just ask!

Would you change anything about yourself?

Physically I would love to be taller! There’s more work out there for tall models, and sample clothing fits better. All in all, I’m pretty happy with myself and the decisions I’ve made to get to where I’m at now.

Have you ever stolen anything?

I was working a promotion for a new vodka brand with a group of models I’ve never worked with before. As the team was packing up, the other models began snatching the vodka used for display! Bottles and bottles of vodka right in their purse. I was too young to drink at the time, but I wanted to take something too… so I took a shot glass. I know I know… I’m such a rebel.

Visit Corinne’s website for more photos and information

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Oct 27 2016

Interview with Jerrika Pettry — Farm Girl in a Models World

Jerrika Pettry is a 25-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Art lover, nature respecter and one very beautiful and inquisitive soul, that’s how I would describe myself. I was born and raised in WV, always barefoot and smiling, that’s the way everyone around saw me. I have had a love for all animals big or small for as long as I could remember, and have been on farms all my life and worked just as hard as my brother and tried to keep up with my father, respecting my mother and learning from my sister. The love I have for art is what lead me to modeling, as I express myself through my work and I always wish for my viewers to feel every shot as if it were a story being told. Hopefully my story is one beautiful and very long one. And I also wish for you the same, from one wildly free soul to another.

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

Art, Art, Art is why my modeling career started, as at a very young age of 13 I was admiring and noticing simple beauty that most pass up everyday and do not see. I was sketching and painting, so modeling just opened a door to a more beautiful way of expressing the artistic side of myself.

jerrika-pettry-on-a-bedWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Of course I would love to have a successful modeling career but also would love to have a job or hobby that has to do with wildlife. Of course everyone wants a family sooner or later; a nice farm with a family and hopefully a modeling career to be proud of, I would be content.

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

I can work in pretty hectic situations, as I am able to plan shoots back to back or take a week off, and only go as far as implied nudity, nothing erotic, as well as having done acting for several videos on YouTube and Vimeo. I have written my own story to the videos, being an artist of many genres not just one. So anyway, I love to act, do video and modeling of all sorts.

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

Well let’s see… of course the worst experience for a young model is the clients who will pretend to want “swim wear” sessions but end up saying “more skin”. That’s so frustrating but I suppose it’s a much needed lesson, and I’m sure that’s happened to all aspiring models or actors. My best experiences were always with a fellow art seeker like myself or working with animals. There will always be good and bad experiences but what matters is learning from them all.

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

So funny but true. I was working on an implied piece for a New York gallery, and for this shot I had to be besides a horse. It just so happened my father has a very secluded farm and yes, a horse. As my posing started my father had came home and walked out to his barn to stumble upon his horse next to his semi naked daughter. It was very amusing to the photographer but completely embarrassing to my father and I. An out of the ordinary thing that happened was after another different shoot. It was another art piece that called for implied, and the photographer and I traveled into the woods to find a perfect place near a rock formation. After the shoot the next day I started itching very badly all over my body, and it turned out that I had been posing in and on top of poison sumac. This horrible stuff was all over and so very hard to get rid of. Almost four days of the most horrible itching and oatmeal baths I could stand.

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

Yes of course, who is ever completely satisfied with the way anything is ran. I would have a modeling agency in every state, no matter how big or small, as there are no agencies in WV, and I know there are some very beautiful hidden talents here. And the fake agencies out there, the ones that ask for money first. So many young girls waste their time with these places believing they are going to be a model, and it is heart breaking.

jerrika-pettry-naked-in-the-woodsDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I have never worn anything but size 0, as far back as I can remember it has been that way, and never really worried about my nutrition that much, but starting a year ago I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables but I will only consume organic. I also eat tuna, but only in water, for my actual meals, as well as fruits and vegetables as much as I prefer. My grandmother was an herbalist and taught me a lot; I use what she had taught me to stay healthy and for a lot of my health cures. I’m very fit and it honestly comes from my very physical way of living, as I’m very active outdoors and am asked quite often what my work out methods are.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Most people don’t know that I have had several pet snakes and tarantulas. I also spend my spare time cutting grass for a few elderly couples in my hometown when I get the time. I have also actually reset broken bones in several farm animals and am a very helpful non-certified veterinarian. Haha.

Would you change anything about yourself?

My goodness what a goofy question, who wouldn’t!? Haha gosh what a list, I believe everyone has a few things that they do not like about themselves, but I’m very very blessed and should not at all complain. But I would make my feet smaller, make my breasts larger, my hair blonder and my teeth whiter, to be specific and ungrateful sounding.

How do you think you are most likely to die?

Predator attack, bear, mountain lion etc. Possibly a snake bite. I am so active outside and am always in the woods, gathering herbs and such, and I believe I will not die a normal death, but it will have to be something very unlikely or very unexpected. Loving the nature will be the death of me.

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Jun 07 2016

Interview with Barbara — Athlete turned model

Barbara is a 25-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Russia, started traveling at 18 years old, and for the last 5 years I have lived between France, Greece, the U.K. and the United States. I love to meet new people, new cultures, taste food, love cooking any kind of food. I’m a very active person, in addition, graduated as a lawyer and love modeling.

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

About 6 years ago, a photographer at a company I used to work for as a lawyer, told me that he practiced photography and would like to work with me. In a few days we had an art and comercial shoot, I was very happy with it. Since then , I’m always ready for the camera.

Barbara modeling a black dressWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Well, as I said before, I’m a lawyer, which was a dream from childhood. But appearance and the way I look is still important as well. So modeling is a motivation and inspiration for me. In the future, as every woman, I see myself as a mom of a few kids, but still in a perfect shape and doing modeling.

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

I feel free in front of the camera. In particular, I prefer doing sports, glamour, acting, and commercial shoots. Definitely, sports is always my favorite; since I practice sport from childhood, sport is my second language, it’s enjoyable to express myself in it.

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

All experiences have a place to be, you just keep on practicing. My best so far was an advert shoot for Yoga clothes shop in Miami. On the sunrise I had to show all possible flexibility and give expressions a photographer asked me for; it was something new to me to work from 3 am.

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

Well, since I have a very small feet as size 5 to 6, every time I work for advertising I am getting at least size 9, and once I fell in the ocean because of that.

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

I’m pretty happy as it is.

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

I don’t eat meat, mostly raw and vegan, love wine, running and do gym everyday for 2 hours, from time to time I go swimming, practicing tennis, and mountain ski.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Passionate about traveling and discovering new things.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Never.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I’m afraid of heights, somebody told me that if I get as highly as possible I’m gonna kill my fear. So, I jumped with parachute from 4000 meters for the first time, and it seemed it didn’t work out. Now I do jumping in different countries at different heights just to prove an extra time to myself that I’m not afraid of anything. As Julius Caesar said “Faster, higher, stronger”.

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