Why do you want to be a model?:
“It’s taken me a long time to appreciate and love myself. For the longest time I didn’t like how I looked, and I honestly thought I was ugly. It’s only been recently that I’ve learned to love myself and finally actually believe people when they tell me I’m gorgeous. Part of me wants to do this for my past self that used to hate the way she looked and let people walk all over her and every bully that ever dragged me down. But I also want others to find self-esteem like I have, and chase their dreams and pursue knowledge, never giving up when things are hard. And what better way to do that than to enter a modeling world. If I can make a career out of feeling good about myself and looking pretty I definitely want to try.”
How do you start?:
First off apply for an account on Model Mayhem, that’s where I made 90% of my first photoshoot contacts. But be prepared, I was rejected once from MM cause I didn’t have good enough photos. I got lucky because my bf has a lot of photographer friends. If you can find a photographer to start out with, try to bring ideas to the table if you can, creativity gets you everywhere. Apply for castings in the local area and make friends. It’s all about networking. I’ve been in this industry since late 2010, and in 2012 I’m FINALLY getting people approaching me to shoot with me, instead of me auditioning/applying for a TF (*trade for time) shoot, which is what I was doing for the past year.
Do you get all your work from Model Mayhem?:
Nope, although I get majority of my work though MM, there are other resources available. Networking and making friends and word of mouth of course is the best way, another site I use is StarNow, I’ve also attended Proscout events. Google is another good tool if you are safe about it; if you can find local agencies in your area, try your luck and send in your info/photos. Another way to get your name out is through promotional modeling; Iris Blu Marketing have amazing job opportunities for aspiring models as well.
What agencies are you working for/with?:
Group Echo
Koo International
MK Produce
D’xim model agency
Lazaris Modeling Agency
Avocado
Numa Life Vancouver*
*indicated local contract
Why Japan?:
I had recent epiphany that I am happiest and somehow less in pain while I’m in Japan. It’s always been my dream to live here, modeling is a very new dream, but both dreams are strong and they seem to fit perfectly together with what I want in my life. It started with Japanese dramas, Johnny’s, subbing videos and progressed to the utmost love for the country, culture and language that is the land of the rising sun.
