REALM OF ILLUSION

FEATURED MODEL INTERVIEW

1. How do you prepare for a shoot?

I always want to be prepared for my work, I want to be the best model I can be. That being said I make sure to look up the photographers work and study it, as well as the other members of the team I will be working with; that includes studying the inspiration or mood board if I am given that much information.

As a model it’s my job to portray the concept with the help of my team so I feel it is extremely beneficial to familiarize myself with their work as much as possible before shooting. This can happen weeks before a shoot or days, and multiple times, I don't just want to glance at their work, I want to feel it, learn from it, try to understand it.

Rest and proper nutrition are crucial in order to make it through long days, and of course double-checking I have everything I am asked to bring to the shoot if needed. I always map the address before the day of the shoot to be positive I have the correct address.

2. What do you find to be the most difficult when trying to bring the story to life?

Mainly miscommunication, sometimes it can be hard to explain to another human being the concept you are envisioning or the mood you are trying to capture. And to a lot of photographers what they are creating can be very personal. We are all artists trying to express ourselves, sometimes I think that gets lost in translation.

3. What or who inspires you?

My parents inspire me because they always encourage me to follow my heart and my dreams, they tell me to go explore and have experiences and make memories. They do not want control or power over me, they are truly happy when I am happy and visa versa.

I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am without them. I don't care if that sounds cliché, I have seen young adults destroyed by the negative things spoken by their parents in response to following their dreams.

I am forever grateful I have two amazing souls guiding me on this journey and it is safe to say they have kept me climbing to reach my goals even when I was convinced I was nothing. They have taught me how to say, "I can", "I will", "I am strong", "I will succeed" rather than "You can't" and "That’s impossible." To me that moves mountains.

4. An interesting thing that most people don't know about you?

When I was in the 5th grade I was a swim instructor for children in the Special Olympics. I was such a tiny little person at that time, but I remember the effect those children had on me even at that age. They were so happy and so full of life, so grateful to succeed, or even be able to try. I remember being emotional and crying to my friends about these children. I tried to make them see what I saw, to feel how I felt about them, but they didn't.

My friends were still mean and were still heartless towards them, all because they were different and had challenges that were not the same as they had faced in their short time of existence. I think that is when I learned the world wasn't always going to be fair, and people weren't always going to be nice.

5. What knowledge have you developed during your career that has helped you the most?

I would have to say that being open-minded and accepting has been of the most benefit—I am young and don't know everything. I believe it is important to remain humble and eager to learn, as I said before I am working to be the best model I can be. And that is a practice that goes on day in and day out.

6. Who mentored you in the beginning of your modeling career?

One of my (now) best friends and photographer Tyra Hansen. We live in the same small town and about a year and a half ago she contacted me via Facebook about modeling some of her vintage clothes that she was going to begin to sell. I had modeled before and had been turned down by agencies at age 15 which left me broken and bitter about modeling and actually pursuing it. I wasn't too excited or anything, the photos are quite interesting. Some things happened and time passed. About a month or so later she contacted me about coming to work and model for her, I had been going through some serious changes in my life and she provided me with something stable and positive to keep me busy. She made me believe in myself again, she planted a seed, which grew and grew into dreams of becoming a Supermodel. In less than a year I was holding a contract to my dream agency, Ford Models. That was the year I became alive, and I couldn't have done it without her.

7. What was the most valuable lesson they taught you?

Honestly as cheesy as it sounds, don't give up and take what you deserve. From the day I met her I wanted better for myself and I set out to do that immediately. We are not on this Earth forever and there is certainly no point in setting limitations on ones self.

8. What do you see as a big mistake newer models tend to make?

I’m not quite sure how to answer that question, being a newer model myself I am focusing on what successful women did before me and how I can avoid making big mistakes.

9. How do you expand your skill?

Studying and practicing. Just the same as I would be doing in college, if that was my path. To me there is no such thing as perfect but you can get pretty damn close with determination and repetition. But the most important thing would be to experiment and take chances. I want each frame better than the last, I want to do things people have never seen before. I want people to look at my images and think, be intrigued, want to want more for themselves in their everyday lives. I want to make people feel emotion.

10. How has working with a team benefitted you aside from strengthening your skills?

The possibilities are endless when the right people get together! It has mainly helped me be more social and make amazing connections in the industry so far. But aside from that, photographers, stylists, make up artists and hair stylists all bring something different to the table and collectively we make art. When they are passionate we are able to create images that are out of this world. Everyday I am truly blown away at the talent of the people I have been so lucky to worth with on this journey and I can't explain how excited I get just thinking about the future.

11. What started you working in editorials?

I believe I shot my first editorial "Fade to Blonde" with Michael Sanville, who played a big part in helping me get signed with Ford, and it just kind of snowballed from there. I am so happy with my agency and the work I have been doing.

12. Next BIG goal?

To get to New York and get signed. Begin working in runway. Travel the world.

13. 3 Favorite Designers?

Jeffrey Campbell, die over every pair. Chanel. Its Chanel. And if this is allowed I'd like to swap my last designer with all things vintage!

14. What has been the most amazing opportunity you have had in this industry so far?

Just to grow and learn as a model and be in the same room as some of the people I have worked with so far has been an honor. I am so lucky to have these connections and be able to be building a career at the age of 19. I am so blessed.

15. What are your 5 essentials?

• Body Oil from Bed Bath & Body works in "Shea"
• HD primer in Golden from Makeup Forever
• Old Spice clear deodorant in Fiji
• Marc Jacobs "Dot" perfume

• Comfy uggs and sweats for the end of the work day

FEATURED ARTISTS

Photographer:

Josh Reed

www.JoshReed.com

Stylist:

Taylor Sheridan

http://www.taylorstylist.com

Makeup and Hair:

Danielle Walch

http://daniellewalchmakeup.com

Manicurist: