In 2021, when I finally embarked on my journey of being a model, there was no question that I self identified as just a model. I was eager to r

eceive an email with the photoshoot agenda which would tell me when, where, and why. I couldn’t wait to sit in the black makeup chair and close my eyes as the make-up artist followed the creative direction written in the photoshoot planner. After the makeup application, I dreamed of making my way to a stylist standing in front of a wardrobe that would transform me into a real life barbie doll playing a game of dress up. Lastly, I would stand in front of the camera, smize, and wait for the photographer to give me direction. Who was the creative direction behind the shoot? I had no idea, I just knew it wasn’t me and I was just happy to be there. Two years later and I couldn’t imagine ever living that dream out and here's  5 reasons why. 

1. I am my own stylist. When a photographer sends concepts or even mood boards 9/10 as a freelance model I am responsible for finding the fashion commonality in all of the images. Oftentimes, unbeknownst to the photographer (who may not be fashion savvy) and sent me 9 images of boho chic style and 5 romantic gothic style will require me to find the

   
   

2. happy medium while also incorporating my own style. There may be shoots where I am asked to have more than one look and I will be required to create a certain cohesion within the styling that will enhance my body shape but also add to the storytelling aspect. I would like to give a brief shout out to Nordstrom Rack for always being my go to last minute photoshoot shopping spot!

   
   

3. I am my own makeup artist. The amount of times I’ve heard photographers say,“Your makeup always looks good and it makes my job (editing) much easier, thank you!”. Thankfully at an early age I always loved makeup and by middle school I had enrolled myself into The Youtube university. A very special thank you to my instructors Jackie Aina and Nyma Tang. However, what Youtube university didn’t teach me was the appropriate makeup styles for various shoots. It took studying different model portfolios to realize when full glam make up is appropriate and when it is not. I had to perfect my minimalistic makeup skills, which is a difficult sub art in itself, because it is the go to makeup look for most of my shoots. There are also challenges like making sure my makeup look can go from an athletic look to a fashion editorial look just by adding a lip color because I am my own glam squad and there is not enough time between looks to reapply a new face of makeup. Preparation is of the essence!

   
   

4. I am a concept generator. Oftentimes, at ungodly hours I am on pinterest creating mood boards and writing broken sentences in my notes trying to get my ideas out. Creating concepts can be exhausting as it is a direct outlet to the creative parts of our minds that are hard to express and often times suppressed. When I create a mood board full of portraits in dramatic lighting, black and white, and high contrast it isn’t because I know it will highlight my facial structure (although it will:) It's because deep down there is a part of me that feels like there’s a raw emotion in the shadows that needs to be brought to light. This emotion could be anger, anxiety, fear, or even sadness and sometimes I won’t know until the end of the photoshoot when I see the images why I needed to use that photoshoot as a creative outlet. Concepts also tell stories and engage an audience far beyond promotional modeling. Concepts are perfect for campaigns to help the consumers know more about the brand and take the anxiety of “what am I being advertised now”off of everyone as we are all bombarded by ads. I have a passion for the fashion and beauty industry because it transcends in every aspect of our lives and can help tell the stories of many concepts and ideas. Think of the “Got Milk Campaign”. Iconic. The art of bringing a creative concept to life is so time consuming and skill that it could be its own job…..oh wait it is. 

4. I delegate. I have been blessed in my modeling career with the opportunity to meet amazing creatives and build genuine relationships with them. I select the photographer that I believe can bring the vision to life. I work with the photographer to find the perfect location for the photoshoot. Then I have the flexibility  to coordinate with stylists, make up artists, hair stylists and more who can skillfully step in and execute the vision. I am now more than happy to form a team of creatives for photoshoots who can bring their own skills to set and collaborate on the project at hand. 

5. I use other forms of art to craft my art of modeling. I began dancing again after a 11 year hiatus because I needed to transform my athletic build into a toned model build but also to inspire posing. Posing in itself is an art and If you have never had to ask a photographer “Does this look awkward” then you simply are not doing it right. I have started sketching daily to help improve my skills for fashion sketches that will be brought to life in photoshoots. I have reapplied to The Youtube University to learn how to use the sewing machine I ambitiously bought so I could tailor my own clothes and eventually wear my own designs for photoshoots.  As mentioned before, I am always trying to find the best application of makeup that will naturally enhance my face but also help tell a story. Lastly, I push myself every day to live through the lens of art which means finding the inspiration in being vulnerable. I’ve dedicated my life to baring my soul through the expression of art whether I am in front of the camera or behind the scenes.