Diary of a model
Lily spends her days as a model, rushing from shoot to show and then to another casting. On Amayzine, she tells you everything about what her life is really like. Under a different name, of course, but that means she can share all the juicy details. This week: the secrets of her colleagues.
Due to great success extended: the interview with a colleague. I was looking for a good excuse for a new coffee date again, so it was time to write another model small talk for Amayzine.
The typical question: how were you scouted?
‘I had just finished my bachelor's in Business Economics and Fiscal Economics and went on exchange to study in Sydney for half a year. A friend of mine kept insisting that I should try modeling. I googled ‘model agency Sydney’. I just boldly walked into four agencies to stand face to face with the bookers, and I got four ‘yeses’. Eventually, I went with Chic Management and had a great time. A morning shoot with pink hair and orange nails, and in the afternoon straight to college where those Australians looked at me quite strangely.’
The confronting question: have you ever experienced something unpleasant?
‘This job is not just roses and moonlight. You are on your own in the most varying circumstances. Many doors open for you, but it is also important that you have another passion besides your modeling work and do not let your happiness depend on this job. I have always been very happy with my studies: okay, you don’t find me beautiful today? Then I can always apply for another job tomorrow and I will be happy in that too.’ en word ik daarin ook gelukkig.’
The annoying question: do you pay a lot of attention to your diet and exercise regime?
‘I have been with different agencies in Amsterdam, and one was better at motivating me to achieve and maintain my measurements than the other. There have been periods when I was exercising six days a week and keeping lists for the dietitian of every bite I took. Every two weeks I was measured and weighed. At that moment, it was necessary to teach me a certain routine and to learn to deal with my body. Nowadays, I feel well balanced. Sometimes I eat a bit more, but I also know well when it becomes too much, and then I work out hard for two weeks, watch my food and it comes off again. This relaxed way of dealing with my shape gives me a lot of peace.’
The uplifting question: what is a shoot that will always stay in your mind?
‘My shoot in the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. We shot for a swimwear brand on a fantastically beautiful island, slept in a beautiful resort with delicious food, and the moment the photographer said: ‘Run into the water with this air mattress and dive well underwater, because we want a wet look,’ I couldn’t believe my luck: I was actually being paid to swim in this beautiful clear blue sea, the sun was shining, and I felt fantastically blessed to be there.’ en duik even goed onder water, want we willen een wetlook,’ kon ik mijn geluk niet op: ik werd gewoon betaald om in deze prachtige helderblauwe zee te zwemmen, de zon scheen en ik voelde me fantastisch gezegend dat ik daar mocht zijn.’
The fun question: what is the weirdest/funniest/strangest thing you have ever experienced on a shoot?
‘A long time ago, on one of my first fashion editorials in Milan, I worked with quite eccentric fashion types. They spent two and a half hours on my hair and makeup, and I thought it looked perfectly fine. I was just ready for the camera when they walked up to me: ‘Wait a minute, we want to do this around your head.’ A ROLL OF CLING FILM. I was completely taped up with a few holes for my nose and mouth and had to take the strangest poses. I considered retiring immediately.’
The tiring question: do you think Instagram is important and do you think it changes a lot in today's world?
‘Instagram is more important in America than in Europe, and it has certainly changed a lot in the fashion industry. I use it to show clients that I am a cheerful person. They see my latest work and what I am involved in besides modeling. But my portfolio via the websites of my agencies is still more important. Ultimately, I get my jobs because my agencies push me to clients, and then Instagram is a nice medium to provide some extra background to those photos.’
The most important question: how much do you like me and the model pieces on Amayzine?
‘I think you are amazing. There is no one with such a unique style and personality as you, and I am glad that you are my dear friend. Cheers.’
Look, dear people, that's ultimately what we all do it for. You have some new info about the modeling world, and I get a boost.
XX Kisses from Lily
