Andrea K.

MDC Member since July 2005
View Andrea’s Portfolio
Age: 23
Location: Bayonne, NJ - USA
Agency Contacts: Women of Italy, Bloom

How did you become interested in modeling?
I first became interested in modeling through my sister who told me about a model casting call she heard about on the radio. Being shy and a bit quiet, I really never gave it much thought. Being made fun of for being tall (5″11″), skinny, long and lanky contributed to me becoming an introvert. I was an honor student in school, getting “A’s” in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Accounting I & II, Statistics and the list goes on. I actually felt insulted that tall people weren’t given credit for having a brain. The average person thought all we could do was play basketball or be a model. I was determined to be more than a pretty face, a long and lanky female whose only ability is basketball or modeling. But, the day I actually got on that runway, it hit me. This is where I belong. I am a model and I have intelligence. I did try basketball, was on a team, but after attending basketball camp all summer I realized, I wanted to save my legs for the runway. I was also told I played basketball like a “girl with a purse on my arm.” I was good, but not aggressive. I couldn’t afford to get hurt.

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I haven’t been in touch with any agencies lately because I am currently on tour with Ebony Fashion Fair. However, I met a scout online for America’s Next Top Model who thought I had everything it took to compete and win the competition. I was invited to a private casting with the casting director, but the tour was leaving Chicago and I couldn’t afford to miss the second show on a 180 city tour. I’ve been contacted in the past by Women of Italy, Bloom and a few other modeling agencies.

What was your experience with them?
My experience with the agencies that I reached out to and that reached out to me was very positive and encouraging. I am mostly interested in small boutique agencies that will put the time and energy into getting work for me. I don’t want to get lost in the larger agencies. The day I heard from Bloom Model Management, I had just left New York for Chicago to get ready for the 180 city Ebony Fashion Fair tour. I am very proud to say, this is the fourth tour I have done for Johnson Publishing Company. Yes, their models are usually larger than the industry wants, however, if you have the look and the talent, they will take smaller sizes as well. I am a size 2 and I am one of the feature models.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
The advice I would give to an aspiring model is to learn the business side of modeling, know your designers, understand it is a business and take it seriously. Answer for yourself, ‘what do you expect to get out of modeling’. Set attainable goals, be willing to make sacrifices and please learn how to take care of yourself. If you understand the business, you won’t get taken and jump at every opportunity that comes your way. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Never be anxious to sign a contract, take time to have a lawyer look over the contract. Finally, have fun, grab some high fashion magazines and play with the looks, learn make up application, play with your hair, get creative with your clothes. Everyday you walk out of your apartment, house or whatever, look the part, because you never know what casting agent is looking for you.

What do you do to keep in shape?
To keep in shape, I eat a healthy diet, no meat, I eat plenty of vegetables, fish, some chicken and turkey (not too much) and I drink milk, and plenty of water. I exercise daily, pilates, jogging, treadmill, dance style aerobics and I walk instead of taking a cab or bus unless traveling to another city for a show, of course. The down side of being on the tour is you can easily fall into the trap of a bad diet. The models that I am closest with work out and eat healthy so even if we can only find fast foods, there is a nice healthy salad waiting. I am disciplined because I have set goals for myself.

What is your favorite beauty product?
My favorite beauty product is lip gloss, mascara. I feel naked without it.

What is one thing a model cannot be without?
This model can’t live without: my model bag to include my beauty products, cell phone and my iPod.

What is your favorite fashion magazine?
“Vogue” is my favorite magazine.

Who is your favorite designer?
It is hard for me to name one designer because I like so many of them for different reasons. I love b.Michael who was the first designer I ever did a show for and I am proud to say I was his muse. The hot on the scene right now with the most creative designs are Rubin Singer and Vivienne Westwood. I have fallen in love with their creations for 2009.

Who is your favorite model?
Chanel Iman is my favorite model.

What is your favorite part about modeling?
I love runway modeling because it is like a Calgon moment. Like in the commercial the woman says, “Calgon take me away.” Suddenly for a few seconds each appearance, I escape to a land of high fashion, a land of creativity, beauty, style and grace. Everything stops, and I emerge. It is a feeling that is indescribable.

Who would you most like to model for?
I would love to model for Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, b.Michael, Anna Sui, Elie Saab, Rubin Singer, Vivienne Westwood, the list goes on. Deciding who I would love to model for is a hard choice for a rising model who needs that one break to choose one designer. Truth is, I would model for all of them if they asked, and would do it for free just to get my designer pumps in the door. Doing a show for a top fashion house for free I would consider an opportunity for success because I have what it takes, just looking for a break and opportunity. I would also love to be a Victoria Secret model and do a shoot for the Sports Illustrated annual swimsuit
edition.

Additional Comments:
I have learned in my time as a model is to be open to your talents. Modeling is my passion, but I also sing, act and I am a make-up artist. My mind was closed to doing anything else but walk the runway. However, I have many gifts that I have come to rely on when the work isn’t there. I was a special extra in “American Gangster,” on Women Entertainment Television on “Hair Trauma” as a model, but the show was about hair. I worked in a Restaurant Karaoke bar, where I had to sing to get the customers interested in getting on stage and then buying the DVD or CD of their performance. Again learn the business and have a plan. Modeling isn’t just about beauty it is about what the client sees, what they can create with the canvas, “you”. Be ready for hard work, long days, and a lot of running.