“I Am The Type Of Person That Knows What I Want But I Love Learning In The Process”
Ryan Hopkins | February 19, 2021
I was born in the US but raised in South Africa most of my life. I am very outgoing which compliments my quirky and fun personality,not forgetting the serious side of me. I am hard working and a go-getter what I set my mind to I go out and get, i am the type of person that knows what I want but I love learning in the process.I am very passionate about my talents singing, acting and modelling. I love being in front of the camera and performing. Another big piece of my life that I am passionate about is being involved in my community more specifically children with disabilities from disadvantaged backgrounds.
I grew up watching fashion TV and reading fashion and lifestyle magazines, though I did not fully comprehend what was being said, all I saw was how beautiful, artistic and regal the models looked in their clothes and how they were being marvelled for their walk or their poses. I knew that I wanted to look like that and perform how they were performing on TV.
Most of the challenges i have experienced are definitely all the rejections, and the criticisms about my appearance. The highlights were getting to be on the runway or doing a photo shoot for a campaign. The industry has taught me that it’s not constant and that there are lows and highs. One can be booking jobs for a season then the next season things are static. But what is a constant is your work ethic to keep on pushing and not stopping just because you are not booking jobs. One has to be creative in how to stay consistent in his or her work.
My advice to anyone who has an interest in pursing careers in either fashion or modeling firstly you need to ask yourself why you want to pursue modelling, is it just something I admire or something I see myself doing long term. You need to ask yourself if can withstand the rejection and the critics that they have about you. Some of the time the critics the agents, producers or designers in the industry have for is not to hurt you but to help build you, one needs to know how decipher that. I have seen this so many times where because we women are so hungry to put the title “model” to our names and that we want to start walking on runways and doing shoots-editorial or commercial. We are so quick to say yes to anything and everything. We are so quick to say yes to free jobs that the organizers say “will promote you on their social media page” or “it will be great exposure”. It’s not the case ladies it is called EXPLOITATION. Know your worth and be compensated for your time and craft (don’t demand a million but make sure they are willing to compensate you).You constantly need to work on you emotionally and physically to present the best you. Lastly if you are still confident that this industry is for you and you are 100% sure about it. Then do not give up!
Misconceptions about models you have heard:
I can name a few:
1. Models don’t have brains and hey just stand in front of the camera, look pretty and get paid lots of money for it.
2. Modelling is only for tall and very skinny women. (The other stigma and political side of it is for another day).There are different categories of modelling hat people are not entirely aware of, there commercial modelling, catalogue, runaway, hand and foot modelling to name a few. These different categories have criteria’s that are needed depending on the type of project/campaign the client is looking for. It’s a broad topic that would need a session to discuss.
3. It is an easy job, you can make quick money. Absolutely not! It’s not an easy job and half the time you make very little money before you start making money.