Model of the Month: February 2014 Katie Gradie

Name: Katie Gradie Age: 22 Location: Maine

Q. How did you get into modeling? 

A. When I was 17 my roommate was an agency signed model and my sister was dabbling in free lance modeling, it looked like a lot of fun so I thought I'd give it a try.

Q. Who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model?

A. My role model is my grandmother. She's an amazing woman. She taught me I can do absolutely anything if I put my mind to it!

Q. Other than looking sexy in front of the camera, what else do you enjoy doing? 

A. I absolutely love hula hooping, dancing and creating things, I love art projects.

Q. If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead?

A. If I weren't modeling I'd become an American sign language interpreter. I took a few ASL classes in high school and fell in love with it. I'm still thinking about going back to school to get certified.

Q. How old were you when you found an interest in modeling and what made you want to start?

A. I was 17 when I found an interest in modeling. I set up my first photo shoot with my sister in law's uncle and had a blast, I set up a Model Mayhem account and started booking shoots with local photographers.

Q. Where is your favorite place to shop?

A. Honestly, I love shopping at Goodwill! I've scored some incredible things there. I also love shopping at H&M, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe.

Q. What is your favorite beauty product?

A. My favorite beauty product is coconut oil, it has a million uses! I used to spend a bunch of money on expensive hair products to tame my curly hair, now I only use oils (avacado, coconut, and castor). My hair loves me and so does my wallet ;p

Q. What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to pursue a modeling career?  

A. I would tell them that you always need to check your references when working with new people to avoid any bad/uncomfortable situations. Trust your gut and never do something that you're uncomfortable with.

Q. Where was your favorite shoot so far?

A. I've had a bunch of fun shoots but one of my favorites was modeling outfits for Pretty Thoughts Latex with Surrendered Souls Pin up Photography. We were shooting in an empty hair salon, it was me and about five other girls covered in silicon lubricant squeezing into latex outfits! Definitely a silly time.

Q. What you like to accomplish as a model.

A. Right now my goals as a model are to get signed with an agency of some sort and to have one of my images used on a magazine cover.

https://www.facebook.com/K8EGradie

Developing Positive Self-Esteem

Self esteem is how you feel about yourself – and whether you respect and value who you are. It is very different from self-confidence which relates to our talents, abilities and skills. In summary, self esteem includes:

1.    Our core beliefs about ourselves – and whether we agree with others’ views of us (our worth or value as a human being).

2.    Our sense of control, or the influence we have, over who we become and what happens to us.

(Note: People with an internal locus of control see themselves as being in charge of their own destiny. In contrast, those with an external locus of control tend to see themselves as being helpless victims of others.)

3.    Our sense of belonging, and unconditional acceptance, amongst our family members, colleagues, friends and peers. This is a measure of our lovability.

4.    Our sense of being able to meet life’s challenges and to cope successfully with what life sends our way. This is a measure of our capability.

We know success is related to a healthy self-esteem, so how can we work on enhancing this?

1.    First, stop comparing yourself to other people. Set your own expectations and personal goals – and take the steps you need to walk towards, and reach, your goals.

2.    Identify and celebrate your qualities and strengths – and keep on adding to that growing list each day. For example, are you the kind of person who’s always there for others? Are you creative, logical or practical? Are you friendly, caring, thoughtful, helpful and outgoing? Do you like to try new things, and have a real sense of adventure?

3.    Be committed to growing and changing as a person. Read books on self improvement and on personal growth. What you do with your time will affect who you become.

4.    Watch and challenge your thinking and self talk. One of the greatest hurdles to building self esteem is constantly attacking and putting yourself down. Instead, be affirming, positive, and notice your achievements. You’re committed, and progressing, so you’ll reach the goals you’ve set.

5.    We may have limited control of our external world as our teachers or our boss may dictate much of our day. But let your home be your castle, a place where you retreat to relax, recharge your batteries, and find yourself.

6.    Hang out with positive people. If you hang out with people who are always negative – and only whine and complain – then it will drain your energy. But individuals who believe in and work towards success will inspire and encourage you to walk that road as well. Thus, their positivity will raise your self-esteem.

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Photographer of the month January 2014: Miss.Lakune

http://miss-lakune.deviantart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MissLakune?fref=ts

Model of the Month: January 2014-Em-J Sinful

Name: em-j sinful Age: 26 Location: Liverpool Q. How did you get into modeling? 
A. I got head hunted in Manchester at 17 Q. Who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model?
A. Wow...so many! I was never a girly girl, I looked up to Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, etc... which I think really comes through in my look today.

Q. Other than looking sexy in front of the camera, what else do you enjoy doing?
A. I'm a trainee accountant that LOVES my Xbox (Skyrim, Dead Pool, Fallout...love them all) and lately i have developed a passion for War Hammer! Oh...and watching Game of Thrones!!! Q. If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead? 
A. Accounting... Or if I hadn't injured my back i would still be a pro dressage rider. Q. How old were you when you found an interest in modeling and what made you want to start?
A. 17. I think it was the fact that I was being looked at in a good way...I was always picked on for being bland as a child... Well modeling soon changed that and filled me with confidence, plus it's a lot of fun!!! Q. Where is your favorite place to shop? 
A. Gotta be grand central in Liverpool... Just full of crazy clothes and corsets to make your eyes water with glee!!! Q. What is your favorite beauty product?
A. Has to be my 'lush' vanilla puff body powder. Couldn't live without it.

Q. What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to pursue a modeling career?
A. Firstly...make sure you have the dedication. Secondly...you have to be strong. You cant let rejections get you down. Everyone's gonna receive them and thirdly... Don't expect it to happen overnight...be patient. Q. Where was your favorite shoot so far? 
A. Anglzeark was awesome...but lingerie in the moors in December? Brrrrr... Great fun though Q. What you like to accomplish as a model?
A. To make a young girl realize that you don't have to be a skinny minnie and look like a doll to get somewhere in life... Individuality is the greatest thing you can wear (not the latest designer dress!!!)

https://www.facebook.com/MissTattoo87