As in my first post, “What a difference a year makes“, what a difference a year makes!! When I think back to what I was doing this time last year, my mind boggles a bit. I had just finished modelling course with Fashion Model Agency, and had a few small gigs under my belt. And now, about a year later, I am boarding the ferry to Estonia! It feels presumptuous to imagine myself as an “international model”, but I am travelling abroad for a modelling job, but all the same I’m gonna enjoy the moment for what it is!
This “international” thing, I say it very tongue-in-cheek. But it makes me smile all the same. This isn’t a high-fee trip to Milan for Vogue. This me buying a cheap ferry ticket to Tallinn, stay in most cost-effective AirBnb I can find (it was charming), and getting a bus to the shoot. The fee for the gig only just covers those expenses.
So, if I going to be out of pocket; why do it at all?
Because I enjoy it!
This was more a working holiday holiday than anything else. Travelling is wonderful, and I really enjoy working in front of the camera. The atmosphere on a set always has a special energy to it, which is hard to find anywhere else. Since I also work as an IT consultant (https://nörttikotiin.fi), this kind of thing gives my life balance. It connects me to both my creative, and logical sides.
Finding work requires time an energy. It’s not enough to run a website with blog, post on the various social media account, and just expect work to find you. We models and performers need to be proactive! Several times a week, often daily, I go though email lists, Facebook pages, and Instagram posts, and from time I will reach to connect with the contacts I have built up. The art of networking goes a long way here.
This particular gig came through an Estonia Facebook page. I follow a fair number of Casting Call groups in Finland as it is, and it suddenly dawned on me one day, “why don’t I follow some Estonian ones?”. Estonia is easily reachable by boat, and their are ample AirBnbs and hostels in Tallinn that an overnight stay (if done modestly) won’t break the bank. The most important things, I have learned are clear and timely communication, having up to date casting pictures, and bring a genuine and positive energy to the set.
So .. am I really an international model?
Well, I am working as a model, and I travel for work, and sometimes in a different country, but no. Not really. For me, an international model is someone with a household name, who is much sought-after. They fly in luxury, stay in good hotels. They are so experienced and skilled, that they are able to command a high fee.
Me? I am still a “new face model”, I pay my own way, and my fees are still modest.
But it’s fun to play with these terms, and and you can see from the show-reel and backstage footage, I really enjoy what I do! And it great to bring that energy to that set.
Even though, it was one of those surreal experiences where I look at myself, and think, “Is this really me…?”. From my first acting gig as an extra in an Indie movie where I had to buy my own beer for the scene, to being selected as a performer online pharmacy’s advert – it’s quite a thing!
But, I am really an “international model”? Not by industry standards. But I sometimes do work as a model, and this was a trip aboard for gig. Maybe it’s the just the first step on another kind of ladder? I hope so!
If you would like to work with me, feel to drop me a line via the contact page!