Having twice graced the pages of Grace Magazine and playing a large part in the plus-size modeling industry documentary "Curve," Gabrielle has enjoyed success as a plus-size model throughout the world. Find out how this girl next door turned Bond girl got started in the industry and how you can follow in her footsteps.

Getting Started

I've been performing, one way or another, for as long as I can remember. I started acting at the tender age of two. I played the Fairy Princess in Pinocchio. My older brother was in it, and the real Fairy Princess got sick, so I stepped in for her. What can I say? I guess I was at the right place at the right time for my big break!

I did my first modeling job in San Francisco when I was twelve, but I never really pursued it seriously. My focus was always more on acting and singing. After I graduated, I studied drama at the North Carolina School of the Arts.

Once I finished there, I enrolled in the NCSA School of Music to study opera. I had been there for about a year when I started to book more modeling jobs than I could schedule my classes around. I still take private lessons, but I've put school on hold for the time being so I can really pursue modeling. I love to sing more than just about anything. It doesn't take much coaxing at all for me to give an impromptu concert after a photo shoot!

The Big Break

I went to see my brother in New York, who was appearing in an off-Broadway show. I had done some straight size modeling before I went to college, but I filled out when I matured. I thought my modeling days were over. I had heard about plus modeling, so I brought a couple of photos with me. After I got to New York, I stopped by a couple of agencies and showed them my pictures.

One of my friends at school was an amateur photographer. He had taken some pictures of me and had given me copies. I took my favorite face shot and body shot with me when I went to New York. I wasn't familiar with the concept of the open call, so I just walked in and asked to speak to an agent. The receptionists were nice, and I ended up getting to meet with an agent every place I went. I decided to sign with Click a couple of days later.

My first job was with Champion Sportswear. I got the job a couple of months after I signed with my agent. It was so exciting! They flew me out to Santa Barbara for a couple of days. Everyone was very kind. The focus was on outdoor & workout wear, so they shot me running on the beach, rock climbing and paddling around in a sea kayak. It was a great first experience.

I recently signed with Ford in New York. I totally love Aida and Click and will miss working with her. She's a wonderful person and a great booker. We will definitely keep in touch. I'm also extremely excited to be working with Gary Dakin and Carrie Karibo at Ford. They are both amazing to see in action, and coolness just emanates from their bodies. I love them!

About the Biz

Is being a plus size model as exciting as you thought it would be?

Yes! It's a lot of hard work, but I knew that it would be. My expectations coming into it were pretty realistic. I love what I do. There are some moments that feel exactly like you'd imagine a model's life is supposed to feel. One of my favorite times is just before I go on stage at a runway show, when the music is filling the room with energy. But there's a whole other side that isn't glamorous at all. You have to be very committed if you want to work regularly.

What has been your favorite job so far and why?

That's a tough question. I enjoy modeling so much. I could keep saying my last job was my favorite!

In terms of sheer environment and ambience, I did a shoot for a client in Florence, Italy last April that I will never forget. We stayed at a very old winery and shot for several days all over the countryside and in town. The people I worked with were so wonderful. I picked up a little Italian, and the food was amazing!

I've also done a couple of shoots this year for Grace magazine that rank among my favorites. The James Bond spread in this last issue was great fun. I LOVE the people there, and I get excited every time I have the opportunity to get together with them.

How often do you work?

I'd say I average between three and five days per week. It goes in cycles. Some weeks I'm working more, some weeks I get more time off.

What do you think clients love most about you?

It's tough to say what makes a client book a particular model for the first time, but I think that clients tend to work with me again because of my professional attitude. To me, professionalism has a lot to do with taking care of the small details, and doing it consistently. I think dependability counts for a lot with clients. My goal is never to be a part of the chaos. I try to be one less thing they have to worry about, and I think that attitude is appreciated.

I also think that clients appreciate the sense of wonder that I try to bring to each shoot. In my opinion, modeling at its best is like acting in slow motion. The model's job is to project a persona through the clothes; in other words, to make them come alive. I approach each job like an acting project, and try to maintain a fresh perspective for every client I work with.

What do you do to keep in shape?

I make an effort to be active throughout the day. I often take the stairs instead of the elevator, or when I have time to spare I'll walk instead of take a cab. I work out when I can. When I'm on the road, I try to stay in hotels with exercise facilities. In case that's not an option, I always bring my yoga mat with me. It doesn't take up much space, and I can work out in my room.

I also like to dance. When I was younger, my best friend and I studied ballet. After class, we would stay and choreograph our own dances. At conservatory, we were required to take a lot of movement classes, which I enjoyed very much. I guess I'm still partly that little girl. When there's no one in the aerobics room at my gym, I'll put on some music and create dances.

I'm a big fan of yoga. I actually plan on getting certified to teach it in the near future. Yoga Journal (http://www.yogajournal.com/) is a good resource for anyone who is interested in learning some basic positions. It's great for flexibility and strength training. Overall, I think when exercise involves more creative expression than mindless repetition, it is less of a chore and more of a joy.

I try to meditate every day for at least five or ten minutes. I just make a point to sit or lie in a still environment and clear my head. I find that it's really helpful, and I notice a difference if I don't do it for a while. It's a great way to calm down and to get some perspective when things are hectic or stressful.

Nutrition is also very important to me. I find that if I'm eating well, I have a lot more energy, my skin is clearer and I feel more in control. I eat a lot of salads and vegetables, and I'm a big fan of tofu. I have a juicer, and I love fresh fruit and vegetable juices. My favorite drink is ginger, carrot & parsley juice. I also drink a lot of smoothies. I'll freeze overripe bananas and blend them with frozen strawberries, low fat milk, and some protein powder. Yum! Let me know if you want some recipes.

I try to eat healthfully, but I wouldn't say that I diet. I don't deny myself food. In my opinion, that's one of the great things about being a plus model. It's certainly not carte blanche to eat whatever you want whenever you want, but at least you don't have to starve yourself. And it's a good thing too. I have a major sweet tooth, and I'm guilty of eating chocolate regularly. It's like my kryptonite.

You do a lot of traveling as a model. How does this affect your social life? Are most of your friends in the biz?

I do spend a lot of time on the road. When I get a couple of days off, I make the most of them. I guess you could say that I don't have much of a social life outside of modeling, but that's not entirely because of the travel. I've always been the type of person who has a small circle of really close friends, and I know I can count on them to be there for me. I also have an amazing family that I love more than anything. Even when I'm gone, those people are never far away thanks to the wonders of technology. I have lots and lots of minutes on my cell phone, and I send a lot of emails. I talk to my mom and dad pretty much every day.

When I'm home, I'm pretty low profile. I like to order takeout Thai food, curl up on the couch and read or watch movies. I can't say enough good things about lounging with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate! I need those times to get centered again and to re-focus. Traveling is one of my passions and I'm totally addicted to it, but it can wear me out. After all, you can only fit so many of the comforts of home into your suitcase. I think everyone should step back and recharge his or her mental and physical batteries from time to time.

That being said, I love going on the road! I've made some very close friends through modeling. There are several really great models that I see on a regular basis because we book a lot of the same jobs. I'm on the phone with at least one of them almost every day. In my experience, there are a lot of smart, amazing women in this industry, so there's no shortage of good company. From what I've seen, the same sort of community exists on the PlusModels discussion board.

You have participated in two very visible projects recently - Grace magazine and the "Curve" documentary. What were these experiences like and how did it feel to be a part of them?

They were both great experiences, and I feel that I have grown a lot professionally as a result. The more I learn about the history and evolution of plus modeling, the more in awe I am at the women who have worked so hard to bring it to this point, and the more pride I feel about what I am doing and who I am representing. My experiences shooting footage for Curve and my continuing involvement with the wonderful people at Grace magazine have really made me aware that some serious plus modeling history is being written today.

Like I've already said, I love working with the people at Grace (http://www.gracestyle.com/). They throw off so much good energy there that it's contagious. Ceslie Armstrong has an undeniable vision for that magazine, Kevin Kushel has done an exceptional job as their photo director, and Jacqui Stafford has done great things as the fashion director. The photography and layouts are fabulous, and the stories are well written and interesting. I'm sure that Grace will be around for a long time, and I'm very thankful to have an opportunity to be a part of it.

The Curve documentary (http://www.curve-film.com) was unlike any other experience I've had. When I found out that someone was interested in shooting a documentary on plus modeling, I was really excited. It was one of the first times that I really began to understand the social impact of full figured modeling. I jumped in with both feet. I spent a lot of time shooting footage and promotional stills for Curve, and have been to several film festivals to help them promote it.

Curve never fails to get a strong reaction from audiences at the screenings I've attended. I think it's a great springboard for discussions about size acceptance and healthy body images. We had an amazing roundtable discussion after Curve was shown in October at the Georgetown Independent Film Festival in D.C. A lot of important issues are being brought to the foreground as a result of this sort of filmmaking, and there's plenty of room for other people to step in and add their perspectives. There are a lot of stories still to be told.

I think plus modeling is on the verge of another peak in terms of mainstream recognition. Kate Dillon was in Vogue just last year, and there have been several major magazines that have done "size diversity" issues. Tonner came out with the collectible Emme doll (http://www.tonnerdoll.com/emme.htm), and I think I read some buzz somewhere about a Sophie Dahl doll! Many congratulations should be given to PlusModels founder Anne Garber for creating the petition to air the Lane Bryant Fashion Show in February. What this means to me is that plus models are beginning to become prominent role models for young women, and are starting to provide a counterpoint to the images adolescents see everyday in the mainstream media.

It is my hope that plus modeling becomes even more integrated into the mainstream as time goes on. As voluptuous, curvy figures become more common on television and in magazines, the appreciation of classical femininity can't help but further permeate the collective unconscious. And that is good news for everyone.

Times are tough in the industry. Have you become more or less busy lately? Do you see things improving?

Strangely enough, I've actually gotten busier this past year, even with the rough economy. I've booked a number of new clients, and that's always exciting. Dorothy at Plus Beauty and Abi at Hughes have done a great job of introducing me to the European market this past year. They are both awesome bookers and it is a pleasure to be working with them. Beyond that, most of my work right now is coming from clients I had before things started to get rocky. Several companies have been using me more frequently or referring me out, so I definitely have them to thank for keeping me busy!

Once things level out, I'm sure that there will be more work and higher day rates again. I've got my fingers crossed that things are going to pick up by the middle of next year, but that's just me guessing and hoping.

What do you plan to do once your modeling career is over?

I'm working to ensure that day is still a long way off. One of the great things about being a plus model is your potential career longevity. Since we represent a wider variety of women, our expiration dates don't come as quickly as for straight size modeling. My goal is to be a slow burning flame, not a flash in the pan!

In terms of performing, I'd really like to get back into acting, either in film, TV or on stage. I would also like to devote more time to singing. I've been working on some songs, but recording a demo is still a long way off in the future. On a practical level, I've thought seriously about going back to school and getting a degree in psychology. People seem to feel comfortable confiding in me, and it makes me feel good when I can help someone work through a problem.

I watch how other plus models are positioning themselves for lives after modeling, and I definitely see the wisdom in planning for the future. Emme (http://www.emmesupermodel.com/), for one, has done an amazing job of spreading her wings. She has years of modeling ahead of her, but it's not her only option. She's written books, is a sought after public speaker, did E! Fashion Emergency, has a fabulous clothing line (http://www.emmestyle.com/), and now she has the Emme doll. I think she's a great role model, and her husband Phil is a real visionary. They make a great team, and their advice and guidance has been so helpful to me both personally and professionally. I've learned a lot from their example.

Philosophy

Do you see yourself representing plus-size women or average women and how does it make you feel when people refer to you as plus size when statistically you are average or even below average sized?

I think of myself as average sized. In terms of modeling I'm plus size, but that's just an arbitrary category. People always seem to be arguing over what is and what isn't "plus size." Half the time I make the cut, half the time I don't. I feel that I represent an average feminine shape. I've never been ashamed of my body or uncomfortable in my skin. I'm healthy, and I represent healthy women. If I can set an example that helps other women feel the same way, then I feel great about it.

In some ways, I think that "plus size" is a derogatory term. In an article I wrote for the International Size Acceptance Association (http://www.withoutmeasure.com/) a couple of months ago, I discussed "super-size" modeling, which picks up where plus size leaves off (around size 20). The names for these modeling markets are becoming so ludicrous it's almost funny. What's next? Super-dooper size modeling?

In other ways, I see the "plus size" label as an opportunity to educate people. It highlights how what is normal has been reclassified as an abnormality. The fact that these distinctions exist at all emphasizes how women are held to impossible standards by the fashion industry. In "Curve," I commented that "It's not like economy size in laundry detergent or anything like that. It's not a special: 'Buy One, Get So Much More.'" I think those sort of examples really highlight how the term "plus size" is inappropriate in relation to what it supposedly represents. It isn't only that it's derogatory. It's inaccurate.

I love to participate in projects that glorify the classic feminine form. I did Richard Metzger's show during Fashion Week this year. His clothes are absolutely decadent! Instead of hiding a woman's curves, Richard reveals them and plays them up. Just wearing one of his outfits makes you feel luxurious & sexy, which is not universally true in plus size fashion.

I'm sure many people are familiar with Heinrich Saint-Germain's project, The Judgment of Paris (http://www.judgmentofparis.com/). I appreciate his project and the work he has done to elevate the modern voluptuous form. He places plus modeling on par with the classic women of Renaissance painting and sculpture. In doing so, he reminds people that the standards of beauty used to be completely contrary to what we see today. It's an unapologetic celebration of the full figure, which is very refreshing.

You mentioned an interest in television and film. With the average Hollywood actress being a size 0-6, is it difficult to imagine having a successful career in TV and movies at your current size?

It's not difficult for ME to imagine. I've been imagining it since I was in elementary school! Now if producers and casting directors could share that vision with me, everything would be fine! Seriously, though, that's a great question. I've thought about it a lot, and it's a major dilemma for me. I have the training and the acting chops to do well; the only problem is getting the parts. I know a lot of women have had the exact same experience: If you really want to boost your chances for big screen success, you need to lose weight. One of my drama instructors told me that I'd be ingénue material if I lost twenty pounds. If I didn't, I'd be confined to "large person" roles. Well, I have no problems with being a character actor. I think some of the best parts are written for character actors. I just don't want to be stereotyped into playing one type of part just because of my size.

It seems like the only alternative is to lose weight. Well, that's just not something I'm willing to do. Not at this point in my life. For one thing, I would have to give up modeling. There's no way I'd be able to lose enough weight to get into the straight size market. Even if I could (or wanted to), I don't think it would be healthy for me to go down that road. I don't think I should have to, and I think it's lame that the Hollywood decision makers don't see things that way. I've heard Kate Dillon talk about her experiences with anorexia, and I think her observations are really insightful. I've also had friends in conservatory who had to give up show business entirely because their eating disorders had gotten so out of control it almost killed them.

Some people say, "No Pain, No Gain." I don't agree. It's one thing to get tired from a good workout, it's another thing to almost pass out from being hungry. To combat this idea, I've put together a talk that I'm giving to small groups at high schools, sororities, women's groups, etc. It's called "Beauty Knows No Pain," and it is intended to combat the stereotypes and preconceptions that perpetuate the "get skinny or get a regular job" mentality of the performing arts.

I adapted "Beauty Knows No Pain" from notes I had taken several years ago as a scout for a talent search company. I lead a symposium on plus modeling at the conventions, and it was one of the coolest experiences! I did as much listening as I did talking. The women there were so empathetic and supportive of each other. It reminds me a lot about what I've seen on your discussion boards. Those seminars helped me to realize that I'm definitely not the only full figured woman who'd like to have an acting career that isn't one-dimensional.

I think that's one of the greatest things about singing opera. Instead of being stigmatized, larger women are CELEBRATED for their size in the opera world. It lends power and resonance to their voices. I'm like Kate Moss compared to some of those women, and I say more power to them!

I guess it is as hard to imagine being successful in today's film industry as it is for me to imagine NOT succeeding in it. More full figured women are getting roles today, and the parts are (slowly) getting more substantive. "Real Women Have Curves" (http://www.realwomenhavecurves.com/) was a major breakthrough movie on that level. The bottom line is that I don't plan on abandoning my dream no matter what traditional casting says about my body type. I realize that it'll be even harder to make it. I might not. If I do make it, it's going to be on my terms. If I don't, then I don't. Either way, I feel that there is honor in not giving up on your dreams, regardless of whether you succeed. I like the idea that you don't fail until you quit trying.

Advice for Aspiring and New Models

Be persistent, especially if it is something you really want to do. Rejection is a huge part of modeling. Not every look is right for every client, and different agents will get excited about different faces. Keep trying, because your contract may be waiting at your next open call.

Also, educate yourself about the business side of modeling. Read books on modeling and take advantage of the resources available on the Internet, such as this site. When you do get an agent, take good care of your body! Do everything you can to follow your agent's recommendations about health, nutrition, and hair & skin care. Keep up with facials, manicures, and pedicures. If you have trouble affording them when you are first starting out, call your local beauty college and see if they have reduced rates.

Make sure your agents have all the promotional materials they need, and check in with them regularly. Your comp cards are how you get work, so if your agent has run out or has an old one, you shouldn't be surprised if you aren't getting a response. Also, remember to communicate with your agent. Ask them what clients are saying about you. Find out what's working and what isn't, and be responsive to their answers.

When you do book a job, be professional. Arrive early. Never complain about waiting. Be kind to everyone, be courteous, and treat everyone with respect. Resist the urge to join in any gossip that is going on. That doesn't mean that models shouldn't talk, because they should. That's a great way to learn about the business. It's when you are talking TRASH that you risk getting yourself into trouble.

After you finish a job, get everyone's contact information. Keep track of this contact information in a folder or on your computer. That way you can contact people again if you ever need to. Also, keep good track of your jobs and rates. Make sure you get paid for everything, that all expense deductions are legitimate, and don't forget to hunt down your tear sheets!

Take advantage of your opportunities and enjoy your successes as you have them. Above all else, don't forget to have fun!

To learn more about Gabrielle, visit her website at http://www.super-model.net. If you have a question, please contact her at gabrielle@super-model.net.