PM: What types of modeling have you done?
RC: Print fashion (nationally), local fashion, editorial,
runway (for national chains/publications) local runway (mall
or single store)
PM: How did you get started in modeling?
RC: I first began modeling as a straight size model
in 1996. Shortly after that I found out I was pregnant with
my 1st child. After I had my baby, I struggled to lose the
weight. I had never been "big" before and it was very difficult
for me to deal with. I had heard of plus modeling and met
with a few agencies. The agency I chose to work through started
booking me right away for local work. And I have been modeling
ever since as a plus size model. I am so much more confident
now about my size. I love being curvy it make me feel like
more of a women.
PM: How did you find pictures for mail-ins?:
RC: When I attended my first open call I took a few
digital pictures and printed them out right before I walked
out the door. It just goes to show you don't need to spend
any money to get repped by an agency.
PM: What was your first agency visit/open call like?
RC: I had a great experience with my first open call.
They were super friendly but they also critiqued me in a very
professional manner. Which, I thank them for to this day!
PM: From the time you started going to agencies, how long
did it take you to find representation?
RC: I found a local agency immediatly after I started
looking. As for a "big" agency, that took about 2 years and
A LOT of research in the industry.
PM: What was your very first paying job and how long did
it take you to get it after you found an agency?
RC: I booked a print ad for a local department store
within days of meeting with my agency. I remember being so
excited and nervous.
PM: How often do you work?
RC: I work every few months. Living in Utah puts some
limitations on what castings/auditions I can attend.
PM: What are your long term goals in the industry?
RC: I would like to change the way society thinks of
"plus size" women. I want to help people see us as beautiful,
sexy, and most importantly equal.
PM:
Is being a plus size model as exciting as you thought it would
be?
RC: It has its challenges just like any other job.
I think that you have to have very high self esteem to survive
this industry as a plus model. Because society hasn't quite
accepted us as beautiful there are people that try and make
you feel fat and ugly. You have to be able to see past that
and continue on...
PM: What advice would you give to the aspiring/beginning
plus-size model?
RC: I think that a lot of women have this idea that
modeling is glamerous and super easy. But in reality, there
are times when it is not glamerous and you don't like what
clothes you have to model or the way they did your hair/make-up
and you don't feel like you look good...It doesn't matter
what you think you look like. Be happy, professional and put
on your modeling hat and shine for the client.
