Interview with Jaclyn Acre by Iva Kanceska 30/ 03 / 2010
Q: Who or what inspired you to become a model?
A: No one really inspired me to start out modeling,(though I do now) it's something my mom actually got me into. I was tall, thin and different looking. She took me to one of those model searches and it started from there.
Q: How long have you been modeling?
A: I started modeling when I was 15 (so 10 years now) I was a professional model with 2 agents. I worked for a lot of big name companies (dandier leather, maxim magazine, coors light, wella Canada, etc) I traveled all over Canada and the states. I ended the professional modeling about 6 years later, I needed to have control of my own body...
Q: To be a model is a very hard and responsible job. Do you had full support from your family and friends?
A: Being a professional model is SOO much hard work and responsibility. You HAVE to maintain your weight.. you can't even be an inch bigger anywhere.... you have to exercise all the time..... you have to learn to walk all over again....you have to take classes....and do a lot of things that you really don't want to. If you flake ONCE in the industry, you pretty much fucked yourself over...people don't forget iffy models and if they are paying you.....they won't be using you again or any of their friends. It's such a stressful industry cause no one helps each other. I've had to fly for a hair show in Texas with the biggest head cold.....but i still put on a smile and pretended that there was no where else I'd rather be. Now freelance modeling on the other hand....is a blast.
Q: You are so well-known by your gorgeous style. Can you give us a rundown of your excellent tattoo collection, your hair style etc?
A: My hair style....I don't have one.. I'm known for my natural hair color..... my tattoos on the other hand....they are amazing. They are all custom work of Jason Hawes!
Q: Are your tattoos speaks about your personality?
A: The tattoos that I have... my chest piece I adore because I'm a pirate and have that party mentally.... and my arm, I told him I wanted creepy cute...and he nailed it... shows my views on the world....even the creepy can do normal things... but in their own twisted way.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model?
A: My favorite part of modeling...is doing things that I'm actually passionate for. I like doing shoots and shows promotions for things I actually want to and are interested in. It's hard getting pumped for something you just aren't into.
Q: What is the funniest thing that happen to you on a photo shoot?
A: Oh there are a ton of funny things that happen in photo shoots.... I've had one that I did for a store called BNVS and I was modeling their bags/hats/mits/scarfs....so I decided that's all I would wear....in a park.... we had to try to make sure that no one was around...but I'm sure that some old lady feeding the birds got more then she bargained for that day....lol For the most part...if you can't have fun during a shoot and laugh at things.... you won't be working with that company/photographer much more.
Q: Who is your favorite photographer, model or fashion designer?
A: This is a double bladed sword....I can't answer that question. there are WAY too many amazing people in the industry that I've met...or that I would love to meet that are amazing at what they do.
Q: Is there anyone that you hope to work with in the future?
A: There are a lot of people I'd like to work with...but everyone is like that. I love to people I have worked with...and working with new people... I guess it is all about the work...
Q: In your portfolio we can see a lot of different types of photo sessions. Really awesome! Do you have any favorite type of photography?
A: Oh my favorite type of shoot is themed or creative. and each type/theme is sometimes best suited with a different kind of photography. I'm lucky that I've worked with photographers that know what they want...and their vision is the same as mine...always turns out amazing...
Q: Who is your favorite project you've been doing lately?
A: The is a project that I'm working on, but it's a secret....should be done in the fall....so be patient and keep your eyes open.
Q: Do you have any beauty skin care tips or tricks to look fresh for a photo shoot?
A: I really don't have skin care tips sadly....all I can say...is drink tons of fluids...and that doesn't mean booze....lol
Q: How do you feel about models who refuse to do nude photography?
A: Models that refuse to do nudes....I say to them....good for you! don't let ANYONE tell you you have to do something you don't feel comfortable with....and that's not just nudes. I've turned down my fair share of shoots cause I wasn't comfortable with either the idea that they wanted or the photographer themselves.
The last thing that any model should do....is to come out of a shoot feeling bad about what they did. Be true to yourself!
Q: What is the best way to balance personal benefits and client needs?
A: You should be thinking about clients first and foremost....in that sense....your benefits come after. If you are paid to do a job... just like in any industry....you do your job and make your clients happy... therefore you know you'll be working with them again..... that alone should be your benefit.
Q: What tips do you have for aspiring models just starting out?
A: It's a tricky world in the professional world...if you are trying to get into it.. then I might discourage you, and for that I am sorry. If you want to start out professionally... you have to start out young.... most professionals...unless they are supermodels...don't last past the age of 30. You have to be really thin...and VERY VERY tall. I was 5'9 and considered short in the industry. You can't have tattoos or metal....your hair will be changed up to them.... you must take classes to learn how to walk....have a strong portfolio...and comp cards.... you must MUST keep up on your weight...and be very outgoing and make an impression on everyone you meet. Now...with doing freelance. You work for yourself, you get your own bookings and set things up yourself... It's not professional in the way that you are represented...but to me...it's a lot more fun.
Q: What can we expect from you in the future?
A: In the future...there will be some pretty neat shoots coming....what they are.....you'll have to keep checking my ports!
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to share this information. I'm honored that I was asked to give this interview.
Jaclyn Acre
