My name is Erin Elliott, I’m an 18-year-old model from Toronto, ON. My birthday is on December 24. I’m currently studying Game Development at College (and yes, I mean video games). I’m the youngest of five kids, all of which are girls. I love to sing and perform and play the violin, guitar, and keyboard. I have a serious horror movie obsession, so Halloween is a really good night for me. I’m a bit of a gym nut which really clashes with my junk food addiction. which is a very serious addiction (I’m actually eating a bag of chips while answering these, aha) I love meeting new people who make modeling the perfect job for me because I get to go out do events or shoot and meet supporters, photographers, other models, makeup artists, or just a huge variety of people in general.
What does fashion actually mean to you? What inspires your passion? what excites & motivates you? Fashion to me is about self-expression. A lot of people today judge others by appearance before anything else. Having your own style means that you can show the world your personality and likes without even having to say a word. It can be a very powerful tool! The same can be said for modeling. Every good photo should tell a story or convey a message and I love being able to be apart of that.
What do you think, is it important to attended fashion modeling courses? Do they really help newbies to get a foothold in Fashion Industry? To be completely honest, I was offered a spot in a private modeling course and I politely declined it because when it was all just for fun (which it still is in a way). I’ve made all my own connections, learned from each shoot I’ve gone to, and gotten where I am off hard work and determination. From all that, I’m about to get my first official publication, along with many more exciting things to come!
Has modeling changed other aspects of your life? What does your career do for you? It’s made an impact on a lot of things. Unfortunately, because this is my job a lot of people seem to assume that I’m really pretentious and mean just because this is what I do. A lot of people won’t actually take the time to get to know me which really sucks, but every so often someone takes the time to talk to me and it makes me really happy. It also affects my more “intimate” life. Guys seem to get a little intimidated sometimes, but at the end of the day, modeling is just a job, just like every other one out there.
As for my career, it has really helped my self-esteem and has allowed me to better understand myself. It also helps pay off student loans and tuition bills which is always a plus!
Is there anything you dislike about modeling? There’s, unfortunately, a fair bit of drama in the freelance world. You get a job another model wants, you shoot with another model photographer, you’re more successful than someone else, etc. Some models will do anything to tear another one down. Luckily I’ve surrounded myself with a good group of people. When someone talks smack, they see it more as a reflection on the angry model and not the model she’s trying to put down.
And what are some things you dislike or want to change about the fashion industry? The single form of perfection. I understand that some modeling gigs need a very specific look – that’s one thing. But to have an entire industry that is all looking for the same image – that’s ridiculous. Everyone has their own look whether you’re tall, short, skinny, thick, etc. We should be highlighting Peoples’ individuality and not trying to make them carbon copies of one another.
How you prepare yourself for a modeling shoot? SLEEP. If I’m not the one driving, I always take a nap in the car on the way there. It’s almost a tradition now. Also, I always try to make sure to shower the DAY BEFORE (very important for styling hair) and have everything packed up and ready to go before I go to bed.
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in? What are your least favorites? I love the dresses. All kinds, any kind, love them!
My least favorite is lingerie. I’ve never actually done a lingerie shoot, I don’t think I’m at that point in my career or life to start doing it yet. I think a little more experience is needed first!
Tell me something about your city, your favorite hang out spots there? I say I live in two towns – I actually live in a small town outside of Toronto, but I say I’m from Toronto. In my small town, there’s not a lot to do, it’s a lot of new families and suburbia, so I spend a lot of time in class or in my basement gaming. As for Toronto, I love walking down Queen Street and checking out what’s going on. I spend a lot of time at the Silver Snail browsing for comics, Eaton Center is great for shopping. There’s also apparently a new giant Aquarium by the CN Tower that I’m super excited to be visiting soon!
What do you like to do for entertainment? I love to play video games. It’s an unhealthy obsession, but I’m never happier doing anything else. I also really enjoy making them. I’m going to college for Game Development and I absolutely love what we get to do and find it really fun.
Do you eat nutritiously? Tell me about the diet you follow on a regular basis? Is there any food which you avoid eating? Not at all! I’m a college student, we don’t know what nutrition is. Yesterday I had a bagel for breakfast and then head to the class where I sat in front of a computer for almost 12 hours and didn’t stop working until someone brought me Subway and a Coke to keep my energy going. I’m starting to try to live a healthier lifestyle though!
How often do you exercise or go to the gym? How much time do you spend there? I just recently started going to the gym, about 2-3 times a week consisting of 30-45 minute sessions.
What other modeling projects have you done? I’ve been working on a few projects recently, however, they aren’t being published until the New Year, so we’ll all just have to wait and see! 😉
What are your experiences in the fashion industry? What is fun and rewarding about modeling? Do you have any advice for other aspiring models? I’ve only been modeling since March of this year, but it’s been a crazy couple of months. I’ve met some of my best friends through modeling and have learned a lot from the experiences I’ve had with it. It’s really rewarding to see how hard I pushed myself and how far I’ve come. Things are only going up from here so I’m very excited!
For aspiring models – work hard and be respectful! Don’t expect people to just hand you the world. Push yourself when you feel like you’re not good enough and always surround yourself with people who will inspire and support you.
Also, be safe! It’s a risky business and there are unfortunately people who are glad to pounce on the opportunity to take advantage of someone. Check credentials, bring someone with you if you aren’t comfortable. BE SAFE!
Tell me about your favorites. Ok:
- Favorite color: Purple
- Favorite film: Scott Pilgrim VS the World.
- Favorite musician: Lindsey Stirling
- Favorite International Music: The Veronicas/Oomph/Within Temptation/Nightwish
- Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
- Favorite holiday: Christmas/St. Patricks Days
- Holiday Destination: Ireland
- Hobby: Gaming
- Book: Forever Amber
Describe yourself in three words. Nerdy, determined, and loving.
Why do you want to work as a model? Why are you interested in this Career? When I started off, it was a hobby. Eventually, I got to that age where I had to get a part-time job and I wouldn’t have time for it anymore. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any since my town has the lowest employment rate in Canada, so I decided to make my job out of modeling and it’s been working out for me ever since.
What languages do you speak? I speak English, French, some German, a little Russian, and a very small amount of Japanese. And Elvish.
How would you describe your style? I’m very vintage meets modern. One of my favorite dresses is a 1940’s housewife pin-up style dress with a modern crisscross back.
Where do you generally shop? I’m not really a regular at any store, but I love H&M, Forever 21, and Hot Topic.
Do you do your own hair and make-up? I used to do my own hair and make-up for all of my shoots, however with my more recent shoots, I have an MUA/Hairstylist more often than not. It makes life so much easier! I can only do my eyeliner in so many ways!
What are some of the main differences between the runway and photographic modeling? With runway, everything is live. If you fall or rip your outfit (which I highly suggest you avoid doing!) EVERYONE will see it. There’s no hiding it. You have to just keep going on like a professional until you get off that catwalk. There’s also a lot more rush between wardrobe changes.
Photographic modeling is a lot slower paced. You can take more time to make sure everything is perfect. If you accidentally mess up a photo you can simply retake it. Any little mistakes can be fixed afterward in Photoshop.
They’re definitely two very different ball games, but both are great experiences!
Describe the atmosphere when you’re on a shoot? Easy going. I like to have fun at shoots. Everyone is giving up their time to be there and I always like to try to make people smile and enjoy themselves. I know that a photographer waiting on a model’s makeup can be dull and vice versa, so my teams and I are always light-hearted.
We also sometimes break out into spontaneous dance parties and that’s always a good time!
Do you have any limitations? I don’t usually do lingerie. I know a lot of models who do lingerie shoots for free and I can’t imagine doing it myself. I don’t mind a little sex appeal, maybe a bra here or there, but I’m not the kind of girl to be standing there in her underwear showing off her bottom. It’s just not me.
How you access the Internet? What device do you use? What according to you is a more comfortable device for accessing the Internet? I use my phone and my computer. I find it’s easier to respond to all my e-mails and messages via my computer, however my phone is a lot more convenient at times!
What is your web address? Do you own a domain? Yes, I have a website in the works, but it is now accessible:
- Website:Â www.erinelliott.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Elliott/173813232794164
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sakurie2
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/elliottmoosee/