A look into the lives of our Community Creatives
What inspired you to venture into modeling?
My freshman year of college was a time for firsts. First time away from home, first time dancing. So when one of my friends started asking around for models for a photoshoot with an actual clothing brand, I thought to myself, “Huh this could be another first” and reached out, even though it was intimidating at first. I almost didn’t send that message to her because I didn’t think she’d pick me for the shoot, but I guess fate favored me that day.
Photos by Jayne Chong
I like modeling in what I’d wear on any given day. But I’m the kind of person to put effort into my outfit regardless of whether I’m going out with friends or just running errands. So when I model, I feel confident in what I wear. If I modeled in anything else, I’d feel stiff and awkward. As for my specific style, I like modeling in sharp, dapper clothing.
My friends know that I goof around and have no filter, so when they see me in my Instagram photos looking all serious and “model-ey,” they’re always like “Yo who is this person?” And that reaction is pretty satisfying. I like subverting people’s expectations of who I am.
In the modeling industry, people model in a variety of silhouettes, but at the end of the day, a shirt that conforms to the shape of my body is what I’ll always feel the most confident wearing. I think baggy streetwear looks good on others, but ten times out of ten, I’d choose to model in something slim-fit.
I’m a full-time student at USC. My side gigs as of now are TBA.
First and second photos by Jayne Chong | Third photo by Bernard Yu
"New York City."
"Chicago Freestyle - Drake"
"A black tee, a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black converse low tops"
"The Waterbend."
"Silver necklaces."