Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Marie Carlson.
Vanessa Marie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career as a model began at age 14 when I had my first test shoot and completely fell in love with being in front of the camera. Almost immediately following, I was signed with a local agency and fell even more in love with the rigorous yet exhilarating process of auditions and castings. Now at age 18, I have been so incredibly fortunate to have had great experiences working with two separate agencies, and to have taught myself how to freelance in the year that I was in between agencies. Even though I mentioned how I was signed right after my first shoot, do not think that it has been an easy road. Being in the Catholic school system since the age of four, and consequently being under strict dress codes that mostly consisted of various plaid skirts and blouses since that age, I grew up unable to fully express myself. I picked out my own clothes even as a toddler, according to my mother and grandmother who brought me along with them to their every trip to the mall. Fashion became my means of self-expression, but because of my schooling, it was extremely limited. However, I could go all out in front of the camera, and I quickly found that many stylists possess the same creative way of thinking as me, so the wilder they would dress me, the more fun I would have. I would literally describe my personal style as a grungey-wildcard, so the bolder, the better. The only thing I love more than being in front of camera is walking the runway. Unfortunately at 5’6”, it is difficult to be cast in runway shows, due the average height requirement of at least 5’8”, but I do not let it stop me. In fact, my height being that much shorter just makes me work that much harder. I have had the opportunity to walk in multiple runway shows since I began modeling, including one for Lord & Taylor, and two for the prestigious fashion department of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. And my career is definitely still in its early stages. I am more than determined to walk for Victoria’s Secret one day, despite the selectiveness in the choosing of their models. My height will not hold me back in this industry. One of my main goals as a model is to show that I look just as amazing at 5’6” on a runway as taller models, and be able to motivate other shorter models to not give up their runway dreams, as well as inspire casting directors to give us a chance to at least complete a full audition before they give the yes or no, instead of not even allowing us to audition based on the number under the word “height” on our comp cards. All of that being said, I am currently working with Dynasty Models & Talent, and am actively pursuing agencies in the New York City market, in hopes of making my way to a Victoria’s Secret casting soon.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been the smoothest of roads. It is difficult to express yourself when fashion is your creative outlet and you have to wear a plaid skirt everyday. It is also difficult being a 5’6” runway model when the average height requirement is at least 5’8”. However, both of these challenges have taught me how to hustle and to have a thick skin.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dynasty Models Inc – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My unwavering ambition sets me apart from others because I will not relent until I walk in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and until height requirements are looser for runway models. My face alone also makes me stick out of any crowd due to the overall distinctness of my look.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to shooting with the incomparable Stewart Smith again this summer, and being able to submit some of the shots to Sports Illustrated now that I am 18. Being published in Sports Illustrated is another HUGE goal of mine.
Contact Info:
- Email: archee@dynastymodelsinc.com
- Instagram: vanxssamarie
- Facebook: Vanessa Marie
- Twitter: vanessa_marie78
Image Credit:
Personal Photo – Renee Newman
Stewart Smith
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