Ashwin
Agencies
Mother Agency (MA): Morgan Model Management
Answers to Q&A
What INSPIRED you to become a model?
The inspiration of becoming a model showed me I might have a purpose in my life. I knew I wasn’t always the smartest apple in school, feeling hopeless sometimes not knowing what I should do, worrying about the future all the time. Even talking about modeling wasn’t really something I was interested in at first when my mom brought it up to me. It took me a couple of months to finally send my digitals out to an agency because of how long I was procrastinating. I sent them to a few and heard back from one agency, but nothing really happened with it. Then I took my digitals again after some time feeling like giving up, sending them to Morgan Model Management and others. I heard back from Janelle (Morgan Models), that they were interested. I took the chance to try it out. In the beginning I wasn’t really committed, but the more I took pictures in front of the photographer, the more I felt I gained confidence in myself, which I hadn’t had any of before.
I feel like when I model I can express myself in ways I wouldn’t be able to and feel some type of importance when the camera flashes on me. The rush and adrenaline it gives make me want more. I was brainwashed by others into thinking it was weird or cringe, but now I think of it as embracing a unique appearance so the world can see the beauty in model creation, especially the showcase of the designer’s creativity. I am grateful to have this chance from God's gift and hopefully pursue a career in this industry.
What are you most excited about when it comes to modeling?
The excitement and interest I have towards modeling comes in different ways of what I think of it. This is not in order, by the way. Travelling the world would be a great opportunity, as I would see amazing landscapes, eat new flavours of foods, and explore it with the intention of also modeling in a different environment. It would be a dream to go anywhere, feeling that same adrenaline but different experience to travel the world as a model. Meeting cool people while traveling is something I am waiting for. Don’t get me wrong, I have met lots of people in this industry already that are amazing and have good friends I will know for the rest of my life. When I travel, I can’t wait to see new directors, designers, hairstyles, makeup artists, and lots more other roles that people are in. The experience of meeting and talking to people in this industry is amazing already and can’t wait for what will be next, hopefully!
Also hopefully doing runways, catalogs, campaigns, editorials, and lots of different jobs because most of them seem really cool to do.
Can you share with us some advice you have for models wanting to get into the industry?
Some advice to take away as a young model starting out is, most importantly, you have to understand rejection. You might receive a lot of no’s, but you could receive a lot of yes’s… think of it like that. Not everyone will take you, but others will. That's how the world works. People have different opinions, tastes, and beliefs about what they want for their brand or company. As long as you don’t give up and are patient, everything will fall in line, especially believing in yourself and God’s plan for you.
Another thing is don’t rely too much on your agency. You have to build and market yourself. Not every agency you select will be that hungry for you. Just because you signed doesn’t mean you will get work. Doing stuff like building your Instagram to showcase your modeling career and a bit of your personality will allow you to be recognized.
Another thing is when at a job, connect with models and people naturally to gain connections. It could take just one handshake or one person that could change your life. Although there are many other steps, those are what I have in mind for now. Make your dreams come true. Don't let people think you're weird or insane since they just despise you because they're unhappy and want to spread negativity to make themselves feel better so you can be unhappy too. People give up so easily due to what others think. Don’t tell anyone your goals; just focus on your creation, and it will happen.
share a fun fact about yourself!
I travelled to Thailand for two weeks, and for one of the weeks I helped out refugees with my uncle's organization (Nation- to-Nation). It was really cool experience!