Anej: In Love With The Creative Industry

Anej is not only a model, but also an actor in the film industry. His jobs have taken him around the world and he even lived in Italy for a while. He is very satisfied with the jobs he has achieved so far and, unlike others, has very different dreams and wishes for his future.

• Anej’s Instagram

Modeling And Acting

FIV: First I want to thank you again for taking the time for the interview. You are not only a model, but also a film actor. Did you start modeling or acting first? When and how did you start it?

ANEJ: Yes, that is correct. I started modeling first, in fact I have been modeling for over 10 years now. I started at 16 by moving to Milan, after I was discovered in a shopping mall in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

FIV: Does one of the two appeal to you more?

ANEJ: So far I don’t have enough acting experiences to really distinguish massive differences between the two. But I most definitely enjoy being ‘’on set’’ and working with great creatives which is why I’m in this industry from the beginning.

photo: Anej Sosic

FIV: Despite not yet having so much acting experience, can you say that you can combine them, modeling and acting, well?

ANEJ: I would hope so (laugh). Modeling has definitely changed my life. I was able to travel all over the world, gain valuable contacts and receive working Visa in USA, which is not the easiest.

FIV: So modelling has already made a lot of things possible for you, but those are both jobs where you need a lot of luck to really make a living. Can you do that?

ANEJ: So far, I was always able to do that therefore let’s hope it continues. There are some times where there isn’t as much work and other times it is extremely busy and I have to travel to 5 countries in a month.

Advices For Getting In

FIV: Can you give people who are also interested in this industry some advice on how to get started?

ANEJ: Don’t! Run! (laugh). I would definitely advise youngsters coming up, to have several things ‘’on the burner’’, meaning never bet everything on one sole thing. Also always be punctual and your own bellwether.

photo: Anej Sosic

Traveling Around The World

FIV: As we can see and you already mentioned, you have also traveled an incredible amount. Was that related to jobs or could you afford it through jobs?

ANEJ: Both. Most of traveling was done as a cause of work. I have always been enamored by travel and my favourite lifestyle will always be globetrotter and sightseer. Usually when I’m free off work I do the opposite and I just stay in and avoid people and places.

FIV: Well, you have to switch off sometimes and everyone needs some time for themselves. What was the most beautiful place you have been to?

ANEJ: Rio De Janeiro during Carnaval season was spectacular. The energy of the city was intoxicating, the vibrant colors everywhere were captivating and alluring..and of course the Ipanema Beach itself is a treasure.
I also love spending my time in Capri, Italy or Lago di Como where I used to shoot a lot while I lived in Italy.

photo: Anej Sosic

Jobs And Dreams

FIV: That sounds amazing, especially living in Italy must be wonderful. What was your biggest and most exciting job so far?

ANEJ: My biggest job was definitely working for Calvin Klein, or Pierre Balmain when I was blonde and just starting out in the world of fashion. I also loved my L’Officiel Cover shoot or a 3 day campagin shoot I did in Singapore.

FIV: That already sounds great. Do you still have a particular dream that you would like to make come true?

ANEJ: I most definitely do, however out of habit I never talk about things that aren’t out yet. In general I want to be happy and successful in whatever I choose to do. And I will always want to have a lot of freedom.

photo: Anej Sosic

Maisie: Believe In Yourself

With a great agency at her side, MOT Models, Maisie has developed into the model she is today. You need a lot of self-confidence for this job, and she tells us how she got it. She also has some other tips for newcomers to the life of a model. But she is not only interested in modelling. There are several jobs in this field that are mostly hidden behind the scenes. Because of her enthusiasm for the whole industry, she could also imagine working in another field. Read more in the interview with Maisie Stock.

• Maisie’s Instagram

It’s Just About You

FIV: Thank you so much that you took some time for our interview. You are still young, so do you still go to school or study besides modeling?

MAISIE: I don’t study, I left collage when I was 17 and pursued modelling as I have always been into fashion.

FIV: When you were always into fashion it must be the perfect job for you, but where did the self-confidence come from for modeling with only 17?

MAISIE: I think I gained more confidence when I stopped caring so much about what everyone thought about me. If you doubt everything you do, it’s going to hold you back in life and you won’t grow. I realised the only persons opinion that matters are your own. The longer I modelled and did shoots the more confidence I got with posing and other little things. I had less confidence when I was trying to fit into other peoples and societies beauty standards, this made me extremely self-conscious and unhappy. But I noticed that I shouldn’t be trying to be the same as everyone as we are all beautiful and was born a certain way for a reason. Beauty standards change so much in this era, its hard to keep up! There is a ridiculous amount of pressure on the younger community. So, I hope everyone can look in the mirror and be happy the way they are. The world is a more beautiful with you in it. My agency, MOT Models, boosted my confidence from when I joined and I’m lucky to be working in such an amazing team with wonderful people which feels like a little family.

photo: Tomila Katsman

Life Next To Modeling

FIV: That’s great that you have such a nice agency especially because modelling is very demanding and also time-consuming. How can you combine your job as model with school, studies or private life?

MAISIE: There can be gaps in between work so being flexible is key which is why I work my part time job around my modelling schedule every week. School has to come first but once you have gained what you need and feel like you’re ready to leave education, it’s good to continue learning on your own and having active interests that you are keen to learn about. Doing activities and working gives me a healthy balance and keeps it interesting.

FIV: So can you do other hobbies on the side or do you already see your job also as a hobby?

MAISIE: No I see my job as work but work I enjoy. With my free time I love being around nature as I grew up in the countryside, I like to go on walks to nice viewpoints with my hammock, I really appreciate time to myself or with my friends. I love the quiet compared to the city.

The Best About It

FIV: So since you are enjoying your model life. What do you like the most about modeling?

MAISIE: The thing I like the most about modelling is I get to the opportunity to meet lots of different amazing people from all over the world. You learn about lots of different things from people with another perspective that opens your mind. Every job is unique with different people and a different location so it never gets boring and you get to see and go places that you might of not have otherwise had the chance to see.

photo: Tomila Katsman

Beauty And Fashion

FIV: At the beginning you already mentioned that you were always interested in fashion. Do still know, how you became interested in beauty and fashion?

MAISIE: My first interest for beauty and fashion started when I was young. My grandad is an artist and I always wanted to be a fashion designer. He would teach me how to draw and I always loved the idea and freedom to be creative and create beauty in different forms. But now I am interested in styling instead of designing but who knows what might happen. I like to keep an open mind. My love and passion for drawing and art is still alive.

FIV:  So are there other professions that are interesting for you? I can imagine due to your love and passion for art, something in this direction.

MAISIE: There are a lot of different professions in the modelling industry as most are creative so I’m interested in a lot of different areas. I find photography very interesting and also styling. I would love to do this eventually in future as it seems fun and creative.

Starting Your Career

FIV: There are a lot of young people dreaming of a model life. What do you think is the best age to start modelling?

MAISIE: I’m not too sure if there is a right age to start. As I started when I was 17 and loved it, I have worked with models who started modelling from a young age or an older age so I don’t think there is a right age, its whenever you feel like you want to get in front of the camera. Everyone is different, modelling is fun and safeguarded with a proper agency it’s great for any age.

FIV: And what advice would you give to other younger models to start their career?

MAISIE: I get quite a few direst messages from young girls, women and men asking how they can pursue a modelling career or how to get into the modelling industry. I would always say make sure the agency is legitimate as there are agencies who take a fee while joining which should never be the case. Also, different agencies will sometimes have a different look they are after so don’t lose confidence of one turns you down. Apply to a lot of agencies, and I am sure you will find one that suits you best. You don’t need any professional pictures or a portfolio, all you need is a clear picture of yourself with very little or no make-up. Don’t lose hope if you don’t get signed to an agency and it takes you a while to get a paid shoot as this is normal and will sometimes take a while to get clients and so. While you are on set watch the other models you’re working with and ask questions this will help you pick up ideas and get in the flow for posing. It is really important to feel safe, so finding a good agency to have your back is essential.

photo: Tomila Katsman

Future Dreams

FIV: To finish, of course we want to get to know your dream. What dream do you want to fulfil with this profession?

MAISIE: At the moment I like modelling but eventually I would love to get into styling. Modelling is perfect as I get to work with the stylist on set alongside me and get an understanding of what the profession holds. Being in the fashion industry already has helped a lot with networking and meeting the right people to fulfil my dream. I have met some lovely people whilst working, who said they will allow me to shadow them to gain experience but as I will be learning from them, I just need to make sure I can take the time off work whilst being financially secure.

Annie: Amazing, adorable, authentic

Milan, probably the most famous model and fashion city in the world, is the home of Ana María Parfene, or simply Annie. Despite a lot of competition in the popular city for models, she was able to build up a great career for herself after only three years of modeling, with which she wants to fulfill her dreams. Among others, she has achieved all this with her mother agency, 5.0 Models Management, and Indastria Models by her side. Besides her life as a model, you can also learn some great tips for your own career from her.

• Annie’s Instagram

Live, love, Milan

FIV: Hey Annie, it is a pleasure for us to have this interview with you. At the moment you are a Milan based Model, so we can learn a lot from you. What is life like in Milan?

ANNIE: Simply wonderful, I feel very identified with the lifestyle and culture that Milan transmits, cappuccino, pasta, pizza, art, fashion… I wouldn’t know what to choose! Since I’ve been working here my life and my tastes have changed a lot.

FIV: I can well imagine that life must be wonderful there, especially as a model, it must be exciting there, right?

ANNIE: That’s right, we all know that the heart of fashion is born in Milan, here there are opportunities for all kinds of jobs and models ; advertising campaigns, shooting, showroom, presentations, shows, ecommerce… every model should try to work here!

FIV: So you haven’t lived there all your life, so i guess you moved there at some point for your career?

ANNIE: I was born in Romania, but since I was two years old I have lived in Valencia, this year I started to travel to Milan for work.

Photo: Ana Maria Parfene

Beginning of her model life

FIV: I would be interested to know how long you have been modeling? Because you seem experienced to me.

ANNIE: Not much, actually it has been three years since I started to focus and follow my dreams and passions, it’s not relatively long if I compare myself with colleagues who have been in the industry since they were 14 years old hahaha.

When dreams come true

FIV: this is surprising, but you are doing a really good job, so what has been your biggest success or job so far?

ANNIE: I have made several campaigns for well-known brands in Spain as pikolinos, Lois, Teoxane, I have also catwalk for designers such as Custo, Dolores Cortés, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and I am currently working in the showroom of Giuseppe Zanotti, I wouldn’t know which one to choose!

FIV: That sounds great and is an amazing achievement after only three years in the modeling business. Do you have still a dream that you would like to make come true?

ANNIE: Of course, more than one in fact hahahaha… I would love to be able to see the world traveling while working for well-known brands. I would also like to try acting, I’ve always thought that fashion and film go hand in hand.

Photo: Ana Maria Parfene

Friends and Emily Ratajkowski as motivation

FIV: For this job and these dreams, you should definitely have an interest in fashion. Have you always been interested in the fashion world or did it develop at some point through a role model, perhaps all by itself?

ANNIE: The truth is that my interest in fashion came when I started college, I have always been very flirtatious and asked my classmates for pictures, they told me that I should be in an agency and focus on fashion. They were my support and my impulse to dedicate myself to this world and of course my inspiration is Emily Ratajkowski, I adore her. Surprisingly when I was four years old I didn’t like to have my picture taken and now look at me… it’s my everyday life hahaha.

Photo: Ana Maria Parfene

Getting Jobs in Milan

FIV: Great, so you definitely don’t lack motivation and inspiration. Can it still tend to be harder to get jobs as a model in Milan because of the competition?

ANNIE: It is true that there is a lot of competition, but it is also true that there is a lot of demand. Personally I have had no problems working in Milan, in fact I have worked a lot and well, it all depends on how much you trust yourself and what you set out to achieve.

How to become a successful model

FIV: I am very happy for you that things are going so well for you and that you can gain some experience. Can you give New Faces any advice on what they can or should look out for in order to become a successful model?

ANNIE: The first and most important thing is to get information and find an agency that is professional, serious and that you feel comfortable to start with. There are many nowadays but that does not mean that all of them are good… The second thing is to make a good book with basic clothes and natural beauty, it is important that clients can see how you really are. Finally, trust and believe in yourselves, attitude is what really opens opportunities.

Photo: Ana Maria Parfene

5 tips from Annie for you

FIV: And finally you might have any top 5 tips or must-haves for models?

ANNIE: The first tip I can advise a model is not to compare herself with her colleagues, each model goes at her own pace. Second, learn to enjoy the process of evolution in the modeling career, we all receive a lot of “NO” from clients. The third is to transmit naturally the role that each new job requires of us, because it is never the same, today you may have to transmit a sweet character and tomorrow the opposite! Fourth tip, maintain a balance between body and soul, food, sport and mental health is very important, if you fail one, you fail all in this world. Finally, be realistic with the possibilities and limitations of each one and do not reach the level of obsession about the fact that you have not gotten X job. I have always believed that when one door closes, three new opportunities are born, you have to know how to take advantage of them.

Photo: Ana Maria Parfene

Carl Tuleus

Sweden model industry is not as famous as others, but it doesn’t mean that successful models do not emerge. Here we can have a great example. Carl Tuleus is a sweden model working for the best brands of the market. Working all around the world, he starts his career in Sweden. This interview will help you to know how is becoming a model in a not popular model country. He moved abroad and came back to continue with his career in Sweden, and now he is explaing how the model industry works for him and what are his favourites experience in modeling. You will love Carl!

• Carl’s Instagram

The Beginning In Modelling

FIV: Hello Carl, It’s a pleasure for us to have in FIV Magazine young and successful models like you. I think working internationally and having contracts with many agencies is a bit difficult to achieve and takes time. How long have you been modeling?

CARL: I’ve been modeling since 2017. When I started university, one of my classmates said “you know what, you look good in anything! I have a friend at an agency called MIKAs…” sadly her friend had quit her job, but luckily I got a meeting anyway. They said they would email me a yes or no. I remember that I, as a joke, said that it was like tinder and two days later they emailed “it was a super like”. They never stopped being that sweet.

FIV: So, you get scouted by a casuality but, have you ever thought about become a model? Was it always your dream job?

CARL: I was scouted when I was 16 on a power walk and tried to get signed around that time, but it didn’t work out. I had at that time been told by a friend that “you need to burn all your bridges to have one road to go”. Horrible advice, you shouldn’t have one dream or one road. Because you end up feeling like a failure, if you never have something working out for you.

FIV: Not easy for you. I supposted you don’t give up.

CARL: I don’t. I moved abroad, Portugal and then Germany and finally moved back to Sweden because I got into the university where I got my bachelor in journalism and ethnology. The first semester was when I met the classmate, and now friend, that knew a booker at MIKAs. In the end that’s how I got into modeling, by pursuing another dream!

Photo: Carl Tuleus

One Dream Job: Jacquemus

FIV: During your long career you have worked for many brands, one of these is Rick Owens, for who you walked. But there are still many others. Do you have any dream job?

CARL: Jacquemus. My best friend Lisa Mård, who’s a nail artist based in Germany, inspires me on a daily basis but she inspired me to start writing manifestations. So I have a list of brands in my iPhone notes. Jacquemus is the top one though.

FIV: Why Jacquemus?

CARL: It’s the way Simon Porte Jacquemus is able to portray masculinity in such a beautiful way. The timeless design and how the clothes are not set to one age group. His grandmother wearing the pink suit? Died. Also I am obsessed with designers such as Simon that are close or vocal about their relationship to their mothers, so of course Riccardo Tisci is a designer that I’m daydreaming of too.

Luck Or Consancy?

FIV: I see you know exacly whats are your objetives and where you want to go.What do you think is more important for achived it, luck or constancy? Why ?

CARL: As an industry, modeling can be very dependent on luck. You can walk past someone and be scouted or casted, it’s not in your hands who the casting agent will pick, in moments you’re left to faith or luck. While as a model you can be consistent in keeping up with the trends, not giving up, working hard and staying relevant if that makes sense.

FIV: Even if you failed?

CARL: That is the most important, you need to fail. That’s when constancy is most important. I said this to my friend who’s an actor, if you’re not giving yourself the 50 non-callbacks you’re not going to get the one call back. So by allowing yourself to get 99 no’s you’re also giving yourself the opportunity to get a yes. In the end I think the most valuable thing for a model is: patience.

The pressure of a casting

FIV: Well, a very important step to get jobs are the castings and I supposted you went to many. Can you explain to us how you prepare for a casting? Do you feel a lot of pressure?

CARL: My agent once told me what the casting agent looked for in the model, which I think makes you feel a little more “in control”. So what you can do is try to prepare yourself as you would do for a date and ask them “what are you looking for?”. Depending on what type of casting. Usually these days you also need to show up and be unique, have your own thing going on, but at the same time show that you’re versatile. Tricky thing.

How to control the pressure

FIV: If you had to give some tips for beginners,as your agent did with you, which would it be? What is, for you, the best way to deal with that preasure ?

CARL: My advice would be to be able to handle anything that comes your way. Not putting value to everything you hear. As you mentioned I walked for Rick Owens, which was one of my first jobs. I remember being in Paris and how one designer/casting guy said, while I was showing them my walk, “maybe you should stop thinking about dick”, because they thought I was walking too feminine. I had been obsessing over runway/walking compilation videos since I saw the clip of Alek Wek throwing off her blonde wig. So I stood there pale and thrown off by the comment.

FIV: Wow, It should be hard for a beginner. What happened after that? Did it sink you or did you come back stronger?

CARL: I Left shortly after, sat on a bench in Paris and watched male models walking on YouTube. My agent called me and told me that they wanted to see me again. I went back. “Yes, there it is, now you got it.” the same guy said, I snapped my finger in the air as a response and he said “well don’t do that”. Now, we have male models like Leon Dame walking for Maison Margiela or Alton Mason walking on their own terms and ways. So be ready for anything and remember that you’ll hear hundreds of things, but you can decide what you’re going to listen to.

Photo: Carl Tuleus

Carl’s advice for new models

FIV: To finished this interview. I think young model who are reading this would love if you can give they any advice to start their career.

CARL: “Reinventing yourself” is my favorite thing to do, don’t be afraid to try different things and change your image.

FIV: Thank you so much Carl for anwer my questions and let us know you and your works.  From the whole team, and specilly me, we wish your modelling career continue that way. Again, thank you.

His Modelling Work

Just a overview of Carl Tuleus modelling career. Photoshoots, covers and runways. Take a look at his amazing works.

Photo: Carl Tuleus

Photo: Carl Tuleus

Photo: Carl Tuleus

• Instagram: Shawn Johnson East 
• Youtube: Shawn Johnson East 
• Blog: Shawn Johnson East 

Youtuber, Influencer, Athlete and future mother

FIV: Hi Shawn! With more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram, you are part of the most appreciate influencer from Nashville. When did you start blogging and what central message do you hope to impact to followers through your posts?

Shawn; I started blogging 3 years ago and have tried to focus on being as real and vulnerable as I can with my followers. I feel like we live in a world that only accepts perfection, Andrew and I are almost anti that, showing that life isn’t perfect but it can be beautiful in its own ways. I think overall, we do our best to project positivity in all of our posts.

FIV: As an American gymnast and the 2008 Olympic balance beam gold medalist, you are a successful and amazing athlete ! What have been your keys to success? What advices could you give to people who dream of making their dreams come true like you?

Shawn: I would say you have to fall in love with something in order to succeed. Falling in love with it means you accept all the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. As far as my keys to success, having fun and working hard have been rewarding to me. Always remember to have fun, always.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByBt_64hrKa/

FIV: Youtube is one of your favourite playground. What are the biggest challenges of being a Youtuber?

Shawn: Some of the biggest challenges would be sharing your life with the world and still trying to save some of it for yourself. It’s tough to find that healthy balance of sharing the appropriate amount without giving everything away. On top of that, it’s difficult to maintain relevancy and continue making videos that our audience wants to watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvA4ghAOpc0

Beauty tips – The best products to get the perfect skin

FIV: You are used to work with beauty brands like Estee Lauder to get the perfect skin. Which products do you recommend?

Shawn: Although I love all of Estee Lauder’s products, the Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup has been one of my favorite foundations for a longtime! It’s full-coverage and lightweight so really makes my skin look amazing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwxihyMB71x/

Sport training – Daily workout routine

FIV: One part of your instagram account and youtube channel is about sport training. What is a good daily workout routine for you?

Shawn: I’ve gotten into a routine where I try to workout at least 30 minutes a day. I find that doing High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been the most rewarding for my body. It helps relieve a lot of the aches and pains that come with pregnancy!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsYxOtJBfqO/

Love – How to make a couple last ?

FIV: You and your husband are so cute and beautiful! How did you meet each other? Do you have any advices on how to make a couple last?

Shawn: Andrew and I actually have a pretty crazy love story. Oddly enough, we met through Andrew’s bigger brother, Guy, who was an Olympic Cyclist. I met Guy at the London Olympics, where I spoke with him about considering to attend Vanderbilt, and he instantly thought to connect me with his younger brother, Andrew. It only took a few special dates for me to know that Andrew was the one for me. If you guys want more details about our love story, check out our Youtube page – we actually did an entire series about our relationship! The advice Andrew and I always give is know that a relationship is not not easy and you have to be committed to working at it. We do our best to show people that relationships aren’t perfect – that being said, if you’re willing to work hard and love that person and all of their flaws, that’s when a relationship truly grows.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwaP0GChxgS/

Pregnancy – How to prepare yourself for childbirth ?

FIV: Congratulations on your pregnancy! Do you realize that you are going to be a mother? How do you feel?

Shawn: Thank you!! I honestly still can’t believe it, it’s the biggest miracle and Andrew and I couldn’t be more excited to meet baby East.

FIV: On your Youtube channel, you have shared many videos about your pregnancy. As an athlete, what is your daily sport routine to prepare yourself for childbirth?

Shawn: I just try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m focusing on eating, sleeping, and working out a healthy amount. I try not be too intense with my workouts, but getting at least 30 minutes in each day is my goal. I want to keep my muscles fresh throughout this pregnancy. The healthier I keep my body, the healthier the childbirth will be!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLIjWetSyUk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVPxzgkWPwc

• Instagram: Shawn Johnson East 
• Youtube: Shawn Johnson East 
• Blog: Shawn Johnson East