MARY DREW AHRENS TALKS MODELING

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

How did you get your start as a model?

I started modeling doing local jobs around my hometown through my mother agency when I was around fourteen years old, so I’ve been modeling for about ten years now! It’s been on and off over the years with different seasons and jobs, but certainly a lot of different experiences that I’m super grateful for. I have had to opportunity to work with a range of jobs from modeling on the runway to getting into movies!

I know you modeled yourself into a new movie with quite a few noteable actors. Did you get any time together with them?

I got a time in-between the scenes with Greg Germann and Josh Hutcherson while we were filming. They are such sweet and fun people to be around, which made it hard for me not to laugh during filming a scene one night. I actually was reluctant to introduce myself until my shoe flew off and landed near Josh while filming my scene, so that was not my "ideal way of first impressions" but it’s a funny memory to think back to!

How did you find yourself on a movie set?

I found myself there since my manager work with a talent agency who represents actors and models. I also found myself doing commercial modeling work early on in my career and I believe that really sparked my interest in pursuing more acting things, since it comes naturally to me.

Would you like to do more actual–acting?

I do! I love to do it all! I honestly believe that both these outlets flow naturally together. You can’t really model without acting, in my opinion. There are definitely different approaches in many ways but overall, I would combine the two, and that’s where I find most of my success! Looking back, I would consider myself a dramatic kid but never really participated in theater growing up (laughs).

What agency are you signed with today. What do you value in the agency you're with?

I am actually signed with a few! I am signed with Select Models based in Atlanta, Modern Muse based in Orlando and Boom Models in Milan, my mother agency is Images Model and Talent, which I help direct operations with now. I also work with some people in Louisiana, where I am from, and with Slamm Management. I value the connections and quality of work that being with a reputable agency brings. I love when my agents bring the same energy and work ethic because it makes working with each other so much easier and exciting! I always feel like my agencies should feel like an extension of family because then it shows the trust and bond that we share, being signed with an agency helps me guide my career and grow as I expand, internationally. I am super grateful for all my experiences and jobs that I’ve received through my agencies, as well as freelancing.

What are some of those experiences you would like to step back into for a moment?

I think a few memories I would go back to are these. That feeling of euphoria when I found out I got into my choice law schools before I stepped onto a runway during a fashion-show, then getting to share the news with my family after. The feeling of love and accomplishment when all my students I coached with my mother agency won multiple awards at the conventions we attended. And I’d love to go back to my time spent in Moldova and Innsbruck in Austria with my closest friends. These people have a big impact on my life. So going back to spending time with them would be ideal.

You only signed with your agency in Milan last July. What was your European–summer like?

I had the best European summer! I ended up making the best and closest friendships I’ve ever had in my life with people from all across Europe! I am super grateful to work in Milan now because I am around so many cultures and that’s where I feel like I thrive. I already am counting down the days until I’m back for this summer!

Have you worked in Sweden?

I would love to work in Northern Europe! I have not got the opportunity to work in Sweden, or anywhere in Scandinavia yet, but I hope to have the opportunity to work there soon! It is one of my dreams to be signed in there and also in the Netherlands, Germany, London, and Paris. I would love to continue working and traveling full time because it is truly my passion and what makes me feel most alive!