SIMONE STOCKS TALKS MODELING

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

How long have you been modeling for, you began as a sitter?

I started in 2015, so about seven years ago, and it was an absolute minefield starting out. At the time I was undertaking an A Level course in college on digital photography. A professional photographer needed a sitter for a paid workshop in my local area, so I applied to the casting on a whim. The photographer that lead the workshop thankfully had a chat with me about what the freelance world could be like with all of it’s pros and cons. I was a deer in headlights when I first began at the age of twenty but my parents had brought me up to be very aware of keeping myself safe and protected in life. I had my fair share of collaborative photoshoots however I was also struggling to say "no" too. Now, I’m quite the opposite.

It is not an easy line of work to put yourself into. Would you say the most difficult part is initially believing in yourself or really to keep believing in yourself?

You are right, it is not easy. Social media has blown up over the past ten years too so while there are a crazy amount of benefits and opportunities that arise with this, I think that has only amplified, or even created, insecurities that many people have about themselves. But what is great about back when I began to now is that the industry is far more accepting of different figures, height, a diverse range of skin colours and it is not necessarily about being pretty, clients want you to be memorable. Battling with the lack of representation of the general public was mentally tough to deal with. Why wasn’t everyone accepted? I couldn’t get my head around it. I was extremely lucky being a blonde, white, female. So the only issues that I had were my measurements were too big and I was one inch too short for the runway. Meaning no agencies at the time were interested. I’d say it is this that kept me going and believing in change in the world.

What are the things you would like to have heard when you did not have all the versatile work-experience you now have?

I wish that the book 'The Model Manifesto' by Leanne Maskell was already in existence. I can't recommend it highly enough, I’m reading it for the second time currently nodding and agreeing with it all, because I can relate to every word.

What would you deem the pros and cons with navigating as a model and being represented by an agency or freelancing?

A huge pro of freelancing, would be that you call the shots. It is much tougher than working through an agency as you have to source your own contacts, keep on top of your socials and chase invoices. If you do not start with a business head on, regardless of if you are signed to an agency or not, then you could be seriously messed around.

What’s the most recent project you’ve worked on?

It was actually a collaboration with a female creative which was super-refreshing and empowering to shoot. I’ve heavily restricted them for a few years now. I’m a big fan of photographs in print and they will be in an upcoming exhibition.

Do you prefer arriving on set with a team that already has a clear vision, or becoming more involved in shaping the creative side?

A little of both. I need to know the situation with hair, makeup, nails and clothing a week in advance, in an ideal world. Although a super-spontaneous shoot can be really fun. I just prefer to know the situation on these things because then it enables me to do my job professionally and to a higher standard. It goes a long way and makes a lasting impression showing up prepared.

Is there a particular shoot you feel captures "you" most authentically?

A recent one from Iceland, in front of the infamous waterfall Skógafoss. I had no makeup on, in my walking gear, wearing my favourite blue coat. I was in a very tranquil place.

It's still early in the new year, in what direction do you hope your modeling will move in?

Self portraits. Hear me out. I'm picking my camera back up again. Technology has advanced so much in the last decade and I have a far better eye for photography now from both perspectives in front of the lens and behind, where I have felt I wanted to bring an idea to life as a model, I could not execute it exactly how I wanted to. I could not always be portrayed in the light that I wanted to. I will have more control over my aesthetic. Which I find incredibly exciting.

Do you have any New Year's-resolutions or just goals you wish to have achieved in a year from now?

Not a resolution as such. I believe that if you want to change things, do it from the day you’ve thought about it, don’t save it for one day. Keep doing things that make you happy. Surround yourself with positive energy and those of a similar mindset. In a year, I would like to portray me and my imagination through being a model photographer. I want continue to feel at peace while climbing this creative mountain.