About first steps in her career, her work and what is important in the model business and why «a beautiful wrapper» and «chiseled figure» is not the key to success yet- in an exclusive interview, Elena Marchik. From the mouth of a successful model, realized herself in different directions fashion industry, sound practical advice on how to achieve the desired height.
M.D.: As far as we know, you dreamed of being a model from 6 years. How do you, after all, came into the modeling business?
E.M.: It’s true! After all these years, you know how sincere and strong may be childhood dreams. After all, being a very little one, I strongly urged my mother, that I should be one of those girls from bright television screens. I was at that time 6 years old, realizing it cannot capture the spirit. Despite the fact that with age, my interests changed and I even dabbled in choreography by random circumstances, I still was on the true path! So happened that my friend invited me to a photo shoot in the agency where he worked. Captured snaps and tests have been submitted to the Director, and later it was decided to send pictures to the agency to which they cooperated in Moscow. Then my first audition and the first success - well, hello world of fashion, I am your prisoner!
M.D.: What was the reaction of your dad that you want to become a model, and the fact that you finally became?
E.M.: My parents sent me to study for the accountant economist. Their choice was obvious and clear to me, because it is a reliable profession. For them it was important to me to get a good education and had a stable job. But whatever path I choose, my family - it’s always my support! Because the desire to move to Moscow and to realize myself as a model was approved. Of course, not without persuasion to think again and not to leave father’s house. But ambition did not allow me to stop halfway. The capital received me with open arms - then still a young girl with the right moral values and good education, one who has come to fulfill your dreams. I am grateful to everyone, and especially to my parents for having believed in me at that moment.
M.D.: Which agencies are working now with?
E.M.: Initially, on arrival, I worked with the Fashion Stars, Modus Vivendis. Later - Grace Models, Starsystem Russia, Avant Model Agency. At the moment I am about 6-7 bases modeling agencies. Also I have an agent who has 2 years working with me and offers me a job.
M.D.: So what is «modelling»?
E.M.: «Every girl has a beautiful appearance or shape 90/60/90 and high growth-could be a model.» It is the usual mistake about modeling. In fact, the most important feature of the model can be only her durability, tenacity and determination. Those who have good data, but there is no confidence will not be able to achieve development. The model path is the path that the girl goes one on one with stress, failure, refusals, struggles with herself and her insecurities, fears. Work on yourself- perhaps it is just the most difficult.
M.D.: How do you keep fit?
E.M.: I do not sit on a diet, do not pace myself workouts in the gym. Of course I go to the gym once a week, just to maintain muscle tone. I can practice at home. Since childhood I was thin and fragile. There was a terrible time when I had some complexes, but understood with age, that is a plus. Many girls in the modeling business dream of a figure without dieting, I have the same by nature. Of course a healthy diet should always be. I have in the diet each day of fruits, vegetables, porridge in the morning with a spoon of honey, depleted fish, meat or seafood.
M.D.: What style of clothing do you keep in your daily life?
E.M.: I live in a non-stop, and my schedule - the castings, filming and other planned activities. In everyday life, I prefer casual style - it is always fashionable, and what is more important - comfortable. In the locker room there are generally calm tone, warm gray, black, white, beige and shades of blue. On weekdays, I do without makeup, rhinestones, vivid colors. Moscow is a fast city, won’t wait. Therefore it is necessary skillfully combine street style, but do not forget about femininity. Bright looks, high heels and other «pomposity» leave for the events.
M.D.: What do you have to refuse from, as a model?
E.M.: Almost from nothing. Since I do not sit on a diet, in diet can all afford. The only minus is of course the lack of time for their relatives. I fly to them every six months, and would like more often.
M.D.: What methods of modeling do you use in your everyday life?
E.M.: When possible I’m doing on the set of natural individuality. But as in every shooting or show is a kind of reincarnation of your usual way of life in the way that they want to see in the picture. For example, now I’m burning brunette sexy, vamp girl, and the next image of sweet seventeen girls in jeans and thingies. This kind of acting, dramatic transformation in life helps to adapt to different situations. Modelling helps me restrain emotions, to be kind of cold, indifferent when inside all boils. Behave myself worthy in any society. Filming helps me to work on myself and see myself from the outside.
M.D.: What was the most memorable show or shoot for you?
E.M.: Many different shows and I remember shooting unnecessarily I love what I do. Probably one of the most vivid impressions was Dmitry Demin. His collections have fascinated me. Each of his product was performed amazingly. Thin veils, velvet ribbons, shatush, lace, ostrich feathers, velvet, silk. Moreover, his approach was special, he picked up on each addition, taking into account the personality of the model. I wore a dress with incredible train, a hat with a veil - how not to fall in love with this image ?!
M.D.: How do you evaluate the model business and fashion industry in Russia today?
E.M.: Certainly Russia has a quite developed model business. But unfortunately, not the same as in Europe, USA. Someone is satisfied, someone not. Everyone has their own opinion on this. If the model wants to greater heights, not to work in Russia. Should be ready to work harder for 10 times. It costs a lot of moral strength and persistent disability.
M.D.: Model in Russia - a rich person?
E.M.: Everyone has their own idea of wealth. I know one thing, that there are no models in Russia who during her career, received honoraria for $ 3000-4000 for filming. Initially, any model works for herself, for her portfolio, accumulating experience. After she becomes a professional, then there is a profit. It depends, someone just is lucky and she will get a well paid shooting for the catalog.
M.D.: What do the girls, who dream of becoming a professional model, need?
E.M.: Each girl who has a desire to connect her life with modeling business, I would suggest, to think twice if you are ready for this important step. Not so easy as many people think, the beautiful appearance is not enough. We need intelligence, strength of character, a lot of patience, in any case do not want to scare. Just really look at things. You need to clearly understand what you want and go step by step to this, every day working on them. Then you will certainly get what you strive for!