(Photo Credit: Bailey Harada Stone)
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of connecting with model Cameron Lee at Fashion’s Night Out. And after hitting it off, I thought it would be fun to share his story with Consuming PR readers! Check out this Q&A below to learn more about Cameron including his most memorable moment, advice for aspiring models and his take on social media in the fashion industry. Enjoy!
Q. What are your favorite designers?
A. Favorite designers are Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Levi’s, Betsey Johnson, Versace, Hugo Boss. Also the many local designers like Estrella Tadeo who owns The Mission Statement, a store which houses many old and new native Bay Area designers’ collections.
Q. When did you know you wanted to pursue modeling?
A. I knew that I had an interest in fashion from when I was very young. I became more aware of my appreciation for the idea as I started getting older and was unable to explore it as much as I had wanted because, of my upbringing in a small rural town in southern Wisconsin. It wasn’t until I moved to San Francisco and was trying to figure out how to create some extra income that I actually considered modeling. I replied to a post on Craigslist for a student photographer to see if I would even get a response. I did, and everything has kinda snowballed from there, through networking and collaborating with local photographers, stylist, hair and makeup artists and anyone in between. I have been enjoying every minute of it!
Q. What’s been your most memorable moment so far?
A. I’ve been modeling for more than a year now. My most memorable moment so far is when I was asked to be model for an iStockphoto convention and paired with a female model for a “live” photo shoot where photographers could practice directing. Needless to say, we had to work with a room full of photographers, creative directors and observers. I’ve never had to go through so many emotions in four hours! While it was an amazing learning experience, I now have much more sympathy for caged zoo animals on display. Ha.
Q. How do you think social media will change the modeling industry?
A. I’m amazed at how technology has made our world smaller. People are more connected than ever and it’s allowing people to branch out and communicate with other like-minded people.
Social media allows for people to take control and promote themselves and others without the pressure of outside sources; allowing for more creative control and also the added benefit of immediate response. I definitely feel that social media has enabled me to network and keep in contact with friends/clients much easier than if it never existed. The time is now, so I’m taking advantage of it for all it’s worth!
We are able to follow the lives and endeavors of individuals we may not know, have known or met through social media like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. Hopefully, I’ve inspired those in my social network to take the chance and become who they want to be by following their dreams.
Q. What is your long term goal in modeling?
A. I have several goals in mind for my future in modeling. My long term goal in modeling is to be published by big name designers.
For now, my short term goal is to network and collaborate with creative individuals who can help teach me more about the industry and possibly help me become a fashion photographer. Hopefully start doing projects that incorporate acting.
Also, I want to have fun! This is my chance to do something that I can show my kids one day — to let them know that I tried something that is hard and that people usually think of as only a dream.
I went to school to pursue a career in art. After years working jobs that seemed to offer not much more than financial stability, I now want to take the time to pursue something creative and that keeps my imagination going. It’s therapeutic for me.
Q. Do have any advice for aspiring models?
A. Never let anyone say you are incapable. I believe in being in control of your own destiny. It was soon after moving to San Francisco that, on my way out of my apartment one morning, I noticed a BMW smashed into the wall right next to the entrance of my apartment building. Life is too short. If I would have walked out of my house at the wrong time, I could have been pinned between the brick and a luxury vehicle.
There will always be people in the world telling you that you’re incapable, but I also believe that there are just as many people who will believe in your abilities.
For more information on booking, check out Look Model Agency. And, for creative collaborations, find Cameron on Model Mayhem.
Slideshow Photo Credit: Nicky Nylon, Bailey Harada Stone, William Perls, digitalHe-Robin Bourbonnais, Jonne C. Johnson
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