We already have published some photos of her in the feature "don't press the shutter button unless you are convinced to catch the right moment" about photographer Andreas-Joachim Lins.
Since then we followed her career and recently had another look at her Instagram page. We again were impressed by her appearance in front of the camera and asked her for an interview. So today we have the opportunity to introduce you German based model Julia Kashchuk. Julia, please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with. (How old are you, Where were you born and where do you live now, What is your profession and do you have other besides modeling? My full name is Julia Kashchuk. I was born in Russia but raised in Germany. I came to Germany with my family (parents and sister) in the end of the 90ies – an exciting, impressive and haunting time full of changes in Russia. We got the possibility to move and my parents wanted to have a stable home and a solid, internationally accepted education for my sister and me, so we decided to take that chance. The immigration was a big thing for me, until today I identify myself with both cultures. Russia is still my second home. |
This versatility influenced me a lot. I guess this is why I characterize myself with different interests: I have a passion for languages and different cultures; I am very communicative and love to travel – a truly extrovert. In my profession as a marketing manager I work with the growing needs of people, always trying to find the right and effective way of communication. I am very thankful to do what I love in my daily business. Nevertheless I always need a new challenge, that’s why I live out my creativity by modeling and acting
What do you love most about modeling?
There are basically two aspects. On the one hand, modeling is a great way to learn more about yourself, to express yourself and get more self-confident. It is definitely the possibility to plunge into a role – la femme fatale, the revel, the girl next door… there are so many ways for expression. On the other hand, it is also a chance to influence people, to motivate them and to force them to question things and stereotypes
There are basically two aspects. On the one hand, modeling is a great way to learn more about yourself, to express yourself and get more self-confident. It is definitely the possibility to plunge into a role – la femme fatale, the revel, the girl next door… there are so many ways for expression. On the other hand, it is also a chance to influence people, to motivate them and to force them to question things and stereotypes
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
It is always a highlight to travel, meet different creative people and hear their stories. As a model I have the chance to work with gorgeous, different personalities who I am very thankful for. Regarding the jobs one of the latest highlights was definitely the participation in the fashion week in Paris last season. I was walking for the German Fashion Designer Eugenia Singer and Claire Nungesser. It was amazing What really goes on behind the scenes as a model? |
I remember one of my first shoots; it was an outdoor editorial with the photographer Andreas Joachim Lins, his assistant Florian Rudolph and the makeup artist Oxana Reger. It was a typical November weather – always changing, with brief rains, absolutely freezing! And everyone was so concerned and looked after me so well – the complete opposite of what you hear about the fashion industry when you aren’t in it. Perhaps I am just lucky, but it is very rare for me to have a bad experience. To be honest I am convinced that kind of experience is totally common and yet unique to the fashion industry. I would say that I have a fantastic time in most of the jobs I do. I try to stay in touch with the people who I work with. We help each other; send each other jobs, go for dinners and events. It’s lovely to work in such a social environment if you’re an extrovert!
Which photographers in the industry do you most enjoy working with?
At this point I have to mention my good friend Dennis Wisnia. Dennis is a very interesting and expressive person I really enjoy working with. He is the most spontaneous, open minded photographer I’ve ever met. We did an editorial around three years ago and since then when one of us has an idea of something fun to shoot we get together and make it happen. Other great photographers I had an opportunity to work with are Jean Noir and Peter Müller. The job was for Jean’s workshop and it was amazing for me to see how he not only teaches his expertise but also how to interact with the model correctly, how to motivate and create an atmosphere for the perfect shot. According to the motto “Don’t capture moments, create them”
At this point I have to mention my good friend Dennis Wisnia. Dennis is a very interesting and expressive person I really enjoy working with. He is the most spontaneous, open minded photographer I’ve ever met. We did an editorial around three years ago and since then when one of us has an idea of something fun to shoot we get together and make it happen. Other great photographers I had an opportunity to work with are Jean Noir and Peter Müller. The job was for Jean’s workshop and it was amazing for me to see how he not only teaches his expertise but also how to interact with the model correctly, how to motivate and create an atmosphere for the perfect shot. According to the motto “Don’t capture moments, create them”
Define your personal style. Be always different, but stay yourself. Who would you say is your 'style muse'? It is totally up to my mood. In times of Instagram and Pinterest there is actually nobody who is my one and only “style muse”. I am more inspired by people and fashion I see when I am traveling or spend my time on social media. Your favourite designer is…? ..always another one. I love to deal with fashion and have a passion for the details. There are a lot of different brands I like. Since my latest trip to Barcelona I have to name a special one because I am totally in love with the feminine style of Ailanto. Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar? Harper’s Bazaar |
Is there any particular designer piece you are crushing on right now?
Not a special one, but I am totally into pieces of an extremely delicate and transparent basis with finest embroidery in the shape of small baroque-like elements or flowers.
What do you hope to be doing in the next 5 years? Doing exactly what I do now. Or being a rockstar :)))) If you could be anywhere else but here, where would you go? I would love to travel to South America – dance on New Year's Eve on the beach in Rio, spend the Carnival in Bahia, taste Peruvian food, spend a night in the Amazon rainforest. |
photo credits for this article:
Peter Müller, Dennis Wisnia, Jens Sprengel, Andreas-Joachim Lins, Kevin Kunz and Lukas Schacht
Peter Müller, Dennis Wisnia, Jens Sprengel, Andreas-Joachim Lins, Kevin Kunz and Lukas Schacht