 | Last year in April we published the feature "Since her childhood she dreamed to become a model" about model Julia Janine here in ZZ MODEL FEATURE. Today, about one year later, we had the chance and opportunity to follow up with Julia, who meanwhile moved from Brunswick, Germany to Capetown, South Africa. In our interview with her she tells us about the differences in model business between the two spots, why she moved to South Africa and what are her plans for the future. |
Julia, it is about one year ago, since we published a feature about you in ZZ MODEL FEATURE. At that time you were living in Brunswick, Germany. Now you moved to Capetown, South Africa. Please tell us a little bit about your reasons to stay in South Africa. Was it about modelling or do you have another profession, which comes first?
To move to Cape Town had two different reasons for me. First i have to spend six month in another country to finish my study as a mediamanager, but i defenetly wanted to move to a model town an skip the german winter. So the best solution was Cape Town. It was easy to find an agency to do my internship and to make my first steps in the international model industry. Another reason for me to chose Cape Town is the african wildlife. You can swim with penguins or just see a new born wild elephant in front of your car. Its just an amazing country.
To move to Cape Town had two different reasons for me. First i have to spend six month in another country to finish my study as a mediamanager, but i defenetly wanted to move to a model town an skip the german winter. So the best solution was Cape Town. It was easy to find an agency to do my internship and to make my first steps in the international model industry. Another reason for me to chose Cape Town is the african wildlife. You can swim with penguins or just see a new born wild elephant in front of your car. Its just an amazing country.
photos: Johnny Lai Sang .As we could see, you already had several sessions in and around Capetown. So what is your impression? What are the differences to your work in Germany?
The people here are way more relaxed. A huge difference is that everyone first wants to shoot at the beach as you dont have that option in germany. And most of the photographer invest way more in their equipment, so you gave shoots in another dimension. And here are so many models everywhere and a lot of castings. Today i had for example a casting for Maybelline.
How long will you stay in Capetown and what kind of sessions do you plan in this time?
I will still stay until April, so six month at all. I will still have a session with horses at a ranch and a shooting at Cape Point (hopefully with some Zebras)
You do quite a bit of commercial modelling work. Tell us about some of your recent shoots.
For commercial i still have to go and visit castings. In Cape Town they produce for the big ones in the industry, like h&m, haribo or maybelline. I just had a shoot for wedding dresses so far
The people here are way more relaxed. A huge difference is that everyone first wants to shoot at the beach as you dont have that option in germany. And most of the photographer invest way more in their equipment, so you gave shoots in another dimension. And here are so many models everywhere and a lot of castings. Today i had for example a casting for Maybelline.
How long will you stay in Capetown and what kind of sessions do you plan in this time?
I will still stay until April, so six month at all. I will still have a session with horses at a ranch and a shooting at Cape Point (hopefully with some Zebras)
You do quite a bit of commercial modelling work. Tell us about some of your recent shoots.
For commercial i still have to go and visit castings. In Cape Town they produce for the big ones in the industry, like h&m, haribo or maybelline. I just had a shoot for wedding dresses so far
photos: Marlon Du Plooy Photography & Film What really goes on behind the scenes as a model?
Most of the models are really friendly, but its a lot of pressure. My old agency told me for example that i look fat at a picture where you could see my bones. You have to stay selfconfident and change agents. Unfortunately i know some models that could not handle it and stopped eating, but most of the agencies are really friendly and helpful and care about their models. But all the girl thinking that modelling is a luxury business, i'm sorry it is not. True you see the world and meet new people, but for a shooting that looks so nice on instagram you spend hours in a garage to shoot in uncomfortable poses. And even the victorias secret angels have to spend hours in the very cold water to guez the perfect pic.
Which photographers in the industry do you most enjoy working with and is there a different attitude about the photographers in Europe and South Africa?
Yes there is a difference. Most of the photographers here are perfectionists. They care about the styling, perfect poses and perfect make up. But for me its great, cause in the end that gives me perfect pictures for my portfolio.
What do you love most about modelling?
I really love it that i always meet new people. I love to see the results of my work and how different you can look with another style or another make up. It’s amazing. And it’s a great feeling if everyone cares about you, cause you are the one, who has to rock the session.
Most of the models are really friendly, but its a lot of pressure. My old agency told me for example that i look fat at a picture where you could see my bones. You have to stay selfconfident and change agents. Unfortunately i know some models that could not handle it and stopped eating, but most of the agencies are really friendly and helpful and care about their models. But all the girl thinking that modelling is a luxury business, i'm sorry it is not. True you see the world and meet new people, but for a shooting that looks so nice on instagram you spend hours in a garage to shoot in uncomfortable poses. And even the victorias secret angels have to spend hours in the very cold water to guez the perfect pic.
Which photographers in the industry do you most enjoy working with and is there a different attitude about the photographers in Europe and South Africa?
Yes there is a difference. Most of the photographers here are perfectionists. They care about the styling, perfect poses and perfect make up. But for me its great, cause in the end that gives me perfect pictures for my portfolio.
What do you love most about modelling?
I really love it that i always meet new people. I love to see the results of my work and how different you can look with another style or another make up. It’s amazing. And it’s a great feeling if everyone cares about you, cause you are the one, who has to rock the session.
photos: Jilda G Photography What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Oh my god. There where a lot of highlights. First of all i signed with a big agency. That was a highlight. I had the honor to open my first fashion show here in Cape Town. I had a big wedding shoot with a photographer, who also made pictures for a shaik in Dubai. And as a big highlight i was allowed to be part of the dance movie Honey 3 with Jessica Alba on set
Define your personal style.
I love to play with my style, but most of the time i keep it natural. In my private live i don't wear a lot of make up. A friend of mine said i always wear something, that looks like rock. So i love my chucks, my leather jackets and low backs
Who would you say is your 'style muse'?
I love the style of Candice Swanepoel and Blake Lively. I do not really copy them, but sometimes they give me inspiration
Your favourite designer is… ?
As almost every girl i'm in love with victorias secret, yes they also produce normal clothes
photos: Marlon Du Plooy Photography & Film Is there any particular designer piece you are crushing on right now?
To be honest, i don’t need things cause they are from a certain designer. Here is a lot of great local stuff to see and to buy.
What do you hope to be doing in the next 5 years?
If i dream really really really big, then i want to wear the victorias secret fantasy bra in five years.
We cross fingers for you, Julia, that you will reach your goals.
To be honest, i don’t need things cause they are from a certain designer. Here is a lot of great local stuff to see and to buy.
What do you hope to be doing in the next 5 years?
If i dream really really really big, then i want to wear the victorias secret fantasy bra in five years.
We cross fingers for you, Julia, that you will reach your goals.
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