 photos: Olga Gridina | HMUA: Victoria Lin | Living and working in London, UK, model and actress Victoria Sviggum is a versatile person, who has a lot of skills. She speaks three languages, plays piano, tennis and football. She can sing and masters several kinds of dances. All in all she is a fascinating character and caught our eyes immediately with the first view at her photos. We are proud to got the opportunity for an interview with her. Take the chance and get to know Victoria in this feature. |
Victoria, 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?
Well where do I begin? I was born in Spain, grew up in England and Germany, but I am actually Norwegian! After studying law at university, I started to pursue my life-long dream of acting – no regrets right? In the last few years I have been acting and modelling. It’s important to know that when you begin, you may not make enough to live off acting or modelling. I have had jobs in the service industry alongside to support my choice to pursue this career.
What do you love most about modelling?
What I love most about modelling is exploring extreme characters and getting to be someone else. Different makeup, crazy hair, exciting wardrobe – what’s not to love! It’s not just about a pretty picture, it’s about creating art.
Well where do I begin? I was born in Spain, grew up in England and Germany, but I am actually Norwegian! After studying law at university, I started to pursue my life-long dream of acting – no regrets right? In the last few years I have been acting and modelling. It’s important to know that when you begin, you may not make enough to live off acting or modelling. I have had jobs in the service industry alongside to support my choice to pursue this career.
What do you love most about modelling?
What I love most about modelling is exploring extreme characters and getting to be someone else. Different makeup, crazy hair, exciting wardrobe – what’s not to love! It’s not just about a pretty picture, it’s about creating art.
photos by Fay Summerfield
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my modelling career so far…I’d say, artistically, I really enjoyed my last two shoots. One was with Fay Summerfield, where the theme was punk inspired. We walked around east London and took shots when we felt inspired; such as against these great colourful graffiti-covered walls. Fay has a real eye for things and is an absolute trooper- even after quite a bad fall (it was very wet that day!), she didn’t quit until we got the best shots. I was also really happy with the styling for this shoot which I chose myself (though my hair was done by Helga Lee Tavares).
photos: Olga Gridina | HMUA: Victoria Lin
The second shoot was with Olga Gridina and was Viking themed. This shoot was great because again, we let the surroundings (Hampstead Heath) inspire us and experimented with different locations, poses, costume and makeup changes. Victoria Lin was the hair and makeup artist on this shoot and the three of us just had such a good time together!
 photos by Rose Patterson  photos by Fabian Sferco  photo by Fabian Bauer | On a personal level, a highlight of mine was reaching my body goals for a fitness shoot I did with Nicholas Dawkes. It was definitely hard work and it felt great seeing the results! What really goes on behind the scenes as a model? It starts well before the photoshoot. Staying fit and making sure your body is in the shape that you want takes time and consistency. As far as the photoshoot itself goes, there are instances when you spend lots of time on one type of shot and other situations when you just experiment with movement and variation more. Sometimes getting the best pose is as easy as a natural movement of the body; other times it can feel unnatural and difficult but look kick ass on film. An example of this is perhaps a fitness shoot, where you are constantly tensing your muscles to increase definition, which is quite the challenge! Which photographers in the industry do you most enjoy working with? I love photographers who are willing to experiment and do what it takes to get the shot. Like I touched upon before, Fay and Olga both had this attitude and weren’t afraid to get down in the mud to get a great shot (with Olga we even had to climb a fence!). I think this is important because that is also the attitude I bring to the shoot. They are also both creative and inspired which is a joy to work with. And did I mention they are both lovely too?! Nicholas Dawkes is also one of the loveliest photographers I have ever met. He specialises in actors’ headshots but also did a fitness shoot with me. He is an absolute pro at what he does- he just knows how to make you look good and keep you laughing the entire time! |
Define your personal style.
I wouldn’t say I have one definitive type of style. I wouldn’t limit myself that way. I like to mix it up and experiment. One day I might feel very natural and go for simple layers and nude tones with very little make up; other days I might feel like being edgier with darker eye make up, bold colours and strong lines in my clothing choice. I’ll rock anything from a comfy woolly jumper and Uggs to a leather jacket, boots and winged eyeliner.
I wouldn’t say I have one definitive type of style. I wouldn’t limit myself that way. I like to mix it up and experiment. One day I might feel very natural and go for simple layers and nude tones with very little make up; other days I might feel like being edgier with darker eye make up, bold colours and strong lines in my clothing choice. I’ll rock anything from a comfy woolly jumper and Uggs to a leather jacket, boots and winged eyeliner.
| Who would you say is your 'style muse'? Because of my eclectic approach to style, I wouldn’t say I have a particular ‘style muse’. I get inspired by loads of sources, whether it’s a magazine advert, characters on tv or even people on the street – style is diverse and all around us. Don’t get me wrong- I love seeing what the celebs have worn on the latest red carpet, but when you live in London any street can be a red carpet. Your favourite designer is… ? I wouldn’t say I have a favourite designer. I have never really been crazy for designer brands. I think what they produce is great and of excellent quality but I think what you get on the high street can be just as visually appealing. I do love watching shows like Project Runway though, where you see the creative and artistic process a designer actually goes through. At the end of the day, I’d say I like designers who know how to work with the female form and celebrate and enhance those curves. Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar? Both- I just love flipping through the adverts and seeing unique concepts for photoshoots and how different models pose. |   photos by Fay Summerfield |
Is there any particular designer piece you are crushing on right now?
I really like aviators by Ray-Ban; in my opinion they look good on everyone. I would love a pair with purple lenses or a rainbow effect to add to my collection.
What do you hope to be doing in the next 5 years?
In the next five years I hope to still be doing what I enjoy and working in the artistic and creative industry. Whether that is acting, modelling or something I haven’t even tried yet, life is full of surprises!
If you could be anywhere else but here, where would you go?
I would love to explore more of the world – visit the Mayan ruins in central America, go snorkelling off the coast of Thailand or go on a road trip down the west coast of California, so much to see!
I really like aviators by Ray-Ban; in my opinion they look good on everyone. I would love a pair with purple lenses or a rainbow effect to add to my collection.
What do you hope to be doing in the next 5 years?
In the next five years I hope to still be doing what I enjoy and working in the artistic and creative industry. Whether that is acting, modelling or something I haven’t even tried yet, life is full of surprises!
If you could be anywhere else but here, where would you go?
I would love to explore more of the world – visit the Mayan ruins in central America, go snorkelling off the coast of Thailand or go on a road trip down the west coast of California, so much to see!
photos by Peter Alberti
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