----- Modeling -----
1. What got you started in modeling?
I was looking for a creative outlet. I was introduced to the local photography community in pharmacy school. I connected with a photographer and from then on, worked on perfecting my craft as model working with many talented collaborators. To date, I have been fortunate to be published in a handful of artistic publications.
I was looking for a creative outlet. I was introduced to the local photography community in pharmacy school. I connected with a photographer and from then on, worked on perfecting my craft as model working with many talented collaborators. To date, I have been fortunate to be published in a handful of artistic publications.
2. What genres do you specialize in?
I tend to specialize in projects with strong concepts. Strength, focused mood, and darkness seem to be some of the common themes that come up. I work mainly in beauty, fashion (editorial) and conceptual work. Somehow I end up doing quite a number of dark, borderline or straight up horror themes. I think I am drawn to the rawness and departure from traditional beauty of these concepts.
I tend to specialize in projects with strong concepts. Strength, focused mood, and darkness seem to be some of the common themes that come up. I work mainly in beauty, fashion (editorial) and conceptual work. Somehow I end up doing quite a number of dark, borderline or straight up horror themes. I think I am drawn to the rawness and departure from traditional beauty of these concepts.
3. Where are you located?
Sacramento, California, United States.
Sacramento, California, United States.
4. What is your ethnicity?
I am of Korean descent.
I am of Korean descent.
5. What special skills do you have for modeling?
I am a martial artist and dancer. I am also proficient in posing *correctly* with a wide variety of weapons including Asian swords, short knives, half moon blades, staff and nun-chucks. Owing to my doctorate training and two years of residency, I am highly analytical and have a systematic approach. I use that analytical skill to design dynamic poses and looks that best fit the theme/concept. I also contribute to the shoot by bringing styling elements and props (with blessing from the team).
I am a martial artist and dancer. I am also proficient in posing *correctly* with a wide variety of weapons including Asian swords, short knives, half moon blades, staff and nun-chucks. Owing to my doctorate training and two years of residency, I am highly analytical and have a systematic approach. I use that analytical skill to design dynamic poses and looks that best fit the theme/concept. I also contribute to the shoot by bringing styling elements and props (with blessing from the team).
6. Who are the models you look up to?
Considering I do not really fit the traditional model look and modeling relies heavily on looks, I don't find a lot of models whose work is applicable to my modeling journey. I enjoy the energy and determination of Sora Choi and Mosh however.
Considering I do not really fit the traditional model look and modeling relies heavily on looks, I don't find a lot of models whose work is applicable to my modeling journey. I enjoy the energy and determination of Sora Choi and Mosh however.
7. What advice would you give new models/people interested in modeling?
I do not recommend modeling as a means to gain confidence. The industry is built on judging people for their physical appearances. You have to have the confidence and the insight to know your limits that you have the ability to walk away when the modeling opportunity would mean compromising your physical and/or mental health. I would recommend being motivated by other components such as artistic desire. It is also important to study what your strengths are as a model and which looks you will be most marketable for/your niche. Take the time and effort to build a strong portfolio for the work you desire.
I do not recommend modeling as a means to gain confidence. The industry is built on judging people for their physical appearances. You have to have the confidence and the insight to know your limits that you have the ability to walk away when the modeling opportunity would mean compromising your physical and/or mental health. I would recommend being motivated by other components such as artistic desire. It is also important to study what your strengths are as a model and which looks you will be most marketable for/your niche. Take the time and effort to build a strong portfolio for the work you desire.
8. Do you offer mentorship?
Yes, I am happy to offer my advice and guidance. I believe I have valuable insight in understanding strength and challenges as a model, concept development, and designing looks for the camera. However, I have no experience in working as an agency model and my modeling journey is unconventional. If you're looking to be a traditional model, you would most likely benefit from asking a different model.
Yes, I am happy to offer my advice and guidance. I believe I have valuable insight in understanding strength and challenges as a model, concept development, and designing looks for the camera. However, I have no experience in working as an agency model and my modeling journey is unconventional. If you're looking to be a traditional model, you would most likely benefit from asking a different model.
----- Others -----
1. What is your main work outside creative?
I am a mental health pharmacist.
I am a mental health pharmacist.
2. What are your hobbies?
Martial arts, dance, collecting vintage clothes and accessories that I frequently use for styling, and reading Korean webtoons.
3. What other creative work do you do?
Photography, makeup artistry
4. Who are the creatives you admire?
Photographer: Mark Daughn, Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, Ali Mahdavi,
Brandon Ellis, Linda Drake, Sequoia Emmanuelle
Videographer: Steven Klein
Illustrator: Hyung Tae Kim
Makeup Artist: Roshar, Pat McGrath, Nick Lujan, Rae Morris, Hung Vanngo
Designer: Alexander McQueen, Mugler, Hanae Mori, Creepy Yeha, Michelle Hebert, Haenuli, Miss G Designs, Alex Streeter
Martial arts, dance, collecting vintage clothes and accessories that I frequently use for styling, and reading Korean webtoons.
3. What other creative work do you do?
Photography, makeup artistry
4. Who are the creatives you admire?
Photographer: Mark Daughn, Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, Ali Mahdavi,
Brandon Ellis, Linda Drake, Sequoia Emmanuelle
Videographer: Steven Klein
Illustrator: Hyung Tae Kim
Makeup Artist: Roshar, Pat McGrath, Nick Lujan, Rae Morris, Hung Vanngo
Designer: Alexander McQueen, Mugler, Hanae Mori, Creepy Yeha, Michelle Hebert, Haenuli, Miss G Designs, Alex Streeter