Jennterview: Suzy Watts, Model

“Jennterviews” is an ongoing interview series in which I (via my Ghost Writer/Web Gopher/Human Glitter Bomb, Stacey) interview the fascinating artists and creative industry figures that I work with. In this installment, we feature Suzy Watts, Model with Career Images Model & Talent Agency. You can check her out on her website and her solo and KC Knockouts Facebook Pages.

How did you get into your field?

It was a dream of mine since I was old enough to admire Cindy Crawford alongside my mother. I started doing photo shoots, auditions/castings, and networking myself as a model from the time I was seven on, with the help of my mother of course. In 2003, my senior year of high school, I began working with more professional photographers and designers, starting with training at International Modeling and Talent Association for Barbizon School of Modeling. In 2011, I really went full force after my dream, especially in the Kansas City market. My aspirations included managing and coaching in KC Knockouts with CEO and founder Shaunta Hinde, promotional modeling, and learning to market myself as a model, as well as expanding my network and portfolio. From then on, throughout the years, I continued to chase after any and all opportunity, meeting and working with all kinds of designers, photographers, and various other clientele. I have continued to grow and improve my skill, confidence, and overall repertoire. I love modeling. I am an artist at heart. It is a passion for me more than it is a job.

What inspires you creatively?

I am inspired on a daily basis. I love using emotion from real life experience. I think the pictures are the best when the model comes off the page and invokes a mood. I am also extremely inspired by all my wonderful friends, especially designers such as Mia Marie with Show Me Heaven and Sharlene Henthorne with Inner Hippie. My favorite makeup and hair artist in Kansas City, Jennifer Cassidy, who also models, is a huge inspiration to me, not just as an artist but also as a woman fighting her way to the top and maintaining all her goals, despite the common adversity among colleagues. [Goodness, you guys. I wasn’t fishing when I sent you these questions. I swear!] My journey overall has been an inspiration in itself as well. I am a trauma survivor and modeling helps me to breathe, and has brought a lot of opportunity to me to use both my strengths and weaknesses to create something beautiful and real.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

That is a very hard question to answer. I love a lot of different aspects that my work brings me, including the people I have the privilege to meet and work with and all the wonderful experiences in between. But perhaps, deep down, if I really think about it and go with what my heart says, it is the natural high I get from being beautiful and confidently doing a good job sharing it with the world.

What is your least favorite thing about your work?

Unfortunately, that is an easy question to answer. This industry can be very dirty. And by dirty I mean, there are a lot of good people in this field, but there are also scandalous, dishonest people who will do anything and everything to get to the top, including putting down other artists and sabotaging their work. I try my best to be positive and look ahead, killing those who fit the role with kindness, however that does not always work. Fortunately, for every hater there are three more that love you. At least that is what I believe.

What do you wish people understood about your work?

Simply put, time is money. It seems there are too many who do not fully understand the value that experienced artists such as myself bring. If I model for you, I need to be paid, maybe not always monetarily, but at least in some way or form. If I give you my time and best efforts as a model and artist, I expect to be paid unless another prior arrangement has been made. If more models, artists, and photographers, were compensated more consistently, I believe the struggle would not be so deep and the dream would not die so easily. Fortunately, I am relentless. :)

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

This next year I believe is. I just signed a non-exclusive contract with Career Images Model & Talent Agency. I have made a name for myself and regularly am scheduling both paid shoots and casting and auditions. I have an awesome support system in the industry and I feel like just turning thirty, knowing who I am, and being sure and confident as a model and artist is going to take me far. I will at the very least enjoy every moment, no longer stressing about the ins and outs and/or the yeses and nos. I am just going to go all out and enjoy every minute!

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career?

It is a cross between trusting people who didn’t have my best interests at heart and allowing myself to get burnt out in the height of my career. Balance and time management is definitely something I will continue to work at and focus on.

What advice do you have for someone entering your field?

Do not worry about what you're not. Focus on what you are and build it. Do not give up, and show them you love yourself. Modeling is a field for all shapes and sizes, colors, and characters. Just bring the best you. Show them why you are so special. And love and encourage other artists. Bring them up, not down. We need to work as a team, not enemies or divas.

What do you look for in a makeup artist?

The first thing I look for, of course, is the quality of their work. But also what is equally important to me is that they listen and care about what I want or what the job is asking for. Attitude and character are also very important.

What one personal care item would you be most lost without?

Hmm...I have had so many experiences where I had to go without something I wanted or needed. But I guess I really depend on my foundation more than anything - especially if there is not a makeup artist there. Oh and deodorant… Yes, that is a must.

In your opinion, what is the worst trend in recent memory?

I absolutely hate those oversized dresses and shirts that make people wonder if you’re pregnant. They are not flattering to your figure at all.

White chocolate: Sweet treat or lie and abomination?

Sweet treat! I'm not much for sweets at least regularly but white chocolate is delicious and my friend.

Anything else you'd like your readers to know?

Feel free to follow me on my links and websites. Special thank you to all my friends, family, and fans for continuing to support me and build me up!

#jennterviews