edu LIBRARY

Christiana Raquelle has graced magazine covers, editorials and ads across the country. Currently based in Los Angeles but often traveling, Christiana has the whole package. She’s stunning, 5’10, and has an energetic personality that lights up the room the moment she walks in.

In this interview, Christiana shares some of the ups and downs of the modeling industry with lots of advice for the less seasoned.

Model: Christiana Raquelle; Photographer: Paolo P

Model Mayhem: You have years of modeling experience under your belt. Tell us about the casting that started it all.

Christiana Raquelle: I was about 19 years old finishing up cosmetology school in Montana and America’s Next Top Model had a casting in town. My classmates convinced me to go. A couple of months down the line, I got a call from the casting director of the show asking if I was available to come to Los Angeles for the big casting. I was shocked!

Really, I just went to the open call for fun. I didn’t think it would turn into anything, but it did! I flew to Los Angeles for the first time in my life and I fell in love with the city. I didn’t make the final cut for the show– I don’t think I was crazy enough. Haha! But it did show me that modeling was a very real thing that I could do. I decided to save my money and move to LA and do it!

Model Mayhem: It must have been scary to come all the way to Los Angeles for the ANTM callback. Is that the most intimidating casting you’ve attended?

Christiana: Honestly? Yes. I don’t think it can get more intimidating that wearing a bikini and being interviewed by Tyra’s mom in front of 150 other models from across the country. I’m pretty glad I got that out of the way.

I’m confident enough now that I’m not scared when I go to big castings or book big jobs.

Model: Christiana Raquelle; Photographer: Roy Nelson Photos

Model Mayhem: Who inspires you most as an artist?

Christiana: It’s hard to choose a favorite! Los Angeles is filled with so much talent; there is no lack of inspiration here. I can tell you that my most consistent motivation comes from my roommate, Amy Loubris. She’s another model, but with an edgier style and we bounce a lot of ideas off of each other. Also, Barry Druxman and Roy Nelson are two photographers I’ve worked with the most frequently. They really helped me along my career.

Model Mayhem: You’re a total chameleon and you’ve seen your face thousands of different ways. I’m sure it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’m going to make you. What’s your personal favorite from your career so far?

Christiana: My favorite photo of myself is from my first shoot with Barry, actually. That has been my favorite portrait of me for over a year until a few weeks ago when my friend Xander Smith painted it. His painting is now my favorite because it’s my favorite photo from Barry combined with my favorite animal, the peacock.

Xander is a truly excellent artist. He does a lot of the concept and design work for shows such as American Horror Story and Scream Queens.

Model: Christiana Raquelle; Photographer: Barry Druxman; Artist: Xander Smith

Model Mayhem: What do you think is the biggest mistake you made as a newbie?

Christiana: Funny story! When I first moved to LA, I got “discovered” by a wealthy older man who supposedly produced a lot of big music videos. Unknown to me, he considered our business meeting a date. Things got awkward very fast. It took him a couple of months, but he finally left me alone and I learned a valuable lesson. Never talk to people who approach you saying they’re a big deal. They’re usually not and if they somehow are, they are most likely crazy.

Model Mayhem: When you moved to Los Angeles, you didn’t know a soul. A lot of new models who take that first jump end up in the same situation. Any advice?

Christiana: The best advice I can give to aspiring young models is to not invest all your confidence in getting signed to an agency. I applied to almost every agency in LA when I first moved and none of them wanted to sign me. At first I was very heartbroken because I didn’t know any other ways of getting into modeling. Turns out, nowadays there are a lot of ways to break into the industry. You’ll learn best where you fit in by networking with other models and photographers.

If you DO get signed with an agency, great! But don’t put the value of your career and yourself in the hands of the agencies. Know your other options.

Outside of modeling, my best advice when moving to a new city is going out and talking to people. There are plenty of resources online where you can look up fun events going on in your area. Once you’re there, just force yourself to talk to people. If you have enough confidence, people will notice and talk with you. And in LA, you never know who you’re going to find!

Model Mayhem: You do a lot of traveling. How do you find work or portfolio shoots when you’re in a new city?

Christiana: My main vessel to find work across the country is actually Model Mayhem! I post a travel notice and message active photographers in the area before I arrive. Usually, people from other cities are thrilled when big city models come to visit smaller areas. They don’t always have a lot of experienced models to choose from locally.

Model Mayhem: What would be your model dream come true?

Christiana: My biggest dream would be to model internationally, particularly Japan! I’ve always wanted to go there since I was a little kid.

Model: Christiana Raquelle; Photographer: Phillip Ritchie

Model Mayhem: Modeling means dealing with rejection, inconsistencies and a lot of stress. It can be hard to keep your chin up. Any tricks to get you through?

Christiana: This industry is full of twists and turns. Sometimes you’re so busy you can hardly think and haven’t slept in days. Other times, you’re just spending days on end updating your portfolio and applying to castings.

I try to use my downtime to be creative and hang out with my friends. It can be hard to get through it all by yourself. Building a network of support is so important. Being a full-time model isn’t easy, and if it was I suppose everyone would do it.

To me, all the easy things in life aren’t worth having. I like to face a new challenge everyday.

Model Mayhem: Have you ever been told to change your body for modeling? What would you say to models in that position?

Christiana: Oh, yes. I’ve been told I was too big for jobs or too small. It’s very important to me to not give myself crazy diet or workout regimens. While I’m modeling I also want to enjoy my life. I’ve seen a lot of other girls get super strict on what they eat and it’s not healthy. You always photograph best when you’re happy, so treat yourself to some “naughty” food once in a while. It makes a big difference! You’ll enjoy modeling a lot more if you’re realistic about your body and your diet.

The point is, you’re never going to make everyone happy. That’s why it’s so important to be happy with yourself. Treat your body with kindness and you should only strive to look and be healthy.