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Viktory | VIP Member | Verified Credits (42)

Model: Viktory; Photographer: Toby James

Where are you from? Where are you based now and do you travel for shoots?

I am originally from Austria. I moved to New York 7 years ago. For the last three years I have been traveling full time for modeling, and from 2018 I will probably be based out of NYC and Austria!

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

I used to be a ballerina. I’ve been dancing since the age of three. Dance was my first big love and still is! I started working as a dancer at the age of 16 while still attending school, so my whole life was based on art, beauty, and lines. I did a few shoots for the ballet company I was working for and then their photographer asked me if I would be interested to model some more, besides the shoots we did for billboards or advertising.

How and when did you start modeling?

I started to do photo shoots for our ballet company but didn’t really work as a model. A lot of people told me to use my creativity and flexibility to model but I just never did. I thought I am too ugly and too short. Luckily, the photographer Wolfgang Mayer back in Austria and my mom never stopped suggesting it, so I eventually started in 2010 in Austria. Once I moved to the United States I stopped, because I thought they have enough amazing models here and I was still working full time as a ballerina. But one day I took the leap. I was looking for something new, something challenging and since I always loved to model, pose and create. I took the risk and from one day to the next I quit my job and worked full time as a model!

What type of modeling do you enjoy most?

I love the variety and to tell a story! I want people to look at my images and feel something – start thinking. Nowadays there are so many images- pretty images- out there. By creating high quality work combined with a concept and a story, that is what makes people stop and look closer. These are the images I love to create. I get booked most of the time for ballet and dance related work, which I always like to include in my work, but what I love most about my job is being creative. This comes in many genres: portrait, art nudes, dance, beauty, fitness, and more.

Model: Viktory; Photographer: Marie Otero

What do you look for when deciding to work with a photographer?

I look at his work first: Do I like his style? I also look at the quality of his work, but it is equally important for me how he communicates with me. Is he respectful, trustworthy and reliable? All these facts are probably even more important as I like to create with all levels. Because I was a beginner once as well- and someone gave me a chance too!

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

I get inspired by so many things. Little things really, on my trips, and my mind always comes up with new ideas. People that I look up to and inspire me are Victoria Beckham. She has always done her thing, staying true to herself, no matter what other people said about her. She kept her head low and now does what she truly enjoys successfully while having a family. In private she seems really down to earth and happy. I also look up to Camila Coelho. She is the proof for me that if you work hard and do what you love you can be successful, be happy while being kind!

What would be your dream shoot?

Luckily I have a lot of saying in the shoots I do. Quiet often photographers ask me for my opinion, my thoughts and the shoot is usually collaborative. My dream shoot at the moment would be to work with brands like Nike, Danzia, and Neutrogena. Brands that stand for beauty, fitness, and dance combined with a great team, and me having a saying in the creative process. The 432 Park Avenue shoot was pretty much what I would describe as my dream shoot!

Model: Viktory; Photographer: Matthew Bannister & Keith Bomely; Agency: DBOX

How important is social media in your success?

I tried to stay out of social media for a long time but I realized nowadays, especially in this job, it is impossible. Not just because your fans/followers are important but your reputation too, and you can reach a wider audience online. I also find great jobs on social media. So, yes, it’s definitely an important part of my business life.

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

I still love ballet and staying flexible. I do a lot of Pilates, stretching and workouts. Currently I also enjoy quiz shows- to relax, yet learn something new, and I am into languages. I always wish I was fluent in the languages of the countries I visit. I speak German, English and some French, and I understand some Portuguese and Russian, but not nearly as well as I would like, and there are many more languages to learn.

Model: Viktory; Photographer: Niel Galen

What’s the best career advice you can give to new models?

Be you. You get booked as a model because of your look and because of you. I tried to look up to other successful models and see what they do but there is no one way to success, Find your strength, be reliable, respectful and friendly. Believe me it seems so simple but sadly, especially in this industry, simple attributes like these get appreciated the most.

Learn constantly: as an artist we are never perfect. There is always something else we can learn, improve, etc.

But also know what you want and where you are heading. What do you want to stand for? Nowadays so often people tell me: “I am in need of a bendy ballerina and I thought about you.” “I am in need of a reliable creative model and I thought about you.” What do you want to be known for?

Model: Viktory; Photographer: hectors images

Instagram: @viktorymodel | Facebook: @viktorymodel