edu LIBRARY

Karly Salinas | VIP Member | Verified Credits (85)

Model: Karly Salinas; Photographer: armohsenian

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

I was born in Albuquerque and raised in New Mexico and Colorado. I’m currently based in Denver, though I travel all over the U.S. roughly 50% of the time each month.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

My mom and her sisters had modeled for a local, very well-known watercolor artist when they were all young ladies. Growing up with fine art paintings of my family members was inspiring. My mom passed away when I was 8-years old and her image was commemorated in those paintings. It was always a dream of mine to grow up and model, though I wasn’t sure it ever would come to fruition.

Model: Karly Salinas; Photographer: Tony Rocco

How and when did you start modeling?

I started modeling when I was 19-years old. One day while I was with my aunt at the gym I ran into the artist who had painted my family (he had also painted my aunt when she was a teen). He was thrilled to meet me because of our deep-rooted history with him and his work. I hadn’t seen him since I was a kid and my mom was still around. Anyhow, he asked me if I’d be willing to pose for him, and I emphatically agreed. Within that same year, I found an “agent” on a Craigslist ad, who ended up being a really nice and helpful guy at managing my bookings. Unfortunately, he disappeared out of nowhere after just under a year of working together, so I took over my work and have done it on my own ever since.

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

To be honest, I enjoy it all so much. I love to diversify myself so I’m fresh with all categories. I love lifestyle, fashion, glamour, and non-nude/non-sexual fetish work the most. But, more than what I love to shoot most, it is all about the relationship-building and interactions I get to have with people all over the country. It is wonderful meeting so many different people and having the honor of fulfilling their artistic ideas through my modeling.

Model: Karly Salinas; Photographer: ATDowning

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

I trust my instincts. I’m not skeptical or hyper-vigilant, but I am absolutely sure to listen to my gut. If any alarm bells go off, and luckily they rarely do, I shut it down quickly. I look at any tags they may have on their Model Mayhem profile or whether they are tagging models in their portfolios and on social media. It serves as a good reference. Also, as long as they aren’t being pushy with something beyond my limitations, and we both are moving in the direction of artistic creativity, then I’m happy to work with that individual.

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

Everyone! I’m currently obsessed with burlesque models and vintage-inspired looks. I think it should never be underestimated how important it is to constantly be looking at what other models are doing so that I know what is successful and what I might need to change to stand out on my own.

Model: Karly Salinas; Photographer: Al Abbazia

What would be your dream shoot?

Right now, my dream shoot would be a high fashion, retro style shoot. I am also really into fantasy photography at the moment. I love lavish gowns that can translate into a fairytale concept, but my sole intention is to do my best to make others’ creative visions come to life.

How important is social media in your success?

Very important. Instagram gets me a ton of work for modeling, and Twitter is an excellent networking tool for the fetish industry. There are others, but I think those two and Model Mayhem are the best. It took me a year to build a big following and so much dedication of an hour a day for that time, but it was so worth it.

Model: Karly Salinas; Photographer: MINDREALM STUDIO

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

I love to travel. I love working out at the gym, going on drives and hikes. I’m into jiu-jitsu, ballet (still a novice), arts and crafts, and I am currently learning the other side of the camera as well. I have one Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, but I will soon be returning to finish my other halfway completed Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

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

Listen to your instincts. Always be safe – tell at least one loved one where you are going and who you are working with, and have them check in on you when you should be finished. Have the courage to say “no” when someone uses even the slightest coercion. Don’t push your own boundaries for money – always be true to yourself. Watch what other models are doing so you have a guide along your path. Be open to reaching out to other models if you need to for references or have questions, and remember these connections are important to maintain. We must build an accepting and embracing community among ourselves.

Keep in mind your face and body are moving pieces to the puzzle that comes together to create art – don’t neglect facial expressions, emotion, and posing – they’re all equally important. Be positive and professional in your interactions, and be punctual. Please don’t cancel for no reason or no-show. This reflects poorly on all models and we all have a fragile ethical image to uphold. Do what you love!

Model: Karly Salinas; Photographer: Tony Rocco

Check out Karly Salinas’ Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow Karly on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.