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Katarina Keen | VIP Member | Verified Credits (51)

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

I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and still reside in the area. I plan around five tours a year to different places in the United States, and eventually the world! So yes, I do a lot of traveling!

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

It was my freshman year in high school that I met my best friend, Jasmine, who pulled me out of my shadow and helped me define my own identity. She said, “ Is this darkness really who you are? You are so positive and bright. Reflect that.” This changed me. It inspired me to embrace who I really am, though I really didn’t know who that was. Whether it meant finding myself or creating myself, I started to explore my mind, and my fashion. Forming molds until one fit. This is what inspired me to be a model.

How and when did you start modeling?

I saw an ad online to be a figure art model, and I responded in an instant. It was that day in a college classroom that I took all my clothes off, and held that pose while being painted by a dozen artists. I traded my time to get free classes, to draw the other figures that would come in. The diversity of the models just astonished me. Of all ages, shapes, and sizes. In particular, a very large woman came in one day. She was curvy and so confident. I was so captivated by her body, and how much of a challenge it was to draw her. All the lines, shapes, and shadows that contoured her being. The raw human form. I became transfixed by the art of the nude, and from this class, I gained an open awareness towards nudity and deep respect for the body.

Next thing you know, I looked more into the industry of being an art nude model, and have been traveling all around the country as a model and artist since.

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

I love fine art nude work because I just love to create! I especially love when I’m entwined with nature, as part of a landscape. I enjoy glamour/ fashion/boudoir and vintage style pinup. Especially the classic black and white style.

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

In this industry, you have to check yourself! It is so important to stay safe, and do your homework on photographers you work with. Play it smart, and don’t trust everyone. I always filter my search by photographers with Verified Credits so I know they have worked with models before. I make sure to look through the photographer’s portfolio to see if they are legit. I ask for their website or online portfolio, and model references. Then I make sure I contact the model and ask about the photographer.

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

There are so many out there… I really love the work of PoppySeed Dancer. She is an incredible ballet dancer and a phenomenal person. Also, I have fallen in love with underwater photography/modeling, so Christine Ren is another model that I just adore!

What would be your dream shoot?

I have so many ideas for shoots/and sets. I am particularly interested in underwater modeling because it is so surreal, and is closest to that dream-like state that I try to capture in my paintings. I would love to explore the underwater world and build an elaborate set underwater to capture this.

How important is social media in your success?

Social media can be a powerful tool. It is extremely important. I find that Instagram is my most powerful tool when it comes to bookings. I make sure to post frequently and respond promptly.

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

I am an artist, painter, sculptor, and do stained glass work in the art world. I also do web design, book formatting, and help to run a non-profit for the arts!

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other models. Embrace rejection! Own it, love it, but be aware that this industry can harden you. Don’t get jaded!  Try harder. Make them wish they had hired or signed you.

Check out Katarina Keen’s Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow Katarina on Instagram, Twitter, Patreon, and her website, www.katkeen.com.