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Jessica Lynn Granger | VIP Member | Verified Credits (4)

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

I am from Westminster, MD, and currently based there. Yes, I travel for shoots.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

I’ve always been inspired by the women in Playboy because of their confidence and beauty.

How and when did you start modeling?

I started in 2008 after a friend took some shots of me for an old boyfriend.  A girlfriend of his was there and she asked if I had ever modeled before and when I said no, she told me about Model Mayhem. I set up a profile, booked a couple of shoots, and never looked back. Some great opportunities have come my way.

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

To be honest, I love shooting lingerie and nudes. I have Cystic Fibrosis that required a feeding tube placed at 12-years old, which I still have, and it took me several years to gain confidence in my body. I fully embrace my differences now!

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

First, I check out their pictures. I want to see if they can add something different to my portfolio or if they shoot my kind of style. Then, I check references, tags, and credits. We all know there are GWCs (guys with cameras) on here and I  actually had some really fun shoots with them, and even got some cool shots!

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

I love Kate Upton. The girl screams “confidence” in every way.  I follow a lot of makeup artists for inspiration because I too love to do makeup. It’s my goal to grow that aspect of my career this year and beyond. And, I’ve always done my own makeup on all but one of my shoots.

What would be your dream shoot?

I have two. Playboy is my first. That should be a pretty easy guess if you know me. I was a Playboy Girl of Golf from 2009-2012 and I got to visit and party at the Playboy Mansion in 2012 because of that. So, I’d say that is a pretty awesome partial life goal accomplished. I’ll take it! To be able to represent them in some way was such a privilege.

The other is to grace the cover of Inked magazine. I took a break because of my health and I have way more ink than you can currently see in my portfolio. It helps when your husband is a tattoo artist!

How important is social media in your success?

It hasn’t played a huge part in my success. Word of mouth and networking on Model Mayhem is how I have come across all my opportunities. Growing my social media presence with the ever-changing industry is definitely a goal.

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

Well, I am a mom and wife now. My daughter cheers and that takes up a lot of my time but I love it. She is my world and my number one priority. I grew up a farm girl and I love to garden. The goal is to have my own little farm and live as self-sustainable as possible. There are many hobbies on my love to-do list. Traveling, crafting, reading, anything outdoors, the beach just to name a few. 

As someone with Cystic Fibrosis, I have dedicated my life to advocating for people like me/others with disabilities, education, research, and fundraisers. I run a worldwide support group on Facebook for CF patients and their family members. Also, I have my blog, that chronicles “My journey as a working wife/mom with Cystic Fibrosis,” and I take whatever public speaking opportunity comes my way to educate, to tell my story, and to inspire others.

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

Never be afraid to try something new. You never know what doors that something new may open. Also, when choosing to work with photographers, always, and I mean always, trust your gut instinct. Never be afraid to say no to a shoot or leave a situation in which you feel uncomfortable. It’s pretty easy to spot who to stay away from. I have only left a shoot once. 

Being honest is so important as well. I have a life-threatening illness and how I feel may change one day to the next. That level of honesty gained me so much respect that no ever questioned if I had to move a shoot because I am sick or in the hospital. And, I know it is cliché but HAVE FUN! A photographer can tell if you are not having fun or not into what you are doing. If you half-ass the job it’s going to hinder the opportunities that could come your way and hurt your reputation.

Check out Jessica Lynn Granger’s Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow Jessica on Instagram and Facebook.