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Melissa Jean | VIP Member | Verified Credits (111)

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

I’m originally from an hour south of Chicago, I have also lived in Arizona which is where I started modeling in 2004, New Jersey, Philadelphia, West Palm Beach, and I’m currently in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I’m staying here for good.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

I have wanted to be a model ever since I was a little girl, about 5 years old.  I’ve been posing for pictures ever since, but the ironic thing is I went through an awkward phase from about 8-11 years old where I wouldn’t let anyone take my picture. I feel like it’s been my mission to overcome my insecurities through photography. Well, I’ve done that, and a lot more at this point! I loved Seventeen Magazine as a young teen and think that’s probably what helped spark my interest to start modeling.

How and when did you start modeling?

I started doing photoshoots in my bedroom with my cousins, brothers, and girlfriends at about 11-years old with those disposable cameras. I was already on both sides of the camera and stylizing photoshoots back then.  I took a lot of pictures with those disposable cameras in my teens (shoutout to my Mom for always developing them and Walmart for always coming through in an hour). At 18-years old I took some photos to Next modeling agency in New York but they laughed in my face and told me I wasn’t a fashion model. That’s what lit the fire in me and I knew I was going to figure out how to model in NYC someday. The next year is when I discovered websites like One Model Place and Muse Cube. I found a photographer who was retired and became my manager and took me on the road all over the South-West, the entire year of 2005. I moved to Florida in 2007 and Playboy shot me in 2008 and that launched my career. It allowed me to start modeling and traveling full-time.

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

I always like to change it up and shoot a variety of styles. Shooting one thing would get very boring for me.  Shooting a variety has given me longevity in my career. I live for collaborating with other creative people who all add a little something unique to the shoot, whether it be energetic or tangible. It’s the creative process that I enjoy the most.

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

I always make sure they are reputable, no matter if they are a beginner or experienced. It’s so important that models check references. More models should be doing this to avoid unreputable photographers. Even if they see a model they know in someone’s portfolio, ask them how it was working with the photographer. Communication, honesty, and up-font information and deposits are important to me when deciding to work with a photographer. They need to show respect before you get to the shoot.

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

I get inspiration from so many different kinds of people and artists, from music artists who portray a certain vibe, to the younger models who are so good at social media, to the super creative photographers/models I randomly come across on Instagram, to the fitness models who have inspired me to start a weight training journey myself. I find beauty and inspiration in everyone and everything.

What would be your dream shoot?

I’ve been all over the USA but would love to do more shoots in exotic locations. Paradise Challenge is one of those locations that are definitely on my to-do list!

How important is social media in your success?

Instagram is everything lately! It’s also where a lot of the work comes from, unfortunately. Model Mayhem is so much better for travel notices and keeping everything organized in folders for different cities.

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

My hobbies include electronic music events, traveling the world, making new friends, lifting weights and staying healthy, personal care and spiritual growth, roller skating, biking, and hitting the beach for some vitamin D. I also have been running my own meetup events for photographers and models since March of 2020 when Covid started because I couldn’t travel for a while. I’m now putting together bigger, two-day events. I have one coming up in Fort Lauderdale on July 30-31 with ten top glamour models. You can find out more about it here: https://www.eliteglamourmeetup.com/

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

Reach out to models for references on photographers before working with them. When you’re just starting out, try to find a photographer you can work with regularly who can help you learn to pose and learn the business. Don’t do too much nude work for free! Don’t expect to get high rates at first. You have to put in the work and know what to do in front of the camera before you can demand higher rates. Getting published is always a plus for recognition. Communicate all details of the shoot beforehand so there are no surprises for either party. And, be nice to everyone, you never know who will end up helping you later on!

Check out Melissa Jean’s Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and OnlyFans.