We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sinéad Kunz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sinéad below.

Alright, Sinéad thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

In the modelling industry, there is a common misconception that you need to fit a specific body type to be successful. However, the truth is that only certain branches of modelling require specific body types. An example would be for runway modelling, regardless of bodyweight, the requirement is for a model to be at least 5′ 8″. Other than that, is basically open play! In my case, I am a freelance model, so I am free to pick and choose projects that interest me without being tied down to an agency limiting my creativity or professional range. I love expressing myself through fashion, color, and concepts. I may not be tall enough for runway, but I have worked on so many other photoshoots ranging from fitness modelling to fantasy modelling to fine art modelling. Each project diversified my portfolio and teaches me something new about myself and about that specific branch of modelling!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always wanted to be part of the fashion industry, starting out in Griffith Fashion Insitiute in Dublin at just 18. Initially I wanted to be a fashion designer and own my own brand, but life pulled me in another direction as my interest in biosciences grew and I met my future husband. I let go of the fashion fantasy, as marriage, family life, and job security became my focus. Fast forward 10 years later, I was by then thriving in the heart of Nashville working as a medical technologist when I was approached by a model scout. They loved my look and asked if I ever had any interest in fashion and modelling, to which I immediately jumped on the opportunity! It was like a sign from above to reopen that passion project I had closed all those years ago, and after taking professional headshots and setting up my website and Instagram, I was quickly getting booking requests for all kinds of exciting gigs! I never doubted that at 28 years old I could begin a modelling career, because when it’s you and that camera, confidence is everything!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew about how to protect yourself better online when it comes to being a freelance model. Because I work for myself, it was difficult at the beginning to distinguish scams or creeps from serious photographers. I would waste so much time investing in conversations with people who were wasting my time. I am thankful I learned as I went and avoided any dangerous meetups, but unfortunately this is not the case for all models and I think further safety resources should be available for models online.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

In Nashville, it’s all about who you bump into, because that person might know the next your next big client! By maintaining a positive attitude, knowing how to follow instructions, showing up prepared, and always being a professional has helped me network and grow my photographer clientele more than I ever expected!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sineadkunz.modelingfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shimmeringsinead?igsh=d2pldWM4NnN1ZzF5

Image Credits

Darrel Sheffield Photographer