Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rikki Grant. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rikki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

As a creative, I am extremely happy with what I do. Being able to express and bring my artistic visions to life is a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I love to push the boundaries of my imagination and create something unique and extraordinary.

A regular job might offer more financial security, but it would not fulfill me in the same way that my current career does. The freedom to explore my artistic passions and work on projects is something that I cherish.

I believe that following my passion has led me to where I am able to pursue my dreams and make a meaningful impact. Although the path of a creative may be unpredictable at times, seeing the end product of a project makes it all worthwhile.

Rikki, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the world of modeling and creative direction is quite unique and unexpected. I actually stumbled into this industry by pure accident. It started when my friends, who happen to be talented photographers, started taking photos of me. Initially, I was hesitant to embrace this and even considered keeping those shots to myself, and family.

However, my friends convinced me to share a few of the photos on social media, despite my lack of knowledge in that realm. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming, with more and more photographers expressing their interest in collaborating with me. This experience ignited a spark within me and pushed me to dive deeper into the world of modeling.

Embarking on this creative journey was undoubtedly a learning process. I had to rely on my own knowledge and with the guidance of my peers, slowly but surely, I began to navigate the industry. One of the most significant challenges I faced was understanding my worth as a creative artist. Initially, I treated modeling as a hobby, but when I started working with established brands and companies, I had to comprehend the value I brought to the table and the importance of being compensated fairly for my services.

It took a great deal of discipline to acknowledge that modeling is an art form and, like any other art, it requires practice, dedication, and continuous growth. I realized that overnight success was simply a myth and that it would take years of commitment to truly become the model and creative director I am today.

What sets me apart from others in this industry is my ability to push social boundaries when it comes to gender identity. I specialize in androgynous, and non-gender conforming fashion, meaning that I don’t just consider clothing to have gender and that fashion is expressed through artistic vision. When I first started in the industry androgyny was a bit taboo and not many people in the industry had experience in it. I see modeling as an art form, a means of self-expression, and a way to connect with others. My ultimate goal is to provide a service that goes beyond just aesthetically pleasing imagery. I aim to evoke emotions, and inspire others to be their authentic selves.

I am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come on my journey, especially considering my unconventional entry into the industry. It’s a testament to my perseverance, dedication, and constant desire to improve. My main message to potential clients, followers, and fans is this: I am not just a model, but a creative force. Being a force means pushing past that initial hesitation from fear of being rejected or not being heard, or seen. Understand that there are people out there that want to see you, your work and your unique vision, you just have to find them. Don’t ever try to be someone else because people are waiting to cheer you on.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

There are certain aspects of my journey as a creative that non-creatives may struggle to understand. One of the things that often gets overlooked is the financial aspect of working in a creative industry. While it is true that some creative professionals can achieve great financial success, for many of us, the reality is that it may not allow us to retire comfortably without additional sources of income. There are always a constant struggle from working jobs we may dislike in order to fuel our creative career.

We are driven by a deep passion for what we do, a love for our craft that fuels our artistic visions. Unlike traditional “regular jobs” that are primarily done to make money, creatives are guided by a sense of purpose. We believe that our work is a calling, a means to express ourselves and make a meaningful impact on the world.

While financial stability and success are important, they are not the sole defining factors of our creative journey. We understand that our purpose is unique and may not always align with conventional expectations. It’s important for non-creatives to realize that creatives often prioritize fulfillment and personal growth over financial gain. We find joy in the process, the ability to create something beautiful and meaningful, and that is what truly drives us. It’s about appreciating the passion, purpose, and dedication that fuel our creative endeavors, even if the path to financial stability may be less conventional

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my modeling journey, I have faced numerous challenges due to my non-conventional look. Standing at 5’3″ and being heavily tattooed, I have often found myself overlooked by certain opportunities in the industry. I have been turned down by multiple agencies, faced rejections by casting directors, and even been turned away from certain runway shows.

As a model, it is difficult not to internalize this criticism and let it affect my self-esteem. It can be disheartening to constantly be told that my appearance doesn’t fit the mold. However, I have learned an important lesson on my journey: my look may not be for every gig, but there are plenty of opportunities out there that are perfect for me.

Instead of being discouraged by the rejections, I have learned to embrace my unique features. I have realized that there are clients and projects that specifically seek out models with non-conventional looks, and I confidently pursue those opportunities. By loving and accepting myself despite the rejection, I have developed a resilience that has propelled me forward in the industry.

One particular story that highlights my resilience is when I was initially turned down by a prestigious modeling agency. Instead of letting this setback define me, I took it as a challenge to prove them wrong. I continued to work on my craft, build my portfolio, and network with industry professionals. Eventually, my persistence paid off when I caught the attention of another agency who saw the value in my uniqueness.

This experience taught me that rejection does not define my worth as a model. It is a part of the journey, and it has made me stronger and more determined to succeed. I have learned to love myself within the rejection, knowing that there are plenty more opportunities out there that are a perfect fit for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://officialrikki.com/?fbclid=PAAaYceM3fVY1MnBMABRrZ9iwa8TIImY1PjxtcBv0ptH7hI9gzlR6dwaJhCU4_aem_AQLCI5vaDodZpSKHdBQTEeVFdL18e_348WLD4Bt2ccm5-IE7NVS1TfRHE2-btKEI9pE
• Instagram: @therikkigee

Image Credits
Thomas Mosley