We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jackelyne Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jackelyne below.
Alright, Jackelyne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.
When I first started to model, I had no connections. The few people I would work with where friends of mine that were not necessarily in the industry, They where still learning. I would only shoot once every 3-6 months, I wasn’t consistent with my work. That’s key to what I do, Being consist. Rather that be practicing your walk in your room everyday, when your out. Or even standing Infront of a mirror and constantly practicing your poses. It’s essential to stay consistent and ready for the job because when the time comes, You will have to put these skills to work to impress potential future clients. I would do my homework as much as possible, Like watching video’s of successful models and watching their runway walk carefully, and always making “mood boards” Of diverse posing for reference. Those are certainly some of the things that helped me improve my techniques. One last very important step to take as a model is networking. I never realized how truly crucial it is to network until my second year into modeling. NEVER leave any sort of event such as a shoot, show, without 3 new contacts, any more than that is amazing. Connect with other models, designers, photographers, Mua’s, stylist ect.
Jackelyne , 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 name is Jackelyne Lopez, I’m a fashion/commercial model. Modeling never really occurred to me, although I have always been interested in art and fashion for as long as I can remember, And modeling DEFENITLY consist of working with both of those things very heavily. I started modeling 2 years ago when a friend of mine who was practicing photography asked me to model for her. And after that, I completely fell in love. I believe that one thing that sets me apart from other models is that I’m willing to do anything. Touching on that more, every model has a deferent market, and or “Category” that they fit best. That could be ; High fashion /editorial , commercial, runway, fit, ect. I believe I can do any of those categories, I’d like to say I’m a really diverse model.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
BE YOURSELF. It’s literally something we are taught at the age of 5 but no matter how stereotypical this may sound, it’s so important to just simply be you. I feel like as models we get so caught up in the next “it girl”, who has the best posing, who has the most perfect walk on the runway, who can replicate Naomi’s walk the best, that mindset takes away from our own character. Potentially taking away from improving on ourselves and finding what makes us unique. That’s how you make a name for yourself in this industry, you don’t make your name by trying to copy someone else. Being you will make you standout. On another note, photographers and people you work with on set LOVE when you are being yourself and displaying your personality. No one wants to be on set for hours next to someone who won’t speak to the members on set. Get to know them in the process, who knows, they might be your next client. Always keep the set professional and fun!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“The model bible” by R.C Lane is a great book for anyone who wants to know more about their market, the industry, the pros and cons of becoming a model, and much much more. I’ve have this book for over 2 years and I still use it a lot to touch base on some things I need to refresh my mind on. It’s literally filled with a bunch of sentences that are highlighted, and sticky notes that contain some of my personal notation. As far as videos, I would suggest watching the latest season of your favorite designer and watch carefully on how some of the models on the runway walk. You can choose any season I always just stick to watching more modern walks. I would always watch Versace’s Spring-summer 2023 show because I loved a lot of the models walk. That’s a more recent show, but like anyone into fashion 90’s model walks have a special place in my heart. However, I recently attended Coco Rochas modeling camp and I will say, it was such a pleasant experience. She not only shows you how to pose naturally, but shows you tips and tricks on how to improve your model walk. If anyone gets the chance to attend her camp I would definitely take it because it was honestly just so life changing for me. She’s an incredible mentor. But if you can’t, I would follow her camp social media page, they post parts of her classes almost daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jackelyne-lopez.kavyar.site/
- Instagram: instagram.com/jackieelopezm/
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/Jackieeelopezm?fbclid=PAAaYYZrwLdcC1ffP7QpxRl6Nj2QkruYgKdPzSKfNCMT5mJB9TyrH5rQu6cTU_aem_AZHBhdhRwu-y0YJDk-cVan3CM1NIDtWEAe6kmoT1oIhETVrpfUGqszJaK3Morph_CSU
Image Credits
All images are provided by: @studiocat2020 (on Instagram)