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

Kelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

When it comes to my current modeling journey there have been consistent mischaracterizations and misunderstandings with the work I create. Although I am abundantly grateful and privileged to be in this industry, navigating how I fit in this industry with my curvy body type has been a learning curve as well as an eye opening experience. Here are some common misconceptions that I have personally experienced…

~ “Midsized” and “Plus sized” models are not real models.
~ You have to be “this specific size/height” in order to be considered to model.
~ If you don’t fit the “modeling” body type/guidelines you’re not actually serious about modeling.
~ Curvy models are not interesting enough/don’t sell products to the client as much as a “thin model” would.
~Curvy models don’t know how to pose themselves or direct themselves to look and feel beautiful.
~ Every photographer is willing to shoot curvy models.
~ If the designer’s clothes don’t fit you, it’s your fault.

All of these specific examples are not an accurate mindset in the slightest, of course, but it’s a mindset that a handful of the modeling industry still believes . There’s the common misunderstanding that to be considered a model you need to be an “appropriate size” in order to get modeling work when it just isn’t true. Models can (and should) be a representation to the world that diverse body types of all kinds consistently uplift/inspire several buyers of the public, and yes, every body is beautiful. It’s because of those common misconceptions that I personally have been labeled as a “midsize model”, instead of just a using the term “model” on its own without having to explain what my body type is. There have been photographers who choose not to work with me because I didn’t fit their “aesthetic” or I don’t look like every other model they have previously worked with. That’s completely their choice, of course, but it’s still unfortunate that my craft is not taken as seriously because of my body type. The way I push myself through these misunderstandings is to use this mindset as motivation to keep going. To keep creating beautiful things with other passionate artists. I’m beyond grateful for the artists I *do* have the pleasure to work with in (and out) of this community and I will never take it for granted. I’m so lucky to be able to inspire other models like me to keep making art and actually believe that they’re beautiful and belong in this industry. So yes, there are misconceptions and misunderstandings in this industry, but there’s so much beauty and art to make in this industry that it’s worth pushing through to prove those inaccuracies wrong.

Kelly, 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?

Well hello! My name is Kelly Desiree’ and I’m a traveling actress, model, and movement artist that resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. If I were to describe myself in a handful of words I would say that I’m an extremely driven, passionate, collaborative, and an energetic artist that loves creating and storytelling through my art. I was fairly young when I knew I wanted to follow this artistic path, and it was a struggle to fully believe that someone like me could have a place in this industry. The arts were not a priority in the small town I grew up in, especially for a plus size kid. It wasn’t an easy start on my path. The journey was hard, it took so much work and perseverance. Seeing as there weren’t many plus sized actresses/models invited to the table at that time, it seemed almost impossible for someone with my body type to be taken seriously, let alone succeed. I used to watch shows like America’s Next Top Model, and seeing how thin and beautiful the contestants were. The judges would look at some of the them and blatantly tell them that they wouldn’t succeed in this industry because they were “too big” and that set a precedent for many years, that my body type was not welcome. As disheartening as that was to constantly be reminded of that inaccuracy, I decided that if this kind of industry was known to not make space at the table for people like me then I would make my own space at my own table. Moving forward with this kind of mentality has been so beneficial when it comes to pushing forward and making my own wave in this industry. This motivates me to be as original as possible when it comes to crafting creative concepts with photoshoots, acting choices, and/or movement choreography. Collaborating with other fellow artists while organically crafting original concepts is one of best experiences to have as a creative. Creating art and storytelling has made all of the self doubt, the heartache, the grueling work, and the hard moments in this industry worth every single moment. Take your broken heart and make it into art, no matter what anyone says.

My hope, goal, and/or mission is to inspire others to create. No matter their body size, their height, or their ethnicity: always and forever spread your light with what you artistically create. I hope I can give models hope that if I can do this in this industry, truly anyone can when they set their mind to it. If I can inspire anyone to create something they can be proud of, I’ll consider that a success in my book.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is creating with other artists. Collaborating with other artistic mindsets is such a joy and if I could do that all day everyday, my cup would absolutely overflow with joy and gratitude.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The idea of inspiring another plus size little girl into believing that she too can be a model/actress motivates me to keep going in this industry. Proving to her that she can truly do anything she puts her mind to, and she’s more than beautiful and worthy to create. Always.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kellynelson.work/
• Instagram: @kellydesireemodel

Image Credits
Katina Elizabeth Photography Plush Studios LLC Sonji Face MUA Grinkie Girls Photography Smousehouse Photography Pearlescent Hair & Photography Dena Denny & Matt Ayers with M&D Media