We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachael Dowd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rachael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Observation first…then practice. You can practice all you like but it’s going to be much harder to grow if you’re not actively seeking ways to learn your craft. I would have improved quicker had I done this when I first started back in 2019. It wasn’t until I started watching other models that I really began to thrive and grow. Learning should be a constant. The most essential skills have been my flexibility and willingness to try new things. You have to really get out of your comfort zone. I was my biggest obstacle for quite some time. I kept myself from doing what I truly wanted to do. Trusting yourself is a huge life changer.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a model living in Atlanta, GA. I moved here in 2015 but didn’t start modeling until January 2019. I only started because a friend of mine got me to do a photoshoot. Their constant support and that of my family and friends is what got me to continue pursuing it. I’m available for booking for fashion, editorial, runway, print, and commercial. I have an androgynous look so I can adapt to almost any style that is trying to be achieved. I think that and my willingness to do different things is what sets me apart from most. I’m very proud of how far I’ve come mentally and I love knowing that I’ve been a help to others as well in their self confidence and growth as models. Part of my long term goal is to destroy the industry standard. It should be geared more toward representation. We need so much more inclusivity than we have. Anyone can and should be able to become a model if they desire.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I mentioned previously I want to “destroy” the industry standard. What I’m working toward is to become a model coach and open a studio where I can teach aspiring models, rent out studio space, host classes/workshops, and just be a safe space for creatives to do what they love. The more we, as a whole, support and help each other, the further we will go. The bigger an impact we will make on society because creatives play a huge role in this world. We can change the narrative and we need to. This industry needs more inclusivity and representation for everyone and it’s going to take work to get it done.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Other people. Biggest resource of all. The more genuine company you surround yourself with, the more success you will find. Think of it like this, that one person you just met knows X amount of people that you don’t. You meet some of those people and they know X amount of others, so on and so forth until you’re all building and creating together. It’s the people you know, yes. But it’s also the people who know you. Don’t underestimate the power of networking. You have no idea who you could come in contact with and how it will change your life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeldowd_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeldowd

Image Credits
Marcia • @marciaphotographer Tim • @tmcguirejr Jerry • @jabarnesphotography_ Javi • @eye.of.hvbris Lu • @1glanceatl