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

Alright, Riley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned about modeling through the lens of shows like America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway. Initially it was something I enjoyed learning about through a birds eye view but wasn’t something I personally saw myself doing. That is until several people in my life coincidentally asked me if I’ve ever considered modeling around the same time frame. Knowing what I know now, I only wish I had jumped into modeling sooner. If I had known back in the day just how much I’d enjoy editorial modeling, I absolutely would have started sooner. I think the most essential skills in the modeling world are adaptability, the ability to learn from those around you, and great patience. You may not always get the job you wanted in the time frame you wanted and at some point you have to fully accept that it’s okay. Some obstacles that have stood in the way of learning more would most likely be my pride or finding myself thinking that I know more about the industry than I do in reality. Just when you think you understand the industry, it changes and evolves like a chameleon – and that’s when the skill of adaptability really comes into play!

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 background and context?

I’m a self made, editorial model. I broke into the modeling world in my mid-teens and haven’t looked back since. I currently work as a freelance model on the east coast – but I love the idea of working on the west coast in the near future. I feel that my skill set sets me apart from other models because I’ve succeeded greatly as a freelance model in areas where most models can only dream of making it – with an agent! I’m incredibly proud of the NYFW runway shows I’ve walked in, the connections I’ve made, and the international ad campaigns I’ve been a part of in Europe!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Support your local artists like you would a big time celebrity. People really love certain celebrities and support them despite those celebrities not really knowing then. For people that you know on a personal level – support them as artists in the same way you would support your famous and most loved celebrities.

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

Facebook groups for castings! I didn’t know you could join Facebook groups with reliable and very feasible castings that provide great pay and enormous opportunities to local artists and models such as myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @rileyhundleywoodell
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Jessica Bratton, Jennifer Coleman, Caroline Lawless, APW Media, Emily Lyonswood