model citizen >>> brandie elliott

How long have you been a model and what made you decide to become one?
I'm a relatively newcomer to the world of modeling. I have been modeling for approximately a year in a half. I wasn't the kind of little girl who always dreamed about becoming a model. I was too busy exploring.

My friend suggested I try it, so I decided to give it a shot. It turned out that I really liked it...it's fun. I love trying new things with each photo shoot.

How is it to be a model in Kansas City?
While Kansas City isn't exactly the metropolis of the fashion world, there are a lot of opportunities here, and there are also a lot of wonderful photographers. I would love to hopefully shoot with all of them in the future.

There are also many fabulous sites to shoot at in and around Kansas City.

What is your favorite type of modeling?
I don't really have a favorite type of modeling... I enjoy all genres of modeling. I have been really impressed with the way the artistic photo shoots have come out. I enjoy the artistic photos, so I guess that would be the type I most enjoy.

Where has been your most exciting gig and why?
I think the most exciting gig is the one I'm participating in at the moment. I have had a blast during all of the photo shoots. Naturally, the artistic shots are kind of awkward at first, but you tend to forget about it after a while. The gothic photo shoot in Kansas City was fun. I love doing fun stuff like that.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet and why?
There are a few I have in mind, such as Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, Napoleon. But the person I would most like to meet is the Doors' front man, Jim Morrison. He was simply smashing! The songs he penned were not some teenybopper songs, they were 'deep' and you had to think about the message.His poetry is wonderful.I would like to meet him and just talk.

On the living side, I would have to say Jim Carey... he's hilarious!

What is the biggest misunderstanding about you?
Many people think models are 'stupid' or 'easy' or 'anorexic'. But it's not true. There are so many types of modeling... everyone of every size; shape and color are needed for the different fields of modeling.

The models I've had the opportunity to work with or talk with are extremely smart. Like myself, there are many models that are currently going to college, or have already graduated with a degree. I'm not looking to make a living with modeling, but I do it because it's fun. I like meeting new people and creating killer images.

Who have been some of your main influences as a model and a person?
I've always admired Rose McGowan's photo shoots. She has so many diverse and exciting photos. Marilyn Monroe's photos were always classy.

My mom has influenced me to be a good person. I don't care too much what other think of me. I should do what I enjoy, and if they don't like it, so what? At least I'll be happy, and that's what matters most.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I plan on being married to Brad Pitt.

No, seriously, I'd like to be an established writer for a major magazine, such as Marie Claire or Conde Nast Traveler. Writing is my passion, even though psychology is my major. I would love to live in Paris... it is the most beautiful city in the world. I would like to continue to model in my spare time.

What are your immediate plans for the future?
I will be graduating from college, which is really nerve-racking. I plan on continuing my education by going to graduate school. But, I will probably take some time off; possibly do a little backpacking through Europe.

A girl's gotta find herself, eh?

All photos and graphics courtesy of http://brandie.50megs.com and published with permission.