model citizen >>> courtney james

Who is Courtney James?
Courtney James, according to various entertainment sources (Marie Claire magazine, A Current Affair, etc.) is a: "Powerhouse" a "Go-Getter" a "Model with courage and convictions."

All of these statements were direct quotes from people I have worked with in the industry and I must admit, I am very proud! I have worked hard to get where I am today. I had a great deal of fun along the way, but it was hard work, so those kind of comments truly make it all worth while!

Is modeling all that you thought it would be?
Absolutely! And then some!

All my life I aspired to open my own practice in Psychology, a vision that is still very much an ambition. However, modeling seemed like a great way to pay for all of those courses!

All I really intended to get out of it was a few good photos and some money for school. Instead I got GREAT photos, a number of magazine and television appearances and a new career! (For now at least!!! I still want to obtain my PhD... I have just put it on the back burner for now... I am
having too much fun!)

What is your biggest claim to fame?
Either my centerfold appearance inMarie Claire Magazine: as the first nude model to be published in a top-selling women's fashion magazine. Plus the subsequent television appearances (Oprah called!!!!)

Or, my new agency! I am launching a talent / casting agency. We staff models, provide press releases for new products, companies, etc. as well as organize all of the planning and promotions. No wonder they call me a "Powerhouse"!

How did your modeling career start?
A girlfriend talked me into trying it with her. After that I fell in love with the feeling of becoming someone else in front of the camera.

I began researching photographers in the area and one of them put me up on One Model Place. One Model Place is the largest portfolio hosting site in the world... so needless to say it wasn't long before I was working with photographers from all over the country and all over the world!

If you could meet anyone living or dead; who would that be and why?
Erik Erikson. Because I would love to learn more about his psycho-analytic theories.

I am not a Fruedian thinker (psycho-sexual stages of development). I believe that Erikson was more on key with his psycho-social stages of development.

When I return to graduate school this is what I will be focusing on.

If you had to choose one outfit: what would it look-like?
How do I go from psycho-analysis to what clothes to wear?!?!

Okay, but really if I HAVE to wear clothes (I should live in a nudist colony... I am always running around naked in my house)... I would probably go with a tank top, slim jeans and heels. That is what I consider to be my signature style. Comfortable, but sexy :)

What kind of advise would you give someone starting out in the business?
BE SAFE.

Believe in yourself, find your niche, don't let ANYONE tell you that you aren't good enough or pretty enough, and work your ass off!

Do you have any secrets for your success?
Yes, but I am not going to tell
them :)

Who have been some of your main influences as a model and as a person?
I absolutely adore Angelica Houston! She may not be what is typically considered "classic beauty"... she has strong features and a VERY distinct look. Aside from being an amazing actress she carries herself with such an air of grace and self-onfidence that it is impossible to look at her as anything less than GORGEOUS!

I also love Shalom Harlow, Sarah Jessica Parker & Tyra
Banks... I have learned a great deal about self-confidence from watching these amazing women.

I also really do love Pamela Anderson and Jenna Jameson... because they did their thing without caring what ANYONE thought... they succeeded and they changed the industry. I learned a lot about business practices from watching them.

Why did you want to become a widemag model citizen?
Because I am honored to be considered one of "the most interesting and dynamic people on the the web" and I think I have a lot to offer... plus my pics are hot and who doesn't
want to see hot pics? - great answer.

What is the strangest thing that has happen at a photo shoot?
Oh boy, I have been at this for 6 years... and have worked with over 300 photographers!

The strangest thing? Hmm.... I guess the "strangest thing" is a couple of photographers who actually believe that I would sleep with them to get ahead!

It amazes me that people think that some girls have such little self-worth or integrity that they are going to let some guy nail them to get them into a magazine. EEW.

If you could be a super hero, who would you be and why?
I am a superhero!

What is the best thing about being a model?
Traveling, dressing up, changing your persona, meeting great people...and most of all walking up to a newstand and opening a magazine to see your photos... that is an INCREDIBLE
feeling!

Or being recognized in public... I love that too... a salesgirl at Bebe, the croupier at the Borgata... it is always fun!

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
10 years from now I hope that my business has succeeded to a point that I was able to have my staff run it while I returned to graduate school. I also hope to have 2 or 3 children by then!

All photos and graphics courtesy of Courtney James and published with permission.