model citizen >>> erica ramos

Who is the Erica Ramos?
I am a 20 year old, professional, Boston based model, who grew up as an only child for 7 years: then came along my brother, who is now 13.

I live approximately 10 minutes north of Boston... and have lived here all my life. Still living at home with my two parents, brother and two small 5lb dogs.. I wouldn't trade it for the world right now!

There is more to me than just my passion for modeling. I love to shop, but what girl doesn't! I am also a lover of photography (not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well), cosmetology, animals and computers.

I also enjoy acting my age by going to amusement parks, vacationing with my family and just being a lazy beach bum! I also like to relax and just hang out with my friends.

Is modeling all that you thought it would be?
Yes.. and more!! I cannot believe how much fun you can have at a specific job or even an audition.. and all the wonderful people you get to meet! It's wonderful! You even get to travel
to places you'd probably never expect! However, with all the fun modeling brings. It's also very competitive.

What is your biggest claim to fame?
I was featured in the nationwide magazine, FHM, on a three page spread in "Ladies Confidential" in the fall 2005. You had also seen me on the cover of the local sports magazine, "Barstool Sports", with a full page spread, and for the past few months, I have been in Boston's "Stuff@Night" Magazine for different promotional ads and coupons for a major Hair Salon on Newbury Street in Boston.

I was a featured model in the Florida based magazine, "Supreme Magazine", which was a three page spread, and have recently appeared at "Hot Import Nights 2005" and "AND1 Mix Tape Tour 2005".

I just shot a skate advertisement which will appear in "Transworld Skating" Magazine, and will be out this winter and Iam currently working with approximately three different magazines across the United States, where I will be a featured model.

How did your modeling career start?
It has always been a major dream of mine... I have always loved being photographed since I can remember. I remember as far back as 4 years old, begging either parent or anyone around me to take my picture. Instead of playing with toys or dolls, I would rather be photographed.

This passion only grew with age. I was 7 years old and went to a modeling agency, where I was turned down because of missing teeth and glasses: the "gawky stage". I then went back at age 16, and was told "YES", I have "the look", but should finish high school and if this is still my passion, to send
pictures and peruse my dream further.

Once I hit 18 years old, I pursued my dream by myself, and realized it is much easier to be of legal age. If you want it that bad, you can do it! And that is what I am proving!

If you could meet anyone living or dead; who would that be and why?
You could ask me this question everyday and I'm sure I would come up with a different answer each time.

As a child I would have jumped at the question and answered with AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys. He was my childhood
"crush" as you would say, and to this day, I still find him very attractive.

But, right now, I'd still love to meet Paris Hilton. I absolutely just love and adore her! To go on a shopping spree with her or just lay in the sun at the beach would be amazing! I would also love to ask her for some advice in the modeling industry - Girl talk, you know?

More and more people keep jumping at my mind, such as Jim Carrey, a truly amazing actor, who is the only one in the acting industry that I seem to follow.

Britney Spears and Eminem I really love as musicians.

If you had to choose one outfit: what would it look-like?
I love to just hang out in a cute, low-rise, fit pair of blue jeans! Throw on a baby tee with it, and a pair of matching Volatile sneakers and I'm all set.

What kind of advise would you give someone starting out in the business?
Never give up! Follow your dream... and if you want it bad enough, you can do it!

Make sure you watch out for those sketchy men who say they are "Professional Photographers".. If you feel as though they are unprofessional, always go with your gut instinct!

Do you have any secrets for your success?
There's really not a secret to my success. A lot of prayers are just being answered!

Who have been some of your main influences as a model and as a person?
There is no real main influence on me as a model. I believe I was just born that way! It kind of came naturally.. and it's what I have always dreamed of. I have never really wanted to follow anyone else's footsteps.

I do love the business and will look around and see what celeb models are up to, such as Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks, Paris Hilton, Carmen Electra, Pam Anderson, Cindy Margolis, Trish Stratus, Stacy Keibler, Cindy Crawford, and
Molly Sims, but they have not inspired me to actually become a model. I think I am more interested in them now because I share that same interest.

As far as an influence on me as a person, I'd have to say my supportive parents. They both have taught me such great qualities at a young age and I grew up the right way. They've taught me to be strong, respectful, honest, responsible and to have great manners. And growing up, my mother has always taught me to take care of myself, as she did. But now as a young lady, I strive to be the best I can be and not compare myself to everyone else.

Why did you want to become a widemag model citizen?
I want to become a widemag model citizen. I am a very professional model who takes her career seriously. I am also a very determined model who is working hard to make a name in
the industry. - great answer.

What is the strangest thing that has happen at a photo shoot?
This is a true story, and the strangest thing that I've ever come across while shooting.

I went to Vermont with an outstanding female photographer I work with often, to shoot with another female model. We went to some waterfall nearby, hoping it would make a great scenery.

This guy approached us, giving us compliments on our looks as we were test shooting above the falls. He then told us about the waterfall down the dirt road, which we have planned on shooting at anyhow that's why we were there! He said he probably catch us later on if we were to head down to the falls. After we put on our swimwear, we headed to the falls... snapping pictures and having fun.

Out of nowhere, that man had appeared again, only this time missing his shorts. He was fully nude!! I was in complete shock because I did not know it was legal to be freely nude in Vermont.

The other model I was shooting with told me it was legal for Vermont residents to be nude if they are not publicly offending anyone.

It was kind of distracting to look up and see a nude man standing there covering himself in the front, watching the shoot. Very strange but funny, wouldn't you agree? - I guess, he was more than just hanging!

If you could be a super hero, who would you be and why?
Is Jeannie from "I Dream of Jeannie" a superhero??!!? .. She has those "magical" powers! I'd love to be someone like that.

What is the best thing about being a model?
Everyone will have their own opinion on this question.. To me, the best thing about being a model is having a life experience that not everyone will ever get a chance to live.. and I truly appreciate that.

I also love going out and being recognized by people as well. The traveling is also a plus in my book!

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
In 10 years from now, I want to have a healthy, family of my own. I want to own my own house, and start a family just as mine has done. I'd love to be home to raise my own children. To me, there is nothing better!

...But as far as my status in modeling within 10 years, I sure hope to break those barriers and overcome "just another model". I want to be successful in what I do, and make a name for myself.

You can see more of Erica Ramos at her upcoming
website or Yahoo! Group

All photos and graphics courtesy of Erica Ramos and published with permission.