Carmen Leigh - UK Flavour Posted:Monday - October 5, 2009 | Comments (15)
Twenty-four year old UK model Carmen Leigh is one of Kojo's Comedy Fun House girls, which airs every month on MTV Base. The former street dancer works for the Urban Music Awards and has been featured in videos for the likes of Goodfellaz, N-Dubz, Donaeo, Megaman and Sway. Carmen has also been featured in Flavour, Urban World, Daily Sport, and iCandy magazines.
Who are some of the fashion models in the industry that you respect and/or admire?
I admire Naomi Campbell simply because she is a fantastic fashion model and is one of the most well known black models in the UK which is rare because black fashion models are hard to come by [in the UK] which is why we probably all turn to glamour as it's deemed the easiest route with less of a criteria to break in to. In the US, Tyra Banks is an inspiration to all models to not put all there eggs in one basket, live the dream, and accomplish all your God given talents -- which is exactly what I am doing.
Who are your favorite photographers? Who would you like to work with?
My favorite photographers are Keith Curtis (Southampton) and Emerzy Corbin (Nocopphoto photography - London). They are both virtually unknown to most people, but their creativity behind the camera lense is just superb. In the fashion industry I'd love to work with Nigel Barker (ANTM), Andrea Klarin who has worked with Terri Hatcher, Grace Jones and Christian Louboutin.
What's the most rewarding part of being a model?
The appreciation you get from the fans that love your work and admire your strength, courage, and ability. Being able to network with great people is also a reward to me.
What's the least rewarding?
There are haters out there who will always try to put you down, make you feel small and tell you that you're not capable, incompetent, ugly, fat, skinny, or lack talent.
What's the strangest online comment or request you've received from an admirer?
Errrm...I have had quite a few, I'm just trying to think of the strangest...I've had the usual requests of asking me out to dinner, my phone number, boyfriend etc. The strangest would probably be a guy who asked me if I could take a picture showing off more of my body, more risque, nude pictures which I don't do! I have to say that most of my supporters and fans are actually very polite and complimentary. Hope it stays that way!
What advice and/or tips would you give other young women interested in modeling?
Research the industry thoroughly. Do not sign up to any agency who asks for money upfront as that is fraudulent. Always network at every opportunity you have by attending industry parties, video shoots, casting directors etc. Once you have a great portfolio and work under your belt invest in a website, do not rely specifically on social networking sites. Although Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are the most used sites at the moment, if they were to crash and burn tomorrow then where can people find you and your work? Think outside the box! Get business cards made. Build contacts overseas as well as the country you reside in. Do not rely on anyone but yourself, be creative and no what it is you want to do. Make yourself accessible. Think like the best, act like the best and you will become the best!
When do compliments about your looks and/or figure from male fans cross the line?
They only cross the line when fans get greedy i.e. asking to see more of my body in a profane way. My pictures are tasteful. When fans get a taste, they always seem to want more, which is a good thing because I'm obviously doing something right.
When did you first realize you had what it took to be a professional model?
A few years ago when I got asked to do one or two underground music videos. At the time I never really took it too seriously but people always seemed to compliment me on my features and body and say that I should do modeling. Then last year I applied to a modeling agency which fell through due to lack of professionalism on there part, so from that point on I realized that if I want things done properly I will have to do it myself. I started networking, auditioning and eventually ended up getting presenting work, video work and modeling jobs. It was a fast turn around!
Where do you want to see yourself professionally in the next three years? Five years?
In the next 3-5 years I would like to have accomplished all of my career ambitions and goals in modeling, presenting, singing and acting. I also would like to have a few charities which focus mainly on underlying illnesses such as diabetes and sickle cell which tend to be hereditary and found in black people. Most of all I just want to be successful.
How do you feel about posing nude and/or other models that do?
I think posing nude is fine; it just mainly depends on what you're posing for and how you intend the shot to be perceived. My limits are implied nude, but I would definitely pose nude for something like Swarovski or topless for Levi's. Don't just take your clothes off because you think you have to remember you are a brand like, so think about how you want to be perceived and do not limit yourself to one area.
