I’ve been meaning to post this “Dear Cali”
video for a while. It’s not often a model will get a
music video where they are the lead and they really
get to own the production - where every
frame is like a love letter to the model. This is one
of them.
You can scrub along this entire music video and just
about any frame you land on of Carol Seleme is awesome.
Watch that sexy little walk she does in front of
the lowrider. Self possessed sexy. Yep, good ole
Carol has come into her own. Also, thumbs way up
to Adam Roberts Photo for
shooting this right.
There’s no denying I have a soft spot for the
brown skin models trying to get in the game. Having
repped Bria Myles for several years,
it is undeniably more challenging for a darker
model to gain advancement, all things being
equal. Brittany Janelle is a new
model that caught my eye this regard. If someone
were to ask me (no one will), “Indo, what is
one of the few things you still enjoy about
running this blog?” I would answer: the
ability to point people’s attention to new
models that are a cut above. This woman’s curves
and overall look qualify for that distinction
IMO.
INTERVIEW
I see you are in
the latest issue of SHOW. How did that come
about?
I submitted photos and had the look they were going
for. Had to audition to see if I really looked as I
did in real life. Went to the audition in LA and was
told I would be in an upcoming issue. Also, I was
persistent on twitter, had been on a few blogs, and
had a great portfolio that showed my potential.
Plus there aren’t a lot of Brown skin girls in
the game with no tattoos piercing and all natural
bodies. I think I have a totally unique look you
would never think a girl like me would come from a
small suburb…
What
are your main goals in urban modeling?
My goals are to become a brand, a household name. I
want to be seen and profit without compromising my
beliefs.
Do you
see yourself getting into acting/using this as a
platform for something bigger in entertainment, or
are you just bestowing your beauty on the world in
your peak years?
I would say both. I am all about beauty and fashion
and can act I grew up a pageant girl so...it just
comes natural. I hope to get into fitness because I
can do that until the day I die.
What is
your ultimate career goal (e.g., what do you wanna be
when you grow up)?
I’m a makeup artist by trade so...beauty is a way of
life. I want to continue my brand to still profit
even if I quit I still continue to generate revenue
from my images and merchandise.
So far,
what is your favorite thing about this genre of
modeling and what is your least favorite
thing?
My favorite thing is meeting new people the
glam and money of course. Least favorite is the false
advertising its sad a lot of girls don’t look as hot
and are kinda rude in real life.
Were
there any particular models that inspired you to do
this, and if so, which ones?
I would say Erica Mena. I adore her she is
multi-faceted and appeals to any demographic and she
is unique and can represent anything from urban to
couture.
What
sign are you?
Taurus the sexiest sign there is of course.
What's
next?
My website www.bbpinupexclusive.com
which has exclusive content and footage of me.
Paperdolls Magazine and a major music video and more
publications. As well mens apparel with unique
designs for fly dudes.Im a ring girl in northern
California in the MMA scene so you can def see me
doing that.
[Editor’s Note: I
contacted Brittany about doing an interview for
the blog and she got back to me within an hour and
returned the interview questions in the same day.
She also followed me back on Twitter. It’s called
being professional. You’d be amazed how many
models have failed majorly in this regard. Bravo
Brittany! Hope you go far.]
I realize there are some difference between the
mainstream opportunities for a Eurocentric sex kitten
and a black one, but still… This would indicated the
theory that taking sexy photos will kill any chance
at a valid Hollywood career is grossly flawed. As
further, support just look at who came in number 2 on
Forbes list of highest paid TV actresses: none other
than the interracial sex tape queen herself, Kim
Kardashian, who took in $18 million in that same
period.
The fact is, glamour modeling can be used as a
launching pad to a bigger career, you just have to
have some talent beyond looking good.
I am on the late freight with this one, but I thought
this charming calendar by
Berkeley-based artist Jen Oaks was worth
mentioning. The celebration of curvy women needs
every tasteful bit of iconography it can get.
Unfortunately the calendar is sold out. Her work
reminds me a lot of Adrian Tomine’s art. Also,
bravo for including women of color.