Tina Higginson – Professional Model and Entrepreneur
Tina Higginson is professional model, presenter and media agent.
She has been published in and has supplied girls and stories for Zoo Mag, The Daily Sport, The Sun, Love It Magazine, The News of the World and many many more. Full details can be found on her website www.tinahigginson.com
Q) How long have you been in the industry?
A) 3 years
Q) What is your biggest achievement to date?
A) Starting my own business aged 19. I was modeling part time and quit my day job after 6 months to model full time and after a year I set up my own Business. I now run my own Media, Events and Model Management company Flirt PR. Im also a journalist so write for mags and newspapers like Zoo, Nuts, News of The World, The Sun, Love it! Magazine, Closer Mag etc etc. I love my job and wouldnt change it for the world! Model wise ive had a fw front covers and my 2011 calendar is onsale now :0)
Q) Why did you enter the business?
A) I used to be a key worker, i cared for yound adults with autism and epilepsy and looking after people that had little chance in life it made me realise i should make the most of my own life as not everyone can. I havent looked back since.
Q) Have you ever been affected by any scams? If so, what were they?
A) Im very lucky as I havent had any bad experiences but I have heard many from other models. If your new to the industry and not signed with a genuine agency (Girl Management, IMM, Samantha Bond, Models 1, Storm etc) then always research your agency /employer online before working for them.
Q) Have you ever come across an “unsavoury” agent/photographer or other industry “professional”? If so what happened?
A) Again, im very lucky, ive never worked with anyone and felt uncomfortable But again, alot of girls have. Always research whoever your booked to work with. If you are new to the industry and doing TFC/TFCD (time for print/time for cd) then the photographer isnt paying you to work for them so take someone with you – if they have a problem with that then dont work with them. They’r not worth ‘working’ for if your not being paid anyway.
Q) How did you overcome issues with scams and dodgy photographers?
A) Not had to deal with this myself but as said above, research who you work with and if your not sure on something then quite simply dont do it.
Q) How has it affected you?
A) doesnt apply to me :0) everyone ive worked with have been amazing.
Q) Would you change anything about your experiences so far in the industry?
A) Nothing! As a model you should try to aways be reliable, easy going and professional. Plus modeling is fun so let your hair down and have a laugh with it – your shoot always looks best when your having fun and enjoying yourself. Turn that frown up side down!
Q) What advice would you give to aspiring models to ensure they remain safe at all times?
A) Research any clients/agencies that you work for and if your ever unsure about something then ask them. You should be able to tell by their reaction if their genuine or not. Always take your phone with you to all bookings and tell someone where your going, even give them the clients number/address etc just to be sure. Better safe than sorry.
Q) What would be your best tip to help models when they are on a photoshoot?
A) Relax. Pretend your looking in a mirror and want to look your best for a hot date, dont forget your posture, shoulders back, tummy in and relax your facail expressions so you look natural. Practice makes perfect and just be yourself as itll shine through in your shots.
Q) Anything else you would like to add which may help models avoid scams, unsafe situations or how to succeed in the industry?
A) Dont be bitchy! Youll get alot further in the industry if your a happy bunny rather than a horrid one.
Q) have you felt pressure to look a certain way? if so, how did it make you feel and did you conform?
A) No i dont feel pressured, i enjoy taking care of myself, i buy expensive products as they really make all the difference etc but i would personally never have surgery. Thats just my personal choice i think girls look alot more attractive naturally, only change the way you look if your not happy.
Q) have you ever struggled with weight? If so how did you overcome that?
A) I used to wory about staying slim but to be honest im much curvier now and i prefer that – and so do men! Im a comfortable size 10 and even though i miss being a tiny size 6 to 8 i prefer having bigger hips n boobies! Everyone is a different shape and size so work with whats best for you. Join the gym and eat healthily!
Q) Do you have part of your body that you are not so fond of? If so, what tricks do you use to hide the body party or distract away from it?
A) Suck it in and stick em out lol – always works for me. If theres something your uncomfortable with then pose in a way that disguises it, practise infront of the mirror and see what poses best compliment you.
