Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Gilbert.
Courtney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Modeling has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I had always been nervous or turned off from modeling because I had come to realize that I didn’t meet the height requirements most big agencies had and I didn’t exactly look like a model. For those of you wondering, I am a short, petite girl with my height being 5’4 and most agencies want females to be 5’7 or taller. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I had received a camera (after begging for one since I fell in love with photography in high school) and started taking photos of other people, that I really wanted to pursue modeling. I figured, even though I didn’t meet the height requirement, I could at least have fun with it on Instagram. My boyfriend, Justin, was so generous and kind that he let me teach him how to use my camera in order to take photos of me. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college when a well-known photographer in my area (who I now get to call one of my good friends), Drenick Quiogue, reached out to me about a creative meetup he was hosting where both photographers and models attend and shoot. I was hesitant to go since I had never been to one of these meetups before but my boyfriend pushed me because he knew it would help me come out of my shell. Attending that meetup was what got me started in modeling and I have been doing it ever since. Because of my loving boyfriend pushing me to go out of my comfort zone to take a risk, and for my amazing friend Drenick, I am now where I am today. I am now able to do what I love which is being a lifestyle and fashion model on social media.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In all honesty, it has its challenges. When I first started modeling, everything was as easy as it could be. So many people were in the community and wanted to work with one another. There were so many meetups happening every week, almost every day. Some of the struggles I had to face hit me hard. I had to learn that not everyone you meet is automatically your friend. I’ve had people I looked up to and had friendships with stop following me out of the blue. I’ve had photographers I’ve worked with in the past, or even new faces, read my messages about setting up a shoot but not replying. Everyone that I personally know has experienced this at least once. Another struggle I have gone through is doing a photo shoot and not receiving any photos back. It isn’t the best feeling but it happens and I can honestly say, having obstacles or challenges only makes me want to work harder. Some advice for anyone who is just now starting their journey is to stop comparing your life to others. It’s easier said than done, social media doesn’t make it any easier, but constantly comparing yourself or your brand to another’s is not going to get you moving forward. I forgot where I heard this quote but it says, “comparison is the thief of happiness.” I still struggle with comparing myself to more successful models/influencers. While we all have this tiny desire to be “Insta-famous,” it’s important to not let ourselves be wrapped up in the number of likes, comments, or followers we have. As long as you’re doing what you love to do, that’s all that matters. It truly shows on Instagram who loves what they’re doing and who doesn’t.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am known on Instagram as a freelance lifestyle model and influencer. I am not under any agency but I am apart of H Collective which is worldwide and a great format for aspiring creatives. If you look at most Instagram models, we collaborate with companies and model in their clothing, beauty products, or even food in exchange for our photos to be published on their websites, social media pages, or even magazines. This not only helps us gain exposure to bigger companies and potential agencies, but it also helps the brands gain more exposure as well. One particular shoot I am most proud of was for SunDAZE Floats. Not only was this the first paid shoot I have done, but I also had an amazing experience understanding how studio product shots were done as well as outside the studio. What sets me apart from others I feel would have to be that I try to just be myself. My Instagram page had become strictly modeling photos. While that is not bad, since I am a model, I didn’t want my followers, especially if it’s a younger follower, to assume that my life is always perfect. I finally started incorporating random selfies that I take and edit, fun photos with my friends, or even gym photos. I want my followers to see the real me and not some fake persona I put out online to please everybody.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
So many women have inspired my life from family to celebrities. The first two people who have inspired me are my mom and grandma. They were always big on reminding me to be myself no matter what anyone tells me what I should be. My grandma always supported me in whatever I did and was so excited to see me modeling because she knew I would succeed. Another person who has inspired me is my cousin, Alexis. She has always been a part of the pageant world and actually held the Miss Teen California title back in 2013. Because of her experiences, she has helped me grow as a person and model by always being open to answering any questions I had for her. A few celebrities that inspired me are Zoë Sugg, Gabby Epstein, Alyssa Lynch, and of course, Tyra Banks. Each of these women just brings a certain quality about them that I absolutely love and inspire me to be a better version of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://courtneygilbert.portfoliobox.net/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/courtneyy_gilbert
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/courtneyy__g
Image Credit:
Albert Maravilla, John William, Juanito Alvarez, Arman Raga, Isaac, Rosemary Kunigan
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