Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Gonzalez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a deep desire to be a fashion model. For many years, I spent lots of time thinking about making that dream a reality. In 2017, I finally decided to make modeling a permanent part of my daily life. I had a close friend who was already modeling, so I was able to gain valuable insight into what it would take to realize my dream.
I started by establishing the “MASIKA latina” brand and the online presence necessary to support it. I opened a modeling portfolio website (to showcase my complete modeling portfolio), a unique Instagram and Facebook account (separate from my already established personal accounts), a Model Mayhem VIP account (to network with established photographers, models and clients) and separate email and phone accounts to support the brand. With this foundation in place, I set out to build my portfolio.
“MASIKA latina” is the brand that represents me, my unique look and style and the passion, dedication and work ethic I bring to each assignment. I understand that success in modeling is not given, it is earned. As a result, I dedicated myself to learning the craft by passionately pursuing as many meaningful fashion shoot/fashion show opportunities as my schedule would allow. My ultimate goal was to become a working fashion model, realizing my lifelong dream and providing those who believed in me with the best possible effort to achieve their creative and business objectives.
Modeling portfolios are initially established by doing “Time for Print (TFP)” shoots, where the model and photographer collaborate with no money exchanged and an agreement to use the resultant prints for the benefit of both portfolios. I spent countless hours evaluating TFP shoot opportunities, the themes and outfits necessary to support the shoots and collaborating with many talented photographers to build my portfolio. Once a meaningful portfolio was established, paid assignments were offered and the nature of the opportunities shifted from TFP to paid. TFP shoots are still necessary to maintain a balanced portfolio with themes that may be lacking from the paid assignments. I am currently at this stage in my modeling career,
Along the way, I found that I was also interested in the skills behind the camera. As I began to learn more and more at each shoot, I decided to invest in a professional camera setup and began learning the art of photography. With the help of many generous and talented photographers, I am now on the path to understanding the skills needed on both sides of the camera with MasikaLatina Photography. There is still a lot to learn in both modeling and photography, but the opportunity to begin living my dream has brought me extreme joy and happiness.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth ride. There have been challenges along the way, some above and beyond the nature of the work itself. These challenges need to be addressed by all models at the start of their journey.
The first and most important challenge is safety. With most modeling opportunities originating online, it is impossible to judge the character and integrity of someone who seeks to collaborate with you on a fashion shoot. There are many ways to minimize the safety risk, that are generally a matter of personal preference. I choose not to do any nude and erotic shoots. I do a rigorous online search of all offers and collaborators. I require a pre-shoot meeting with all collaborators in a public setting. I use a business mentor, who does not come with me on the shoot, but who I communicate with briefly at the beginning, middle and end of every shoot. I also bring my own food and drink to every location. Compromising safety is never an option, regardless of the nature of the opportunity. My advise to new models is to choose whatever methods you are comfortable with to minimize the safety risk and NEVER, EVER let your guard down.
The second challenge are the scams that focus on new models and their desire for “instant” success. I received many offers early on that seemed too good to be true and they were. Fortunately, I was able to get through those struggles with only minor disappointment and no negative financial impact. Although, the fraudulent offers are less frequent, I still remain vigilant to avoid future scams. I never let the perceived potential of an offer alter my approach by reacting quickly without performing my due diligence. The best advice I can offer to avoid the inevitable scams is to remember that your success in modeling must be earned. It will not be handed to you in one of your first assignments, by someone who has not even met you, that requires immediate action to secure an “unbelievable” opportunity.
Another challenge, related to the work itself, is the ability to deal with rejection. No matter how beautiful and talented you are as a model, there will always be times that you will not be selected for an assignment. In almost all cases, that is related to the specific niche they are looking for and not a negative statement about your ability or your look/style. It is difficult to do, but to succeed as a model, you must move on from these disappointments, taking with you any lessons learned that may help you at your next casting call.
Please tell us about “MASIKA latina” Fashion Model.
There are many aspects to being a fashion model. I mentioned earlier that I choose not to do nude or erotic shoots. I do, however, work in the following modeling genres: fashion, fitness, sports, lingerie, swimwear, casual lifestyle, catalog, runway, commercial, print, glamour, promotional, trade show, convention and freelance. Most of my work under the “MASIKA latina” brand tends to specialize in the fashion, fitness, swimwear, casual and lingerie genres.
At this point in my career, I am best known for my versatility and the ability to bring a reliable best effort and meaningful results for every shoot. Dependability and reliability are a precious commodity in the modeling industry so, I always strive to exceed the expectations of those I collaborate with. It is important to be an active listener, to understand the objectives of the client and to be a team player in accomplishing the goals of the shoot. I also believe that being humble sets me apart, because I truly appreciate the opportunities I am given, and never take any assignment for granted. I am most proud of my ability to help my clients succeed, to understand their creative and business objectives and effectively bring that to life in each and every assignment.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
My best advice to anyone starting a similar journey to become a successful fashion model is one simple statement. There is no substitute for hard work. I quickly learned that there are many beautiful people in modeling that lack the passion and dedication necessary to be successful. Physical beauty and attractive features are just a starting point. You must be dedicated to flawless execution and continuous learning as you progress through your career. Never fail to recognize that your job is to help your clients achieve the success they desire, and the focus of the assignment is not solely on the model. Prestige, glamour and fun are all part of the mix, but hard work and passion make the biggest difference.
Pricing:
- Two (2) hour shoot, two (2) outfit changes, single location area, travel expense reimbursement for non-local (outside SD County) shoots – $70
- Half-day shoot (Four (4) consecutive hours), three (3) outfit changes, single location area, travel expense reimbursement for non-local (outside SD County) shoots – $120
- Full-day shoot (Eight (8) consecutive hours), four (4) outfit changes, two (2) local locations, travel expense reimbursement for non-local (outside SD County) shoots – $200
Contact Info:
- Website: MasikaLatina.foliohd.com
- Email: masikalatina@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masikalatina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericka.ruizgonzalez
- Other: www.modelmayhem.com/4209268
Image Credit:
Gio’s Photography, ColdBlueSky Photography, Mike Menegus Photography, Carmina Aguirre Photography, MasikaLatina Photography
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