Interview: Model Oksana Oksi (Ukraine) Winner of the month
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Oksi (Oksana). I’m 22 years old.
I was born in small town in the west of Ukraine. When I was 16 I moved to Kyiv and I’m based there till now. I studied philosophy in university and for living I was painting portraits for people (i finished art school when I was teenager). After I graduated from university I decided that I wanna see the world and I as I finally had time for doing whatever I want I started traveling for modeling. So now it’s my main job which I really do enjoy. Also very important thing of this year is that I started doing photography myself.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
Thats very tricky question. Actually you can change anything. Thats the beauty of life. It’s all in your hands.
How did you start modeling?
I was doing a lot of tfp shootings before it became my full time job during couple of years when I was a student, from time to time I had some commercial work too. In summer 2017 when I was free after university I did more shootings. One day I met an agent through internet so we organized my first photo tour. From this my real hornet started. After I returned home with my first real money I invested them in my new trip to Germany and then another trip and another. Right now its my way of living.
What do you think of the work as a model?
I think it’s very interesting but very hard job. It’s not just easy money how some people can think wrongly.
Firstly modeling is a way to express myself. It gives me opportunity to show through the photos something that I couldn’t show any other way. I can make people feel and hear me.
Secondly my work is the best psychological tool from all I know to achieve self acceptance. To be honest when I started I didn’t love myself much but during this time I do modeling I made huge progress and dared to to show real me to the world and finally love every special thing that distinguishes me from others.
Finally it gave me ability to travel and see new places, discover new mentalities, meet new people, go through new experiences, attend different cool exhibitions and places. And according to this it game me environment to grow more fast in all senses. It’s like real school of life. I really enjoy it. Your like more adult by every trip and discover something new.
What is your beauty regimen?
To begin with, I ate healthy food during all my life. Last months I eat especially healthy. I don’t eat junk sweets that I loved so much. I try to cook always myself diet and yummy at the same time. And as I very easy can gain my weight according to my life experience I always need to control myself and eat small portions.And what is very important I never miss my breakfast full of carbs that help my brain to work better and I have energy for whole day.
Beside that this year I stared doing intense workout. Everyday and it gives me great results.
What is more I try to sleep good and aways wake up at the same time. In the morning usually
Furthermore, I usually prefer walking to any transport if its possible. When it was not so cold in Ukraine I used to walk at least 10-15km per day.
What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others
First and main quality that distinguish me from many others is my special love to life, positive attitude and always hope in the heart. I pay attention to the things that others don’t and I feel very deep connection with the nature. I think its a gift and I feel very grateful to all.
As well as there is no problems that can’t be solved for me. I look simple on the world. I behave very independent from my childhood and I’m ok with doing things alone without help. Its even more exciting. I like to choose difficult but interesting way to achieve something.
In addition Im hardworker. There is no miracles for me. I dont dream. I just do. I’m very responsible and also always keep my promises to the people. I’m very straight and don’t lie because of that I don’t spend time for not important things.
What are your plans for the future?
I wanna do an art both as a model and as a photographer. I wanna travel and see more of the world, meet new people, maybe attend art school in future again. Next plan is to open my own art space or the studio one day.
What are some of your favorite experiences so far?
I can tell a lot because it was very intense year but if I have to select a few then I’ll start from exceptional experience when I switched from being a model to being a photographer and another way back. Thats like magic to me.
Next great experience was sky diving from 4000 meters. Crazy to see the Earth on this height not from the plane.
And of course it was very cool experience to travel through all Iceland. Seeing this nature gave me so much inspiration for the next months.
Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
You need to remember that model isn’t just a nice face or perfect body. Model is a personality. So my advise is to improve yourself everyday to become beautiful inside and outside to be able to express something through your eyes. Besides you should be disciplined and be ready for hard work.
In addition I would advise to try shooting in different styles to find something that you really love. Try to express your soul every time and then very quickly you’ll meet like-minded people. Do your work with love and passion. Don’t run for the money or something that just others like because then you will not find your real audience.
Always remember you were born to be real, not to perfect. So don’t compare yourself with others. Be yourself.
What do you think of the magazine?
I think this magazine gives great opportunity to all kind of artist. I find it very special and sincere. This magazine is full of beautiful pictures and inspiring articles.
