7 minute read
NICOLE HARNED // International Cover Model Photography by Ricky Zastrow @coloradophotoworks
Nicole Harned Nicole Harned
INTERNATIONAL COVER MODEL
Loud&Clear caught up with internationally published model, Nicole Harned.
PHOTOS BY RICKY ZASTROW @coloradophotoworks
I Am Nicole Modeling is not just about clothes, it’s about attitude. Nicole Chausenko (now, Nicole Harned) is an accomplished model, actress, modeling coach, and practicing Doctor of Pharmacy based out of Denver, Colorado. Her passion for posing and engaging her audience are unrivaled. She owns the ability to accentuate the shapes of your clothing and convert a message of desire and beauty to your potential consumer. If Nicole wears it, consumers want to buy it.
Nicole has expertise and experience in fashion, boudoir, lifestyle, and fitness modeling. With a strong and diverse portfolio, she is the best decision you can make to help promote your brand.
As an actress, Nicole has experience in commercials, promotional modeling, and reality television, and is pursuing opportunities in television, movies, music videos, and other forms of entertainment.
You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it. Clothes allow women the ability to express their uniqueness and beauty. My fashion speaks to who I am, but it isn’t who I am. You have to look deeper than the clothes for that.
Nicole is available for hire for the following modeling services. Runway, Fashion, Boudoir, Fitness, Event Promotion, and Casting Inquiries
When did you first get involved as a model?
For a start in the modeling world, I was late to the game. I didn’t get involved in the industry until I was 18, partially due to the fact that I grew up in a rural Texas town. While in college, I took some modeling and acting classes with Caryn International in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I had some minor acting parts in local commercials and TV shows. This was pre-Instagram so I had a physical portfolio and comp cards and was emailing digitals.
What or Who inspired you to pursue such a competitive career?
My own curiosity piqued my interest in the industry, but I had some mentors that inspired me along the way. Tiffany Ogle, a former Miss Minnesota and now talk show host, coached me at Caryn’s and convinced me to give the industry a try. The staff at Anderson Model and Talent agency in Amarillo, Texas was also very supportive and helped me develop a more realistic and practical approach. While you quickly realize the chances of becoming a famous supermodel or movie star are slim to none, there is a large market for promotional and commercial models and actors.
I’m sure you have met a lot of talented individuals and/or celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?
I hung out with a certain UFC fighter and he immediately flashes his black AmEx to order a drink. Then he tells me how he’s a diehard Republican and loves Donald Trump. He also talked down to me by saying, “you wouldn’t understand because we’re not in the same tax bracket (lol).” That ended up being a pretty short interaction.
Another time, I went on a date with a guy who picked me up in his neon Lamborghini that was previously owned by a Cubs player. It had a TV screen in the center console and he starts playing porn on it super loud. I started cracking up, but switched it to Britney Spears ‘Baby One More Time.’ (I want to mention here that I am 100% happy right now with my non-celebrity husband :)
How has your modeling evolved since you first started?
Honestly, I look back at some of my early photos and cringe. Some of them are really bad. Posing, expressions, angles, negative space, hand position, lighting, make up, hair, wardrobe, styling +100 other things factor into what makes a good photo, and lot of these things can only be accomplished through experience (and of course, a good photographer).
If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in these tough careers? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?
I would say motivation. Someone told me a long time ago that you can ways be better, and honestly, it was absolute shit advice for a perfectionist and someone with OCD tendencies like me, but I took it to heart and am always striving to better myself. I like challenges and to think creatively, and modeling is a good juxtaposition to my structured/scientific side.
Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a model in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?
My portfolio is extremely diverse as I have done a lot of different styles of shoots and I definitely don’t fit into a standard ‘IG aesthetic.’ I’ve done everything from boudoir, cosplay, wedding, fantasy, fashion, 6+ hours of body paint, actual paint thrown on me, snow shoot in a bikini, etc. While it is very difficult to be original— creatively speaking—people don’t realize that a similar concept can be done in infinite ways. I also prefer a more natural look to my photos so I don’t use excessive filters, FaceTune, or Photoshop.
What has been your biggest challenge as a model? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
My diverse portfolio has actually been a hindrance in some ways because I don’t have one specific style. To an outside viewer, I may appear too eclectic or unmarketable because I’m all over the place, but I view it as a positive in that I can transform into a variety of roles. There will also always be those who don’t like you for whatever reason. I just keep a positive attitude, accept the fact that I’m not suitable for all roles and shoots and move on.
A common phrase as a performing artist is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?
In order to pursue an interest or career to its fullest extent, a significant investment of both time and money is required. When you put 30
a lot of effort into one area of your life, others can definitely suffer. I have had failed relationships, financial difficulties, and poor time management. So yes, I have suffered for my art. Did I have to suffer? Probably not, but then I also would not be where I am today. You have to strike a delicate balance and, very importantly, have a supportive partner.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling business?
It has completely changed exposure and accessibility. Today, anyone can post a photo on Instagram or Facebook and say they are a model regardless of experience or agency representation. Direct messaging has made it easier than ever to reach out to models, photographers, hair/make-up artists, etc. It has also widened the definition of a model from an influencer to someone with an OnlyFans account to a regular person reposting and hashtagging a brand’s product. I feel like it’s part of the general societal trend towards larger scope inclusivity and diversity.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am an orchestra level flute player. I can also blow up a balloon with my nose.
What is the best advice you have received?
“Closed mouths don’t get fed.” “You do you boo.”
What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about?
IGTV content, some fun collab photoshoots coming up...
How can fans-to-be follow your modeling career?
IG: @iz_nicolexoxo Website: www.iznicole.com
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