NETWORKING MAGAZINE JULIA MINDAR

Influencer

In a world filled with influencers from all walks of life, particularly on Instagram, I wanted; Dare To Dream to help inspire new talent. My particular interest was in how education, focus, attention to detail and beautifully captured images carved out a career from humble beginnings. I caught up with Julia Mindar in Los Angeles for a candid conversation about her journey.

They say modelling is a skill, using light, shade, filters and positioning to play to an advantage. Is this true?

Yes, this is very true. I recently viewed my photos from years ago and was astonished by how much progress I've made. Knowing your best sides, how to use your body to achieve the best angles, and lighting knowledge contribute to a successful photo's key components. Being a photographer is a cheat code because I know precisely how lighting works and am very attentive to details.

You have a unique perspective on modelling. You have worked both sides of the lens. Does this give you an advantage? Why?

My experience in photography gives me an advantage. Funny enough, photographers absolutely love me as I am 'one of their kind', but some also mentioned being intimidated by how good my work is compared to theirs and feeling nervous about working with me.

Working both sides of a camera is something that I thrive on, and I enjoy the experience.

At what age did you realise you wanted to be involved with photography? Is it something you discovered, or did someone point you in that direction?

Definitely discovered, and I am not sure how it happened. I was about 18, and I wanted a good camera. I started it as a hobby, and a big part of it was editing. I have loved playing with Photoshop since I was a kid, so I believe all of this came from my love of art and painting. I attended an art school when I was little.

It was more a sequence of events rather than a strategy. Downloaded from the universe, call it fate. I found related industries that I have a passion for being involved with.

You are now an influencer. However, how much of what you do requires social media content, and is it difficult to always play to the demands of your followers?

Oh, God. Nowadays, it feels like you can only do business with a social media presence. Most of my LA career is built around my Instagram. From getting the first clients to sending it as my portfolio when requested. Nobody wants to look at your website anymore.

What was your biggest accomplishment? Why?

It is hard to judge oneself, but I am proud of the name and influence I've built for myself over the past few years as both a photographer and a model.

We have all learnt from our mistakes in one way or another. Do you have a lesson you have learnt that helped you to follow your dreams?

Not to compare myself to anyone else and to know your own worth.

You have acted, and this brought a different dimension to your career. Can you tell the audience about that experience?

It is impossible not to get caught into acting while working as a model in LA. Acting in commercials and music videos inspired me to dive deeper into attending a 2-year acting program. That was a life-changing experience that I recommend to everyone. Acting is definitely more challenging. It requires a lot of work and dedication; however most of the time, it's an unpaid effort. So it is not for the weak-hearted.

If you had three wishes, what would they be? Why?

Wow, that is a hard question. I want to increase my influence to have a bigger platform to help and educate people. I want to do more acting in the future and wish to do more work internationally!

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