Milan Rede

Photo by Mandy St. John

Beauty and Brains

When did you first get involved as a model? What or Who inspired you to pursue such a competitive career?

I first got involved as a model when I was about 16 years old. I was inspired to start modeling when I would watch fashion or look at magazines and see all of the beautiful and talented models. I thought to myself, I want to be like them. So then I just decided to start building my portfolio with a few local photoshoots and fashion shows and then my career took off from there!

I’m sure you have met a lot of talented individuals and/or designers along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

Along the way, I have gotten to do so many cool photoshoots with amazing artists. For example, one of my favorite photoshoots was with photographer, Audre Holtz. We got to shoot at Tent Rocks which was beautiful and I loved how those photos came out. We also did another photoshoot at Nambe Falls which was quite the adventure because we hiked up a waterfall trail to get to the giant waterfall at the end and take pictures. I modeled in my favorite swimsuits too so that was a lot of fun!

Photo by Mandy St. John

How has your modeling evolved since you first started?

I started out doing more general photos at first, just trying to build my portfolio. Then, once I got more experience, I was able to decide what style I like to work with and now I do mostly high fashion, swimwear, or editorial style shoots.

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?

Passion. I love modeling because it allows me to express myself in an artistic way that no other career can do. It is my creative outlet and my passion.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

One thing that makes me unique in the industry is that I am not just a model; I am also a chemical engineer. I will actually be pursuing my PhD this year and am only 22 years old. So I guess you could say I am pretty smart too ;)

Photo by Audre Holtz, Makeup by Angelique Martinez

What has been your biggest challenge as a model? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge as a model is finding consistent jobs. It is hard to constantly look for gigs and it is a very competitive market.

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?

Yes, I agree with this statement. The reason I agree is because throughout my career, I have dealt with a lot of judgement from my peers and mean girls who are always trying to bring me down or don’t like me because I am unique and like to model. However, that never stopped me from being successful and booking shoots so I feel like that saying also goes along with whoever tries to bring you down is already below you.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling business?

The internet has actually made modeling a lot easier because with social media it is now easier to market yourself and put yourself out there as a model. You can also be directly contacted by agents, photographers, and designers on Instagram or other social networks which makes setting up shoots a lot easier.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I love long boarding. I can actually even do some tricks on my longboard and go down a parking garage and hills on it. It is my way to relieve stress.

What is the best advice you have received?

As cliché as it sounds, it is to never give up and never let anyone’s negativity bring you down. As you become more and more successful, there will always be some people trying to hate you because of your success (out of jealousy normally), but you just gotta keep your head high so your crown doesn’t fall and do your thing!

What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about?

Currently, I am still doing some photoshoots here and there, but I am still looking to work with more people and even do some traveling for photoshoots. I was recently published in a few national and international magazines so I am wanting to do more of that.

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

Follow my Instagram: @milanrede

I absolutely love my followers and when people comment on my posts. That is the best way to get my attention or to follow my career.