KRISTIN MARUSHKA

Photography by Doug Mungavin Photography @dougmungavinphoto

Accomplished Fitness Competitor & Trainer

When did you first get involved as a model?

I began modeling when I began competing in bikini fitness competitions about six years ago. My first photo shoot was intended only to capture my progress and from there everything else evolved as related to modeling.

Who or What inspired you to pursue such a competitive career?

Overall, sports and fitness have been my inspiration. I have always been an athlete and involved in sports. My first love was basketball and I played since I was in third grade. I went through sports in high school and played basketball, volleyball and ran track. I am also a group fitness instructor and have been since I was 22. In 2014 I attended my first fitness competition as a spectator and decided I wanted to try myself. Competing in fitness competitions was a great next step in my fitness journey. After I competed in my first show, I was hooked. Here I am now, six years later, still enjoying the journey. I have met so many amazing people along the way and have had opportunities open up all from following my passion.

Doug Mungavin Photography @dougmungavinphoto

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 have not really met many celebrities besides a quick hello in admiration, but I do know many talented individuals.

Oh wait….I did get to meet Nikki Sixx, but that was at the Dallas Airport super random. He was my childhood crush (haha) and Motley Crue my favorite band growing up.

How has your modeling evolved since you first started?

My modeling has come a long way. I am more comfortable in front of the camera as well as with different looks related to my body. I can be very muscular to very voluptuous and curvy. Learning how to pose, my angles and putting looks together has evolved and improved. Learning what various photographer’s styles are and what look they are going for has also been exciting to learn. Creating images has been very exciting to me as a model! It has been nice to learn techniques from different photographers as well.

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?

Definitely PASSION! I am so passionate about fitness and art. I love love love the fact that our bodies can be sculpted into pieces of art like clay we can create our masterpieces. Sounds crazy but it is true! We have the power and control to make choices to create and inspire!

Doug Mungavin Photography @dougmungavinphoto

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

I feel that as a fitness model, I feel there is more flexibility with height, weight, and overall appearance vs. fitting into a stereotype. I can be soft or I can build my body and become very muscular and chiseled which can make for amazingly creative artistic shots. My body frame can be deceiving…. I am only 5’4” but my legs look extremely long in photos especially with heels. As far as my overall look, I am half Hungarian and half Spanish, so that European look may be different that most others.

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

My biggest challenge has been learning my looks. Certain people have a look and I like to try having a variety of looks, but that takes some learning, practice and risk taking. Another challenge has been not comparing yourself to others. Being unique is a strength but at times, paying too much attention to others or comparing yourself can be self-defeating. So I try to look at the beauty in all and realize that my look is my own and not everyone will like that but that’s what makes this world colorful and diverse.

Doug Mungavin Photography @dougmungavinphoto

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?

I don’t think you need to suffer for your art at all. Embrace your art and your expression and as long as you believe in what you are doing and are passionate about it, you will make others believe in you! On the other hand, nothing was handed to me either so I did have to put in the work and effort and be a self-motivated pioneer per se.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling business? Please explain.

The internet and social media have propelled mod eling into everyone’s face! The various platforms are making it easier for exposure but at the same time it can be flooded with beautiful women and men. There is so much creativity out there, I love it!!! Trying to compete with so many individuals is difficult and that is why making those concrete real connections is so important. Like this interview…..I am so excited to be doing this!

Do you have any hidden talents?

Hmmmm, I can play a handful of songs on the guitar…..”welcome to the Hotel California….” I can juggle and oh love to paint!

What is the best advice you have received?

My best advice has been, “Exaggerate and sell your best feature!” I think this has been great advice! Knowing your best feature is an asset.

Doug Mungavin Photography @dougmungavinphoto

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

Currently, I am working on a series of “body art forms” that capture the musculature of the body while playing with light. Let’s see how those come out!! I am excited to see the end product.

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

People can follow me on Instagram primarily. My Instagram name is @getfitwithkristin Thank you so much for this!