Interview with Yan

Yan was born in Hong Kong and moved with her family to the US shortly after. She is currently a model based in New York City who specializes in modeling lingerie, latex and alternative fashion. She is best known for her long, blonde hair, striking eyes and full lips. After making her name in glamour/beauty modeling she accepted more requests in alternative and fetish modeling. Along with her modeling she is an accomplished fashion photographer herself who specializes in mens fashion photography.

How did you make the move to modeling?

The story behind this was I have always wanted to be a model but I never actually made the move to become one. What happened was one day, I met a photographer while I was shopping. She and I became friends immediately and we kept in touch through Myspace until a year later in which she asked me to pose for her portfolio.

You work in a variety of styles. Glamour, Alternative, Fetish. Do you prefer one over another?

I enjoy doing all my photoshoots but I think I enjoy the ones in which I get to be naked or at least half naked. lol

As a model, how involved do you get in the actual process of making the image?

I work mainly as a model but I also do my own hair many times as well as my makeup about 90% of the time. I also do some photo editing as well as contribute ideas to many of my shoots. I like to being involved in the creative process of my shoots.

Can you tell us about some of your best and worst shoot experiences?

My best shoots were the ones that are successful and as a result beautiful images were created. The worst shoots are the ones that don’t happen because of flakes or cancellation the day of the shoot or equipment malfunction.

I understand you are into fashion and enjoy designing and making your own clothing and costumes. Is this a skill you hope to grow and use professionally?

I always hoped to get into cosplay sometime. Growing up, I was always a bit of a nerd and I enjoyed a lot of anime and video games. I want to be a better sewer and clothing designer before I take the plunge in sewing my cosplay outfits. But who knows? Maybe someday I will make cosplay outfits for others.

I also understand you are a big gamer. What are some of your favorites?

My all-time favorites are Hitman, Silent Hill, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid. Other titles I like include Tetris, Pacman, Tomb Raider, Parasite Eve, Yakuza…that’s all I can come up with for now. I wish they make games like they do back in the day. I do like the older generation of video games.

Have you ever considered combining your costume making and gaming and trying to cosplay? I think you would be excellent!

That’s an excellent idea but like I said, I will have to be a better sewing and designer and that will take a lot of practice, patience and trial-and-error.

There is your public persona and your private one. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I can be a bit of a private person when it comes to my life. ^^

Any interesting current projects?

It’s a secret.

Where do you hope to be and what do you hope to be doing five years from now?

That is a tough question but I hope to be still modeling and have expanded and moved onto shooting men’s fashion like I always wanted to.

Do you have any advice for someone who may be starting out as a model?

Have patience. Find a good photographer and build your portfolio. Then work on it from there.

How important is it to interact with your fans?

I get lots of emails from my fans and I love all the sweet and kind messages. I do read all of my messages and it takes time for me to respond so please be patient with me.

Where can people go to keep updated on you and your work?

I have my current website: yanmodel.com. I don’t update it often because I’m thinking of revamping the entire site altogether. I still read the messages that come from there so don’t be afraid to write me.

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