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Sophie Brownson

'It's not as glamorous as it looks' - Meet the Newcastle models working for Barbour, ASOS and Little Mistress

Extreme elements, last-minute travel and the worry of not knowing when your next paycheck is coming.

For those who think modelling is all about freebies and glamour, think again.

But if you can handle the unpredictability then you're in for an experience of a lifetime.

Go here for the latest news live from Newcastle city centre

And Newcastle model Isaac Cruise knows this better than anyone.

The 20-year-old Durham University student is one of the most successful faces at Newcastle -based model agency Savalas Models.

He's modelled at London Fashion Week, shot editorials for END. Clothing and starred in campaigns for Scottish-based brand Kestin.

Last year, Isaac even saw himself on billboards up and down the country as he featured in a Greggs campaign.

"The majority of my work is up here, but every now and again I might get an editorial in London," he said.

"It is very unpredictable, which can be exciting, but from a money point of view, that's also quite hard because you never know when the next job is going to be and how much is going to be for. But, as a student, it's great.

Model Isaac Cruise For Kestin AW21 campaign shot by Murray Orr. (Murray Orr.)

"That's why I'm having to think hard about doing it [full-time] next year because it is a big commitment.

"You really have to believe in yourself if you want to do it full-time and not have a job on the side because it is so unpredictable."

But for those willing to take the gamble, the perks can be incredible.

"I was in Milan for Scotch & Soda and went to this island called Elba and it is the loveliest place I have ever been in my life," Isaac said.

"We went out for three days. They paid for hotels, meals and drinks, everything. You got to sit on the beach all day and somehow I got paid for that!"

But that's definitely not the case for most jobs as Isaac was keen to stress.

Issac Cruise for Nigel Cabourn x Element SS20 lookbook shot by Ben Benoliel. (Ben Benoliel)

"It's not as easy as people think it is," he said.

"It's not the hardest job - but people think you just sit around all day and get paid a good rate.

"I don't think people realise that you get paid a good day rate because you don't work a lot of days.

"You never know where you are going to get your next job.

"You always have to be ready to go and there are lots of early starts and late nights, especially if you are away on a job."

He continued: "For one job, I was in the Scottish borders and it was a shoot when it was snowing.

"I was having to get changed in a Land Rover and I have never been as cold in all my life.

"[So] it's not all glamorous as it comes across!"

Challenges

People's perceptions of what models are like is one of the challenges of the job that Alisha Cowie knows all too well.

The 22-year-old from Durham is a personal trainer and has a degree in crime scene investigation, but she says she has encountered stereotypes when telling people she's a model.

"There is a misconception that people have when you tell them you're a model," she said.

"So, if I have just met someone new, I don't always want to tell them what I do because I don't want them to pre-judge me about it.

"If you tell someone you are a model people can have these stereotypes.

"Sometimes I feel embarrassed to say it as a lot of people don't think it is a proper job and I feel you can get judged a little bit.

Model Alisha Cowie shot by Joe West. (Joe West)

"The industry is not as judgemental as what people seem to think it is, but it's just the judgment of what people think of models that gets to me a little bit.

"If you tell someone you are a model, they automatically think that you don't have an education or that you are a bit of an airhead but it's just a way to make money."

Alisha, who has been a model with Tyne Tees Models for more than six years, has worked for brands including Barbour, Little Mistress, and holiday company Parkdean Resorts.

She said the job has allowed her to have some amazing experiences and even share them with her boyfriend, Joe West, 26, who also works as a model.

"You get to meet so many different people," Alisha said.

"Everyone that I have met has different life experiences and you learn so much from them."

Model Alisha Cowie in a wedding editorial shot by Little Miss Boyco Photography. (Little Miss Boyco Photography.)

She continued: "I do a mix of everything. I do e-commerce, which is website modelling, for the likes of Little Mistress, I have done modelling for them a few times in the last year.

"[But] my main source of income is commercial and wedding photography for magazines, different venues and dress shops.

"My boyfriend is a full-time model as well so we get a lot of work together.

"Some weeks I can be flat out and working every day and some weeks I can just have one or two jobs.

"We got so much work in the summer of 2020 when lockdown lifted as everything was on hold.

"Abroad opportunities have halted as it is really hard to travel now, but through Tyne Tees Models we have a job booked in France in June that I am hoping we can [do]."

Being scouted

While some people might have always dreamed of being a model, there are those who happen to just fall into it.

That was certainly the case for Samuel Frame, who was scouted on the bus to work by model agent Terry Costello.

Five years on, the Jango Flash musician from Heaton has gone on to star in editorial campaigns for END. Clothing and has even flown to Italy for an editorial shoot.

The 25-year-old said: "My favourite job was an editorial I shot with a friend of mine, Kuba, who took me to Rome to shoot a collection for Judy Turner.

"[But] recently most of my regular work has come through END, which is Newcastle-based."

He continued: "It only takes feeling comfortable being yourself to be able to [model].

Model Samuel Frame shot by Willow Williams for Metal Magazine. (Willow Williams/ Metal Magazine)

"Adapting to new situations can seem daunting, but you have to have more patience for yourself than anyone else, allowing yourself a minute to breathe when you feel nervous."

Confidence

Confidence is something that 21-year-old Ralph Landers gained when he started modeling three years ago.

The Northumbria University student, who moved to Newcastle from Kuwait as a child, was discovered after his family encouraged him to go along to a drop-in casting session at Savalas Models.

"I had a friend who was doing modelling at the time and he pushed me to go for it," he said.

"I wasn't convinced but my family ended up convincing me so I just did a walk-in session.

"It has been a really good experience and helped me as a person - it's made me more outgoing and confident."

Since then, he has starred in Sam Fender's 'Seventeen Going Under' music video and modelled for ASOS, END. Clothing and Barbour.

Ralph Landers has featured in Sam Fender's 'Seventeen Going Under' music video. (Savalas Models.)

"It was a very good experience and quite fun to shoot," he said of the music video.

"Sam is quite down to earth and just a Geordie lad."

He continued: "I was in an editorial for END and on one of the banners on the website.

"It was quite breathtaking to see it on there [as] I never thought I would be on there."

His advice for those wanting to get into the industry?

"It's not as intimidating as it looks," he said.

Model Ralph Landers shot by Aleksandra Modrzejewska. (Aleksandra Modrzejewska.)

"People are worried about having their photos taken and to see how they come out but, honestly, you never know until you try it."

Relationships

Chisanga Mwila, from Sandyford, has been modelling since the age of 17 after signing with Tyne Tees Models.

Now, 22, the trainee midwife said she's learned a lot in the last five years since beginning her modelling career.

"It's been an amazing experience," she said.

"One of the things you have to do as a model is build relationships and have a good rapport with someone.

"Clients will then want to book you again or suggest you to other clients."

Chisanga, who has modelled for Jules B and Barbour, said she books around two jobs a week.

Her advice to others?

"I think you have to be secure to go into modelling as there is always someone more beautiful than you.

"You have to realise your niche and what makes you stand out."

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