We sat down with Shanghai-based model Jasin Chang to find out what it’s really like to be in the industry.
— How did you get started as a model?
I went with a friend to a modeling agency to pick up tickets to a party. The owner was there and asked if I was interested in modeling. I went to a few castings and got my first runway show after a couple of weeks. Nothing spectacular.
— What’s a typical day for you?
A lot of sex, drugs, and champagne. Nah, just kidding. The meaning of a typical day has changed since I began modeling full-time. Before, my time was spent running around town to castings and auditions, looking for job leads, dieting, working out, and learning how to model and what the whole process was about – which meant talking to anybody that was willing to help. Nowadays, I’ve established a consistent routine of working different types of jobs – photoshoots, commercial videos and runway. I still go to castings, but far less. I believe I have enough experience and momentum where agents and clients are starting to seek me out. So now most of my time is spent managing my career and work relationships. Although no day goes by when I am not concerned about getting overweight or out of shape.
— What kind of work do you mostly do?
As far as fashion is concerned, I started off doing runways but now I also shoot campaigns, ads and lookbooks. I have an interest in acting, and over the summer landed a small role in a feature film produced by Luc Besson. Besides fashion, I also work in television commercials and commercial print or digital ads.
— What’s the best thing about being a model? And the worst?
Modeling has given me the opportunity to work with some of the most passionate and talented people. Shortly after I started this career, I realized that a lot of designers, stylists, photographers, videographers, and hair and make-up artists are fuckin’ crazy – but in a good way! The ones that are driven by their work create an energy that I’ve seldom felt elsewhere, besides sports maybe. And there is no better feeling than to collaborate and make their visions come to life. Of course, it’s also cool that some people treat you nicer, give you free shit and pay for your travels.
The worst aspect would probably be sacrificing so much time that I could spend with friends and family.
— If you could work with any brand or designer, who would it be?
I am not even going to pretend that I know a lot about fashion. I’ve definitely become more aware and picked up pieces here and there. One thing I’ve realized is that my taste is still developing. Right now, I would love to work with Giorgio Armani, Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens.
— What’s the job you’re most proud of?
I am proud whenever I overcome an obstacle, because modeling is full of uncertainty and challenges. Walking a runway at Milan Fashion Week was a definite highlight though. I had just started modeling and I kind of threw myself out there. So that was definitely a great feeling, as I was aware the odds were against me.
— What’s the most challenging side of your profession?
It’s a competitive industry, with a lot of uncertainty and superficiality. Some bookers, clients and directors can be very annoying. But the most challenging side of modeling is the perpetual energy one has to generate in order to create the necessary momentum.
— Your style in three words.
Laid-back. Vintage. Edgy.
— When you’re working you’re….
Obsessed.
Follow Jasin on Instagram @jas1n
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