By: Meredith Bahuriak, Barbizon International

Andrea Susan Bush, Barbizon of Illinois graduate, is enrolled at The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, but she is not your typical college student. Andrea is currently living in China, modeling for the country’s leading modeling agency, ESEE Model Management. In the short two and a half months since her arrival, Andrea has shot catalogs for 16 different companies and stomped the runway for one of China’s leading fashion brands, Peace Bird. So, how does a girl from the midwest find herself modeling top fashion in China? Lucky for us, Andrea kindly took the time to fill us in on her fascinating journey as a model.

 

What is the biggest thing you learned from Barbizon?
Like a lot of people, I deeply struggle with body image. Barbizon taught me how to embrace my imperfections, and paved the way for me to build up my self confidence. I am a huge introvert, and have always been extremely shy. Although I am still shy and often timid at times, I credit Barbizon for giving me the confidence and the skill set to break out of my shell and try new things.

After graduating from Barbizon, what was your next step in the industry?
I graduated from Barbizon when I was 14 years old. After that, I participated in the Passport to Discovery cruise where I won an honorable mention and received multiple callbacks and offers from agencies. However, I felt at the time that I was not emotionally mature enough to handle the scrutiny that often can come with being a part of this industry, so I did not fully begin to break into modeling until I was about 19 years old. I had been living in Chicago for about a year when I started, and I did a couple of test shoots with photographers just to have something to show agencies at open calls. I went to open calls for that entire year with no luck. But I just kept telling myself that this was something I needed to be a part of, so I kept pushing on. And, it worked!

You have a had a lot of success, can you talk about some of the work you’ve done?
I am currently represented in the U.S. by Modelogic Wilhelmina and their Chicago office Modelogic Midwest, which are affiliates of Wilhelmina.

I am also represented internationally by ESEE Model Management, which is China’s leading modeling agency (and where I am right now!).

To me personally, I feel like I have a long way to go before I will consider myself successful in this industry. Before I left for China, I had worked on the “Steve Harvey Show” and “Shameless” as a model, and had work showcased in multiple publications. I work with an up and coming Chicago Boutique, modeling for their catalogs and commercials. I also model for the Chicago Bridal Market and America’s Beauty show, as well as STYLE MAX. In China, I have shot catalogs for 16 different companies in the course of the 2.5 months I have been here, also appearing in a fashion show for one of China’s largest fashion brands, Peace Bird!

I also dabble in acting, which is something I am definitely interested in pursuing more. I have appeared on multiple television shows and movies (Most notably Shameless, Mind Games, Anguish), and have worked as a Stand In on the film Anguish, directed by Sonny Mallhi (producer of The Roommate). I have also had supporting and lead roles on multiple independent films (The View From Tall, All I Know Is This, Sisters of The East, Dead End).

 

How are you enjoying China and what modeling are you doing?
China is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before in my life! I used to live in South Korea (my dad is in the Army), and I thought that would have prepared me a bit more for living here. But, it didn’t. There is a huge communication barrier that I have to overcome every day. I have been able to learn a bit of Chinese, and some people can speak English, but the language barrier is a huge challenge to overcome when we are working together. China is a beautiful country, although mostly I’ve just seen the insides of studios. But when I can get some free time, I try to explore as much as possible. I love learning about different cultures, and what better way to do that than to fully immerse yourself.

I am working with the largest modeling agency in China, ESEE. I shoot campaigns and catalogs for many popular Chinese brands, and have walked in a couple of fashion shows while I’ve been here.

What are your goals for the future?
I have SO many goals for myself, I don’t even know where to start. My biggest career goal is to land a campaign with Pink by Victoria’s Secret. But for now, I just want to travel the world doing what I love and seeing where that takes me.

My biggest personal goal is to be able to work with mission groups helping those in need. I went on a mission trip to Thailand shortly after the Tsunami in ’06 and fell in love. I love kids, I love people, and I love making people happy. So, I want to be able to go on these life changing mission trips for the rest of my life.

 

What advice would you offer to current aspiring models trying to break into the industry?
I wrote a blog post about my experience with this industry, and I think that maybe some of you would benefit from reading it. Here is a little snippet from my post:

I love being a model, and would encourage anyone who wants to dive into this industry to go for it. I just want you to be prepared. Trying to be a part of this industry is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. The competition is fierce. There are hundreds of people who are all trying to book the same jobs as you, and there will always be someone who is better than you. The only advice I can really give to you is to never give up. If this is something that you really want to do, you have to pursue it as actively as possible. Find photographers in your area who would be willing to test with you. Or if not, you may have to pay someone to start building your book. And that’s okay! Seek out local agencies, and don’t be discouraged if they say no. I had so many no’s thrown into my face before I got even one yes. Throughout the rejection and heartache, you will have to learn how to fully love yourself (flaws included), or this industry will destroy you. I can’t count how many times I’ve wanted to just give up, but this is something I am so passionate about, I know my heart would not feel full unless I continue to give it my all 100% of the time.

Full Post Link: http://eseemodeldiaries.blogspot.hk/

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