I was a model for eight years. That's the deal: People look. But I didn't like being looked at and never seen.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I never thought I would model for more than a few years.
It's weird that the world sees modeling as a negative. It just blows my mind how many people think that because I was a model, I think I'm pretty and that I can use my looks to get ahead. I'm not pretty!
After I grew some facial hair, I looked a bit older, and I guess that's what the modeling world wanted because I started booking more luxury brands.
The problem with being in the public eye for a long time is there are 20 years worth of looks to come back and haunt you!
I never had an ambition to go into modeling, originally. I still can't believe how quickly it all took off.
All eyes are on you when you're modeling and acting, and I just didn't want the attention when I wasn't working. But as I've gotten older, I've become more comfortable with my body and am taking more fashion risks.
Successful model? That's a myth. The year I modeled was the most painful year of my life. Editors would always talk to you in the third person as though you were merely a piece of merchandise.
After my first 'Sports Illustrated' cover, I felt terrible about myself for a solid month. People deal with models like they are children. They think they can pull one over on you. I'm not a toy; I'm a human. I'm not here to be used.
There were a few models who used to stay close to my building. I used to admire them and tell my friends that I did. Those models told me get into modeling.
To me, it's a little odd to ever think 'model into actor.' I modeled once. I was about as far from a decent model as you can possibly be. I did not enjoy the world at all. I fell in my stilettos quite a bit.