Jessi Fierce | VIP Member | Verified Credits (41)

Where are you from? Where are you based now and do you travel for shoots?
I grew up in California but moved to Florida several years ago for school and athletics. Today, I am based in Miami. I travel a few times a month on trips, typically for companies or photographers that fly me to them to work on a project. I am currently preparing to go to law school in the Fall of 2020, and am about to travel a bit more in order to tour campuses around the country.
Who or what inspired you to become a model?
I grew up with a parent who was a professional photographer and as a result, I often found myself posing for her test shots and admiring the beautiful work she made with her clients. Initially, I thought I might want to be a photographer too, but at a conference that we attended together several years ago, “Shutterfest,” I found myself at a group shoot frustrated with my camera. I went up to my hotel room, changed, and returned to model for the shoot instead. On that day, it finally clicked with me that I felt my most empowered, beautiful, and creative on the other side of the camera, modeling.

How and when did you start modeling?
In many ways, growing up with a professional photographer as a parent, it has felt like I have always been modeling, but it wasn’t until 2018 that I started to explore it professionally. It all started while I was at a business meeting with a man who was a photographer. He had arranged for later that day to have a body paint shoot, but both of his models ended up flaking at the last minute. It was too late for him to cancel the body painter so he asked me if I was interested in modeling for him. I was thrilled, but I also had no idea what I was getting myself into. After eight hours of painting and two hours of shooting, I got home around midnight, feeling more beautiful, confident, and inspired than I could ever remember feeling. After that, I made a profile on Model Mayhem and started shooting TFP projects about four times a week for the next six months. By the time I graduated from university, I decided to devote my time to focus on modeling professionally, and now, here I am!
What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?
I have found myself enjoying nude work the most. There’s something about modeling nude that is just so empowering. I’d rather be shooting nude than really any other fashion project, to be honest!

What do you look for when deciding to work with a photographer?
Professionalism. This is the most important thing to me. This is a work environment for me and I expect the same level of professionalism from my co-creatives that I would from business associates, employers, clients, etc. The photographers I work with are respectful of time, energy, and boundaries/limitations.
Which models or other artists currently inspire you?
Since very early on in my modeling career I have found myself inspired by Holly Randall. I love her glamour/erotic work that she has produced for her own website and contributed to publications, such as Penthouse. A model in this industry that I admire very much is Scarlet Begonias. It has been an honor to work with her on many projects this past year.

What would be your dream shoot?
I would love to do a glamorous pin-up style car wash shoot!
How important is social media in your success?
It is and it isn’t… Social media is extremely addicting and exhausting. You need to find some kind of balance in it all. I have had my Instagram account removed four times, which can be disheartening. I think many companies consider your social media following to understand how big of a reach they may have/exposure they’ll receive if they book you for a project, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. Your overall look and the way you conduct yourself on a professional level will typically carry more weight than the number of followers you have.

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?
I spend a lot of time these days studying for the LSAT and preparing my law school applications, but when I’m not doing that, I like to workout and spend time with friends and family.
What’s the best career advice you can give to new models?
Behave professionally, be a great communicator, show up on time or early to shoots, don’t be afraid to book TFP work to build your portfolio, practice your posing, join modeling safety groups (there are a few great groups on Facebook), check references, trust your instincts, and find a mentor! Having a mentor – another model in your area preferably, that has been doing this for a while can really help you out.

Check out Jessi Fierce’s Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow Jessi on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and her website.