New Model Army − Glass meets Angela Mariano

Name:  Angela Mariano
Agency: Red Models
Age: 20
Nationality: American

angela8Angela Mariano. Photograph: Benny Lee

How did you become a model?
I do not have one of those stories about being scouted in a shopping mall or having famous parents. I have always wanted to pursue a career in the arts and modelling has always been my dream job since I was a kid, but I never really knew how to get my foot in the door. After high school, I took a gap year and volunteered in a developing country teaching English, working with kids and collecting data on sea turtles.

After volunteering, I decided to move to New York; I did not know anyone in the industry, I did not have an agency and I was broke. I started networking with companies and photographers on Instagram and recently just got signed with Red.

Who are your heroes in life?
To be honest I do not really have any heroes in life. I look up to a lot of  the Victoria’s Secret models like Naomi Campbell and Adriana Lima. I also look up to Tim Burton, Kurt Cobain and Robin Williams.

angela5Angela Mariano. Photograph: Benny Lee

What is your present state of mind?
My current state of mind is very career driven. When I first moved to New York, my goal was to get signed and meet people in the industry. My next goal is to walk in this upcoming NYFW. I never want to be totally comfortable, I like to try and experience new things and conquer new goals.

What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is a choice, if you are not happy with something in your life, then something needs to be changed. Although fast cars and expensive jewellery are nice, they only create temporary happiness. My idea of happiness is doing what you love and surrounding yourself with people who can make you laugh … and also burritos, burritos make me pretty happy.

angela12Angela Mariano. Photograph: Benny Lee

How would you like to be perceived by others?
I want to be perceived by others as a nice person. People who put others down do not impress me very much. I want to be seen as someone that really knows what they want and has the drive to get it; and also a bad ass.  Even though I am scared to get my wisdom teeth out, still a bad ass.

If you were not a model, what would you be?
Even though I am trying to make a living off of being a model, I believe you never only have to do one thing in life. I still plan on working in other areas in the art field. Maybe photography, fashion designing, cake decorating who knows it is a long life journey.

angela6Angela Mariano. Photograph: Benny Lee

What advice do you have for other models?
My advice to other aspiring models is do not compare yourself to others, never try to be somebody else. Networking has been the tool that has helped me most in the industry. If you do not branch out and meet new people, you are never going to get anywhere. You are going to hear the word no a lot. Do not get discouraged, keep working hard, keep learning and good luck.

by Ssam Kim

All Photographs: Benny Lee

Angela is on Instagram here

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