You may have heard of the beautiful Australian plus size model Laura Wells? If not let me give you some inside information that’s not in this interview.

1. She gives the best hugs. Warm, friendly and totally genuine.
2. The Asos Curve team love her – and so it would seem do many of the Curvettes that buy from Asos Curve
3. I nearly didn’t introduce myself to her when she was shooting one day at ASOS HQ. Why? Well, even professionals get star struck and all I could think was *heart pounding* ‘that’s one of my model idols sitting there minding her own business.’ I’m glad I double backed and said hello.

In fact Laura was such a sweetie she emailed me an hour or so after and said how nice it was to meet me and she agreed to do this interview.

It’s been a long time coming because Laura has been jet setting around the world and is currently back in Australia enjoying time with her family as well working her plus size model curves in various fashion shoots.

In this interview Laura Wells and I cover all the bases: – size acceptance, the fashion and size faux pas, her acceptance of herself and many other things.

Sit back and enjoy the girlie chit chat of two very different models with one hope in common – that plus size fashion lives on!

Hi Laura, it’s great to finally touch base with you as we always seem to miss one another when I’m at ASOS doing my fit sessions. How are you?

I’m really well! I’m back in my home country of Australia at the moment; working hard and staying up late to watch the world cup. It’s good to see all my family and friends again even though I have now escaped the London chill to come to home to Sydney winter!

But it’s hot now in London. We turned the heating on for you. Come back! ha ha!

So Laura, you are the face we see on the header when we click onto the Curve section of asos.com . You’re totally rocking that Hawaiian Cocktail Dress!

You have become a favourite with many of the customers who buy from Curve.
Your look and poise really showcases the clothes well. You seem to be a natural born model, but I read that this wasn’t your first choice of career.

How did you get started?

My sister who is a straight size model went to NYC to go see agents about 5 years ago. I went with her and got asked by a few scouts whether I was a plus size model. At that stage of my life I didn’t even know such a model existed and I really had no interest in modelling at all, that was my sisters department and I was busy at university and travelling at the time.

When I got back to Australia I got in contact with BGM models in Sydney, and my agent, Darrianne Donnelly signed my that day. My first job came two weeks later and since then I haven’t looked back.

You’ve always had killer Curves but have you always been confident in showing them off?

When I first starting modelling and at high school I was never really confident with my curves. I also thought of myself as a lot bigger than everyone else, especially my friends, I never really understood that curves were a blessing! Since modelling I have become a lot more aware of my body shape and finally take pride in the fact that I have a curvy body. I dress to show off my curves and am now no longer afraid to do so.

We’re seeing more plus size models getting press these days, but many of the plus size models are fit into standard criteria, do you feel at any point the size definitions will increase?

Just like straight sized models, plus size models too have a standard criteria to fit to. This criteria is different depending upon the country and market but I do think that the plus size criteria will increase as the demand for plus size market increases.  Plus size models and the industry have really only just begun and I believe that there is much more room for movement in the years to come. It is definitely exciting and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the plus size industry!

Just recently Australian Designers refused to use plus size models during fashion week. This caused quite a stir. What are your views on that?

In terms of plus size modelling and the clothing industry, Australia has quite a long way to go. The industry in Australia is picking up but seems to be behind Europe and the United States when coming to accept plus models and their role in society.

It was actually quite shocking to learn that this year’s fashion week shunned the plus size model as at last year’s Rosemount fashion week, eighteen plus size models from BGM models, including myself, took to the runway for the first time at Sydney fashion week and were very well received.

I thought the City Chic parade last year had marked the way for a plus size revolution in Australia but sadly it seems the fashion industry itself ignored the praise given by the general public and stayed on the one-eyed path of the straight size model.

Hopefully media attention from the refusal to use plus size girls will change a few attitudes and Australia can pick up where they left off from last year’s parade and hail the ever increasing love society has for the plus size girls!

You’ve been very successful as a plus size model but have you ever felt pressure to lose weight?  If so how have you handled that?

No I have never felt any pressure as a plus size model to lose weight. The only time I felt pressure to lose weight was when I was younger and that was mainly pressure I had put on myself to fit in and look like everyone else. If anything I have been asked to put on weight. I’m happy with my weight now. I am at a weight that is probably my natural weight.

I don’t fluctuate and it would actually be difficult for me to lose weight. If I was in a position where I had pressure on me to lose weight I would handle it by assessing my health. If I am within a healthy weight range and am happy with myself and am comfortable with how I feel there is no way I would attempt to lose weight.

Being happy and healthy, I believe, are two of the most important aspects in life and if you have balanced them well you shouldn’t feel pressure from anyone to change that.

You recently shared the catwalk with Crystal Renn for Sheego in Germany.  Crystal’s been the most talked about plus size model in the business recently. Was it nerve racking?

I don’t get nervous before parades, so it wasn’t nerve racking. But it was great meeting Crystal. She is so down-to-earth and easy going. We all had a great time and being in the presence of someone that is so well known and respected gives everyone else great positive energy.

Yes, I’ve heard she is a very sweet, down to earth person too, just like you.  I’ve always felt in my own modelling career that is an essential key to getting ahead. What do you think?

Everyone has their own personality and reacts to situations differently but I think being down -to-earth is a good quality to have, especially in such a hectic industry.

It is very easy to get wrapped up in the glitz and glamour but having a level head and being open minded really helps you assess the situation and bring you back to reality. It’s always important to be yourself but you have to brace yourself for rejection or you will never get ahead.

Laura let’s talk about your beauty routine as my site visitors here at vanessareece.com also love a bit of beauty chat. What beauty items can’t you live without when you’re travelling as a model?

Travelling definitely takes its toll on your skin so I always have a good moisturiser with me. I think I must look like a freak on the plane sometimes because I am constantly re-applying moisturiser to my face every hour, it’s like obsessive compulsive behaviour! But I know if I don’t do it my skin will break out and that’s not always the best when you jump straight off a 326 hour flight into a shoot!

I have a big supply of cleanser and a strong eye makeup remover on me at all times. Sometimes eye makeup remover can be a life saver, especially when you finish a shoot with crazy makeup and have to get onto public transport (yes we models often take public transport, none of this ‘private drivers’, ha-ha) A little bit of remover can be the difference between you getting a whole lot of strange looks on the tube!

I also carry a concealer/ highlighter pen with me; they are great for covering those unwanted blemishes and adding a bit of sparkle under the eye!!!

You are a super clever Gal. I read you have two degrees. That’s awesome. Do you feel when you change careers you’ll focus on using those in some way?

I finished doing a science degree and also a Law degree a couple of years ago and have taken up modelling full time as it is a career you can’t really put off till later in life, so I thought I would jump straight in and give it a go first.

When I decide to stop modelling, (I suppose that will be when the wrinkles are so large they can no longer retouch them out!!) I would like to pursue my passion of being an environmental scientist. I have a keen interest in the area and would like to make a difference no matter how big or small with regards to the environment and sustainability.

Do you have an exercise routine? I’m a gym and swim Gal myself. What about you?

I try to go to the gym 4-5 times a week and mix it up by doing different classes, but it has been really difficult this year as I have been travelling so much. So when I have been in London I try to walk to most places. I give myself enough time and get off the tube a couple of stops early then walk to my shoot or casting. It worked really well for me considering I couldn’t get to the gym.

I also play soccer and in the summer time I also swim a couple of times of week. I try to stay active and mix up my routine as I have a tendency to get a bit bored doing the same thing each week. By mixing up my exercise routine it keeps me motivated.

Laura we miss you lots already at ASOS! As you’ve said you’re in Australia at the moment. Are you working on something fabulous there and when are you coming back?

Yes I’m in Australia right now but will hopefully be back in London soon. I have a lot of good clients here in Australia and have to spread my schedule between Australia and London to fit everyone in. It can get tiring but I am having a lot of fun at the moment.  I have just finished doing a shoot with my sister for Cosmopolitan Magazine so it will be one to keep an eye out for in August.

What have been your favourite ASOS Curve pieces to model?

I love the Asos dresses. They colours are fantastic and they have something for everyone and every event. I also love Asos shoes. I am a shoe lover and they have some great pieces. I think I come away from every shoot wanting to take majority of the garments with me.

When I met you at ASOS not so long ago I have to say you have a really lovely energy about you. What’s your secret on maintaining an upbeat attitude as you seem to show on and off camera?

I think the way to keep an upbeat attitude is to get lots of sleep! You were lucky and meet me after a big nap, ha-ha. I think it just comes down to being happy with yourself and where you are in life. I am blessed to be fortunate enough to be in a career that I really enjoy working in and having a great friend and family support base to keep me going. Surrounding yourself with positive energy and focusing on the good things in life are the best ways to stay upbeat, that and a good dose of chocolate everyday!

Finally Laura if you had any key advice for any model no matter what her shape or size what would it be?

Be true to yourself. Love yourself and your body and show how proud you are of yourself through your work.  A good model exudes confidence in her and should be able to convey that to their audience whether it is in print or in person.

Pictures copyright of their respective owners.

The beautiful French model, Noemie Lenoir, best known for her campaigns for Marks & Spencer, Gucci & L’Oreal is recovering in a hospital in Paris from what is thought to have been a suicide attempt. She was brought to the hospital last Sunday. She called the ambulance saying she felt unwell, and then cancelled it.

The 30 year old was found on a forest footpath several hours later, emaciated, and covered in dirt with cuts and bruises on her body. She also had a bottle of spirits and pills by her side.

Although Ms Lenoir seemed to have the charmed life that many models dream of – a life that would earn her a place in the jet set with a worth of roughly £10 million she had over the last few months suffered a double whammy of embarrassment and heartache which, according to those close to her, may have been the catalyst for her spiralling depression.

Firstly the father of her five year old son who incidentally also happens to be a footballer with Chelsea Football Club had been accused of cheating on Ms Lenoir. Ms Lenoir forgave him and it is said Ms Lenoir was hoping for reconciliation. But in between the time of her split with her son’s father and her being found last Sunday, she got involved with a playboy club owner from Switzerland who has since been charged with several counts of sexual misconduct. Neither of these men I wish to name, because quite frankly they really aren’t worth it. You have google if you wish to know more.

The point is; Ms Lenoir, who by all accounts is one of the most professional and kindest ladies to work within the industry, is in a very dark place in life. Money, fame, and a successful career have not stopped her from feeling weakened when it comes to matters of the heart.

Whilst I’m not in the same league as Ms Lenoir, I have definitely been in that place – and no one understands how hard it is to see the light at the end of the tunnel unless they’ve been there too.

I hope with all my heart Ms Lenoir makes a full recovery and blesses the world again with her smile and presence. Her magnetic energy and warmth has always come across in pictures. It is genuine and never forced. She is a credit to the world of modelling. For any model of any shape, size and colour her work is inspirational.

She was, like many great models, picked from obscurity and ran with only one goal – to make a better life for herself than the one she grew up in.

Her biggest challenge now is to pick herself up and heal. With loving friends and supporters around the world, I hope it won’t be too long before she does that. I really want to see that amazing energy again!

Please send her your positive best wishes!

V x

Yes Vansters! It’s May and its amazing. Everyone is buzzing with excitement in the worlds of Beauty and Fashion.

New summer colours now starting to show up in both fashion and beauty and lots of spotlights on fuller figured plus-size models and clothing lines.

I thought I’d do a little round up of what I’ve found on the web so far and what I’m excited about.

Anna Scholz

Anna has long been renowned for bringing colour to curvier women. Her range goes up in size to 28 and with the extension on her range via SimplyBe you can capture the Scholz look to suit your budget. Right now SimplyBe.co.uk have a sale and Anna’s clothes are included – the sale ends May 16^th!

Also more Anna Sholz news – I was so happy to see pictures on Emma Haye’s facebook of a recent fashion show in Brighton featuring Anna Scholz’s clothes. Please add Emma as a friend and check them out. I think you’ll agree that curves and colour work so well! Well done to Emma and her team!

French Glamour  Magazine

Glamour Magazine and our favourite bloggers: Huge kudos to the beautiful fuller figured bloggers Sakina, Stephanie, Gabi, Jay, Lilli and Charlotte, for getting featured in French Glamour magazine. I’m so proud of them. Dare I be greedy and ask for a fatsionista blogger or two, to be on the cover of one of these magazines sometime? I don’t think we’re too far away from that my lovelies. It’s such an exciting time to be a fuller figured woman blogging about fashion. Get on board – there is room for all – there is one stipulation – you must be prepared to have fun!

Someone in Fashion is on our side – and its a man!

This editorial was mentioned on twitter by Em @boombands who RT’d from Curvesmart and I’m sure most of you have seen it. It’s such an inspirational piece not only for models but also non-models who just for once want to be recognised in fashion with the high regard that slimmer women are. Thank you, to Gary Dakin from Ford Models for doing the right thing. You can find it here, on the Times Online

Congratulations to..

Em ,from ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go’, for teaming up with City Chic as one of their official bloggers. Em’s blog has gone from strength to strength with news, opinion and picture posts regarding the plus-size fashion scene. She’s a delight and I’m a huge fan of hers. Her blogging for City Chic is a huge bonus! City Chic is also one of the official sponsors of
Full-Figured Fashion™! Well done Em!

Also…

Kimmoy from ‘The Curvy Coach,’ Glen from, ‘Full Figured Plus,‘ and Stephanie, from ‘Daily Venus Diva‘ are amongst five other full figured fashion professionals in business who will be discussing business in the plus-size world at Full-Figured Fashion™  week in New York on June 18^th at from 10am – 12pm.

Can I just put it out there that I am so upset I can’t go to the whole event or to this portion of the conference. Do me a favour, if you are able to attend then GO! Do it for me. You have no idea the amazing people you will meet and learn from during this conference. More information can be found on the fffweek site.

Don’t forget,

My girl Rachel Spivey has an article in Vintage Life this month. You can grab your copy online now. As you know I’ve worked with Rachel in a make-up artist capacity. She’s a wonderful photographer and her sister company Raquel Rouge has some exciting announcements coming very soon!

Time for Beauty

Thanks so much to Bella Styles for spotlighting the new Chanel Summer Collection. I concur – its tres chic and beautiful. I am in love with it all. I won’t spoil it for you beauties, head to Bella’s blog for the scoop!

Be prepared

I’m working on some new homemade facial and hair recipes since I’ve re-ignited my passion for all natural beauty.

I’ve been road testing a few and I hope to share them with you on here. I know there are some of you who aren’t convinced that slapping your faces with food and essential oils is the way to go – but the results have amazed me and I want to share them in detail with you.

Phew that’s it for my round up – but I’m sure you’ll find more on the web and if there is anything I have missed, feel free to share it in the comments.

V x

There are some models who don’t want to use the internet to further themselves in any way – this is totally fine and if this is the case for you then please skip this post.

If however you are new to building your online presence in order to progress in modelling then you can follow some of my top ten tips. You don’t have to be a curvy model, otherwise known as plus-size model, to gain something from these tips. Heck you don’t even need to be a model – but as that’s one of my areas of professional work I’ll use that as an example.

These things have and are working for me, and although I now work exclusively as a fuller figured model via my agency, making yourself known outside of that so you build a base of followers and supporters can certainly help you gain notoriety – even press attention.

You may already be doing some or all of these things – so if you are – keep doing your thing.

So let’s begin!

1. Make friends – By this I don’t mean start friend collecting like crazy and only speak to a chosen few. Be open to speak to everyone (unless they are rude or creepy, in which case you remove them). Share their links or comment on their tweets, blogs or Facebook statuses. You’d be surprised who you can get to know on social network sites, and in a positive way.
2. Get a blog and off MySpace – MySpace is a friend collecting haven. I have met some nice people from there but mostly when I first started. Up until last year I used MySpace every day, but in all honesty as far as networking goes it’s pretty much redundant – even if you’re a glamour gal or a musician, the saturation of people on there and all the different add-ons makes it very difficult now to form an alliance of people (I’ll talk about alliances in a minute). You may have over 1,000 friends on there but out of those people who actually comes on your page regularly, who shares your news with anyone? When I say get off MySpace I don’t mean close your account. I mean sign in say hello and then don’t go back for like a week, because honestly in that week you could set up a free blog, twitter, and Facebook and build an alliance of people who WILL share your news, and interact with you. It just breaks my heart to see so many people (especially models) waste hours trying to build a following on there when really it’s nothing more than old fashioned friendster.
3. Build your army – I know who each and every one of my army and they know I’m on their army too! Do you have an army, or an alliance of people who will re-tweet, have you guest blog, share your links and post comments on your blog? If not you need to start building. Alliances are the independent model’s most powerful tool and through your alliance you can gain amazing opportunities and contacts. Building your alliance starts with one person. One person you get along really well with. Someone singing from the same hymn sheet as you and the relationship is balanced and mutual. That person could be another model, or it could be someone who has nothing to do with modelling. From there you mutually connect with other people and you will find in no time at all you have an army of people who will watch your back and promote you. But it works both ways as I’ll explain in step 4!
4. Don’t be selfish with the sharing – If you have an alliance of people no matter how large or small do your best to support them also. It’s very easy to get carried away and enjoy all these people sharing your links, posts etc but don’t forget that that alliances are two way streets. Don’t just thank them then move onto your next project and hope they will promote it. Sooner or later they will realise that you have not shared anything of theirs and it could lead to you losing one of your army. Get on your Facebook, blog or twitter and shout out for them. Pass on their information and the karma will be returned. Link shout outs in blogs or little mentions all help solidify you care about the members of your alliance.
5. Look outside the box – Modelling isn’t just about taking a picture or walking down a runway and schmoozing with magazine editors and photographers – as you know from reading my blog there are other types of modelling to make money from. Try to reach out to people who are not involved in modelling in any way. Business coaches, Lawyers, Charity workers the list is endless and by getting to know people outside of modelling you will not only learn new and interesting things which you may be able to use in your work, you also might gain a valuable lead to a modelling opportunity.
6. Work 24/8 – Okay this may seem silly but you know there are never enough days in the week, but really you need to cram an extra day’s work blog updating, posting new modelling pictures and social networking in order to stay current and in people’s minds. I have taken to updating my site a few times a day just very recently because I realised by looking at my stats my visitors were coming onto my site at certain times of the day – and due to time differences (especially between Europe and The US) I wanted to have something fresh for people to see. I also take time to have chats with people in my alliance about their plans so I can give advice, work on something we can both promote together. As a model they say you should get enough rest – and whilst I can’t dispute the benefits of this the dedication to your craft needs for you to work even harder and longer hours than most.
7. Make fun of yourself sometimes – Some may disagree but I wholeheartedly endorse poking fun at yourself once in a while. Post a funny picture of yourself, blog about an embarrassing but funny moment as I have done recently in my blog about my ASOS Curve fit modelling session. These things make you human. People can relate. In the midst of your serious shots for your portfolio on your blog you should also have something that people think, ‘she’s comes across as professional but if I worked with her we are bound to have fun.’ Don’t be a poker face all the time! Models are the worst for this – in this day and age of sharing it doesn’t pay to be aloof with your readers or social network friends. Let them see you know how to smile.
8. Share your knowledge – If you’ve done something that you think people can learn from, share it. I wrote a book about modelling which is currently being revised and will be out again soon. You don’t have to write a book, but you can share stories you feel people will find interesting or thought provoking. Be on hand to answer questions from other models or anyone in general. Knowledge is a huge crowd puller and modelling when you’re bountifully curved is a very hot topic and one that has gained a lot of media interest. I’ve been featured in magazines and newspapers because of my knowledge of fuller figured modelling world. Never think people can’t learn something from what you’ve achieved or what your experiences have been.
9. Showcase others – This could quite happily sit under tip number four of not being selfish – but honestly it deserves to have a number by itself because it’s something that so many models forget to do. If you have a blog then invite someone to guest post on it. Guest posts are valuable in the sense they open the scope for readers of the other person to find information about that person on your blog. It opens up interest in you as well. I’ve often added people to my Facebook or twitter who I’ve found on other people’s blogs as a guest writer and conversely I’ve added people who own blogs my friends have guest posted on.
10. Meet ups offline – When organised well a meet up with photographers, other models, or simply people you’ve met online can be extremely beneficial. Obviously be aware of the safety aspects of meeting people you only know online. Big group meets are a great way to break the ice and solidify friendships made online and you’ll find people will try and support you even more once they have met you in person. If you do go to a large meet up or fashion related gathering, such as fuller figured fashion week in New York (FFFweek) take some business cards with you. Put a few of your best shots on them with your website address, Facebook page, twitter and email and hand them out where appropriate. You may not get ‘discovered’ or land the gig of your dreams but you will be doing the ground work of connecting with people and showcasing who you are!

Good luck and have fun!

Vx

Related Articles:

When The Agent Calls

Tips to Treating Your Plus Size Modeling Career as a Business – Guest Post by Kimmoy The Curvy Coach

Today was a day of positive energy partly due to my introduction to the hugely talented Warwickshire photographer, Rachel Spivey. As some of you may or may not know, (do keep up Vansters) I thought I was meeting Rachel yesterday, in fact it was today. Colour me ‘DOH’. I put that down to my mind being totally excited after seeing Rachel’s official website and thus wanting to miss a day and just get to it!

So this morning I headed to a nice little boutique cafe in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa to meet with this fabulous lady – I knew she was fabulous before I met her. Her blog is filled with humour, her texts are just the same and her photography work speaks of great variety from boudoir, burlesque, design, editorial and of course Bridal.

Like many good female photographers I’ve worked with (as a model at least) I’ve noticed the work has a common thread, as I mentioned when I talked about the Californian based photographer, Julie K – that theme is soul.

In every picture Rachel Spivey has taken it’s the soul of the person that shines through. Not so much capturing a body or face but a moment of expression and feeling. I’m instantly drawn to it so I tend to work with people who I know will not just point and shoot – but will actually find a moment in your soul and capture that. It’s not something you can learn in university, although Rachel herself did study photography at Cheltenham and Gloucester College, – it’s intuitive!

My meeting with Rachel was partly arranged by my rather fantastic Granny – who at 70 *cough* plus years has not forgotten the art of gossiping networking over the garden fence. Quite some time ago I was mentioned to Rachel in my make-up artistry capacity and it’s only now that we’ve finally been able to connect. Thanks Granny!!

>Now I’m going to get a little new age on you all because if I told you there are some people with good energies and some people with no energy at all, possibly you may think I’ve lost my mind. Actually, when meeting possible business contacts I gravitate towards people who instantly have a warm energy around them. In the past I’ve been dazzled by a person’s ego and hype and as I’ve learned to my cost – that isn’t the same as genuine positive, warm energy. Rachel does not come with hype or ego, but a genuine willingness to listen and share knowledge. She greeted me with a warm, genuine smile – the kind a friend gives you when they haven’t seen you for a while.

She proceeded to tell me all her exciting future plans which none of them I’ll share with you now – but they are exciting and I felt in a way I was sent to meet her, by some unknown force (aside from the prospect of meeting her as a possible business colleague) to tell her that all her plans were doable and amazing! Just like my work with where I am asked my opinion as part of the team, Rachel too asked me as if I was part of the team and what I thought of various aspects of her goals. That meant a lot.

The fact that I’ve been in front of the camera and worked in beauty for well over ten years doing countless makeovers, demos, beauty events etc helped – but I also think my amazing sense of adventure and fun spilled over. After all, working in a team should not be about power over another, but an even balance of skill sets that lend themselves to the creation of an awesome product!

So after coffee, laughs and serious business talk we’ve decided it would be quite fine for us to take over the world – muahahah. No, not really. We just want to collaborate (with me as her main make-up artist) to create wonderful pictures people will cherish and enjoy! We will also be joined by a rather talented hair stylist, Jeni Aldridge, who’s worked as a stylist on various fashion shows for the likes of Stella McCartney and the late, great, Alexander McQueen, as well work in various magazines. Plus, the post production savvy, Sue Cameron, whose skills in digital processing and retouching are classed as an art form. So that’s four of us taking over the world – sorry *cough* making lovely pictures!

I trust all you lovely Vansters agree? Good! Let’s go!!!

For further information please visit:

http://www.rachelspivey.co.uk/

http://www.raquelrouge.co.uk/

http://rachelspivey.wordpress.com/

Main photo ©Rachel Spivey 2010

I wanted to share this interview with you because of all the people I’ve interviewed this person is one of my favourites. I found it the other day. The site it was on no longer exists – hence the reposting.

Another reason why I’m posting it here is to show you that not all Hollywood actors are stuck up their own behinds.

Maury Sterling is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

You may recognise his face? He’s done a lot of TV and most recently he’s been in Smokin’ Aces 1 & 2 and just completed the film version of the A-Team.

I feel a dinner party with Maury and the gang is way overdue – maybe when I’m in LA in summer we will make it happen!

Far From the Madding Crowd -

with Maury Sterling

by Vanessa Reece© 2005 – 2010 All Rights reserved

So Hollywood is a crazy place. On first glance it can be seen as a place where dreams mostly don’t come true. Where most of the people who wait the tables in restaurants are actors and actresses waiting for their big break. Some of them never get it but they still dream. Some get it for a fleeting moment. But there are a few who get to work with the biggest names in the business, live their dreams but still they remain just under the radar of the general public. And they like it that way.

Maury Sterling is one of those actors. You’ve probably seen him in more movies and TV shows than you think. He’s worked steadily with the best; honing his craft and enjoying every minute of it.

When I first met Maury I was in Hollywood. I was sitting in a trendy martini bar on Fairfax. He walked in and immediately turned heads. Why? Because he looks like a movie star. The walk, the talk, those eyes! Everything about him screams confidence. Yet when he talks about his roles it’s with a sense of humility, respect and thankfulness for every opportunity he’s been given. He’s a sweetheart and gentlemen. I’m guessing you don’t find many of those in Hollywood?

I saw Maury one last time during my stay – at a dinner party thrown by him and his girlfriend. Once again there was no time to whisk the man off for an interview. So we arranged to hook up when things were less manic.

We’re far from the madding crowd now, Maury and I. And I suppose that if we’d have still been in hustle and bustle of Hollywood I wouldn’t have got such a great interview. I’m extremely lucky to have met this man on his way up. But Momma always told me to share so ladies and gentlemen I give to you one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets.

——————————————————————————–

Vanessa : Maury you’ve been in the business for a long time. How did it all start?

Maury: I started acting when I was about seven. The story I tell is that I wasn’t any good at baseball so I got into theatre. Not really true though. I remember seeing kids doing plays after school and knew that I wanted to be a part of it. My first role was Little Daniel Cupid in my school’s production of “The Sacred Caterpillar”, a classic. Pretty much fell in love with it.

Vanessa: How do you stay focused and motivated to stay in acting when it’s so competitive?

Maury: Good question. And my answer might be, I don’t know. When it’s good, good writing, people, role, it is really great. And the competition is unavoidable. It’s hard not to take it personally, to hang myself on other people’s opinions. But that can be the death of an actor or artist. It helps me to travel, to learn, to do other things, to not take it too seriously and yet take it seriously enough that I always show up when it is time.

Vanessa: So when does an actor or actress turn into celebrity? Does it worry you that it may happen to you, where paparazzi camp outside your house and the gossips want to know about your love life?

Maury: I think that you are truly a celebrity if your name shows up in the crossword. Then you have really made it. I guess it does worry me a little. I mean, who knows if it will ever happen, and I guess I am supposed to want that in order to be aggressive about my life and all, but I prefer the actors who seem to be well respected and have lives that are below the radar. I don’t want celebrity. Too much work, and too many functions to get dressed up for. I’d rather hang out at the barn and play with the horses.

Vanessa: What are the perks of the job?

Maury: So far they have been meeting great people, getting to travel all over the world, getting to explore types of people and knowledge that I might not be exposed to otherwise. And a life that has given me free time to do my own thing.

Vanessa: And the less desirable side of acting?

Maury: The free time. I work enough to pay rent and live reasonably well. But my jobs don’t always last over long stretches. I have had those too, but lately they have been shorter, which means that there is a lot of free time to fill. I have been starting to write, and volunteer, and ride horses a lot, teaching etc. But the free time can be a killer. I have an over active mind which can run in circles and get me into some not so good places if it isn’t distracted. That is part of the focus and discipline that one needs.

Vanessa: You ever think of starting your own production company. So many actors have done that. I beg the question – what the heck is that all about? I mean I understand wanting to be in charge of what you make and be involved with but aren’t productions ten a penny in Hollywood?

Maury: I have started writing a few projects. A short film, a short story, and maybe a screen play. It is important for actors, well any of us, to develop our own projects, or hobbies, or lives so we aren’t “waiting by the phone”. And yes, nowadays, it seems like everyone is doing what everyone else is doing.

Vanessa: You balance TV appearances with film, and some stage work to boot. Is there one particular platform for acting you prefer?

Maury: My heart is in theater. It is such a dynamic and physical form of art. Body, voice, community, all things I like to play with. And I get to spend a longer time in a character, which is always rewarding, to get to live and breathe in something.

Vanessa: I can relate. I have to say there is something to be said about an actor who’s worked the boards. It really shows when they cross over to TV or film. Mel Gibson is a prime example of that. That said it must be frustrating when you go and do TV and film and the director says cut. You don’t have that in the theatre. You are able to give everything in each performance. Good or bad, there’s no retakes. How do you handle the change in genre?

Maury: It’s fun and frustrating. I am still learning, and developing technique. Finding stillness and truth. My tendency is to want to “show” what I am feeling rather than create a space from which expression can come. All the genres have their perks. In film and TV you can always shoot it again. When something is alive, in any genre, it is really exciting.

Vanessa: You’re first movie was ‘Outbreak’ with Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman and  Rene Russo. You saved the town man! Seriously, you must have been pumped to get the role?

Maury: I was pumped and I was terrified. I think that I shot on the last day of the shoot. I remember people getting loaded having a blast. But it was Wolfgang Peterson directing and Michael Ballhaus as the DP. Big people. I was green. A guy named Dale Dye, who is in the film, but was also the military advisor was giving me direction through the headset I was wearing. He is a real military guy and had me doing push-ups between takes. But a lot came from that. It was a small part that a lot of people took notice of.

Vanessa: And what about your part in Hart’s War with Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell and Cole Hauser. I guess that was a pretty good gig to get. Right?

Maury: It was pretty great. We shot in the Czech Republic for 3 and a half months. Pretty much living in luxury. We stayed in downtown Prague and I travelled every chance I could. It was a crazy shoot and a great experience to be on a set like that with people of that calibre. So yes

Vanessa: I suppose with every role you play and every production you make you take something with you as an actor. What did you bring back from Hart’s War? Because you’ve got a heck of a lot of talent in that one movie.

Maury: There was a lot of talent in that group and a wide range of styles and types of people We had the movie stars like Willis and Farrell, both of whom were great to work with. Cole was great, the group of guys that I mostly spent my time with were a blast. We collected quite a few stories. And I got to meet people like Linus Roache and Marcel Lures, both incredibly talented and from very different backgrounds. It was an international cast. I guess I brought back all the joys and exposure that one gets from living in a foreign city and the stories of getting to watch the Big Boys do their thing.

Vanessa: I was watching Dinner For Five. Have you ever seen that show hosted by Jon Favreau? Basically John has four guests who’re in the movie industry. He sits them down and chews the movie industry fat with them in some nice restaurant. If you had to invite four guests in the movie industry to a Dinner for Five style meal who would you invite and why?

Maury: I hate these questions. Too much pressure. I’d invite my friends and girlfriend and just pretend like we were bigwigs. I don’t know – Paul Newman, Judy Dench, Rob Duvall, Ridley Scott, Wong Kar Wai, Noam Chomsky, and Daniel Day Lewis  but who knows if I’d like any of these people?

Vanessa: Would you cook? You’re a pretty good cook if you’re last dinner party is anything to go by. Sorry Maury I couldn’t resist. I was just reliving the night I saved Phil Cruz’s (co-writer/director Song Of The Knife), life with my knowledge of pesto sauce. You feel brave enough to share the story?

Maury: I’m just pissed it didn’t work. *laughs a lot* Sure. My girlfriend and I had a dinner party to which we invited Phil Cruz, his girlfriend April, you, Vanessa, and some other pals. We made/threw together some pesto on pasta, salad and garlic bread. At some point my girlfriend comes to me in the kitchen followed by Phil and tells me that Phil is allergic to nuts, so could I make him a salad without nuts. We then looked at his plate which was empty of the pesto he had just eaten. It kind of dawned on us that the pesto was made with a lot of pine nuts and Phil had eaten a good helping. He was fine for a while but then his eyes started to swell and the hives came out. It was such a perfect plan. But you saved him Vanessa.

Vanessa: Oh sheesh, it’s pretty sad that I know all the components of pesto sauce.  *laughs* You know he was still laughing in the car on the way home. Even when the hives were breaking out all over his body! He’s a fun guy no?

Maury: Phil is great. He is a blast to work with (on Andre The Butcher : Dead Meat). He has an eye for what he wants and he is totally free to improvise and has a good time. He takes fucking around very seriously. Great sense of humor and a good sense of how to live.

Vanessa: Maury do you have a dream? I mean do you have a plan for your career or are you one of these people in the industry who’s taking each day as it comes?

Maury: A little bit of both. I’d like to play Hamlet, a cop, do a western, own a ranch. I want to be a part of projects with great writing, that are intelligent, fun, funny, deep, that effect people. I’ve gotten some of my dreams, so now it is more about quality and depth. And working with like-minded people, good people, in whatever capacity. I’d like to get out of LA at some point. My life is pretty good.

Vanessa: You’d like to get out of LA? In what sense?

Maury: I always talk of getting out of here. Somewhere with more nature. I grew up in Northern California and feel very much at home there. It has great Feng Shui. I have pretty cliché Montana dreams. New Mexico. France. Luckily for now I have friends in all of these places who pretend to enjoy my company when I come visit. I find other places where I am in nature and can do hard work give me a lot.

Vanessa: I found something out about you when I was in LA and you know it surprised me and I don’t know why?  But I heard you still religiously take acting classes. Why do you do that? I mean you’re a great actor. Is it a case of keeping your talent sharp and your engine well oiled?

Maury: I always like to be doing something. And I go in and out of classes. I am not consistent. I will start to feel rusty and go back. I have been fortunate enough to study lately with Jeffrey Tambor who I find to be the real deal. But one thing he said to the class when I first studied with him was “I don’t want to see you here in a year.” Which I translate as, get out in the world, live, don’t hide in a class. Pick up some skills and then go out and use them.

Vanessa: I used to study acting in college and one of my favorite classes was improv. Do you like that Maury? How much do you get to do when you work?

Maury: Improv terrifies me. I tend to cling to structure. Lately I have been feeling braver and find that improv and fluidity lead to much more exciting work. That’s where I should probably take a class.

Vanessa: Has an acting job ever overwhelmed you to the point where you had to step back and take a deep breath for whatever reason?

Maury: I think what has overwhelmed me is the stress that accumulates around wanting to do a good job, or satisfy myself. I have had moments where I have frightened myself, where the role and the scene or play start carrying me and I don’t know where I am going. That has been scary at times.

Vanessa: Auditions are always something that’s fascinated me. How do you personally prepare and do you have any tips for the actors and actresses on how to get through an audition?

Maury: Be relaxed and focused. Make it your own. You aren’t going to get all of them. Some people to tell you to picture the casting directors and producers naked. I find that distracting. They want you to get the part. It makes their life easier. And often there is so much bullshit behind the scenes, so much out of your control, all you can do is tell a good and truthful and exciting story. Try and surprise yourself.

Vanessa: What do you like to do to unwind Maury?

Maury: Get out of town. Travel. Ride horses. Horseback riding has been a great hobby for me in the past few years. Gets me into nature, takes my mind totally off of LA and the acting thing. Do things for other people. Play. Read. Travel is a big one. Especially a place where the life is really different and the life isn’t all about entertainment and appearance (that is an unfair cliché). I went to a dude ranch in Montana last year for 3 weeks and worked and got dumped and stomped on. Kind of life changing and my work has been better since.

Vanessa: You’ve done a lot of TV work. Notably, CSI, Six Feet Under, Monk, Angel, ER, to name but a few. Do you ever get recognized when you’re out and about minding your own business? Or have you not had that whole ‘Weren’t you the guy in such and such’?

Maury: I get it now and again. It’s nice for the ego.

Vanessa: I was very impressed by your role in Charmed you played Lord Dyson. Did you have a coach for that English accent? It was pretty convincing I have to say.

Maury: Thank you. That is kind coming from you. I can’t remember if I watched any movie for some help. I don’t think so. I have always enjoyed playing around with accents. You Brits get to come over here and play Americans all the time. I just wanted to start evening the score.

Vanessa: Maury, take a deep breath and tell me the meaning of life?

Maury: Chocolate. The funny thing was, I almost took this question seriously and was going to try and give you an answer. That’s embarrassing.

Vanessa: But believe me, woman all over the world are probably now praising your name. ‘Maury understands the NEED for chocolate’! I think your fan following just hit record numbers. Congratulations!

Related Links:

- Maury Sterling IMDB Profile

* Title picture courtesy of Maury Sterling

The other day I was thinking about my use of  Twitter. Often it does appear from my tweets I use it for comments, conversation and saying nutty stuff but I also use it as a way to promote people I believe in, gain new information on subjects and where I can, of course tweet my own updates. Yesterday and today proved the power of twitter to me with two different occurrences.

Firstly, in case you were living under a rock, you can’t of failed to notice how Twitter maxed out yesterday due to all the Superbowl talk. You didn’t have to watch it to feel like you saw it as the tweets were rolling in thick and fast about each teams fight for victory. In fact someone named it Twitterbowl – it was quite something to behold, even if it was annoying that tweets were slow to update or would time out completely. Millions came together to share their thoughts.

Today I was minding my own business (who knew) when Kimmoy, the Curvy Coach, tweeted something about her ebooks that caught my eye. So I messaged her privately to give what I thought was a throw away comment. I should know that Kimmoy is a font of knowledge  and she instantly messaged me back a solution to something that I thought there was no solution for. She simply said, ‘you could do this..this may help.’ Ten minutes later I had purchased this ebook

I trust her as a business woman and so I had no fear in my mind that this ebook would be worth the price of a fast food meal. I received it immediately and began to read and so much fell into place about ebook/report writing, profit from that and actually where I’d not been utilizing my knowledge. It also gives a good insight into how people deal with being presented with purchasing an ebook and report. Invaluable to those who really want to write ebooks or reports and sell them on the Internet.

When I wrote my first ebook on modelling I had the mindset that I didn’t want to make a huge profit from it because I felt the industry already had lots of people trying to take a lot of money from women, especially plus-size women, but then two things happened last year and this year that changed my mind. What I didn’t take into account was the flip side to that ideal.

I looked back at what I’ve spent on my own career, including fees to my agency and every penny I’ve spent was spent because I believed I could do this and I was very serious in recouping the cost back. I have and more.  The point was, I spent money because I was serious.  There are a lot of sharks and hustlers out there who are willing to take your money – but the point is you need to observe what they offer better  and also take heed of recommendations from people you respect, these help in reducing the risk of being taken for a ride. Twitter and other social networks have definitely helped me do that especially in the last few months. While I’ve been tweeting, I’ve also been observing.

Secondly I’m good at  giving my time and money to other people but not so good at asking for payment for things that I do. And it’s important to note, I never mind giving time or talent as long as A) its helping get networking leads and exposure to my own site and B) when it’s not taken for granted and I should also mention, when it’s used  to promote something good.  I think as soon as the B part of the deal is broken I think – you are hustling me and I hate being hustled. I’ve cut people dead in their tracks for taking advantage of me. And sure there are sites that I link to that don’t link back to me – I am cool with that also because they are great information sites I want to share with people, or are made by people I respect.

I think if someone puts time, effort and a little money down along the way it means they are serious and that’s the sort of people I want to reach with my expertise.

So back to Twitter. For me it isn’t dead, it’s still a valuable tool if used correctly. Sure chit chat, have fun with it but be aware of the opportunities and knowledge which can be found if you dig a little deeper. By reading and contributing to the banter you gain an insight into how people think which is invaluable if you’re at some point wanting to target people to pitch your ideas and business ventures to. By keeping an eye on peoples tweets you can also have a whole new opportunity reveal itself and yes that can make you money.

Long live Twitter.

Follow me on twitter twitter.com/vactess

V x

Further reading  http://www.thecurvycoach.com/