Name: Tamson Stewart
Born: 2000
Nationality: South Africa
Model Since: 2007
Height: 5’9″ – 175 cm
Weight: 141 lb – 64 kg
Bust: 34″ – 86 cm
Waist: 25“ – 64 cm
Hips: 34″ – 86 cm
Agency: Van Wijk Model Management, South Africa.
In a few words, how would your friends describe you?
A beautiful, kind hearted, fun loving, enthusiastic person.
Where did you grow up in the world, and where do you model now?
I grew up in Durban, South Africa. I model wherever contracts take me.
How did you get or break into the modeling industry?
I was walking along the beach front and was approached by a scout from a modelling agency.
How long have you been modeling and what categories do you focus on?
I have been modelling for 10 years now and concentrate mainly on Fashion and Commercial.
What was your most memorable shoot experience and why?
My most memorable shoot was taken on the beach. It was my first shoot that my family was present at and the day just went smoothly without any of the normal “hiccups” that always seem to occur at shoots. I also love the ocean as it reminds me of my home town.
What would you say is your special trait or defining feature?
I have been told that I have drop dead gorgeous eyes and a certain steamy look that makes men weak at the knees and women jealous. Luckily I reserve this for my modelling shoots 🙂
Could you take us through your favourite modeling pose or situational expression?
I think my favourite is a pose I learnt from Adriana. It is sitting down looking back over my shoulder with smouldering eyes, my chin down and eyes up in smokey makeup. I’ve been told this is my best pose.
What is an absolute must for you to bring with you on a shoot?
My manager.
If you had any intimidating or frustrating moments, how did you overcome it?
I keep calm and focus on the job I have to do. I just tell myself that it is not the person it is the situation.
What’s your favourite activity or hobby when you’re not modeling?
Netball and relaxing with my friends.
Do you have any tricks or routines for staying happy and healthy?
I keep fit by playing sports. I eat healthy but I must be honest I do have the occasional chocolate binge, just don’t tell my manager.
As trends change, how do you renew your image every now and then?
I try to keep as up to date as possible but trends also seem to depend on geographical location to a large degree. I do however update my portfolio every few months just to add a new dimension to it, as I get tired of looking at the same pictures constantly.
I also read fashion magazines to try and keep up to date.
If you study or work another job while modeling, how do you manage?
I do study and this is not always an easy task. It all comes down to time management and sticking to a strict schedule.
And what would you love to be doing in 5 years from now?
My ambition is to join Candice Swanepoel as the second South African, Victorias secret model and I would hope to have achieved this goal in 5 years time.
Would you do anything different today if you had to start over?
No I wouldn’t want to change anything. I have learnt valuable lessons from the mistakes I have made and also had incredible times.
Insecurities and fear of rejection are taboo, but what’s your thought on it?
I think that every human has a fear of rejection in one way or another, not just models.
Insecurities of course, are we ever perfect? These are just things that we learn to accept the more confident we become at modelling, but I do not believe that they will ever completely disappear in every situation. They are just controlled better with practice.
If you could change anything about modeling, what would that be?
I think the industry is constantly evolving and changing. Each year there are new lines and new looks, which does become difficult for the average woman to keep up with. My friends also complain about the cost associated with trying to achieve the “model look”.
I would change this as it can become extremely competitive for normal women to look like models.
And what’s your best advice for aspiring models reading this?
Let your character shine through, have passion and drive and be prepared to work hard. Do not think that it is an easy job. There are many hours of work that are done behind the scenes.
Don’t look at the final product and think that is the amount of effort that was put into achieving the result.
Never forget where you started and always be prepared to give back to community whenever possible.
Credits:
Model: Tamson Stewart.
Some images were subject to editorial modification.
Agency: Van Wijk Model Management, South Africa.