Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooks Sullivan.
Brooks, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I honestly never thought that I would be where I am today in terms of modeling. One of my friends introduced me to Sabrina Fattal Photography, who had wanted to shoot with a redhead. It’s so amazing our paths crossed when they did- I wouldn’t have taken on this industry if it wasn’t for her. I started to dip my feet in the water after shooting with Sabrina – the second shoot I had ever done was actually a styled wedding shoot for Bel Fiore Bridal. I was only 15 at the time, I had no idea what I was doing or how to pose. Any model could tell you how scary it is doing a styled session because there are probably eight people watching you model, so add in the fact that was only my second time modeling…It’s crazy looking back at those photos and seeing how uncomfortable I looked, but you could tell I was in my element. From that point on, I made a huge effort to work hard on my social media presence and brand myself better. That’s the most important part of this whole journey.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being 5’4″ is literally my biggest challenge when it comes to being in this industry. There is such a weird stigma around people who aren’t at least 5’8″ entering into the world of modeling, especially if you want to seek representation. My biggest goal through all of this was to be signed. To me, it meant that I truly had what it takes to be a model. I have probably submitted to over 30 different agencies, and after three years of searching, I was signed to Miles Models, who represent a variety of looks and body types. But, even now I’ll come across a modeling call and I’ll meet all of the requirements except for height. It drives me crazy. I even went out and bought a pair of 7-inch platform heels that I now bring to every shoot. When I first got them, I walked my entire neighborhood to break them in and get used to the several inches added to my height. Whenever I break them out during a shoot, I always get made fun of by photographers thinking I can’t walk in them or that it’s too “extra.” Little do they know I’m a pro at these, and they have no excuse to hire shorter models, especially if they know how to walk in heels.
Brooksie213 – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As I previously stated, it’s hard enough trying to break into the modeling industry, but it’s even harder at my height, so everything I do and put out there has to be top notch because I’m already at a disadvantage. I have made a huge effort in keeping my feed on Instagram cohesive and clean, as I feel a lot of models lack that brand consistency, or they don’t even brand themselves at all. When I first started branding myself, I had specific items I would constantly talk or post about with the thought process of people associating myself with those things. My profile name on Instagram is “Queen of the Highway,” which is a song by The Doors. To this day, I still get people dm’ing me about how they can’t listen to that song without me coming to mind, which is really flattering.
Another thing that helps me a lot is being a natural redhead. I love my hair color, though it’s taken me some time to truly appreciate it. I am known for my super long, red hair. Most photographers search for redheads specifically because of how unique and rare we are, and I definitely don’t know of many redhead models in Atlanta. So yeah, being a redhead has definitely boosted my modeling career.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is about the personal goals and boundaries I set for myself. Anyone who knows me knows that I carry myself as professionally as possible, and I’ll do whatever it takes to meet my goals. My biggest thing is that, though I am a model and my whole job is to look “attractive”, I have a brain. I have noticed that I get less respect as a model then I did beforehand- most people wouldn’t know by looking at me that I actually graduated high school with an Associate’s degree. Most people don’t know that I’ll be graduating with a Master’s degree in less than three years, even though I don’t start college until August. Just recently, I was on a shoot where a photographer told me I wasn’t a good model, disrespected me, and treated me like I was clueless. This happens a lot, and that’s why I have made a pact with myself that no matter what people say about me, I will continue to work in this industry because I’m doing it for me and my personal growth. So far, I have succeeded. In 2018, I set a goal that I would, at the very least, book an interview with a modeling agency. By the end of 2018, I not only booked that interview, but I ended up signing with them. As long as I keep this mindset and continue to reach personal goals, I am successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milesmodels.com/brooks-sullivan
- Email: brooksmilesmodels@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooksie213/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooks.sullivan.5
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lady_godivas
Image Credit:
Bernita Nana, Alexander Sikwitit, Lauren Rae, Edwin Lynn, Indigo Tidewell
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