Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Ortega.
Karina, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
First and foremost, my name is Karina Ortega and I was born and raised in Miami, FL. My favorite show growing up has always been America’s Next Top Model, so ever since I could remember, I have always wanted to be apart of the fashion industry. I experimented with multiple careers in the fashion industry, including fashion design/styling, but modeling seemed to always stick with me. I would constantly practice my runway walk, always doing the most extravagant poses in family photos and just overall, wanting to be in front of a camera. As I grew older, my mom would submit my photos to local modeling agencies around Miami. A few of the agencies reached out and I ended up signing with them. Unfortunately, my mom did not have as much knowledge about certain scams in the industry and we ended up being scammed out of a lot of money and time.
In 2015, my family and I moved to Powder Springs, GA. It was the first time I had ever been out of state a lived somewhere where there was not a beach down the street lol. I did not want to give up on my modeling career, but my mom did not want to get involved in anymore scams. So me being so young, I decided to give up in away. Fast forward to about two years, I ended up making friends with some local photographers. The Atlanta scene was very new for me since I was used to such a different fashion culture in Miami. My friends and I would just take pictures and would experiment around and I would start posting them on Instagram and Facebook. Almost immediately, I was getting noticed by other local photographers and models. I would connect with a lot of people on social media and I started collaborating with many photographers.
After receiving much exposure and gaining traction, I started considering myself an ‘independent fashion model.’ So far, I have worked with many well-known companies such as; Chick-Fil-A, Cidenna, The Iseda Collection,blvcklist.co, HIGH-CLASS FILTH, No Hearts No Love, Wish ATL and many well-known photographers/stylists around Atlanta.
I am hoping to inspire others around me through fashion, but also through expression. I love being that one model that hypes everyone else during a photoshoot and get the mood flowing. I also love giving advice and tips for those trying to start modeling as well because I know it wasn’t as easy for me.
I am constantly posting self positivity, inspirational and moving posts/articles on my Instagram page because I want my viewers to be able to see something different from the day-to-day social media post. I do not want my viewer to go on my page and start comparing themselves, I want my viewers to go on my page and hopefully want to feel more self-love, more confidence and more inspiration towards themselves. Hoping to inspire one smile at a time.
Has it been a smooth road?
Haha, no. Growing up, my mom would submit my photos to local modeling agencies around Miami. A few of the agencies reached out and I ended up signing with them. Unfortunately, my mom did not have as much knowledge about certain scams in the industry and we ended up being scammed out of a lot of money and time.
When I started modeling independently in Atlanta, it was a struggle getting some photographers/local companies to pay for my services. I don’t think a lot of people realize that this is also a career and side hustle for me. I would need to either take time off work or school to attend most of these shoots. Not only that, but travel/gas expenses were out of pocket for me, I would usually do my makeup and hair for most shoots as well. It would usually take me 2-3 hours to get ready. And you know what they say, time is money and in my case it definitely is.
Another struggle would be working with certain photographers that were not professional at all. I hate to admit it, but you have to be careful with who you work with, a lot of “photographers” like to take advantage of models just because they have a camera, sadly.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
So I am an independent fashion model, which means I am not signed to an agency. So I pretty much do freelance work. I do not specialize in any category specifically, because I like to work with different people and companies and touch a wider variety of viewers. I want to say I am more known for my skin/hair/body because I mostly get booked for photographers and companies under that category.
I am so proud of myself for how far I have came along on my own, I mean I ended up getting myself booked as a seasonal Chick-Fil-A commercial and hand model, which is the biggest company I’ve worked for. I think what sets me apart from other models here in Atlanta is probably my look/style overall. I am not much into the ‘street-wear’ look how most are here. I would say my look/style is definitely ‘beachy vibes’, haha. I like the natural glowy look, hair all crazy and everywhere and if I could wear a bikini, shorts and sandals everywhere here I would lol.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
YES! YES! YES! I am proud and very happy to say that my modeling career blossomed here. Atlanta is very big when it comes to art, film, fashion and more. This is probably the best city to get started in if you want to pursue a modeling career. There are so many local photographers and upcoming businesses that are willing to collaborate with upcoming models.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 305-984-8163
- Email: Karinaortegaa.ko@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinaortegaa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karinaortegako
Image Credit:
Photographers: George (@xcubecudi), Gerard (@1462images), Crystal (@lovebyrdphoto), Derek (@itsdlass), Tony (@tkm_photos), Wolf (@bardou.wolf), @visagetemps, Nae (@naeslens)
Stylist/MUA: Richard (@richardlomaxbeauty), Nasetia (@bynasetia)
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