Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Scott.
Hi Victoria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Victoria, pronouns she/they, but I go by V! I’m a contracted model born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Being raised in a home environment where pursuing a STEM career was encouraged, I never thought pursuing an art or being my own business was in the cards. Subjects such as music, dance, photography, and multi-media art were undoubtedly special interests I had developed, but I was convinced I would go into medicine. Somewhere in between a degree in biology and working two jobs to cover the financial obligations of said degree, I found myself burnt out and unmotivated. I was pouring so much energy to create a future for myself I wasn’t looking forward to. I took a break from my studies and instantly found myself amongst a community of established and budding creatives. Thinking back, one artist and dear friend in particular, Oliv, had the biggest impact on stepping into my artistry and queer identity. She showed me the importance of authenticity in any endeavor I decided to embark on.
One day, she called and invited me to a test shoot at the modeling agency she was signed at. Prior to this, I had always heard stories about her experiences and seen her kill it on the runway. She had actually encouraged me to model, but I guess I wasn’t as confident as I felt I needed to be to take on the title of “model”. After some thought, I agreed to go to the test shoot. I remember the anxiety I had felt just walking into a photography session with other models who were already six months into their training and development. We put together a couple of last minute looks with what was available at the studio, shot, and I was offered a contract right after our session. It’s even crazier to think that my very first test shoot would later become by first publication.
I think it’s important to acknowledge that when I signed my contract, we were in the midst of the pandemic. Work, especially for creatives, was very limited due to social distancing and quarantine mandates. For people who were just stepping into the industry, like myself, it was almost non-existent. It’s no secret that breaking into the modeling industry is difficult. Despite being signed, I still had reservations because I didn’t have the traditional model look. For a while, I questioned whether my career would actually go anywhere. Now I find myself very thankful for quarantine because it allowed me to build a stronger foundation in who I was and what I wanted from modeling outside of runway shows, magazine publications, and the accolades. I wanted people to see parts of themselves in the work I produced. I wanted people to feel something. I wanted to create genuine connections with the creatives I worked with. I spent months meditating on those values so when opportunities came, I would be ready to do just that.
The first “big” casting I attended was for a well-established couture designer, Nico. This moment meant the world to me for several reasons. Firstly, because it was the first time a designer had asked me what my preferred pronouns were rather than assuming she/her. Secondly, after spending time closely with my darling, Nico, they designed a custom tulle gown for me that reflected more of my personality rather than putting me in a gown that fit. Thirdly, and most importantly, Nico heavily affirmed my belief that fashion could exist and thrive outside of the traditional values the industry desperately tries to hold on to. After receiving validation from someone with the same ideologies and vision as me, I knew I could accomplish anything I put my mind to, but not without the support of people with similar values. I would later walk for Texas Fashion Week, Austin Fashion Week, and many other shows all while building relationships with artists behind the brands, boutiques, and projects.
Today, I am very fortunate to continue to do what I had intended while continuously exploring the different facets of my femininity as a queer artist. All of what I have accomplished so far in my career would not be possible without the support of my friends, family, agency, and community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Modeling, like any craft, has its highs and lows. I think people have this notion that modeling means you get to stand in pretty clothing, take pretty photos, and get paid. Not enough people address the poor conditions and treatment models have to endure. This can range from strangers touching your body without consent and giving commentary on how you should lose weight, working with hired teams that, unfortunately, have no experience in working with textured hair or colored skin, feeling pressured to wear clothing or shoot concepts that make you feel uncomfortable, or being promised compensation and having to fight or beg for it when that promise is not upheld. Not enough people address how easy it is to lose yourself in an environment where it’s too easy to compare yourself to others.
I believe it bit can be confusing when doing what you love also requires boundaries that you have to create for yourself. One challenge I face as a queer model of color is exploring the different facets of my femininity that is true to most authentic self but still marketable in an industry that likes to perpetuate what being “feminine” looks like, what being Black looks like, and what way of existing would be the most digestible for the average consumer. I’ve had decide what I’m willing to do and what I’m not willing to do regardless of how much someone is willing to pay or how much “exposure” a project or booking promises to bring. This, of course, can come with the risk of rejection, but sometimes rejection can also be protection.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
One thing that sets me apart from other models is the fact that I don’t consider myself a model at times. I consider myself an artist because I refuse to exist in a singular, subjective definition of beauty others create. Some of my favorite projects are ones where I have to abandon the idea of what would “look good” and encompass myself in the role of a character or an emotion. I’m most proud of accomplishing what I have without having to change the way I look.
How do you define success?
Success is defined by the goals you set for yourself. In the world of modeling and social media, that can look like tons of publications, booking the show or campaign you cast for or increasing your engagement. Success to me looks like having an impact on the people that I work with and the people that see me on the runway or in photos. It looks like mutual support and respect from other local artists. It looks like clients respecting my time enough to provide compensation. As a collective, we should be past not paying models and artists for their time.
Contact Info:
- Email: a.k.a.victoriascott@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelicatedevil/
Image Credits
Photographers: Josh Huskin, Meena Sabreen, Brandon Madrid, Shae Gonzalez, & Alejandro Hernandez Makeup Artists/Hair: Cynthia Hernandez, Brandon Garcia, Juliet Fuentes, & Victoria Scott Stylists: Daisy Lopez, Victoria Scott
