In this episode, I interviewed fine art model Meghan Claire to trace how a $40 Craigslist gig back in 2008 blossomed into a 15+ year career in nude art and nature-based modeling. Meghan shares how her background in anthropology and archaeology, a nude-friendly upbringing, and early positive experiences with student photographers and Model Mayhem shaped her values of integrity, body autonomy, and only saying yes to work that truly aligns with who she is. We talk about stigma around the word “model,” navigating partners’ reactions to nude work, and the importance of clear boundaries—especially when a multi-day booking in Canada turned into a surreal experience involving broken glass, being treated like a mannequin, and even a helicopter chasing off a bear. Meghan also opens up about stepping away from modeling to have her daughter, the insecurities she faced returning years later, and the surprisingly warm, supportive “homecoming” she found in the community. Toward the end, she shares her love of underwater and coastal shooting, why today’s Instagram rules have reshaped how we create, and her current life on the Oaxacan coast of Mexico, where she’s available for one-on-one shoots and future collaborative tours.

Check out Meghan here: https://linktr.ee/meghanclaireart

and on her instagram! https://www.instagram.com/meghanclaireart/?hl=en

This week I’m joined by the wildly well-traveled UK based model, Jade Kitty Dawson: a full-time touring art nude / fashion / alt model who has shot over countless photo sessions across Europe. She and I finally found a moment to connect despite the 7-hour time zone difference between the US and the UK. We talk about the realities of modeling in the UK vs mainland Europe (and why the rates are often lower in the UK), how she strategically chooses where she tours so she can still walk away with profit, and her upcoming major leap: planning her very first tour to Australia, where she’ll be flying 22+ hours for a 2–3 week run. What I love about Jade is her willingness to take those big, scary leaps purely in the name of growth - even when she’s nervous - because, as she says, “you always regret the chances you didn’t take.”

We also dive deep into the beginning of her career — she started doing “site modeling” at just 14, styling, shooting, and editing her own photos as a one-woman creative outlet, which genuinely helped her come out of a dark period of bullying, depression, and anxiety. From there we follow her path into professional modeling, the encouragement she received to try art nude, navigating family reactions, and the harsh lessons she learned about safety while traveling internationally as a freelance model. (She’s had to deal with both genuinely kind photographers who lay out a full spread of snacks… AND the rare creeps who prove that even a photographer you’ve known for years can cross a line.) All in all, this is such a raw, honest, truly global conversation about independence, self-trust, taking risks, and staying safe in a wildly unconventional career.

Check her out! 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jadekittydawson/

and on her website https://www.kittydawson.com/ 

In this episode, freelance model Minh-Ly shares her journey from a shy first film shoot in Montreal to a decades-long international career, detailing memorable shoots, overcoming family expectations and mental-health challenges, and embracing creative roles beyond modeling.

She talks about balancing nomadic travel with the desire for stability, expanding into makeup, styling and photography, and a unique creative project called "Revenge of the Model,". She also offering practical insights for creatives to curate their presence and build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

You can check out Minh-Ly's portfolio and her other creative endeavors at her website: https://minh-ly.com/  

and on her IG at https://www.instagram.com/minhly.model 

Isa Gabriella talks about turning casual photo shoots into a full-time freelance modeling career, traveling for workshops and tours, and the milestones that helped her get noticed.

She shares safety strategies, difficult group-shoot experiences, handling rejection and imposter syndrome, family reactions to nude work, and practical tips for booking and touring as a travel model.

Check her out on IG! https://www.instagram.com/isagabriellaaa

Laetitia Bouffard-Roupe and I discuss practical marketing strategies for freelance models and creative professionals, covering branding, social platforms, email lists, backups, and monetization through Patreon/OnlyFans.

We share actionable tips on various platforms including Youtube, Bluesky, Instagram (reels, carousels, single posts), new features like reposts and channels, SEO and AI-driven discoverability, mindset and consistency, and how to build a sustainable business as a model.

Check Laetitia out at the following links!

Her website: https://laetitiamodel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laetitia_channel_model/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/laetitiamodel

UNSEEN PHOTO BOOK:

https://laetitiamodel.com/product/unseen/

ART MODEL ACADEMY:

https://www.instagram.com/artmodelacademy/

https://laetitiamodel.com/product/consulting-social-media/

In this engaging episode, freelance model Anastasia Maye joins the conversation to discuss her inspiring journey in the modeling industry. Anastasia opens up about her initial struggles with confidence and self-esteem, stemming from past experiences with anorexia and body image issues. She shares how modeling became a transformative outlet, helping her regain self-confidence and find a creative path that brings joy and fulfillment.

Travel and companionship are also on the table as Anastasia talks about her upcoming cross-country tour with fellow model Rebecca Lawrence. The duo's shared adventures and compatible travel styles promise an exciting journey ahead.

Additionally, Anastasia delves into her family's initial resistance towards her modeling career and the challenges she faced in gaining their acceptance. Despite the hurdles, she remained steadfast, proving her dedication to her craft and eventually winning their support.

Throughout the episode, Anastasia candidly talks about specific experiences with photographers, offering insights into maintaining professionalism and navigating tricky situations. Her story is one of resilience and passion, shedding light on the complexities and rewards of a freelance modeling career.

Check her out on instagram!! https://www.instagram.com/anastasiamaye_official/ 

Welcome to Sunrise Life, the podcast where we dive into deep conversations with freelance models. In this episode, join us as we talk to KJ, who shares her journey from being a graphic designer to becoming a full-time freelance model. Listen as she discusses her early experiences in the modeling industry, the challenges of balancing art and life, and the unique freedom that freelancing offers.

Discover how KJ transitioned from self-photography to professional shoots and how her background in graphic design has influenced her modeling career. KJ opens up about the support and challenges she faced from family and friends, highlighting her father's eventual acceptance of her career choice. She also shares insightful anecdotes about the freelance modeling community, including a humorous mishap with a photographer and the importance of networking and safety.

Tune in to learn about KJ's experiences while traveling for work, her take on the evolving modeling landscape with platforms like OnlyFans, and her thoughts on balancing personal privacy with public exposure. Whether you're a model, a creative, or simply curious about the freelance lifestyle, this episode offers an engaging and honest perspective.

Check her out on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/kj_persuasion/

Join us for a deep dive into the intricate world of freelance modeling as we chat with Shawn Alff, a seasoned male model known for his comedic Instagram reels and captivating nude art photography. Sean shares his journey from the vivid art scenes of Burning Man to the nuanced challenges of being a male model in both artistic and adult entertainment spaces.

In this episode, Shawn candidly discusses the complexities of social media, the hurdles of content censorship, and the importance of consent and communication in collaborative shoots. Discover how he navigated personal insecurities, embraced vulnerability, and transformed potential fears into empowering experiences that not only broadened his horizons but also enriched his personal and professional relationships.

Tune in to hear Shawn’s entertaining stories from the sets of both art and adult shoots, his perspective on jealousy in open relationships, and insights into creating safe and respectful environments for all models and performers.

Check him out! all his links are at http://shawnalff.com/ :) 

In this engaging episode, we delve into the diverse world of model photography and the different archetypes of photographers working within this space. We explore the intricacies and dynamics between photographers and models, addressing both the artistic and commercial aspects of this intriguing industry.

Our hosts candidly discuss the varying motivations and styles of photographers, from those passionately pursuing creativity to those with specific photographic interests like nude art and beyond. We delve into the stereotypes, the stigma surrounding certain forms of photography, and the intersection of art and sex work within this realm.

Moreover, we touch on photographers' aspirations to monetize their work, offering insights and ideas to turn passion into profit while navigating the challenges and realities of the industry. Whether you’re a photographer, model, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant world of model photography.

In this episode, Vika & I embark on a comprehensive exploration of the diverse types of photographers who collaborate with nude models. What is a "GWC?" In our experience, what kind of photographers shoot with us, and why?

We discuss the dynamics between models and photographers, focusing on the importance of communication, respect, and understanding in the creative process. Furthermore, we touch upon the often-taboo topic of photographers with ulterior motives, discussing how these dynamics impact the modeling industry. This engaging dialogue provides insightful perspectives on the intricate world of model photography.