Carlotta Champagne interviewed by Iris Dassault

 

Art Model Carlotta Champagne 

by Art Editor Iris Dassault

by TH Taylor

How did you get started with your modeling, especially nude and figure work modeling? How old were you? How did your family feel about your decision to pursue modeling as a career?

I've always been a bit of an exhibitionist. Even when I was young my mom says she couldn't keep clothing on me. The first time I modeled nude I was 18, and it was for a friend's college photography project. I was 21 when I decided to seriously try modeling. I tried posing for artists in several different mediums before I decided that photography was where my posing interests lie. My family has always been surprisingly supportive. One of my grandmother's sisters was an art model at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) for 40 or 50 years, so I think she broke the family in for me.

by TH Taylor

You have been featured in Playboy, how has that affected your life and your modeling career?

Playboy has its ups and downs.

It gives a model a whole new market to pursue as far as signings, websites, meeting fans etc. However it isn't all it is cracked up to be. 

There is always a push to do more adult work as your fans ask for more of you. There are also a lot of crazy and potentially dangerous fans out there who will call your home at 3 in the morning or show up at your doorstep. Playboy has definitely helped give me a name in this industry and many of the best opportunities of my career have come up because their name was in my portfolio. I will say there are some people who will never see you as an art model again once you have shot for a company like Playboy.

by Richard Warren

What is your proudest accomplishment as a model?

Just being able to do this as a full time career. To be able to do what I love and make a living is a huge accomplishment.

by Kevin Dirks

Do you have any role models? Who are they?

Betty Page. I know it is kind of cliche but she modeled into her 40's, and she is such a legend. I think it would be so cool to be more famous 40 years after you modeled than during your actual modeling reign. I very strongly think it is likely that this could happen as the "internet model" is the new taboo and the girls who are doing this are kind of the originators of this genre of work.

You shoot a wide variety of work - from fine art nude, to glamour nude, to fashion. Do you have a preference for any specific type of modeling?

I love erotic, euro-fashion nude imagery probably more than anything else because the end product is so beautiful.

by Juan Zambrano

Do you ever encounter prejudice and criticism about the nude body of work you created? How do you handle it?

I do. I'm from a small hick town, and every once in a while I'll get a rude email from a high school peer saying I'm degrading myself, or saying that I should do fashion because I'm "better" than a nude model. It is frustrating that people think that selling some name brand crap is better than creating a piece of inspiring art with the human form. I generally just ignore people with this mentality-I don't need this kind of negativity in my life.

What parts of modeling are most rewarding to you, what are the parts you could do without?

I feel like there are so many rewarding situations from modeling.

Being able to inspire artists, having my face seen around the world, making a living off of what I love. I could do without the random negative critics out there, but I guess that is just part of the job.

by James Russell

Your modeling portfolio is absolutely phenomenal. How much input and ideas do you provide into your images and your shoots? Do you bring in your own wardrobe and styling ideas?

I put in a lot of ideas, wardrobe and styling. I love being a part of the creative process. I often get really frustrated when there is an "art director" who wont let me voice any creativity. A lot of people don't realize that no one is going to know my look and body better than me.

What are your goals, both short term, as well as long term?

I don't know really. I want to get more tear sheets, and work with more amazing artists. Long term-I suppose I just want to model until it isn't fun anymore. When that happens I would like to open my own art gallery.

by Dennis Keim

If a starting model were to come to you for advice on how to establish a solid portfolio, what would you tell her?

Do trade with the best, always be professional, never flake and stay on top of your bookings! It doesn't matter how good your portfolio is if your reputation is poor for not showing up to jobs.

Would you name a few of your favorite photographers (that you worked with, or that you would like to work with)?

Some of the best I have worked with are Juan Zambrano, James Russell, Richard Warren, and Hataiiia. I love so many photographers out there. I really hope to shoot with David LaChappelle some day. His work is so vibrant and alive. I imagine working with him is a lot of fun.

by Hataiiia

Most models I have personally met, all have interesting backgrounds, education and hobbies that shows models have so much more going for them than just their look. Is there anything you could share about "Carlotta, the model", that may surprise people?

I am an artist first and foremost. I have a BFA in 3D art (ceramics and sculpture) and I made a living in college by making clothing out of condoms (http://www.carlyscondomnation.com/). Now I often make things to shoot in. Lately nipple tassels and erotic clothing have held my artistic interest.

What is the best way for people to reach you to set up a shoot with you? Any additional information you'd like to share about your approach to setting up shoots?

Through my portfolio, One Model Place.I can also be contacted at my site.