Vancouver Based Published Model Helen Moss

Well, my name is Helen. Speaking of my background, you could say I am a mix of Russian, Ukrainian and maybe Belorussian, being born and raised in Latvia. I moved to Canada at the age of 15 and all by myself. To be honest, I feel like writing an elementary school essay, so I would rather skip the part about the age, birthday and family background.

What can I tell about myself. Well, if you asked my best friend or my mother, they would probably say that I am a funny and sarcastic person who loves dark humour, alternative rock like Three Days Grace or Green Day, and everything related to art. Also I suck at math and sciences, I absolutely love drawing, writing, acting and singing. I do a little bit of all – I study visual arts and design, write poetry and lyrics, I want to relate my life to acting and cinema.

Out of other interesting or not that interesting facts, 99.9 percent of people find me cold and a bit socially awkward at first, but later every single person calls me funny and nice.

How long have you been modeling and why do you love it?

I started modelling at the age of 13 when my mother brought me to a modelling school where I studied for a year. To be honest, that school only gave me a bunch of insecurities and a wish to never go back to that path ever again. Several years later, a friend of mine offered me a photoshoot, and I found myself enjoying it.

What I really love modelling for is the idea of making meaningful art. I do not do beauty shoots or simple outfits, my modelling has been called dark and controversial by many people. I try different looks on, and it is never about looking pretty or beautiful – it is about being memorable. I can appear in the makeup of a sad clown, or with bruises all over my face, and I will put a certain idea or a concept behind it. I hope it is not too confusing. After all, I love modelling for the ability to be unique.

What is the hardest or most challenging photoshoot you have done before?

It was a photoshoot that I haven’t even posted anywhere. It was a photographer who messaged me on Instagram and offered a shoot, but when I showed up there, he first of all was late, and second, he was not really in a mood to talk. It was also hard because he planned to shoot outside in the middle of December, and was always asking me to remove my jacket so I would remain in a small and a very open top. At that time, I was not very confident, and I was afraid to say no. So, in the end, I froze to the bones and got only three pictures from the two hours of photoshoot.

Out of the most challenging ones, it was a photoshoot for my best friend’s portfolio which was pointing out people’s bad choices such as alcoholism or abusive relationships, and it was really challenging because I’ve been changing my whole look four times during the day. As well as that, it was all done on the streets of Vancouver in the end of November, it was so cold and I really had to change my clothing outside a couple of times so we had more time with the daylight. 

What quotes or mottos do you like to use to inspire yourself?

“Do what you love and love what you do”

Because why else would I be studying and developing if I don’t enjoy doing it?

If you could change one thing about the modeling industry, what will it be?

I would love to change the attitude to boudoir shoots. I don’t want people to think that if I am doing boudoir, then I’m just showing off. In my opinion, it is a form of art and a way to gain confidence for some girls. I don’t want to be called names for dealing with my self-insecurities and for feeling comfortable with my body.

Do you have any other hobbies or favorite pastimes?

As I mentioned before, I am way too artsy. I truly enjoy drawing and fashion design, I am a little bit of a messed up singer and a songwriter, and I sometimes do acting in short movies. I also like cooking healthy food and doing hikes and home workouts.

On a scale of 1-10, how much of a risk taker are you?

I would be an 8 out of 10, and I am always crazy about trying new things. Like, to be honest, I came to Canada all by myself at a very young age, all introverted and lacking communication, and it was such a terrifying thing to do. I went surfing in Tofino and almost got a serious back injury but at that time I really felt like learning to surf. I have been planning to apply for the History of Art for a year but changed my mind and went for Fashion Design a week before all possible deadlines. This is kind of how I am, very spontaneous and sometimes taking risks. 

What is a lame or awkward attempt a guy has tried to know you?

There was that guy in the skytrain who sat next to me and immediately asked if I wanted to act in his short movie but it turned out later that he only wanted to hit on me like that. Also, I think that 70% of all male photographers that I worked with made an attempt to get to know me ‘closer’ It is a fun fact that most people I’ve been dating were photographers.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Helen. One question before we end, how do you define “sexy”? 

To be honest with you, I don’t even use this word much just because I have no idea what ‘sexy’ means to me. It is mostly related to having a hot body and a beautiful face, but I myself haven’t yet figured out what exactly it is to be ‘sexy’

Follow the gorgeous Helen Moss on:

Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamhelen_

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellinearth_

I am planning to start an Instagram blog and I would like people to make suggestions on what I should talk about there. So if you have any interests or something you like to suggest, do let me know!

Images by Helen Moss

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