Meet Astrid Kallsen | Freelance Art Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Astrid Kallsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Astrid, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I really didn’t. I procrastinated from other life responsibilities and put more effort into my modeling. I got so enthralled with doing it it’s what I worked hard on. Eventually I found ways to get paid for it. I started off modeling as a hobby, but to be honest my modeling didn’t grow and become what it did until it became my career. I could spend all of my time on it: how to meet more photographers/artists, how can I travel to other artists, where are places I can create, and how can I become a better model. My time and energy was mostly consumed with my passion for the modeling. I find that I am an obsessive person, and that it actually isn’t always healthy, so I have had to find ways to distract myself from modeling to take better care of myself and nurture other parts of my life that are equally important. I don’t recommend a creative career to everyone. I find that a lot of people use their art as a means of escape and to relax, whereas I find it to be the motivation to get out of bed in the morning and work until the I must sleep. From various small business owners this is the kind of personality you need to run a successful business. It is what made it easy for me to jumpstart a business and then now find ways to introduce other things in my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think getting into modeling can be easy. I often feel like it took me a long time to understand the business. I didn’t get to meet many freelance models that could show me the guidelines and typical expectations for a long time. One of the things I learned was that always trying to please the client wasn’t actually the best business model. So for a long time I didn’t look into the business or professional side of modeling, and when I did it was often uncomfortable and unprofitable for me. The lessons I learned in self respect and accepting losing jobs to focus on better jobs, often resulted in more mutual respect and eventually a thriving career. I started as someone rather meek and just happy to model anything, to a professional that loved my job, the work I do, and the people I work for or with. The kind of guidance you receive at the beginning can make or break a freelance career. Then once you learn the ropes, you learn how you want to be different. I know as far as my look in art modeling, it is a bit different by ironically being very traditional. That has helped me be very fluid in the different art I can be hired for. Part of that is coincidental. I didn’t want tattoos and I was born rather skinny and tall, other parts of that were strategic like choosing a natural looking hair color. I knew I wanted to be able to model in a variety of projects, so I continue to keep my look in a way that I can be diverse. I am not as strict in my branding as some models, but I am strict about the intent of my modeling. I want to help create art, inspire art and a better lifestyle, and stay away from overly sexualized themes. I am also very experienced and skilled in underwater modeling, which has ended up being a unique genre to offer

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That is a tricky question. I just moved to Seattle, WA, so for me this is a completely new experience as well. I have loved my little neighborhood in Ballard area though. We have a wine shop next door, many amazing restaurants and a bakery. But really my best friends and I love hiking and exploring. So even if I knew the best spots we would probably want to go check out something new. I have a friend coming in next week and we plan to hike a few waterfalls and forests, and hopefully try out some of the hot springs in the area

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly just about everyone I have worked with. It’s amazing the support I received and I believe it gave me the courage and confidence to keep going. I wouldn’t know how to start showing my support to everyone. The people I think you don’t see are other models in the community who gave me advice, guidance, or housing over the years. Model, Dakota Lee, really helped me meet and network in the DC area which introduced me to an amazing amount of artists. I will always owe her for that. She is also such an incredible friend and support in my life. My parents and family too have been very encouraging of my job. My mother especially. She often follows my work and travels, while housing me (or more stuff my belongings) as I toured the country for years.

Website: https://astridkallsen.com

Instagram: astrid.wild.ethereal

Facebook: astridkallsenmodel

Youtube: astridkallsen