The sudden flash of light bounces off the tops of her cheekbones as she eyes the camera with a fierce intensity and a radiant glint across her face. Dressed in high-fashion clothes and accessories from head to toe and with her face embellished and hair impeccably sculpted by professionals, Senior Alicia Vigil strikes a confident pose as the camera flashes.
Vigil started her career in front of the cameras at the age of seven, scoring modeling gigs as well as acting roles. Now, Vigil has worked her way up the scale with high-fashion modeling shoots, editorials and ad campaigns, including a Vitamin Water ad. Vigil even works with the American rock band, Black Veil Brides.
“It was really amazing getting to work alongside Black Veil Brides—they’re actually my favorite band,” Vigil said. “Getting to work with them on set was really great. It’s like working with family.”
However, seeking out these modeling shoots can require a bit of work and Vigil must look through castings and write requests to photographers. Luckily for Vigil, her agent and manager are there to help her cast roles and set her on projects. Vigil also attends go-sees or auditions to set up shoots. Go-sees,or meetings with the company and photographer, are different depending on the type of modeling.
Upon arriving at a modeling set, Vigil goes straight into hair and makeup. Posing in front of the camera can take as long as ten minutes to even eight hours, depending on the photographer.
Although Vigil enjoys the fun aspects of modeling, the industry can be demanding, with specific height and even hair color requirements.
“It’s really fun to get into the zone and try on a bunch of different clothes,” Vigil said. “But modeling is very specific. For example, I have black hair and it can get in the way of casting if people aren’t specifically looking for black hair.”
While she enjoys the glitz and glam, Vigil still faces some obstacles during shoots. Working long hours can drive the mood downhill.
“Working on long shoots, especially being in high heels all the time, can kill my energy,” Vigil said. “However, I make sure to eat enough and to energize myself.”
Since Vigil’s career is expanding, her life is also attracting attention. The publicity that comes with being published in ad campaigns and editorials has impacted her personal life.
“I’ve noticed that people I haven’t really talked to before have been nicer to me,” Vigil said. “And since I am working with Black Veil Brides, I have gotten some fan mail. I even have a fan base in Mexico and Argentina, which is pretty cool.”
Working with various concepts during modeling shoots can also be adventurous. Although she has always stayed true to her personal style, Vigil is able to go beyond her tastes and try on different clothes.
“Modeling is what I want to do as a career,” Vigil said. “I love everything about it.”