Skye Varuna is a nude, beauty and catwalk model from Belgium who always seems to add an aspect of fantasy to every picture. Whether that’s a vampire inspired shoot or even a fully nude photo. In our interview Skye talks about the importance of expression to her photos. It’s expression which allows her to creates such fantastical personas using only her body as her tool. Read on to learn more about Skye’s experience.
Photographer: Ellie Van den Brande, MUA: Nils Missorten[/caption]Tell us about your career as model. How did you get started?As a person I like to challenge myself and push my boundaries. I was (and still am) a rather shy person and someone who didn’t like to be photographed, so being a model would be a big challenge. I decided to go for it and made a profile on an online modeling community. Soon I was contacted by a nude photographer, who got me in touch with some other photographers as well and I started building up a portfolio.Did you always want to be a model or did you have other career aspirations when you were growing up? I never thought of becoming a model when I was growing up. I didn’t like to be photographed at all and didn’t consider myself to be photogenic. However, people kept telling me I should be a model, being so slim and on the tall side (though I’m quite small compared to most models!). I was even addressed by some modeling scouts on the streets, but I never ended up being selected. By that time I got my mind set on it and I decided I wanted to give this modeling thing a try. And I ended up enjoying it very much!Apart from having a great look, what else do you think is an important factor in succeeding as a model? In my opinion, having a great look is quite useless if you’re not able to express a wide range of emotions. Apart from the facial expressions, the expression of the body is quite important. Dancers are usually good models, because they are very well aware of their body and their body language. And lastly, I do think it helps when you’ve got another special talent or trait, such as being able to do your own hair and make-up or provide styling such as special clothing made by yourself. I started sewing myself a couple of years ago, and now I follow courses to improve my sewing technique. So hopefully in the future I can provide a more elaborate and unique styling.What other advice do you have for models just starting out? Decide what your limits are, respect them and don’t be afraid to express them. As a model, especially as a nude model, you’re in a vulnerable position towards the photographer. If you’re uncomfortable in any way, don’t be afraid to express this. To me, communication is so important, and one of the things that goes wrong so often, not only in modeling but in general as well.Do you love any one genre of modeling more than another?I started out doing mostly art nude modeling, most often outdoors or on abandoned locations, without any kind of make-up or styling. When I started doing more shoots with elaborate styling and make-up looks, I did have the feeling that art nude modeling was more my cup of tea. I didn’t like being in the make-up chair longer than I was in front of the camera. But over time that changed. I started to rather like the variation. Right now I don’t really have one genre that I like more. I simply like to do and try many different things and being able to transform into many different identities.What do you consider your career highlights so far?This is a difficult one! I simply can’t choose. Modeling made it possible to collaborate with people I’ve been admiring for a long time, such as Viona-Art and the designer of la fille d’O. I’ve also been able to do a few interesting video projects, which I never thought I’d do. The first time I saw a picture of me at an exhibition was also quite exciting. And lastly, though it sounds cheesy, it brought me in contact with many wonderful people whom I otherwise would’ve never met.As well as modeling you’ve also a walked the runway for up-and-coming designers. What was that like?Very exciting! Being in front of a camera is quite a different experience from walking the runway. I’m pretty relaxed in front of a camera, but on stage, with all those people watching, I’m always a bit stressed and overtaken by adrenaline. Did I already mention I’m naturally quite shy? ;) But it is very amusing, with the added bonus of a lot of fun backstage.Do you have any tips for new models that find you inspiring?Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Make an online portfolio, make profiles on different modeling communities and get a Facebook profile for your modeling work. Don’t be afraid to contact new people, and remember that other models are no competition, they are your friends.Lastly, could you tell us one random fact about yourself?I can touch my nose with my tongue. When I was younger I considered this quite a special talent! You can find Skye on Facebook and on Tumblr. Don’t forget to check out the gallery below and let us know your own take on Skye’s modeling style!
Photography: Elvire Van Ooteghem, MUA & Hair: Anneke Wastyn, FASHION Design: Riona Noire
Photography: Ellie Van den Brande, MUA: Nils Missorten, Hair: Aytekin Aytee Kane Cesmeli
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Photography: Frederik Haegeman
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