Check Out Dana Bosland’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Bosland

Hi Dana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My interest in the fashion industry began at a young age, around 10. I spent most of my free time watching shows like *Project Runway* and using craft kits to live out my creative fantasies. As I got older, I dove deeper into the world of fashion and modeling, watching almost every “how-to” video on YouTube and learning about the models and agents making waves at the time. By 16 or 17, I had done my fair share of submitting to agencies in the NY/NJ area, taking the bus into the city after school to shoot with anyone who would take my picture. I didn’t realize it then, but I had developed a deep love for the craft and the experiences it brought.

While still in high school, I signed with a small boutique agency and booked my first paid e-commerce gig—an unforgettable moment. Later, I joined a larger NY agency, but at 5’6″, I didn’t fit the typical model height, which created some challenges. By the time I graduated high school, I was determined to attend college in NY to continue pursuing my passion. During college, I had several internships, one of which was with a dream mentor I came across deep diving on YouTube through those “how to be a model” videos I mentioned earlier. She taught me everything about being a model scout and agent, and what makes great photography. After two years working for her, I was scouting on my own and could identify potential in models as the industry evolved.

After graduating, I worked as a digital creative producer at an artist agency, handling model castings and marketing while continuing to grow in my own career. Meanwhile, I found representation that believed in my ability to work in NY, one of the hardest markets to break into as a model/creative. My experiences on the other side of the industry allowed me to look at myself more objectively and embrace the things people told me I needed to change. I made all of these things happen for myself, and I knew I had to keep moving forward while also pausing to reflect on the next step. I realized the people I met through my journey were what lit me up inside and kept me going. I have the utmost love and appreciation for those who have supported me and for those I’ve had the privilege to learn from. Ultimately, I learned the most beautiful things are created through connection with others.

My biggest goal right now is to make my work bigger than myself. Knowing what keeps me going, I’m focusing on the parts that light me up inside. It’s easy to forget, but everything you need is already within you. Leaning into what you love and what excites you makes the journey all the more fulfilling. I owe it to my 13-year-old self, whose curiosity and desire to learn sparked such a deep love for the craft.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but a smooth road, but I think there’s so much beauty in that. Tangible obstacles included my height when I first started, but as the industry has evolved, this challenge has become less significant. It’s an active balance of recognizing that there’s something uniquely beautiful in everyone while resisting the urge to compare yourself to others.

Initially, it was hard to understand that the journey is deeply individual. As a young girl, my feelings of rejection weren’t limited to modeling; I think, regardless of age, we all grapple with the need for self-assurance amidst rejection and insecurity. Imposter syndrome never truly goes away; it’s something we learn to live with.

Learning to accept criticism in a way that fosters growth rather than diminishes self-worth is crucial, especially since there’s so little that is truly in your control. Gaining knowledge about the industry or business you want to be in is one area where you can exert control. It takes practice to rewire your brain to feel good enough within yourself while finding a balance between knowing who you are and trusting the community around you.

Everyone has different opinions and perspectives about where you fit and what you should be doing, so never forget that. Staying open to all opportunities and experiences, even if they look different from how you initially envisioned them, took me a long time to learn. I now know that where I am is where I’m meant to be. Embrace the process in its truest form—rejection and all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
It’s hard to pinpoint what I am known for, but I can tell you what excites me: modeling, which is one of my favorite forms of creative expression. I also enjoy any opportunity to be on set and collaborate with other creatives, whether through casting or production. Content creation is another passion of mine, as I love storytelling and evoking emotion through various mediums such as imagery, writing, and editing. Film photography has been a new but exciting venture for me.

I was always told it was a conflict of interest to have a passion for modeling while also working on the other side of the industry, whether that be in management or creative roles. However, the intersection of the creative processes I started with has led me to take on roles as a visual artist, whether in front of the camera as a model or behind the scenes in styling and creative direction. I am constantly learning about myself and discovering my own potential through self-expression. I hope my willingness to explore beyond conventional boundaries in my creative work can inspire others. I guess that’s what I am most proud of.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The modeling and fashion world has evolved significantly since I was first introduced to it, and I believe this change has been for the best. In the past, the focus was primarily on appearance and body type. However, I think it’s essential for models and creatives to have interests and passions beyond just their looks.

When you have a community and something meaningful to believe in, people are drawn to that. This sense of purpose gives models and creatives power. The industry is increasingly gravitating toward individuals who have something to say.

I believe this evolution will continue, making the fashion world more inclusive in every possible way, as it should be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danabosland?igsh=MXBxajkwdXBsYmV0YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
personal photo 1
photographer/ mua @jessiefarrellphoto

photograph 4
photographer @suvyshootdamovie
mua @emmemua
stylist @sunnysideupsav

photograph 6
photographer @tugcanstemizkan
mua @alexandrabaranoff
stylist @oliviasimonek

photograph 7
photographer @alecwalworth

photograph 8
photographer @skovrostudios
mua @magdalena.major @seemanagement
hair @nataliei_hair_lIc