Check Out Nicole Chang’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Chang.

Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I did my first photoshoot in my early teens, and it was very ’40s-esque, which is funny looking back because my admiration for older eras never really left me. At the same time, my personal tastes were heavily influenced by alternative, Chicano, and horror culture. From the music and movies to the fashion, art, and imagery, I gravitated towards it all. I always loved the contrast between those different sides of my interests. When you’re an LA kid and grew up during the MySpace and Tumblr era, I feel like you couldn’t help but be exposed to a little bit of everything, haha!

I didn’t professionally step in front of a camera again until a few years later, and that’s when I started taking it more seriously and really exploring what I wanted to create and post. I’m a fan of classic pinup, think Gil Elvgren, and although I love being captured in that light, I’ve never felt like I belonged to just one “aesthetic” or one era. Through posting and networking, I have been able to meet incredible photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, etc as well as work with brands I love and wore. Many forming into friendships. Never underestimate the power of social media and what you unlock for yourself once you put yourself out there.

There’s a quote I really resonate with: “I am a mosaic of everything I’ve ever loved.” I think that describes me better than trying to put myself into one particular box and believe me, people have tried! Haha, you’d probably have to go through the many, many photos of me from tween until now and start putting all the pieces together. People don’t take it well when you don’t fit a mold they have created for you. I move freely and do what feels right to me because at the end of the day, everyone will have an opinion. The one that only matters is your own.

I grew up feeling very comfortable experimenting with my look and fashion. I touch on that in a previous article. From having my eyebrows shaved off for almost a decade to whatever my heart desired , I’ve always been full of ideas and little visions that I string together, pulling inspiration from different eras, aesthetics, music, art, and whatever else catches my eye. I love the freedom of expression that comes with that. I also really believe that you yourself are a walking brand. The way you dress, speak, create, carry yourself, and the things you gravitate toward all tell a story. Leave the public to interpret it. Overall, I’ve always loved the process of a moment being captured and preserved.

Staying personable and grounded is really important to me. I love meeting different creatives (as many of us do!) I’ve been lucky enough that through the years and those experiences, doors have opened to working with companies that I genuinely respect and admire. I even played a role in a music video earlier this year with OG music legends (MAJOR MOMENT FOR ME!) I think that’s one of my favorite things about what I do, it continues to evolve with me. There’s always another idea, another version of myself to explore. It’s all full circle and very fulfilling.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never smooth but who you surround yourself with plays a huge part! Struggles I’d mention that I think many can relate to would be over thinking, self doubt, expierencing sometimes the hypocrisy or unnecessary hostility in sub genre/communities. It’s human nature to want to do your best at what you enjoy doing, but sometimes you’re left thinking about what you could have done differently and how you’ll top yourself next time. It’s an endless cycle for those who consider themselves a perfectionist and whatever that means to them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do pinup modeling and I’m internationally published which is crazy to think about in the grand scheme of things. I’d say that, in the beginning my followers were most familiar with my “cheesecake pinup” work. Think… playful feminine glamour. I love putting my own spin to the classics though, and honestly, I’m proud of the fact I’ve kept going. I’m not afraid of my imagination or how the world will perceive me.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I can’t speak too much on possible trends, but I hope to see more unity in the industry! In terms of changes, it’d be awesome to see more people incorporate their culture and traditions. Something I want to add because I hope it resonates with someone reading, I’ve learned through modeling opportunities, promotional work, and brand collaborations is to stay humble and just keep showing up for myself. There’s more to this than just followers and likes. Numbers don’t matter as much as we’ve been conditioned to think. Things take time to develop and the only person I really need to keep proving something to is me. Do more of what fills your cup because life can look so different a year from now.

Keep advocating for yourself, keep saying no when you mean no, and keep making room for the things that actually make you feel like you. And social media is NOT the whole picture! It’s solely a curated glimpse of bits and pieces to someone’s life.

When it comes to the industry, I think we all hope to be presented with opportunities beyond our wildest imagination. With that being said, I’m always available for promotional work, clothing campaigns, and individual creative projects.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/goddessofthesevenseas_
• Other: Nicolechang111@gmail.com

Image Credits
@missmissyphoto
@misslaceynoel
@tre_berto
@kateryna_keleberda
@olesia_stoliar
@atomic_1940s
@savannarruedy
@juniortheoutsider