Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Brougham.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Pasadena, California and have always loved the arts but never really actively participated in them until I was in my late teens. I started modeling when I was around 17 years old but with school and sports, it was really hard to find a good balance. So, while I pursued modeling on the side during college, it never was a first priority until I graduated from UCLA about six months ago! This was a huge accomplishment for me and I feel much more confident pursuing modeling and acting full-time now that I have successfully finished my degree. Although I have been modeling off and on for about 6 years now, I am actually just breaking into the acting world! I have found that there are many similarities between modeling and acting so the transition has been really smooth. I still do both of course, but I would say my focus at the moment is more acting-based. In terms of modeling, I am proud to say I have worked in almost every branch of the industry. I have done e-commerce, runway, beauty, music videos, commercials, and promotional work. One of my favorite shoots this year was a couple of months back for a Pravana campaign coming out in the summer of 2024. That was an absolute blast to shoot. Everyone was amazing, we spent like three whole days together and shared so many laughs and stories over the hours we worked. So I’m definitely looking forward to the release of that campaign! My overall goal in the modeling world is to eventually do some high-fashion editorial and/or runway. My dream brand to work with is Mugler so that’s what my sights are set on! Acting-wise, at the moment I have a professional acting coach working on footage from the projects I have filmed, to make a reel in which I hope will, by the end of 2024, get me cast in my first feature film!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my experience, there were, and still are, many challenges to working in the entertainment industry. Especially with modeling. I attend castings and auditions all the time in which girls’ looks are not only commented on openly but picked apart. It’s easy to internalize these things. Although it’s a part of the territory, sometimes it does take a toll on my overall mental health. That being said, I have also met so many uplifting and positive casting directors, agents, managers, photographers, etc. I am very lucky that a majority of the people I meet in my industry every day are kind-hearted and supportive. Another challenge of this job is the patience it takes. Because of the nature of this industry and the immense competition that comes along with it, you are constantly hearing “no” to jobs and opportunities that you aren’t picked for. I will admit sometimes, this can leave you feeling defeated. Some weeks you have bookings back-to-back everyday, and other times you won’t get a single booking for a week and a half. But, some of the biggest jobs I have booked were after periods of no work, so I never let myself worry too much. The most grounding way I deal with this is to remind myself that the perfect roles/opportunities will continue to come along when they are meant to, just like they have in the past.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work has definitely been my art and a form of self-expression. Being an actress is so special because you get to explore so many different characters and find ways to relate to people, that you would have never thought yourself similar to. To connect with a character you are going to play, you have to examine the deeper motives of that person (whether it’s a character based on a real person or not). I always ask myself the bigger questions, like what is this character really afraid of? What is their self-dialogue and maybe their most important values? Examining characters on a deeper level broadens your perspective and gives you more insight and empathy into the lives, dreams, and struggles of other people in real life. So in this way, I think my work and experience as an actress/model has made me more understanding and gentle with others.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned a couple of extremely valuable lessons along the way. First, always trust your gut and never be afraid to speak up. In the modeling/acting industry, sometimes you get put on the spot or thrown into uncomfortable situations. It is so important that you be able to advocate for yourself in such a fast-paced environment. The right brands and agents will never be dissuaded from working with you simply because you advocate for yourself. Second, always be a source of positivity and respect on sets and at auditions. Positivity and enthusiasm go so far when brands, directors, or agents are deciding whether to work with you. In my hardest days on set, when I was emotionally and physically drained, heartbroken, sick or whatever the situation was, people on set were always kind to me, and I can’t imagine being anything but kind to the people who work around me in return. This industry really toughens you up and it’s tempting to put up a wall or a closed-off exterior when you show up to audition or sets, sometimes even necessary. However, being open to the other creative beings in the space that you work with is so emotionally rewarding and in the long run, is even helpful career-wise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://newbookmodels.com/model/8b2dbef3-97eb-4434-8bbe-67c48ff3d182
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiebrougham/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15073417/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_q_jackie%2520brou
Image Credits
The two beach photos were taken by Usman Ghani @usman.ghani96 on Instagram the photo in a long black dress with a nature background was taken by Subramanya Kalal @subramanya_kalal and William Nahed @nahedwilliam the other five photos were taken by Subramanya Kalal @subramanya_kalal and Sohum Pulekar @sohum_21_pulekar
