Interviews  / Stories

Interview: Model Mette Munkø (Denmark)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am 29 years old, with 12 years of experience as a model, modelling coach, and I hold workshops for photographers in model instruction, business management, and marketing. I study Law at the University of Copenhagen, while having my own business. I live in an apartment outside of Copenhagen and enjoy eating good homecooked food with good friends.

 

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I would very much like to be able to set my own tempo down a notch, so I could have the time to focus a bit more on what the consequences of my choices could be; but on the other hand, I think it can also work as a good quality that I don’t hesitate, and just jump into new experiences and opportunities.

 

How did you start modelling?

I started as a model when I was 18. I had a boyfriend who encouraged me to try it, after I had mentioned a girl in my class did modelling. So I started as a glamour model but quickly found out I fit better in as a nudeart model, because of my background in gymnastics.

 

What do you think of the work as a model?

I really love the creative process, and the process of striving after a “wow” picture. I enjoy the creation and the editing of pictures as much as photographers, which has set me aside from other models, because my goal has not been to draw attention to myself as the model but to create an aesthetic result as a collaboration. I have had an artistic approach to modelling rather than a need for attention. As of today, most of what I do is not modelling, but rather workshops and teaching both models and photographers. 

 

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to continue with my workshops and am planning to expand to provide workshops in England, Norway, and Germany. When I graduate from Law school, I would like to pursue a career in politics. I also hope to meet a speciel person who can understand and accept me, despite of my abnormal career and life. I would love to have a family with two children, so they can enjoy playing with each other.

 

What is your beauty regimen?

I have had the enormous benefit of having a personal trainer, dietician, and physical therapist whom I have been able to consult with. I also have regular trips to the doctor to check my vitamins and minerals, as well as to check my weight and overall health. I am, and have always been, slender, but I am not in anyway undernourished because I keep such a good track on my health. It takes three hours for me to do my hair and makeup for a photo shoot, but already three days before I start doing my nails and taking extra care of my skin and hair, as well as avoiding any activities that could leave accidental bruises and marks. The best preparation a model can make for a job is to keep a lifestyle that keeps you constantly prepared. Keeping a body fit for my career can mean skipping the fun things, like an extra piece of cake on my birthday if I have a job in a few days. I exercise and keep my muscles strong, not to make it look a certain way, but to be able to physically hold modelling poses for long hours on the job.

 

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

I think I have a good amount of faith in my own ideas, so I am able to trust enough in myself to act upon my ideas. I don’t let others judgements effect my ideas, so I always have more creative and “my way” approach. I make my own path instead of following others. This has created a lot of opportunities for me, because I haven’t had to have others push me to achieve my goals, and at the same time I am not afraid to ask others for help. I’ve always been able to be realistic about my own and other’s abilities, so I am good at drawing on others expertise and capabilities so we can collaborate on getting results, whether professionally or personally.

 

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?
Last year I had the opportunity to participate in a car event in the style of Gumball 3000, which raised money for a cancer charity, and our team drove through Denmark and Germany over a couple of days. We had an amazing time, and it was such a well organizied and fun event.

I love taking time away from my work and modelling to just visit the west coast of Denmark, the ocean has always been able to revive and energize me.

 

Do you have any advice for those who want to start modelling?

I would tell anyone looking to start modelling, to not let themselves be used in order to be noticed. Be selective in what modelling gigs and jobs you do, it’s okay to say no. Don’t work for free.

 

What do you think of the magazine?

I am excited and happy that this magazine also includes interviews, instead of only showcasing portfolios. I think the creators behind the art are just as exciting as the creation itself.

 

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