Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Cooley.
Hi Marisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always wanted to model. When people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I got older my response was always “famous” But growing up in small towns there wasn’t really any opportunity or guidance on how to get started. As soon as I moved to Florida, I started messaging local boutiques and asking them if they scouted their models locally. I had no professional photos, but luckily one store got back to me and brought me in for a try on. They were actually having a fashion show in about 2 weeks and I was invited to walk for it. Through that, I got in contact with the photographer for the event and he did my first TF shoot. Once I had a few professional photos posted online photographers started getting in contact with me, and I joined a couple photographer/ model groups. It just took off from there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing you ever want to do is going to be smooth. But if it’s something you’re passionate about it you keep trying until you succeed. I still don’t have representation because every agency I’ve gone to (and it’s been a lot) has pointed out something about myself that they don’t like. It’s discouraging feeling like you need to change so much of yourself. Sometimes it helps to take a step back and look at all you’ve accomplished just as you are.
I think the most frustrating thing for me was moving to Miami because a very big agency was interested in signing me, and then 2020 happened. So now I’m at a point where on paper I’m way too old to be signed and nobody wants to meet with me. But I love creating things so I think no matter what I will still model and find my own jobs and continue to do what I love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love modeling, it’s honestly so much fun coming up with a concept and ending up with the best picture being something you never expected. The creative network here is incredible. You could be shooting with 5 people at once and even though the pose might be the same, everyone’s editing styles and lighting are very different. I would say I probably specialize in commercial work. But I’m proud of my range when it comes to high fashion, boudoir, runway, etc. I think that also sets me apart as well.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising people who know my work might not know about me is I will do anything for the shot. Take my shirt off in a theme park? Sure. Ruin my favorite outfit with paint? Why not. Get fully in the ocean in December? Alright. As long as the end product delivers then I’m happy.
Pricing:
- Commercial / print / runway $150/hr
- Boudoir $200/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: Model.marisac@gmail.com
- Instagram: @queencoolsville
Image Credits
Wayne Denney
Denisse Jonsson
Mary Bel
Jhay Osorio
Karl DeBlaker
Tabitha Hayden
Andres Casillas
Luis Bonetti
Stephen Helfrich
