This week we chat to Irish/Canadian model, Siobhan Bolton now living in Dublin. Siobhan is in her final year studying Drama Performance at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama. As well as making it to the last 10 models of Ireland’s Next Top Model, Siobhan also has a very unusual talent involving balloons!!

NAME?

Siobhan Bolton

AGE?

22 years old

COUNTY?

Dublin

HEIGHT?

 5’4

WEIGHT?

125 lbs.

EYE COLOUR?

Green

DRESS SIZE?

10

WAIST?

28

HIP SIZE?

37

MARRIED/SINGLE?

Single

HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY MODELLING SCHOOLS/COURSES, EXPLAIN?

I have not attended any modelling schools/courses as I am in full-time college but eventually I would like to.

DO YOU MODEL ON A PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME BASIS?

I model part-time as I am a full-time student in DIT which is my current focus.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A MODEL?

My goal as a model is to create connections with people and make a difference in their life through the use of different art forms. I want to push the boundaries and break down barriers, causing people to question the work that I produce which I feel I can best achieve through modelling and acting.

IF YOU MODEL PART-TIME, WHAT JOB DO YOU WORK AT TO SUPPORT YOURSELF?

In order to support myself while in college, I work part-time at Diep At Home as well as a receptionist at Ultrasound Dimensions LTD.  

ARE YOU REPRESENTED BY ANY MODELLING AGENCY, IF SO WHO?

When I first moved to Dublin I was represented by Compton Modelling Agency and was also taken on by Assets Model Agency for Film Extras work. I am currently being represented by Julian Benson Management for commercial work.

WHAT IS YOUR MODELLING EXPEREINCE/ACHIEVEMNTS TO DATE?

My modelling experience/achievements to date include the following:

• In November 2009, I was in the top ten girls for Ireland’s Next Top Model, where my photo was also featured in Social and Personal Magazine as well as an issue of RSVP.
• I have modelled for Pritzel Photography.
• I was a model in last year’s Alfa Romeo DIT Fashion Show in Vicar St. where my photo featured in the Metro.

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN A MODELLING CAREER?

My interest in modelling began when my sister entered me into the Irelands Next Top Model competition in Limerick. It was from that moment on I realised modelling had similar qualities to the performing arts where I was able to express myself in a variety of ways and I found it was another great form of communicating to the public.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST FEATURES?

I have been told my best features are my hair, eyes and smile.

BEST MODELLING ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

The best modelling advice I have ever been given was to “press the F***k it button” in order to just let go and stop caring about what others think about me.

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART OF WORKING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

The hardest part of working in the fashion industry, I feel, is the pressure placed upon young girls to look a certain way. Models are constantly being criticized for their weight whether they are considered over-weight or under-weight. For many models, they are in the public eye and so many young girls look up to them, perhaps as a role model. I feel the most difficult part is that so many people look at magazines and think ‘I want to look just like her’ and don’t think about the amount of editing and photo-shopping that is used, it can be very misleading.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A MODEL?

What I enjoy most about being a model is the luxury of getting my hair and make-up done! I am not afraid to try new things and prefer more bold, statement looks. I enjoy getting to wear all the clothes and love seeing what different stylists and photographers have to offer. It’s a great opportunity to create something unique!

DO YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL TALENTS?

I can pop 10 balloons under 7 seconds with one hand!

HOW DO YOU KEEP IN SHAPE?

I enjoy doing Bikram yoga as well as running and swimming.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

My main hobbies include activities associated with the performing arts. I love to act, sing and dance. I enjoy playing the piano and I would love to pick up my violin again. I also enjoy various types of yoga, reading, and going to plays as well as concerts.

MOST UNUSAL THING YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO MODEL?

I have never been asked to model anything quite unusual though I had one experience where the photographer only wanted to use my head in the shot so I had to lie on the ground with my head poking through a box which was quite funny.

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE, ARE YOU PATIENT, FRIENDLY?

I like to consider myself very approachable and feel I am very friendly as well as patient with others.  Communication is key and I feel it’s important to be able to speak with others in a professional manner in order to progress in any aspect of life.

ARE YOU OPEN TO CLIENTS REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTED IN WHAT YOU WILL MODEL?

I feel I am quite open to client’s requirements as I love to try new things and enjoy challenging myself, though I would never do something that made me feel uncomfortable or anything I felt to be distasteful.

WHICH FASHION MODELS WOULD YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?

Deyn is an English model, actress, and singer whom I admire because of her edginess and tomboy looks. She enjoys wearing clothes that relate to her mood, some days wearing something feminine and other days wearing something more punk. She does not look like your stereotypical fashion model and she has always been known for her short locks. If only I had the courage to chop off all my hair!

Another model who I admire is Whitney Thompson, who was the first plus-size model to win the title of America’s Next Top Model. I also admire French model and actress Isabelle Caro. Isabelle suffered from severe anorexia and became the face of a controversial campaign called “No Anorexia”. She used herself as an example of anorexia and wanted to send out a message to young girls who want to be in the modelling industry and hoped to prevent them from getting the same disease.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN THREE WISHES WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

1. To become the best Actor I can be
2. To travel the world
3. To have no regrets

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE LOOKING TO GET INTO MODELLING?

My advice for anyone looking to get into modelling is to get your face out there. Personally I don’t feel you necessarily need training, it’s all about doing the work and gaining knowledge from your experiences. I would suggest modelling voluntarily for any projects as a way to build your portfolio and making more contacts even if the work is behind the scenes. Every little bit helps!

DO YOU HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE OR WEBISTE SO PEOPLE CAN CONTACT YOU?

If people would like to contact me they can do so through my Star Now Page, just follow the link www.starnow.co.uk/siobhanbolton