Brianna Fryer grew up in Australia where she found her first break in to the modelling industry. At the age of fourteen the young model embraced fair skin, freckles and red hair; the model was often pushed back in her career due to the high demand of the typical 'beach babe' look that Australia was obsessed with. Moving away from the pressures the young model faced, Fryer decided to pursue a career as model in extra's work and music video's. To date the model has featured in a number of projects and pursued her interests within the creative industry. Model Issue discusses the impacts that modelling has had on her personal journey and questions what is missing.

What sort of modelling are you currently doing?

At the moment I am a freelance model, it’s easier this way when you also have a job. I have mainly featured in hair campaigns and I’m often scouted for extra’s work.

What is your current job?

I am a stylist, working closely with high-end clients. 

Do you think it works well for a model to be involved within the fashion industry?

Of course, personally I feel that being a stylist allows me to get really in to the vision of what is on set. I get really involved and despite my role as a model I just want there to be a good final outcome.

That’s cool. How would you describe your personal journey in to the modelling industry?

I was scouted when I was fourteen and modelled part-time around school. School was always something I was going to complete. Pretty quickly I took to the acting/extra’s route because of the competitiveness and the comments made about my body image. I grew up in Australia, having red hair and fair skin in a commercial, beach obsessed area had it’s challenges. 

As a young girl that must have really hurt you?

You're not wrong, at that age you're still developing into a woman and it's important to recognise we all have different shapes, genetics and we as women cannot change the size of our proportions to accommodate the industries preferred size. I’ve naturally been slim, yet by an agency I had in Australia it was argued that the top part of my body needed more weight built to be in proportion.

That’s crazy!

It was this in particular that drew me in to styling and the behind scenes work rather than the focus. Yet now being older, I find I'm comfortable in who I am and I seem to get more work here in the UK due to my hair colour and characteristics.

Has the modelling industry changed since your arrival?

I think now the modelling industry is starting to challenge the body shape stigma, it's great to see women of different shapes and sizes being welcomed by the industry. It’s nice to see the body image being challenged on the catwalk and not just for commercial purposes.

What do you think has led to this?

I think this has heavily stemmed from designers paying attention to social media and how bloggers and just beautiful people can bring an even wider audience to their brand name. This is definitely where we see natural girls that aren't typical models wearing their designs,the consumer is much more infatuated with real girls and this is causing havoc in the modelling industry.

Do you feel that the models work ethic is being lost in translation due to how the public see them on social media?

I think that is such a valid point. Models have to promote their lifestyle now and they only post what they want you to see. It’s all to keep up with a fantasy.

What is your social media presence like? Does this have an impact on the type of bookings you get?

I personally use my social media for my styling career, I share all things fashion and have a suitable following. The market I fit into is niche because I have red hair, I’ve never focused on the impact of social media and my agency hasn't told me to. 

Can you describe the difference between a commercial and high fashion model? 

Well, Commercial models can be a variety of sizes and embody a less sleek, prim and proper look to accommodate brands for the here and now. As for an editorial model, their career can be made if they're launched at the right time, but this also means that their longevity has an expiry too. This is where we tend to see size 0 and 6 catwalk models, being used by a big designer can determine their success throughout their careers. 

Do you think that commercial models don't receive as much recognition as high fashion models?

I actually think that the focus is now on the commercial model because of platforms such as Instagram. More commercial models are being scouted via Instagram and agencies now expect their models to have a substantial amount followers to promote them. The job is getting harder for models.

I know we spoke about the bigger shift towards body image in the commercial world, do you think this will solve the body issues that everyday women face? 

That’s a good question, this definitely needs to be considered because I feel it is down to you as a person whether you are happy with your body image or not. I feel at times it does but everyone will always have their insecurities, it's a part of life and men are just as bad as women. I think the more self love and attention to feeling good in the skin you're in via campaigns with real models or pop stars, the more we gravitate towards that. 

What is it about modelling that led you into the profession? 

The idea that you can be transformed, you can work with a team of talented people and working towards a project that is ultimately art. 

When you started modelling did your agency give you any advice about the industry? 

They did a little, but it really depends on who your agency is and your age. 

Throughout your modelling career was there anything that you were not prepared for? 

Personally no, I had my doubts at the start and then I moved in to my own market. But I think it’s important to know your limits and also remember it's ok to say no to certain work. I've known girls that get put in the deep end and it's not nice. 

Do you think models are often misrepresented in the media?

I think the right things aren't being reported on, listen to what you like however, don't take anything personal you need to be thick skinned and if you're passionate nothing can change your mentality. 

What do you think the modelling industry could currently benefit from?

I think models need a platform to meet other models, the younger ones could definitely benefit from a mentor figure almost. I get that bookers don't always have the time to teach the ways of modelling and many assume that models just know.