As part of this week’s challenge, as mentioned earlier, we could ask someone to interview us. To complete this part of the challenge, I spoke with Tauri Tigerpaw, Editor-in-Chief of Surfwatch Magazine and website, and outstanding entertainer. She agreed to conduct an interview which I now present to you.
Interview at Home
Q: The name Emma Portilo is becoming well known throughout the SL modeling world. How long have you been SL modeling?
A: Thank you, that’s quite a compliment for a model in SL. I have been modeling since June of this year and it has been a lot of work to try to get my name out there so I appreciate that recognition.
Q: What got you started as an SL model?
A: I thought modeling sounded like fun and knew there had to be more to it than just being another pretty face – since we can all have pretty faces here. So, I entered the Surf Love Calendar Contest and ended up winning for the month of December. That kicked it all off.
At home in the family room
Q: Tell us about some of your training and early modeling experiences.
A: My first runway experiences were as a showcase model of the week for JCNY. I learned a lot from the other models on the runway that week. Then I bid on modeling classes in a RFL charity auction and won them. That’s when I met Sequoia NIghtfire, my mentor and teacher from Mimmi Boa Modeling Academy. That’s where I trained and graduated as well.
I look back now and laugh at how ridiculous I must have looked to the other, more experienced models on the runway at that point. I have returned to that runway every month since then and I try to help the other models knowing that’s how I got my start.
Q: How do you determine what look you will choose for an event?
A: Usually the first thing is to know the theme of the event. If the theme is goth, you’re going to go with a much different look than if the theme is romance. I also research the designer of the outfits that I’m wearing to determine what kind of look they strive for in their designs. You can frequently tell by the design itself what they are looking for. I feel my job, as a model, is to carry out the imagination of the designer. Knowing the designer and what they are trying to accomplish goes a long way to making the look work.
At home relaxed
Q: What are some of your favorite combinations of looks in terms of skin/hair/shape etc.?
A: My preferred look is my usual one, which is Redgrave’s Leona deep tan skin with burgundy make up.
I wear a customized shape, one that has been modified to my liking. While I always wear the same general shape, I use a taller variation of it for runway work since they prefer very tall models for the runway.
I try to always wear black hair. I like dark hair and think it compliments the skin I like to wear.
Q: What motivates you to stay involved and avoid model’s burnout?
A: Actually, I think the love of the constant evolution of fashion motivates me. Each show is different and each designer is different. I think, since I find it challenging and rewarding all at the same time, I just don’t get tired of it. I do, however, take time for myself to enjoy other fun aspects of SL to keep a balance. Always strive for balance.
Q: How did you get involved with the Miss Refined contest?
A: I received a notice from a group for models. After reading about the contest I realized it was about more than just a beautiful avatar, going above and beyond styling and posing. Once I realized that I knew I wanted to become a part of the experience because it would be so different from your average beauty contest.
Q: How will it effect your SL modeling career if you win?
A: I believe winning this competition will bring about opportunities to speak out about going above and beyond. It’s about being the best you can be as a person, living up to your word and representing that to others. This will be the chance for me to represent that to those around me.
Q: What would define the pinnacle of SL modeling to you? In other words, how will you know when you’ve reached the top?
A: There is a saying by Samuel Johnson “Do it now. You become successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal.” I believe that says it all for me.
At home on the deck
Q: What do you hope to achieve by SL modeling?
A: I believe who we are as a person shines through the exterior of the pixels that represent us in SL. I hope to show others who I really am – a worthwhile, accomplished, refined individual.
Interview conducted by Tauri Tigerpaw, Editor-in-Chief of Surfwatch Magazine and website.
