Josephine Creighron, 14, was spotted by the manager of a modelling agency while shopping with her mother in Shenzhen I got noticed as a potential model when I was 13. One day my mother and I went shopping in Shenzhen. When we were queueing up at immigration, I noticed this lady staring at me, which made me feel uncomfortable. She came over and introduced herself as Emmanuelle, manager of Model Genesis, a modelling agency. She gave my mother her name card and said that I had the face and physique of a model, and encouraged me to try out modelling. I am three-quarters English and have a Eurasian face. I think that's one of the reasons I got noticed. Even though I was only 13, I looked 17. My mother and I went to Emmanuelle's office and it just worked out. I've done photo shoots for fashion brands such as Episode, and Chevignon, as well as some local Chinese magazines including Pink, Milk and Tea. I'm not allowed to do underwear or swimsuit modelling because I'm under age. But I'm not sure if I would want to do this anyway when I'm older. My mother used to be a model, but now she works as a schoolteacher. Both Emmanuelle and my mother have trained me. Before I started modelling, I had to look at dozens of magazines and learn how to copy the poses. It requires a lot of practice. It's important to know how to pose. I practice different poses in front of the mirror and then my mother checks if I'm doing it right. I have to be aware of my posture and stand up straight. I've also learned how to use makeup. Liquid foundation looks better than powder, but it's bad for the skin. My mother guides me on how to take care of my skin and hair. I steam my face sometimes and go for regular hair treatments. I still have to learn how to walk on the catwalk, which is difficult for me because I have big feet. I go to an international school and I'm in grade nine. My career goal is to study medicine and become a doctor, so I need to focus on my science subjects. Photo shoots are usually after 4pm and quite far away. I've been modelling for a year now. I used to get annoyed and impatient before, especially when there was a long wait and preparations involved with photo shoots. Hair and makeup always takes hours, and I have to sit for a long time. Now I have learned to make the most of my time. I take my school assignments on long shoots. My school friends are all supportive, although there are one or two who are jealous, but I take that as a compliment. I keep healthy by playing lots of sports. I do eat a lot, and sometimes some clients are shocked when I order dinner as they are not used to seeing models eat. I've met many models who are very thin. Some of them take drugs when they feel disappointed. It is a very competitive field, especially since models are chosen on their looks. Emmanuelle guides me and she has taught me how to go for castings, which are like interviews. We meet the clients with our book. It is necessary to meet with full makeup and also to be polite, friendly and act professionally. I haven't been to China yet for casting, but I have recently returned from Macau for a photo shoot. In Hong Kong, my mother doesn't need to come with me any more, but she will if I get an overseas assignment. My father is proud that I'm making my own money. Experienced and famous models get paid a lot more. I've learned that modelling is hard work and requires discipline. I'm going to continue, but not have high expectations.
