Switching It Up with Model Terence Ingram

unnamed — Photographed by: Que T. @quentinetownsend_jr

When I first saw Terence Ingram walk down the runway at PLITZS Fashion Marketing, I was really intrigued… I suddenly wanted to know more about him. I thought he had a very striking look and when I met him, he was very sweet. Fast forward. I interviewed him for my blog. Fast forward. I took an FIT blogging class. Fast forward. I decided to make this feature more like a conversation. Fast forward. Then I realized that I never asked him for any of his personal modeling stories … whoops. Fast forward. I guess it’s time for round 2 for Terence’s interview. Fast forward. Now I’m sitting on the subway trying to edit this while stuck in the tunnel because there is “train traffic ahead of us.” Why is there always train traffic ahead of us?! Anyways, while I’m waiting for my subway to kindly move forward, I hope you enjoy my interview!

Meet Terence:

Jenny A: What do you love to do?

Terence Ingram: I love taking selfies and going shopping.

JA: Are you really into social media? What’s your favorite social media?

TI: Yes. I love Instagram. I look at it like an art. I think of which photos to post. I also love Twitter.

JA: I really thought you were going to say Snapchat since there are so many filters!

TI: Yeah, well I love Instasnap. My favorite is the dog filter.

JA: Where is the craziest place you’ve selfied?

TI: A haunted house! All these people were chasing us and I just thought this would be a great time to take a selfie!

JA: That’s really funny! Speaking of funny…What’s the funniest thing that happened to you while modeling?

TI: hmmm I think it was in either 2011 or 2012… before I went onto the runway I had my clothes on backwards! They actually stopped me right before I went out and turned my shirt around so that I could walk.

JA: I’m looking at one of your modeling photos where you’re holding a rose in your mouth. What was it like? What were you thinking about during this photo-shoot?

TI: I was actually laying in a tub of water. It was nerve-racking. I was thinking “Okay this is a cool idea” but I was nervous at the same time.

JA: Do you like doing adventurous modeling gigs?

TI: I love doing something out of the box that I’ve never done before. One time I did a fashion show in New York for designer Harold Wright and I had to wear very dramatic eyeliner …. I even had to wear a choker. It was a very out there look. I loved and hated it.

JA: Is there something you live by?

TI: “Dreams don’t work unless you do”[by John C. Maxwell]. I am always busy. I am constantly reaching out to different modeling agencies and designers just to get my face out there.

JA: So, what are your goals and dreams for modeling?

TI: I really want to be signed to a modeling agency. I want to be a runway model and be different in a model feel.

JA: What do you mean by that?

TI: I have Vitiligo and it’s not the “ideal” model look. But I want to offer a different side to modeling.

JA: Do you think your skin will help you in the fashion world?

TI: Yes and no. It might not be what they’re looking for. On the other hand, my skin might bring something new and different to the table.

JA: Do you have a model that you look up to?

TI: Winnie Harlow. She is confident and comfortable in her own skin. She doesn’t stop herself because of her skin. I think of myself the same way… nothing can stop me.

JA: With your crazy schedule what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

TI: I hang out with my friends and family. We love going to Dorney Park! One time my whole family took like 5 cars and we just went! We love the water park and the roller coasters.

JA: That’s awesome.

TI: Yeah! I go on all the craziest roller coasters. I’m the one who sits all the way in the font of the roller coaster.

JA: Great! Earlier you mentioned that you love shopping. Where do you like to shop? What’s your style?

TI: I shop at ZARA, H+M and Urban Outfitters. My style is natural, simple and urban. I’ll wear a white shirt, stretch jeans and a pair of Chelsea boots with my Gold God necklace chain.

JA: What is your secret to keeping in shape?

TI: I go to the gym. I love running, climbing and swimming. Actually I used to be more of a gym rat but now I casually go to the gym. When I was younger, I used to run track. Now when I go to the gym, I run on the treadmill.

JA: If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

TI: An apple. Everyone loves them and you can’t go wrong with an apple!

You can follow Terence on Instagram: @modeltji

-Jenny A.

Workout Plan Fail

The struggle is real. Everyone seems to be going to the gym, running on the treadmill and having a great time doing it. When scrolling through my Facebook feed, I see everyone posting selfies doing the duck face, working out on the machines and posing in front of the mirror. Me? Well let’s just say that I’m walking the other way while my boyfriend tries everything to get me to like the gym.

My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost a year and a half and he is the most amazing, loving and caring person I know. Unlike me, my boyfriend lives, eats and breathes the gym. He loves it so much, he even works there! He dreams that one day we’ll be a fit workout couple doing all sorts of fancy workout exercises but every time we go to the gym, I always seem to somehow hinder the process.

My boyfriend set me up with my own virtual yoga class so I could strengthen my muscles. He was so excited to have me start a class saying that I would absolutely love it. By the time he came back I was asleep on bench with 4 gym towels. 1 towel to sleep on, 1 for a blanket, 1 for a pillow and 1 as a face mask to block everything out.

Yesterday my boyfriend packed me a goodie bag filled with a bunch of snacks for the gym: 2 donuts, mixed fresh berries, and chocolate covered fruit. I was really motivated to get started at the gym but then when I opened my gym bag and saw the snacks, I decided it was time for a snack break.

Maybe next time I’ll get it…

Have you ever been to the gym and not worked out? Comment below and tell me about it!

The Key to a Fashion Model’s Instagram: How to be Instagram Famous

Instagram is one of my favorite social media platforms. Honestly, I love how simple and easy it is to use. Whether you are an aspiring model or a professional model, I think it is really important to have a stellar Instagram profile which reflects your image as a model.

Here are some tips & tricks I believe is the key to having the perfect Instagram:

1) Upload your modeling photos – Most of your posts should be of your work as a model. Don’t post pictures or videos of unrelated things on your Instagram page. You should post pictures that will enhance your image as a model. For example, post your latest photo shoot, not what you did last night.

2) Use a professional photo for your Profile Picture – Use your best head shot. Whether you have a professional head shot or even if you are just starting out and had your grandma take your head shot, make sure you look good.

3) Always give credit where it’s due – When posting a picture or video, make sure to give credit to the photographer. It could be as simple as tagging them in your post or adding them in your caption. You can also give credit to the designer, makeup artist or anyone else who contributed.

4) Be clear – Your Instagram reflects you. Be concise. It should tell other Instagrammers who you are. Always have your real name in the information section. You can also share your location and post direct a link to your website.

5) Engage with other Instagrammers – Be part of the conversation. Like, comment and follow other Instagram accounts that are part of the fashion world. Whether you follow your favorite designers or comment on other models’ photographs, remember to always support each other.

-Jenny A.