Urban World

Model Focus: Astride Costa

Hey Astride, introduce yourself to the Urbanworld readers
Hey All, my name is Astride Costa, I'm 19 years old and am a full time university student. I was born in Portugal and my parents are from a little country in West Africa called Guinea-Bissau. I do speak Portuguese by the way, everyone always asks, lol. I'm passionate about all things creative but modelling tops them all.  I tend to get along with almost everyone I meet and have a very bubbly attitude. I live with my parents which have helped me get where I am in life. Their ambitions of owning a club has helped me set my own and work my way to the top. I believe in working for your fame and that’s what I plan to do.   

How did you get into the modelling business?
Since I was about 10, I was taller than most of my friends and other girls in my year, I didn't like it very much as I stood out. I kept growing taller than everyone else right into secondary school, that's when someone approached me and asked me if I wanted to take part in an end of year catwalk. I was only 15 when this happened but took part and realised how much I loved it! That same person than introduced me to an agency that I joined and was with for about a year. During that year I took part in various shoots and catwalks and this is when the passion for modelling just grew. I noticed how much I loved the camera, the attention, the outcome and I took it from there.   
 
Tell us about your portfolio, what have you done?
Since I first started in 2006 I have appeared in the Black Beauty magazine, walked many catwalks e.g. Afro Hair and Beauty, Clothes Show London and London College of Fashion Shows. I have also worked with various photographers to enhance their portfolio and taken part in themed shoots. I have also done beauty/hair modelling for L’Oreal Academy and hair salons. I have also been in a local Portuguese magazine about young models and have been "model of the month" for an on-line magazine, YAY!!    

You have a good range of pics but nothing on the glamour side?
Well I try find jobs that I know I could work well with, mostly fashion/editorial, hair modelling, catwalks. I want to have a wide range portfolio so I’m now looking to get into other things like lingerie and swimwear shoots. I don't want to break into the glamour industry as I don't believe in showing your body too much for fame, (some things have to be kept to yourself right?)..........NOT UNLESS the money is really really REALLY GOOD!! But besides that I would gladly do any other type of modelling.

And that leads on to my next question. What would you say is your best asset?
I am 5'9 and have long legs! This has definitely boosted my chances within the modelling industry.
 
Also I have noticed that you don’t smile in your pics. In fact I can see only 1 pic here where you are smiling! What’s that about?
Not sure, the photographers do not expect me to smile. It’s all very serious in the photoshoots. I do like smiling so hopefully they’ll ease up on me in the future. That pic you have of me smiling was one thay got of me off-chance getting ready. lol

What do you like about modelling?
I love being in front of the camera as I love to pose. Having to take my own initiative to create a look with my body that the client would love and the photographer would love to shoot. Another aspect of modelling that I love is looking over the images, I love the look of me in different clothes, make-up looks and it makes me proud to see what I can do. Also hearing feedback that I am really versatile and understanding of direction makes a good day’s job worthwhile.    
 
What advice can you give aspiring models?
The worse thing that I have come across was a fake agency that took a lot of my money for nothing and talking me info false hope. Taking advantage of my love for modelling and knowing I would give a lot to pursue it. So, I have now learnt that a true agency DOES NOT CHARGE a model if they seriously believe they would profit from them. They just work hard to get them jobs and give them real criticism of what to do next.   

What do you think of the current UK urban modelling scene?
I don’t think that "non-white" models get much of a chance as (I think) they want to help out their people before anyone else. I have applied for Britain's Next Top Model series 6 and would be utterly surprised not to even get a look in. There are always 2 black models at the most 3 and I believe that models are not colour, its what they can do and what they bring to the table that counts. I would like to see more urban models get chances as we are all the same on the inside. That's why I totally love Miss Black Britain (entering that next year, missed this years deadline) because it gives us a chance to show what we’re made off and not be pushed into the background.  
 
Anything else that you'd like to add?
WATCH OUT FOR ME ON BRITAINS NEXT TOP MODEL IF I MAKE IT!!!!!
PLEASE GOD HELP ME, lol  and if I make it, I would defiantly help out the urban modeling industry.