Header photo: Image by photographer Ellie van den Brande (not on PurplePort), model Sara Scarlet, and make-up artist Sarina Mannaert (not on PurplePort)

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community and sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed the incredible Sara Scarlet, an international PurplePort model based in Belgium, Europe.

"Ladder of inference"..... by photographer trebor images, model Sara Scarlet and studio AURAphotographic. 

About PurplePort model Sara Scarlet

Sara Scarlet is a freelance and agency-signed international art model based in Belgium, Europe, who has been modelling for more than 10 years and has experience in photo modelling, runway modelling and hairdressers' shows modelling, as well as acting in short movies and promotional work.

She shoots concepts ranging from portrait to art nude and commercial as well as non-commercial artistic work and is currently working on a first photo book with Circa Press and photographer Erik Noppe. 

Sara is proudly signed by many agencies (including Tutti Models (NL), House Of U Models (NL), Blanche Models Agency (NL) and a regular model at Studio 7 Elfen in Germany and Studio Momentum in Belgium), though not limited to working through them. 

Being able to travel internationally and having already modelled on four continents, Sara wants to make it all seven continents in the coming five years. She is fluent in Dutch and English and has a good to a very good understanding of French and German for taking shooting directions. 

Sara has worked with Kim Weston, Allan Amato, Gary Breckheimer, fashion labels Bolongaro Trevor & HW Design Latex, and walked numerous catwalks, including Berlin Fashion Week, German Fetish Ball and Project Runway on Dutch TV. She has been featured in many exhibitions and has been published hundreds of times in print, such as in VOLO magazine, Elle Belgium, Goliath books, Dark Beauty magazine, and De Morgen newspaper.

Sara's beautiful work has been featured multiple times in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection on PurplePort. Click here to check out Sara's breathtaking FPIs from her PurplePort portfolio.

Stories of Strength and Love by photographer Fine Art Portraiture - Shinu John and model Sara Scarlet

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort model Sara Scarlet

How did you get into modelling?

I got into modelling as a teenager. From very early on, I had the feeling of not belonging and feeling different from everyone else. I also understood from a very young age that a "normal" 9 to 5 job and a "normal" family life were not for me. I wanted to be an artist of some kind, but I never actually thought of modelling. I was mainly thinking about becoming a journalist or writer.

I was very insecure as an adolescent, not feeling very well around other adolescents, being bullied at school, kind of a nerd and at the same time burnt out at school at a very young age. I became a member of the local "alt", "queer", and "goth" scenes. Those gave me a feeling of belonging, friendship and being able to express myself, finally.

At some point, I started seeing and following "alt" and "goth" models in those scenes in the early days of the internet, they were all so pretty, and I admired their make-up and styling skills. I decided that I wanted to give modelling a try, initially to have nice photos of myself and to feel better about myself.

I contacted a local photography student, Inge Houwen, and she agreed to shoot some portraits of me. I loved the experience so much that I repeated it. I made online profiles on photography community sites and shot again and again and again. And here I am, 15 years later, working full-time as a freelance model! ;)

Modelling is so empowering. It feeds my creativity and the way I look at the world and at myself. I can't see myself doing anything else at the moment and in the near future. It is the best job in the world!

Image by photographer Paige Addams (not on PurplePort), model Sara Scarlet and wig by Insomnium Wigs (not on PurplePort)

What did you do before becoming a model?

Before I became a model, I studied ancient and modern languages and, after that, journalism. I also worked 9 to 5 as well as freelance jobs in a call center and as a hotel receptionist.

Do you have a health or fitness regime?

I get this question often, and no, not really. Life on the road is pretty hectic, so I hardly have time for workouts and those kinds of things. It is usually a rhythm of waking up, travelling, eating while travelling, shooting, travelling to the next destination, eating, admin and sleeping.

When I do have a free day or get some time, I try to do yoga, I recently started horseback riding and I also really like rollerskating. But as I said, I hardly have time for sports or hobbies, being constantly on the road.

When I get a day off, I usually relax, sleep or go exploring when I am in an interesting place. I prefer relaxation, such as a long massage or a spa day, to being active in my spare time.

For health, I try to eat healthily and get my daily dose of fruits and vegetables and drink enough water and tea, but that's about it. I don't really pay that much attention to it (and I love sweets, chocolate and cakes).

Modelling burns so many calories that I can easily afford to sometimes eat junk food to recharge my batteries with sugar and sweets. When I am home, I usually cook. When I am on the road, I eat out or cook if possible. I like raw unprocessed ingredients and freshly cooked meals.

Longing for spring by photographer Louis Sauter and model Sara Scarlet

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

Preparation is extremely important as a freelance model. Being well prepared is a professional attitude that is necessary for the job!

I keep a schedule of who I am shooting with, where, at what time and which styling I need to bring. When on tour, I need to make sure that all styling for the whole tour is in my suitcase and packed.

I make sure that my phone is charged, know where I am going, keep track of my expenses, organise all receipts and train tickets, and make sure that I know where I need to send my invoice to later on.

I make sure that I have the contact information and phone number of my photographer, and I double-check the place and time. I make sure that I am reachable and that the photographer has got my phone number for emergencies. I make sure that my safety system is online and that my trusted contact can track my whereabouts (super important!).

I have a checklist of styling, make-up and extra requests (such as wigs, latex and latex products, shoes, hair coloured/dyed/hairdresser visit beforehand, hair washed or not washed, when a hairdresser is involved in the shoot, nail polish, etc., the list is endless!).

I check if there is a contract and if I have read it beforehand or not. Usually, I ask to read it beforehand for review. If not, extra time on set is needed to do contract reviewing. I'll also check public transport beforehand if I am taking it (most of the time), or if I am driving, I check where to park close to the studio/location.

Lastly, I send the photographer a message the evening before a shoot to double-check and confirm and send a message in the morning when on the road.

Window Light by photographer Raoul and model Sara Scarlet

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

I like all of them :)

Within the limited styles that I pose for, of course.

What's the most interesting photoshoot you've ever worked on?

This is a very difficult question as I have done so many amazing photoshoots at unique locations, but what I enjoyed a lot recently was a shoot event in Morocco where we (three models) shot with three camels in the Sahara. Brilliant experience!

What do you most enjoy about being a model?

Freedom and being my own boss, as well as creativity and art. Living for art, being able to create with other talented people, models and photographers, giving your best for the best results, seeing the images when they are ready and being proud of what we accomplished.

Image by model Sara Scarlet

What would you describe as your main strengths as a model?

My height, unique facial features, stretched hourglass figure, determination (I would even say stubbornness), creativity, and professionalism.

What's your absolute favourite photo?

This is such a difficult question, I have too many favourites, can't decide. All images that are on my website, www.sarascarlet.com.

Perfect beauty by photographer Louis Sauter and model Sara Scarlet

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

When I was a teenager, I was very inspired by model Ulorin Vex. Actually, I still am! She recently started modelling again.

Nowadays, I really like the work of my friends Minh-Ly, Poetic Minx and Bophotographs. All three of them bring something unique and fresh into the photography world.

What advice would you give to a model just starting out?

Don't let anyone tell you that you are too young, old, slim, fat, muscular, tall, small, alternative, normal or whatever.

Anyone can be a model. You can do it!

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

YES

Tales of the Fallen Angels by photographer Fine Art Portraiture - Shinu John and model Sara Scarlet

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Sara Scarlet.

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of Sara's fabulous work!

Here's where you can find more of Sara Scarlet's work

PurplePort: Sara Scarlet 

Website: www.sarascarlet.com 

Instagram: sarascarletmodel 

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