Who are you?

I’m Tasha, I’m 24, currently based in London studying but originally from Derby. The course I am studying is truly wonderful as I am learning Hair and Makeup for film and theatre in the heart of Pinewood Studios being taught by industry professionals. I am a creative individual who’s dedicated and passionate about working hard and being happy. In my spare time I like baking, painting (either on canvas or on my face/body!) and making artwork, fun activity days out, adventures and filling my head up with knowledge at museums and galleries.

How long have you been modelling for/what made you get into modelling?

I have been modelling for roughly over 7 years. My makeup and modelling really went hand in hand and married well with each other when it came to first staring many years ago. Even when I was at school, I would always experiment with makeup which led to taking pictures and got me better at angles and poses. (It was rough!!!) But eventually it paid off as my creativity got me noticed online and in person for wearing more ‘out there’ makeup at the time). Students at college asked me to model for their portfolios and I started doing small TFP shoots for recognition. It all really kicked off when I accidentally strode into a photographers shot in my old cafe job and managed to get in contact with him to arrange a shoot. I fell in love with it, and have been doing it ever since!

Whats been your favourite Job/Photoshoot so far in your career?

I don’t think I could possibly single out 1 favourite shoot but there are a couple of great ones that I remember for certain different reasons. For example, any shoot with Kleur is a good one- Connor always delivers the banter and cracking colour grading on the edits of his images. Bartley is a babe with his trusty set ups, clean shots and he always makes me feel like a badass. Halo (Earlgreyhotimages) is a friendly fairy who ALWAYS gets the best angles and makes you like 6ft tall (which for a short arse like me is beautiful) they also have the best lighting/gel set ups and a home zoo! I very much enjoy the creative flair of Newo imagery and her never-ending dress up boxes of costumes, outfits, headdresses and wigs. Newo has an eye for detail and the outcome is always spot on. Ryan (ras.pix) really is a bloody legend when it comes to concepts that are meaningful and memorable -not to mention his tattoo of me on his arm is from the shoot we did when a model originally didn’t show up and I got promoted from MUA to model in 2.5 seconds! (we love to see it). I could name drop lots more but the list would just go on and on.I do however enjoy my hair shoots and events/shows and high fashion/editorial as these are considered to be the most creative and have helped me experiment with my looks and garments.

Who is your dream brand to work with and why?

I’m not too bothered per say, when it comes to specific brands- I don’t shoot for the brand name. I like shooting if the concept is cool or speaks out to me or has an important message to share/ educate. I love the creative community so platforms that are diverse and inclusive are very important to me. I like to do my research and see what both small independent and big brands are doing in particular when they’re sharing a vision on a specific campaign etc. I would love to do more catwalk gigs but I dislike the height restrictions standards when it comes to beauty and fashion. In my opinion, differences should be celebrated and people should be shown and known for their uniqueness and relatability on grander scale platforms to squash the stereotypical ‘model’ look/ size guidelines. Fortunately, this is being slowly changed and becoming more diverse and inclusive.

You’ve shaved your hair recently, how are you finding it?

It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Why wait for a couple years down the line when I could’ve done it already. Stop putting things off and just do it. Live your life. I’m so happy I did it. Hair has actually played a big part of my personality and look with regards to modelling and hair work. It has given me the opportunity to change my style and colours along the way but with my hair condition worsening, it was time to get rid and start afresh. Taking the hair away has actually challenged me to look at myself from a different perspective. I have nothing to hide behind, this is me well and truly. I love it and for anyone out there wanting a buzzcut, just do it man, it’s sick. Don’t regret the things you chose NOT to do.

Check out Tasha’s portfolio here – https://valkyriemodels.co.uk/female-model/tasha-lawer/