Hello, World

Another one, please?

2012-01-05T23:51:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I would miss these types of things if it weren't for my friends! My friend posted this to my Facebook today thus making me aware that a Crystal Clear Water commercial is up and running. It only aires in Europe though, so I have no idea how my friend found it here in the States.

My list of high risk gifts. And then I gave one anyways...

2011-12-30T16:09:00.003-05:00

Now that Christmas is over, I thought I would reflect on my rule of gift-giving and share the five things one should typically NOT give as gifts to anyone they truly care about. Then, I am going to break my own rule... (specifically rule #5). See corresponding video.

THINGS THAT ARE RISKY GIFT IDEAS:

1. Perfume or stinky shower gels/lotions. Lets be real, unless someone specifically told you what they want, what smells good to you, doesn't smell good to everyone.

2. Pretty much anything that came from or looks like it came from a craft-sale. Examples: ornaments, doilies, mittens with the stringy thing to connect to your coat, knitted stuff... you get it.

3. Lottery tickets, scratch offs, pull-tabs. Ok, there are two exceptions to this rule, and that's my Grandparents. Scratch-off's are downright thrilling to them.

4. Living Things- I don't suggest giving living things... not even plants. Let me speak from experience. I was given a puppy Chihuahua when I was 19 and I had no choice but to try and be responsible for him. Ever potty trained a puppy in the middle of a Minnesota winter while living on the top floor of an apartment building? It was like, all of the sudden I had a child! Luckily, my mom was willing to adopt.

5. A painting that you made. Ahhh, such a thoughtful gift idea, but you would have to be out of your mind! If the recipient hates it, now they have to hang it up somewhere just to be nice because you spent so much time on it. Even if you are the most talented artist in the world, it doesn't mean everyone is going to love your horse painting. Well, I went there. I gifted a painting as a Christmas present (don't worry, I supplemented it with something unrelated and useful too). I did, however, refrain from painting a horse and I put some consideration into the colors/decor of the space it would be going. He must have been so scared when he saw one of my gifts was obviously a big wrapped canvas!

I am so glad, fortunate, and thankful I am not alone this Christmas!

2011-12-18T15:57:00.008-05:00

This time last year, I remember I was sitting in my New York apartment.... and I was hating it. My career was in full forward momentum and I needed to be in the city right up until Christmas. I had everything I needed except for one big problem. I was REALLY lonely. New York City can be a really lonely place despite how many people live there-especially around the holidays. Seeing all the happy couples at the Rockefeller Center ice skating and buying Christmas trees together made me feel worse. The earliest I could get home to Minnesota was Christmas morning. My best friend Aimee flew out and stayed with me for a few days the week before Christmas which helped me feel better for the time she was there. The day she left, I felt even more depressed and alone than before. I spent Christmas Eve at a church in Union Square all by myself and just wanted it to be over. I cried. I missed my father. That was not fun. I was the Scrooge- depressed and angry.

This wasn't the only time I have felt lonely. I would say that one of the hardest parts of my job (and most models will agree) is feeling lonely. When you're moving around so much, it's hard to even know what a stable home feels like. I call hotels my "home". And just as fast as I make new and close friends, I know I have to say good-bye to them for an indefinite amount of time. While it is a fantastic job to get paid to travel and stay at some of the most beautiful places on earth, the beauty of those places is slightly diminished without someone to share those memories with. Lets face it, having a glass of wine and watching a spectacular sunset isn't the same when you're doing it all by yourself repeatedly! Sharing it on Facebook helps, sure. But still, at the end of the day, I know I am lucky to have a fun and amazing job and I am in no way complaining about my sacrifices I make for it. I wouldn't do this if I didn't think the rewards would outweigh the sacrifices.

Even though I was lonely on Christmas Eve last year, a situation occurred that morning which suddenly made me stop feeling so bad for myself. There was a homeless man sitting on the cold sidewalk outside my NY apartment who was holding a sign that said "Alone and have no family. Cold and hungry." It was almost like a sign (no pun intended) meant for me to see. It was a humbling moment for me. I was fully experiencing the alone part , but at least I did have a family and I definitely wasn't cold and hungry! I couldn't fix the "alone" part for him, but could help with the "cold and hungry" part and bought him hot breakfast and coffee immediately. Then I thought of the hundreds of other homeless people that were like him. That very moment I stopped feeling bad for myself. This was when I realized I should spend my Christmas Eve helping the less fortunate.

I am humbled by many others who have felt a greater amount of loneliness and sacrifice around the holidays- specifically those who have served our country and couldn't be home with their families. Some people don't even have a family to go home to. The fact that I do have a family, a warm place to sleep, safety and people who love me makes me a lucky girl. There is nothing more I need this Christmas.

I hope everyone reading this takes a moment to appreciate their family and friends and the simple things that we sometimes take for granted. It's important. Be appreciative of your job, your health, friends and (if you're like me) it could simply be a warm cup of coffee that some people won't have this Christmas. That's the overall message I hope to send to you today.

This year I'm being sure to spend Christmas with everyone I love! I am in Minneapolis for Christmas Eve and Ohio Christmas Day. Safe travels to anyone else flying and have a wonderful holiday!

Art Basel in Miami and how I got seriously inspired for my own show!

2011-12-08T12:43:00.005-05:00

I am waking up in Miami this morning with the usual cup of coffee, but something is different. I have a whole new outlook on my career as a model and artist. I am reflecting on the important personal growth I have gained from working and traveling as a model and the great people who challenge and encourage me each day. But after last weekend, the creative side of my brain has been "switched on" (as Ryan Estis would say). Last weekend kick started something I never imagined would happen... let me explain.

Last weekend was Art Basel in Miami. For those of you who aren't familiar with what Art Basel is, it's one of the biggest global art fairs featuring top galleries, artists and serious art collectors. People who come here come to buy art and be a part of a week long cultural experience... For me, it wasn't just being around the artwork and artists that made the experience what it was... it's the people I was spending time with at Art Basel. I draw serious inspiration from others who are motivated and are making their ideas happen. One person's idea feeds another person's idea and it's like a chain reaction... and when you get a solid team of people with their own unique ideas to bring together, anything is totally possible!

Inside the convention center at Art Basel... a very small sampling.

Artists generally are not good business people (myself included). This weekend, however, I met an artist at Basel named Peter Tunney who didn't fit that mold. Peter is a master at self promotion, story telling and making you believe you HAD to own a piece of his art... for $100,000. When you bought one of his paintings, you were essentially paying for the "experience" of being around him and his fabulous stories. Once you bought a painting, he could sell you matching book for only $1,000 more (what's $1,000 when you've already spend $100,000 anyways!) Peter then personalizes that book to make it part of your "experience" with him and then you go home talking about him to all your friends. This is what separates a nobody artist from a somebody artist. Peter is genius...Not only did he give me one of his books, he signed it, took polaroids of me that he rubber cemented into it, drew all over it and made me have a personal attachment to it... now I am a lifelong fan, I will blog about it, tell my friends about him and so on...

The "Peter Tunney Experience" I was talking about. How can I NOT love a book when my polaroid is collaged into it?

I can make art, but I have always been lacking a team of people to truly help me launch it into the world. I truly do need the help of others to help me promote my artwork and handle the details. Unless I have a deadline I am held accountable to, I don't finish things. These are places I need a solid team to help me in the area I know I hate to admit, but I lack. Plus, in the past three years, I have been so happily busy modeling I haven't had time to focus on an art show. But this past weekend, that all changed. I found my "team" and they have committed me to an art show that I could never dreamed I could do myself. Spring 2012, it's on. My biggest show will be launched in NYC. Wait... what?! I can hardly believe the words myself. I've never felt more motivated to make this an incredible experience for everyone who comes. I can't wait to get back to Minnesota this weekend and start working on my new pieces!

It's amazing how meeting just the right people can change your life in a weekend.

My team- I couldn't do this art show in NYC without them! Two highly motivated people I'm lucky to have in my life.

Kardashian Kollection ads popping up when I least expect it!

2011-12-05T23:04:00.004-05:00

In the last few days, I have been noticing Kardashian Kollection ads with my friend Megan and popping up all over! I was half asleep on a plane the other morning when the man sitting next to me was looking at a two-page spread in the New York Times (below). That woke me up! A part of me wanted to ask him if I could buy his paper off of him right then and there, but I opted to say nothing and go buy my own copy at the nearest Hudson News when I landed. I have a feeling he was most interested in the lingerie shot of Megan in the bottom right corner though.

New York Times

LA Times

In Touch too? I guess this is the best way to be involved in a tabloid magazine.

It's not just me who enjoys blogging about this... Kim K is on top of it too.

The best part of all this? I just got confirmation today that I will be back in Chicago next week shooting the Kardashian sisters line for Sears! I'm super excited about this since the KK has become one of my absolute favorite brands to shoot for. The line is doing so well and I am so proud to be a part of it! Plus, I love when Preston and Fatima make me over as the blonde Kardashian. Can't wait to be back with my photo team!

The Kim K inspired dress which I love... Photo courtesy of TheBerry.com

New Painting! And a new video to go with it....

2011-11-30T16:48:00.002-05:00

I woke up in a new city... Again!

2011-11-10T23:42:00.002-05:00

I arrived in Miami a couple of days ago and have been shooting pretty much the whole time with exception of some sleep. I wasn't planning on making the trip to Miami until 2012, but the opportunity came and I couldn't say no! I kept my apartment in Minneapolis, but I'm kind of unsure about when I'll be back there... Guess that art show will have to wait a bit longer! But good thing is, I am thawing out from the cold.

One of the things I've learned to be really good at is spontaneity. This is a useful quality in many areas of life! You just kind of accept changes, good or bad, adapt to them and think of those changes as a positive and fun adventure. I learned on Monday earlier this week that I was coming to Miami for an indefinite amount of time. I would have to pack up my life (again) go straight from the airport to my agency and then be ready to go straight to a (lingerie) shoot... but I really kind of love all this! It is what it is... It's life... It's going to be an adventure... And every day is new and exciting. Life is fun like this: spontaneous.

Good thing being spontaneous doesn't have to mean making a cross country move and wearing lingerie for a shoot. It could simply mean to quit complaining or finding excuses for why you won't/can't do something that's new or different than what you're used to. It could be making more time for the someone special. It could be about accepting a challenge (or accepting in general), taking an old friend to dinner, getting up off the couch and taking a yoga class you've been putting off. Either way, physically doing something new instead of talking about it is key!

My friend Sarah Bruski and I walked past a Nike sponsored Miami Beach running club tonight. It looked fun, lots of people stretching and looking fit, so i made her sign up with me. Totally random, totally unintended, but this will be a spontaneous new adventure. She hates me right now. But, I know she'll appreciate this in the end!

How I make my paintings...

2011-11-03T10:04:00.017-04:00

Yesterday was one of those perfectly happy days where I got up early and started three new paintings. Ambitious, yes! I was in an exceptionally good mood, and also up really early with a cup of super-charged coffee. It was a cold, dark day here in Minneapolis, so it was perfect for me to stay indoors and focused! I started three new paintings yesterday morning , and I got them about halfway done by 9pm, minus a 3.5 hour lunch break with a friend. They're all at the same stage of unfinished-ness. The reason I had to quit last night was because I ran out of white paint- can't mix colors without the white and I never use colors straight from the tube. So this morning, I'm off the the art supply store to get more paint and finish what I started.

I'm very particular when it comes to when I can actually make artwork. I'll admit that I can only generate artwork under a few circumstances. Mentally, I have to be extremely happy or extremely upset about something. Being somewhere in the middle is just... uninspiring... blah. It can't be nice outside, or else I can't stand being inside working on a painting. Being inside on a nice day is impossible for me. And, as you might imagine, I think the actual action of painting is pretty... boring... so I have to find ways to make it more exciting- like painting in front of an audience. If it's morning, I'll find inspiration from a big cup of coffee (or three, or four, or ten) and if it's night a glass of wine and my classic rock tunes playlist on Spotify. Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, Led Zepp, yes. This music makes for good art, and some of the lyrics end up transformed into my recent paintings.

And, setting up and cleaning up kills the moment... everything has to be ready to go! This is one thing I miss about having an art studio to go to where everything is supposed to me messy and ready to go.

If you ask me how I feel about my art and I will tell you...I don't have an attachment to it, and I like to give it away. I haven't had much time to paint in the last two years living in other cities modeling, so it's important to me to force myself to spend a little time in Minnesota working on my artwork. My paintings are (obviously) inspired by my work as a model. My newer pieces incorporate text which always has a double (sometimes triple) message. I'm happy to say that I sold every piece from my last series of pop-art inspired girl paintings (oh and I gave a few away to the people I appreciate in my life).

I like this one. It's inspired by Adriana Lima. The first layer is a clear gel gloss medium layered with acrylic. I like painting in acrylic because it dries quickly and enabling me to finish a whole painting in less than a day. I'm going to incorporate some text to this... maybe "So... this is how it should be"... or something.

I have this 24 hour rule for myself... Meaning, if I don't finish something I started in about 24 hours, it probably will not get done. I block out a whole day to work on a painting with no distractions and nowhere to be. If I work on something for too long, it means it probably sucks, I tried too hard and it's time to move on... I have been known to white-wash and destroy a lot of my finished paintings if I don't like them anymore- I take a photo of it to remember it, but then paint over it. My best paintings always start out really bad, and somehow they evolve into the ones that people love the most. It's all a strange process of loving/hating.

Here are the other two new paintings in progress... I'll post them when they're finished too.

Experimental... I embedded clear glass marbles into the gel medium, it's going to take a while to dry! Still need to work on her face, she turned out looking a bit man-ish to me. Probably because I drew her based on memory and didn't reference a photo.

Another experiment. I did the background first, I typically do it last. I'm still unsure how I am going to finish this one.

The road I am on has no signs telling me where to go... but I like it!

2011-10-28T14:02:00.001-04:00

Alright, I am sick of the news talking about how there are no jobs (again), how this has to be Obama's fault and that we are all financially doomed with no way out. These are excuses. The current workplace is not about seeking a position that available, it's about creating a position for yourself if you want to be successful and happy. There is no way around it. My blog post today is about just that.

College. Our parents told us it was the "safe" way to guarantee a job and we listened to them. Our parents would never give us bad advice, right? After all, our parents were the poster-child of the American dream... cookie cutter homes, cars, mildly satisfying careers, daily routine and not living outside the norm and they want us to have that. Problem is, this lifestyle can't work for us anymore. Still, most of us are told to sign up for college right after high-school (when we are way too young to make any good decisions), we end up spending a lot of time and money so that we can get the same skills, same degree and compete for the same jobs everyone else has been programmed to work. Then, we are supposed to surrender the rest of our lives to that job to make ends meet, we are supposed to "suffer and work hard" every day, we miss out on life's adventures and time with family because of work and hopefully... one day... we can retire comfortably and then start living. Yeah, start living when you're old and falling apart and it's often too late. Wait. What?! This plan is terrible! Mom! Why are you making me do this?!!

Our parents are well intended with their advice to work like this and that sort of plan worked well for their standards in their time. Our parents have a hard time grasping the ENDLESS opportunities of our "digital revolution". The job opportunities that rise to the top are self-driven and don't require stuffy suits, 9-5's and looking forward to your half hour lunch breaks. The new careers seem "unsafe" to them because they don't fit within the schedules and restraints they have spent their lives working within. This is why our parents may be good at a lot of advice in life, but the workplace just isn't one of them (disregard that comment if your parents are entrepreneurs, doctors or innovators of some sort).

So who finds happiness and success in their LIFE and their careers in our future? Innovators. Thinkers. Creators. Risk-takers. Artists. Healers. Independent people who rely on themselves for success. Hybrid "do-it-all-by-myself" types. They are the idea people who don't just talk about their ideas, they make them happen. They don't wait for someone else to dictate their lives. They concern themselves with the big picture, the little details are better tasked for computers. Computers may have taken away traditional jobs, but they've opened up much more exciting ones (think Google, Mark Zuckerberg) The jobs are plenty, they are just not laid out in bullet-points for us to choose from. They require original ideas, self-motivation and the ability to build something out of nothing.   They require us to travel down a road no one has been on before.

Some people say your work should not define you. Huh? Where did that come from? I suppose if you hate your job, this is a great way to feel better about it. Everything defines us- our friends, our facebook posts, our attitudes, the way we treat people, handle situations, the clothes we wear- and definitely the place we spend our time generating income! Why would we allow ourselves to settle for less than who we believe we are? Why wouldn't our work we spend so much time cultivating in our short lifetime define us? I can bet Steve Jobs is proud that the Apple products he invented became his identity!

Yes, we may be heading into an other recession and it's easy to feel helpless. There is no job security, but isn't job security ultimately always decided by someone else? If you are your own boss, you can guarantee you will work hard for yourself, right? The best careers of our future aren't the ones that our parents worked, so this recession doesn't have to effect us the way it does them.

Unfortunately, this change in the workplace happened at a really unfortunate time for our hard-working parents who should be happily retiring from their lifelong jobs. What we can recognize is that there's never been a better time to take the chance and build your own career. Every job is risky right now, what have you to lose? I say use the recession as a reason to take a chance and do something you've always dreamed of. Believe, me, when I graduated with $100k in school loan debt in the middle of a recession, I knew I had nothing to lose and I was going to need a big plan! I went for my dreams, and I am glad I did.

So, there you go. Mom, I love you, but I just don't know how to respond when you say, "Valerie, why don't you come back to Minnesota and get a normal job?!!". That sounds like a long, boring, slow death.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you make the people you love a priority.

Ok, now I have to lighten things up with a ridiculous picture... mostly to remind you not to take me too seriously...

One post or comment has the power to change your life... seem crazy? Not at all!

2011-10-23T17:03:00.015-04:00

I get really passionate when explaining to people how social media such as blogging, Twitter and Facebook (just to name a few) is a really, REALLY powerful tool. Participating in these spaces not just relevant to our time but the real magic happens when you post content that moves people, has good intent and reveals who you REALLY are. For the first time in history, we have this amazing opportunity to have our voice heard, to inspire others and change the world- and it doesn't cost a penny. My post today is about just that... realizing the power in creating content and putting it out there!

People who resist having a Facebook profile often say it's because they don't want the world to "know everything" about them (or they are my grandparents). My answer to that is that if you don't want people to know something, then don't post it! You have control over what you post, it's not like Facebook or blogging ties you down and forces you to share all of your personal info (a Google search of your name probably already publicly discloses more than you know anyways). So why not use social media to your advantage and generate the content you want people to know about you?

My blog and Facebook has, without a doubt, changed my life and relationships. They have enabled me to create meaningful relationships with people that I otherwise would never met. I feel I am able to "know" people better through the content they choose post. Similarly, I want people to truly know me through what I put out there and that's why I post content in so many places.

When you post something on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, your blog, whatever it is, you are creating a digital footprint for yourself- the individual brand that is you. You are open to the idea of connecting with like-minded people. You can show the world who you really are (or if you want, you can even pretend to be someone you are not!). When you think about it, your computer generated and maintained relationships are actually very... human! Your relationships can be nurtured and grow through social media, just the same as snail-mail and telephone calls used to do... The bigger idea behind social media is that depending on how and what you put out there to the world, anyone can find you based upon a common interest or big idea. Sharing those ideas can make change happen, bring people from opposite sides of the world together, inspire others, get you hired for a job, fired from a job, you could even meet the person you fall in love with... who knows. That's really cool.

So what and how much info should you post? I've self-experimented with my blog, Facebook and Twitter and I've found that people relate to me more when I talk in my own voice, as if I am having a conversation with them in person. It doesn't work when I overly-filter what I am thinking for fear that someone won't agree with me. There's a line I am careful to try not to cross when I am posting content as I don't want to appear like I want attention or approval on every detail of my "fabulous life as a model". Facebook braggers are just obnoxious. I think it's important to share my accomplishments I've worked hard for though... there's a difference. Whatever the topic, the best content is relatable, vulnerable and human. I like that the world can easily connect with me and I would rather put it all out there myself than allow the content to be created elsewhere. Social media allows me to bring everyone into my adventures, holds me accountable to my ambitions and lets me share the lessons I learn along the way (writing publicly is kind of like therapy of some sort).

Facebook. Twitter. Flickr. YouTube. Linked In. Etsy. Yelp. Blogger. Tumblr. Daily Mugshot. Especially dating sites! There are a million places to connect with similar people. Get with it, or get left behind. Have a voice. Invite opportunity. Start somewhere and evolve. Post stuff, have a blog, take a chance and see what it brings into your life. Don't fight it because social media isn't going anywhere. It's a part of our daily lives. Embrace it.

Check it out! Exclusive behind the scenes video from the Kardashian Kollection for Sears shoot last week...

2011-10-23T16:33:00.008-04:00

I posted a video last week from the Kardashian shoot, but I had to take it down for a bit... it will be back soon!

Fun doesn't even begin to describe our shoot last week. This is the reason I truly love my job...

My Travel Essentials... And how NOT to bring everything you own.

2011-10-14T13:42:00.012-04:00

There are a few things I am good at- drawing stuff, making a good tater-tot hot dish, forgetting to text people back... and my ability to pack for a trip like no other. I travel a lot for work, so being able to show up prepared but not bringing tons of unnecessary stuff is key and I'm proud of my packing ability! Per request, I am doing a blog post on my travel essentials and how to bring only what you need in your carry-on. Ditch your massive 98lb suitcase and the explosion that happens when you open it. You know what else I'm good at? Blogging while on the airplane. Yep, this post is coming from 25,000 feet in the sky. What a perfect time to share what I brought with me!

I can easily fit everything I need for a 3-5 day trip in my carry-on and a bag, so long as I'm not traveling to Antarctica where I need warm clothes. This task is nearly impossible for a lot of women (especially models!) I prefer to spend as little time at the airport as possible, so bringing my carry-on saves time and I always know where my stuff is. Life is too short to wait for luggage at that carousel!

The "throw everything into a suitcase and go" method only works if you're certain dudes I know or hungover. Be practical and put a little thought into your packing. Invest in a good carry-on and a few travel-sized products. I lay out everything I need to bring first on my bed so that I can get a visual.

Clothes/Shoes- First of all, know the weather of wherever you're going and pack according. I love the one-piece jumpsuits that are really in right now because they're a whole outfit in one easy piece- and they can be dressed up or down easily. Keep shoes to a minimum because they take up a lot of space. If you roll your clothes instead of fold them, you can usually fit more. I like to wear my jeans and boots to the airport, that way they don't take up space in my carry-on. Oh, and airport rule side note: please don't wear Juicy Couture velour outfits to the airport unless you're 10. No no.

Beauty Products- We love to overpack this stuff as women, and when dealing with airport security and getting your carry-on to pass through the scanner, you just can't bring full-sized versions of everything. I still manage to bring everything, I just put it all in small pots or buy it travel sized. I found great clear pots perfect for travel at Ricky's NYC (pictured below). I keep everything organized in one of those hanging makeup-thingys with clear zipper compartments for my products, a place for makeup brushes and it folds up nicely. I bring dozens of liquid products with me and TSA can't say anything!

Here are 12 of my favorite items that I can't travel without (pictured below). I should be getting paid to endorse these products!

1. iPad- I love my iPad It replaces my need to carry books, magazines, my computer and my modeling portfolio wherever I am going . And, TSA doesn't require you to take it out and put it in it's own bin when you're going through security. Time is money! Some of my favorite Apps: Zinio (digital magazines), The Daily, Kindle Books, Flipboard.

2. Passport- In case you lose your ID on your trip, or you book an out of country job while you're traveling. (this happened once when I was working in Milwaukee and needed to fly to Tokyo last minute the next morning. Oops.)

3. Cliff Bars- When I get hungry and there's nothing around I quickly turn to hangry. Cliff bars are great, way better than eating those nasty gross airplane peanuts.

4. Caudalie Beauty Elixer- Ahhh this stuff is magic in a bottle! I learned about it from another model girlfriend, and got hooked. Airplanes dry out your skin, and a couple sprays of this stuff so really refreshes. Even if you're not traveling, this product is one of my all-time favorites. Instant happy glow.

5. High Beam from Benefit- This is another of my fav beauty products I never leave home without. Put it on your cheek bones and it instantly makes you look awake, even if you've been up since 4am or went to bed around that time.

6. Your fav conditioner- I always only bring a travel size amount of my favorite conditioner for my hair, but I don't bring shampoo- waste of space. Hotel shampoo is just fine for a few days.

7. Travel size pots- I get these at Ricky's NYC and they are perfect for bringing sunscreens, face wash, creams and foundations. They're small and hold just enough of your fav products, you can take them through airport security and they don't explode.

8. Travel Candle- ok, here's my one little luxury item I bring. Nothing makes coming back to my hotel room more homey than my little travel candle. It helps me relax, what can I say? It's important to me! Don't forget the matches.

9. Product Samples- My esthetician gave me some little samples of the products I use which are great for traveling. Department stores usually have samples of their products too. Make sure the samples are a product you actually use though, because there's nothing worse than finding out your skin has a bad reaction while you're on a job. Not fun.

10. Loreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes- I'm a huge fan of Loreal Sublime Bronze products, especially because I shoot swimwear all the time but I was blessed with nearly transparent white skin. These travel better than the lotions, don't stain your sheets and get through airport security.

11. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets- These are always in my purse, especially when I'm traveling to humid locations. If you're shiny, use these instead of piling on powder, your skin will thank you.

12. Shout Wipes- If you're like me, you make messes. I prefer these over the pen version, because these don't have that funky toxic smell and they actually wipe off the offending stain instead of blending it in.

*if you have any products you love, feel free to share and comment!

Everything I need for the next four days of work is right there... Easy! Happy Travels!

Her Life Magazine- October 2011 Issue

2011-09-26T18:57:00.000-04:00

Check out my latest editorial, shot by photographer Spencer Combs, clothing by Pink Door Boutique. These clothes were amazing, so comfy and fall appropriate. The boots were mine though, they pretty much go with everything!

Friends don't make you cry, they cry with you.

2011-09-22T11:45:00.004-04:00

Okay, I get it now! I feel like I may be a slow-learner when it comes to what I am blogging about today. Over the last four years of my life, a series of life-changing events have made me who I am and influenced the people I have in my life. Everyone will undoubtedly have these points in in their life which will make us stronger or appreciative of what we have. God (or whoever you believe in) often likes to take away the things we love the most to show us how to appreciate what we had and keep us humble.

In a nutshell, I consider myself a glass-half full person in every problem I face. One of the biggest events I dealt with was also one of my biggest fears. While I was finishing up my Sr. Year at MCAD in 2009, my father passed away. I hit the floor in tears and disbelief when I came home and my mother stood in the kitchen telling me what happened. How could this be? No warning, no good-byes, just gone. He never saw that I finished my Sr. Year and graduated from MCAD despite his death, and he will never be able to walk me down the aisle when I get married (my brother will undoubtedly be this person, so whoever I marry had better be nice to my brother). I miss my father, like any girl who loved their father would, but I continue on as a new person, a better person because of him. I know he is here, watching me, guiding me and I want to make him proud every day. In a way, he is here with me more now than ever. With him watching me, I definitely am careful with the things I do and the people in my life, and I tell my friends I love them way more than I ever did before, which is what I am blogging about to day.

What is the purpose of the people in our lives? I thought I knew before, but I am always finding a new meaning to this question as I get older. I believe every person and every relationship touches us for a reason. Of course our family touches our lives by default as they are the first to show us real love. With this idea of real love from our family, we are able to go on and fill our lives with friends and relationships that mimic that real love.

Break-ups are one of those painful situations that while it seems like the end of the world, we have to remember EVERYONE goes through at least one in their lives and we learn and are stronger as a result. If this person makes you cry, this is a sure sign that something just isn't right! Move on... Break-ups are the worlds way of really getting your attention with the most hurtful weapon you can't avoid: emotions. Nobody is immune to emotions, at least I hope not. The only way we can appreciate when things are good and wonderful in life when we have experienced the opposite. Once the fog clears, you have to focus on the positive things you may have learned from that break-up. Maybe you became a better person in your career because something that person did drove you to try harder, maybe you saw qualities in that person you would never accept in a future relationship, maybe they made you aware of your own faults that you need to work on so that you can be a better person in a future relationship.

Relationships can come and go, even marriages seem to not last forever anymore. Family will usually last forever, even after they have passed on. But it is my friends who I have finally learned a new appreciation for in my life because they really do offer some stability in a world where relationships/people are always coming and going. Friends are important because when you find a good one, even when you haven't seen each other in years, you pick up where you left off.

I have been thinking a LOT about what I have learned from my friendships recently. I have some really amazing friends in this world and I am so grateful to have them. Our best friends are the ones who don't require constant maintenance, but they most likely aren't told enough how much we love and appreciate them. Call or send a facebook message to a friend just because... they deserve it!

How do you know who your real friends are? Real friends cry with you when you're sad, they don't make you cry. They tell you they are coming over to be there and spend time with you even if they are 400 miles away (driving somewhere for you is never a problem). Even when you're upset, they can make you laugh. You know they are GENUINELY proud of you (even your smallest accomplishment is worth celebrating and they bring you a bottle of champagne). What's theirs is yours, and there's nothing they wouldn't give you if you needed it. Their family is yours, they invite you along on holidays (especially when you are alone). They see the things you deserve even when you can't see it. They call/text to make sure you made it home safe at night. They've never lied to you, for there is nothing to hide. They don't ask if you need a ride from the airport, they ask what time your flight gets in. They help you not because they feel like they have to, it's because they want to. They hold nothing back, you know exactly what is on their minds at all times. They would never allow you to fail. They embrace and understand your faults, because they know they have them too.

Imagine if our mom or dad were able to watch over our shoulders and give us honest advice about how we are treating others and how we treat them. Thank you to my dad, for helping me with the people in my life.

Kardashian Kollection for Sears

2011-09-21T00:37:00.005-04:00

I forgot to post the pics from the Kardashian Kollection for Sears, which launched last month. I've been meaning to share this for a few weeks now, but I guess I have been a little pre-occupied lately! I remembered to take some behind the scenes pics from this shoot, so I'll post them too!

Shop the collection here: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Kardashian+Collection+Category?category=womens&adCell=W4

Shooting the KKwas such a fun shoot, the hair and makeup team made me look like a blonde version of Kim Kardashian- requiring ten pounds of hair extensions and massive eyelashes. I met the designers who work directly with the sisters who are highly involved in the design of their clothing pieces. The week the line launched Khloe, Kim and Kourtney had my picture on their blog, which made me feel semi-famous in my own world. The clothes are really cute, the dresses fit like a glove and the one-piece jumpsuits are to die for! Super move for Sears, the KK brings a little luxury where you least expect it.

Preston Nesbit starting my hair at 6:30am.

Shoe decisions.

Overly excited after drinking lots of coffee.

Photographer Emil Sinanagic who brought the magic behind the camera.

All dolled up.

Sold out? This is a good thing!

One of Kim's favorite dresses.

Khloe's blog, and that jumpsuit I LOVE.

Oh and if you go into Sears and you're really wondering whose legs are on the packaging for the KK tights, yup, those are mine... I swear.

NEW SHOTS! September 2011

2011-09-20T23:44:00.004-04:00

Here are a few shots from last week... they remind me of Guess ads- which I've always loved. Click them to view a full sized slide show.

Never in a million years did I think this would happen!

2011-09-06T16:56:00.004-04:00

Can I just say this right now??? OMGSH. I am in the middle of Times Square NYC. Someone pinch me, please.

I shot for Bud Light back in Feb of this year, and since then my friends have been sending me camera phone shots of my life-sized cardboard cutouts from bars all across the US. That's been pretty cool I must say. I guess I am hanging from banners in grocery stores, liquor stores and I have seen one of the full page magazine print ads... I think that is a pretty good run for me as far as the modeling world goes. But never, ever did I imagine this... I am in the middle of Times Square in NYC this week! A few of my friends in NY were the first to notice, and I was so happy they could take these photos for me.

I think I will need to be taking a trip out to NY to see this in person. It's not every day this sort of thing happens!

Special thank you to my Kenny Roche, my booker for this job from Wilhelmina. You rock.

New Art- Cramming to put together a show!

2011-09-06T16:43:00.000-04:00

So, I'm in Minnesota for the next month working away like mad trying to get together an art show. I honestly have no idea how I am going to do it, but I like the pressure! Here is the direction of my new art pieces, they are more raw and emotional, they face the issues (good and bad) that we have all felt. I am incorporating text and texture along with pretty faces and a little bit of mystery. The paintings have double meanings... one that is obvious, and one that is deeper that not everyone will ever know. Here is what I am working on now... halfway done.

Camera Chemistry- Live Photo Shoot feat. Tieg and Valerie

2011-08-22T11:20:00.001-04:00

Does social media make us seem cooler?

2011-06-11T18:29:00.004-04:00

Like many of us, I am connected using various social media outlets which I update daily (sometimes more) with photos and everything I do. I have a personal Facebook page for friends and family only, a facebook fan page for my art, I tweet about everything I do, I sometimes remember to check my Linked In and I know there's been more. I like these tools because they are content generated by me and I feel like I have some control over the online presence... you know... the "brand that is me". But, I've caught myself asking this question lately: Am I connecting with people in the right ways knowing what I know about social media? Do people think I am being "me" or a better alter ego?

For example, some of the best advice is "always stay true to yourself". It's easy to use social media as a way to set up a virtual "you" and make your life seem more spectacular or amazing than it really is- we all have friends on Facebok who do this. Ever heard Brad Paisley's song "I'm so much cooler online"? (If not, you have to hear it). My true self is a nerdy artist who has had a life long obsession with horses and I secretly listen to country music when no one else is around. I have no shame in that and I really do want it to be known... but for some reason, I do find myself posting pictures of myself all made-up and at a photo shoot... the much cooler "Model Valerie". I have two very different realities... so how do I connect both worlds? I certainly wouldn't want my Facebook friends to think I am trying to be cooler than I really am.

Riding with perfect posture.

Often I find myself asking after I have posted something... should I have posted that? I make most of my decisions based upon A) Is it going to be ok if my mom or little cousins see it B) Is it going to be ok if a client, photographer or other industry person sees it and C) do I look good in the picture? (kidding but who doesn't do that). But one thing I don't want to do is ever come across like I am bragging or more special than anyone else. My generation already has a bad rap for this sense of entitlement thing... and me being a "model" already gives me strike one.

I've concluded that there is just no hiding anything about yourself anymore, and why not put it out there before someone else does? This post was meant to show you a very real-deal side of me that I've realized I don't usually post enough of, and people probably enjoy just as much, if not more than any of my adventures in the world as Zoolander. I am reminded that the whole reason social media connects us so well in the first place is because of that personal, relatable and human element. So, I'm going to leave you with the nerdiest picture I could find of myself with no shame. I swear, my job makes me seem way cooler than I really am. Now you see.

My Quarter Horse, Glows Skipper at the 2008 WSCA State Championships. There is nothing cool about this photo, but I have nothing to hide. This was one of the best days of my life.

Where the blacktop ends... for now anyways!

2011-06-03T10:37:00.006-04:00

For the last year and a half, I've fully dedicated myself to my job, which is a whole lot more work than you may think. I moved somewhere around seven times in order to be closer to my clients and agencies during their busy seasons, spending time living in Miami, Chicago and New York. Most of my call times are around 5am (which means getting up at 4) which has made me pretty lame-o when it comes to staying up late and having time to do things with my friends. And, I've shot probably close to what seems like a billion photos which has to be causing some kind of eye damage! No, I'm serious about that. While it may seem like I am complaining, I am actually not at all. These are all the little things about my job I wouldn't trade for the world. I love what I do, and I wake up every day feeling blessed. Posted a few pics from some of my fav clients this year below:

BonTon! A.k.a Herbergers, Carson Pirie Scott, Boston Stores. Love shooting for this client!

Maurices Spring '11- this was special because I got to fly to my hometown to shoot this!

Simply the Best Magazine... this is part of the spread..

Fredericks of Hollywood

So what's next? Well, I'm finally at a point in my career where my direct bookings are steady which means I can basically live wherever I want (right now). This is a milestone in a model's career!! Most models would choose to stay in NYC, or somewhere beautiful for vacation, but not me. I have decided to spend June and possibly July in my home state... Minnesota, maybe because I am crazy or because I enjoy what I think is normalcy. Or, maybe I am just taking a moment to relax before my fall gets really hectic: On schedule is Germany, Ibiza, Croatia and St. Barts and finally making another move to LA. For now, I am going to enjoy my summer in MN doing the things I grew up loving: riding my horses, spending time at the lakes, and listening to country music. I am looking forward to mom's phenomenal home cooked meals, gosh it's been forever! It is nice to be home, and I'll admit, my country roots are all starting to come back to me. Bring on the country music baby!

Back to my roots! From the big apple to this big field I ride my horse in... I appreciate these little things in life.

My two horses, Cutter in the back, baby Jack in the front. I love this pic because it really captures Jack's personality... he's like a puppy dog with those eyes!

Being home doesn't mean I'm going to let life slow down too much... I am working on a series of rock-n-roll paintings and I am going to try and finish them in time to have an art show in Minneapolis in July... This is a new challenge for me since I usually paint girls... but Robert Plant did kind of look like a girl, so it's coming long nicely.

This month I have some pretty killer bookings that I am excited about. Next week I will be shooting the new clothing line by the Kardashian sisters being launched at all Sears stores. Looking forward to spending about a week in Chicago and seeing some of my old friends there! Last week I shot for Target in Minneapolis and we were shooting Holiday stuff already... scary! I'll also be shooting in Salt Lake City a couple times this month for a pretty awesome client (secret for now).

Mercedes Benz Swim Week is coming up again in mid-July, so I'm definitely feeling the pressure of making sure I am in the best shape of my life in time for it! I made a promise to my Miami agency, Wilhelmina, that I would do an even better job this year! My daily summer routine when I am in Minnesota includes lots of running around the lakes, riding my bike and riding horses! I could really use a workout partner to keep me going... Anyone?

Alright, off to a shoot as we speak! I love it.

Bahamas Shoot

2011-05-27T14:10:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I did a shoot in the Bahamas with photographer John Jansheski and a team of incredibly talented creatives who became family after our five days together. We took a charter plane to Harbour Island where we shot on a yacht, on the beach, in a house and anywhere that looked pretty... which was everywhere. Of all the places I have been, nothing beats the turquoise waters in the Bahamas. I think I will need a beach home here one day... or a yacht. I'm kind of hooked on Marina life after this trip! For now, I'll keep dreaming.

Photography: John Jansheski, Swimsuit: Inka Swimwear, Styling: Renato Lacerda, Makeup: Gina Guirdanella

Shooting

Me with Bekka, the other model on the shoot. Love this girl.

Crystal clear waters.

Marina life... see what I'm saying?

Bekka, Me and John

This shoot was particularly special to me because John took the time to shoot some photos of me totally in my element as an artist... For the shoot I was making a painting from start to finish on a sandbar in the ocean. His goal was to capture me doing what I love to do... and I think he clearly nailed it! The stylist, Renato and I picked out an awesome outfit from Allsaints in Miami, where everything in the store is totally "me". We ended up basically ruining the $650 boots since they got totally wet in the saltwater. But, the shots turned out amazing, and I will post a few to see here.

Amazing sunsets...

One of the shots of me painting on that sandbar as the tide was coming up... was so awesome. I'll never be able to paint in a studio happily after this.

My favorite shot of me painting... I like the warm glow from the sun.

Me with John and his finished painting!

SOME of my Fav Peeps

2011-05-27T13:44:00.003-04:00

It's the good people in your life that make like so wonderful, right?! I am always posting pics on my Facebook and Twitter of my friends and people who are special to me, so I thought I would make a post on my blog to recognize some of the people who are special to my journey in the last few months. If I left anyone out, you are still special, I just didn't have a nice enough picture that you wouldn't kill me for posting to the world! I couldn't feel more blessed to have a job that allows me meet such great teams of talented and beautiful people (inside and out) from all around the globe. I now have a BFF in Norway, Brazil, Poland, Mexico and just about everywhere in the US. This is cool... very cool. And thanks to my Brazilian roommate Karla, a good old "cheers" will no longer do...I find myself saying "SAUDE" (pronounced sah-oo-gee) with my US friends sometimes and they give me confused looks.

Shardea Washinton (SC), Marko Gojanovic (Croatia), Me (MN!) Steve Berke (Miami Beach), Karla Azevedo(Brazil)

Me, Kaitie (Oregon), My booker Kenny Roche (FL)

Me with my two amazing Brazilians, Karla and Rayla!

And two amazing Norwegians, Kine Bakke and Martin Anderson

Kaitlyn Howe (PA), me and Paulo Cordoso (Brazil) in Nicaraugua

My loves! Me, Kine Bakke (Norway), Ola Koska (Poland) and Jenn Schacht (LV)

And me and my Wisconsin girl, Sarah Bruski... we found each other a million miles from home because we both love country music.

Gianluca Madelli from Italy, one of my fabulous makeup artists and amazing cook

Beatrice Chirita (Romania) and I in Nica

Boston Proper Swim Show 2011

2011-03-21T13:13:00.001-04:00

Chanel! Check!

2011-03-19T14:00:00.002-04:00

In 2011, I really wanted to buy myself something really nice once I felt like I truly deserved it. I've been steadily paying off those student loans and life is just too short, so I allowed myself to splurge a little... Every girl needs a nice handbag!

Walking into that Chanel store at Bal Harbour and buying this bag was such an empowering and purely beautiful experience! I saw this bag right away and fell in love (although it was a tough choice between the black and beige). The craftsmanship, the timelessness, the way the leather feels... ah Chanel. I earned it, I bought it, and it's one of the first things I'm crossing off my "goals" list for 2011.

And seriously... when you write your goals down somewhere, they really happen!

My portfolio fits PERFECTLY. A sign? I think so.

Recent Pics...

2011-03-19T13:38:00.001-04:00

Some recent biz I've been working on this year... First shot: Frederick's of Hollywood, the other three, shots with one of my favorite Miami photographers, Chris Knight.

I made it into SI!... and many other places.

2011-03-16T15:35:00.002-04:00

One of my goals for 2010 was to make it into the Sports Illustrated Swim Issue... well, I did it! Shot an 8-page advertorial for Direct TV that was in the swim issue... not a bad way to start the year! Next year... cover. ;)

In January I shot two magazine covers and a few editorials. I've been steadily busy shooting catalogs- American, German and Italian clients. I booked Maurices back in my hometown which ended up being a nice excuse to see my mom! I also shot a bunch of ads for Bud Light and Bud Light Lime which should be published this summer. Pics of that shoot below from the Florida Keys. Ahh, such a nice place to work!

Makeup/hair team going to work!

All of the models for the Bud Light shoot in the Keys.

Dashil and I at the Bud Light Shoot in FL Keys

Miami- Spring Season 2011

2011-03-16T15:14:00.000-04:00

Wow, I know I have been terrible at updating my blog, but I guess that's a good thing. Since the moment I stepped off the plane in Miami in January, Wilhelmina has had me busy workin! Anyone who works in this industry knows that being busy can be very hit or miss sometimes, so you work your butt off when you can. Plus, Miami is the perfect place to be right now... no snow, sunshine every day and it's so easy to relax after a long day here. Ahhh. Love it.

I supposed I should start by writing a little mini-conclusion to my 2010 year modeling in case you're wondering how it all worked out. Last December I was graduating from college, and then fast-forward to this December I was shooting for Barney's NY. I love my job, and I think it shows and 2010 really proved that. Last year also tested my determination. I moved seven times last year and remember calling home to my mom a lot because I was so lonely. Her answer is always "Valerie, just move home!" But, I don't think she really means it. The most incredible thing about 2010 was the personal growth. Let me just tell you, you learn so much about yourself when you're in this industry: you are pushed and pulled by everyone around you and you always have to remind yourself of who you are at core.

Me? Well, I am still a girl who grew up in MN riding horses, makes art, listens to rock and roll tunes and think my Sam Edelman cowboy boots go well with everything. But, so does Chanel. :)

Aside from working, it's so great to meet up with old friends and make some great new ones! A lot of my friends from around the world are back here for the season and it's so great to hear all of our different stories from the year. I especially have to mention my amazing roommate, Kine, from Norway. She is kind of like the sister I never had: we look similar, act similar, like all the same things, wake up at the same time and dress the same way. She's so cool! I love her and can't wait to be meet up with her in London later this year...

Wilhelmina girls! Alexis, Holly, Kine and me!

My two favorite Norwegians: Martin and Kine.

My bookers, Kenny and Suzy at the Wilhelmina Spring Party. Love them!

Exploring NYC- Subways, Shopping, Resisting Cupcake shops

2010-11-19T23:35:00.004-05:00

Being in NYC is a whole new adventure compared to the other cities I've lived. I moved here in October and can honestly say I feel right at home. Everyone in NY is in just as big of a hurry as I always am, and I think that's part of why I love it so much. I've figured out all of my favorite places to shop and eat that nowhere else in the country compares. I wake up early (even on my days off) because there is so much to see and do that I'd hate to waste a single minute. Or, maybe I wake up early because of the sirens blasting outside my window at any given moment. Learning the subway was tricky at first, it's much the same is the L in Chicago, but I'd rather walk or hail a cab. The subway is kind of creepy to me- especially when it gets jammed up under the river with all of those people on board.

Oh, and shopping and fashion is truly infectious here- I've become somewhat addicted to buying new clothes in Soho. Woops! Love NYC fashion, especially in the fall time.

Aside from learning the city, I've been been reading a lot of great new books since I've been spending so much time on an airplane- a lot on the subject of health and nutrition written by some very reputable Dr's.. I think everyone should pick up a book on eating healthy and how our bodies process the things we put into it. It's especially interesting to learn what artificial sweeteners and energy drinks do to our bodies over time! What we feed your bodies is so important, even if you're not a model or trying to lose weight... Ok, I'm done preechin'.

And lastly, here are a few pics I took on my new camera. I just bought a Canon G12, and totally love it. I can't take a bad picture with it!

The sidewalk outside of my apartment at 6am. I was just getting back from an early flight and the lighting was so pretty... and barely any people!

I am obsessed, although I haven't had one yet because I'm always having to shoot in swimwear and I know these are off limits for me! Crumbs Cupcake shop, the best cupcakes I've ever seen.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Koi fish at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden...

My slightly disasterous first day in New York...

2010-10-08T00:26:00.002-04:00

I arrived to NYC on Monday with ONE rolly duffle bag full of belongings (as instructed), fixed my hair in the airport bathroom, swiped on some lip gloss and heels and rushed into a cab right to my NY agency, CLICK. This was my first time meeting my bookers and agency in person, and I really wanted to make a good impression. Earlier that weekend, I had a routine facial in preparation for this, which resulted in an untimely terrible breakout! NOT a good way to make a good first impression! I assured everyone it would get better... and it was just a freak reaction from the facial. Luckily, everyone believed me judging by my photos and so I spent my first two days in NY drinking water and healing my face. Nice.

Above: My new portfolio

I have to laugh at this now, because whatever, it happens to the best of us. My skin is better now (three days later) and I'm onto my usual routine of castings and shoots. I am in LOVE with New York, and I am very excited about how ambitious Click is. They're on top of getting me working right away. Yesterday I met with one of the Sr. Editors of Sports Illustrated(!) and Joanne, who does all the body painting for the swimsuit issue. There is so much to do here in NYC and I can't wait to explore every part of it. All of my friends were right, I DO love New York and the pace of the city. This is awesome.

The offices of Sports Illustrated... Can't believe I met with the Sr. Editor!

Times Square

Hi, I'm alive.

2010-09-21T23:21:00.001-04:00

I know it's been a while since I have last written, but this is a good thing. I have been SO busy that I've hardly had time to call my own mother as much as I should. When I first started this blog, I was still in college, and wrote a list of all of my goals in the next year. I am so happy to say that I have made them happen... and then some.

Some of the modeling print work I've been doing recently include a Skyy Vodka Holiday 2010 campaign, Vanity Fair and Lilly of France intimates, Piazza Italia (an Italian catalog) two covers and an amazing editorial with the incredibly talented Victor Skrebneski- He had me dress and pose as Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly- so amazing. I also just spent nine days in beautiful Jamaica and had a major hair disaster! Note to blondes: Don't get your hair wet in pools when in Jamaica!

And of course, I haven't forgotten about my artwork. I have a list of commissioned pieces I need to get working on. And, I always keep my sketchbook with me on my travels to keep my skills fresh and document my experiences.

I've been so lucky to have great support from people in my life... I am thankful to Tieg VanHolland, my manager/mother agent who believes in me and encourages me everyday. I am thankful to everyone at Wilhelmina, for challenging me and pushing me to be the best and letting me live at the RADDEST hotel in South Beach. I am also thankful to my bookers at Factor in Chicago where I spent the summer working and surrounding myself with the good midwestern people I know. When I look back at the past eight months of my life, I can't believe how much has changed and how lucky I am! I am so lucky to have great people who believe in me, thank you to all of you.

And on the contrary, my job isn't always as easy as it may seem. I'm always very positive and thankful for having a job that makes me SO happy, but I've made a lot of sacrifices- especially in the romantic part. It's hard to date when I'm always traveling and my schedule changes every day. It's hard to maintain friendships. And, the closest thing I have to a consistent home is my carry-on suitcase! Well, two of them, the first one kicked the bucket a month ago. It's a 24 hour a day job every day: taking care of myself, getting enough sleep (because you can't show up tired when you're being photographed!), traveling, working weekends, working 15 hour days sometimes and being on call to travel at any time. But, bottom line is that I love what I do and I am fully committed to moving forward. The rewards are worth it.

So what's next? Well, stay tuned. I already have a good idea, but I don't want to share until it happens. :) It's going to be a GRAND adventure. I thank God every day for giving me these opportunities.

On Set shooting for BonTon... love them!

Jamaica.

My sketchbook.

Hair fix.

Mercedes Benz Miami Swim Week 2010

2010-09-21T22:28:00.000-04:00

Swim Week in Miami was so much fun! My favorite runway show I did was True Religion... we walked to rock tunes and were barefoot on the runway. During the day I worked the Swim Convention for Christina Swimwear and at night we did the amazing shows. Saturday night was insane backstage at the shows... it was truly an awesome experience to be a part of.

True Religion, Aqua Di Lara and Poko Pano

Justin Macala Photo Shoot

2010-04-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

Campaign shoot in the Keys!

2010-04-17T17:05:00.001-04:00

Here's a few fun candid shots from last week. We were shooting a campaign for an Italian based clothing company in Islamorada, FL Keys. It was beautiful and so much fun! I LOVE working with the Italians- they never stress out about work like we do here in the U.S!

Taking a break to call my mom:

The crew at work:

Action shot:

Me, Miguel from Next, Carol from Elite.

Livio Mancinelli Photo Shoot

2010-04-17T16:55:00.001-04:00

Check out these shots I did with Italian photographer Livio Mancinelli. He even did the styling. I showed up for this shoot early in the morning expecting someone to be on set to do my hair and makeup, but to my surprise, Livio said "I don't like to use makeup, I prefer to keep the skin and hair natural". After a brief moment of freaking out, I went with it and the shots turned out nice! Because of this shoot, I rarely leave the house with a lot of makeup on anymore. Lip gloss and mascara- it's the only two beauty tools a girl really needs. Thanks, Livio!

Chris Knight Photo Shoot

2010-03-22T16:09:00.000-04:00

We shot these as a big thunderstorm was rolling in over the ocean last night... adds to the excitement! Photos and styling by Chris Knight.

Off to Chicago!

2010-03-22T16:03:00.001-04:00

With the end of the Miami modeling season, it's the start of a new in Chicago. April 1st is the kick-off of the summer season and I'll be busy meeting with some incredible clients- some of which you may know: Seventeen Magazine, Urban Outfitters, Avon, Jockey, NY&Co, Ann Taylor and BonTon. Of course, I'll be looking forward to selling my paintings and making art for Chicago when I get there..

Bejeweled/Outpost Trading Co Photo Shoot

2010-03-18T13:30:00.000-04:00

We shot for two straight days... no joke! It was a lot of work, nearly 300 outfit changes. Loved working with Susan Fixel and photographer Sam Notorbartolo. Looking forward to working with them more in the future...

Latest Painting...

2010-03-15T14:24:00.000-04:00

Last week, the nicest thing happened to me. I answered a knock at my hotel door and it was the bellman standing there with a big box from Amazon. I had no idea who it was from! I opened the box to find three of the most beautiful horse books, a gift from Adam Tomazos, a client who purchased a painting from me here in Miami.

Of course, I paged through the books a million times over and knew I had to get to work on a horse painting. This was more of a personal project, and wasn't meant to be cohesive with most of my usual pop-art paintings I make. Horses are a very easy subject for me to paint, which is why I challenge myself to paint anything BUT horses in my career as an artist. I did this in a couple of hours yesterday afternoon, but if I sell it to someone, I'll keep that my secret...

Switching Miami Agencies

2010-02-11T22:18:00.000-05:00

I just signed with Wilhelmina Miami. It wasn't easy to say good bye to my bookers who remained at 301, but switching to Wilhelmina was a good business decision for me. With this new agency, I feel like my career will be managed better and my goals will happen a lot sooner!

Swimwear Shoot, Jan '10 on Miami Beach

2010-02-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

Photography by Bill Cannon. I wish he lived in Miami so that I could shoot with him more! I had the pleasure of shooting with him twice in one week, which was an amazing opportunity. He shoots for big clients such asEddie Bauer and Nordstrom. This guy knows his stuff.

RollerSkate Shoot, January '10

2010-02-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

Photography by: Bill Cannon. This was a challenging shoot- dodging raindrops and trying not to fall!

Just signed with Factor (formerly Elite)

2010-02-01T19:08:00.000-05:00

Looks like I will be spending some time modeling in between Miami and Chicago? I just signed with Factor in Chicago and I am looking forward to being a part of another great agency.

Live Painting in Miami- Benefit for Haiti Relief Efforts

2010-01-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

Last night, I created a girl painting live at the Mondrian Hotel in South Beach, Miami. I sold the painting silent auction style to help raise money for the people of Haiti. The final bid was $1,500. The painting was sold to Richard Corrales, and he'll be taking her back to NYC with him this week. Much thanks to the people of the Morgan Hotel Group for sponsoring my supplies and setting me up with such a great place to showcase my work. I will be doing a live painting each Saturday at the Mondrian and Thursday's at the Delano's Florida Room.

Sports Illustrated Test Shoot!

2010-01-16T18:45:00.000-05:00

The multi-talented Jaisen Tieg Van Holland took these photos- AND did my makeup. We just shot these this morning in Miami Beach.

My first day in Miami

2010-01-08T00:25:00.000-05:00

I've made the move to Miami Beach FL and I am loving it! My agency, 301, is amazing and I am so proud to have such good people to work with. They're keeping my busy and I've hit the ground running! I can now officially say that I've made it back into the modeling world full force.

Miami Beach- my new home.

Within ten minutes of being in my new agency, I was sent out the door with these post-it notes with directions to where my first castings were... Way to put me to work right away! Love it!

This is me at my first casting trying on one of the designers clothes for a fashion show... I got the job!

Shoot with Bernie DeBelles

2010-01-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

Bernie is pretty much a creative genius. We shot these at the W hotel, each look in less than 20 frames, no special lighting and basically with the clothes I had on my back and the makeup I had been wearing all day. My agency in Miami loves these shots, and no one needs to know that they weren't a big budget production!

Check out my current artwork I have for sale on Etsy...

2009-12-04T18:28:00.000-05:00

If you're interested in seeing the work I have for sale right now, you can visit my Etsy shop and order online. I've gone through most of my inventory this month, so my supply is a little low until I make some new paintings.

It's Official! I am moving to Miami!

2009-11-18T21:24:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to be signed with my new agency 301 Model Management in Miami Florida. I will really miss certain things about Minnesota (my boyfriend, family and my horse), but this is my chance to give it my all! I will be relocating to Miami Beach FL on January 1st for the Spring 2010 season. It's nice to have a supportive boyfriend who will come visit me and support me! I am ready to do this... it's what I wanted!

Paintings I Just Made!

2009-11-15T03:07:00.000-05:00

These will be for sale at the MCAD Art Sale next week....

Brian B. Hayes Photo Shoot

2009-11-11T23:06:00.001-05:00

These photos take it to the next level.

I had the pleasure of shooting with my dear friend and photographer Brian B. Hayes from LA California yesterday. He has a natural vision for fashion photography. Look at more of his work here: brianbhayes.com

An equal pleasure to work with was makeup/hair artist, Melissa Martin from Minneapolis, MN who tripled as a stylist. She was so on top of her game, and even insisted I keep the gray shirt in the last shots! letmelissamartinmakeup.vpweb.com

Not to be under-appreciated was the Official Reflector Holder, Dan Coleman.

Minnesota Fashion Week 2009

2009-10-09T20:41:00.001-04:00

Minnesota Fashion Week was a fun one! I was in two fashion shows, did a live photo shoot, a live painting and shot editorial for Metro Magazine!

On Set for Yesterday's Photo Shoot!

2009-10-09T20:36:00.000-04:00

I loved this costume, so I had to post. This is me at a shoot yesterday with one of my favorite makeup artists- Christ. My favorite thing about modeling is that I get to pretend to be other people for a few hours... and then resume normal life.

Josh Stokes Photo Shoot

2009-10-09T20:32:00.000-04:00

Swimwear shots by the wonderful Josh Stokes of Stokesfoto. stokesfoto.com

American Artland: Episode 1

2009-10-02T23:01:00.000-04:00

This weekend was a big weekend for me! I finished the easy part of being co-producer and host of my television show, American Artland. It's such an amazing and rewarding show, because it's all about inspiring kids to be even more amazing. I worked with an incredible group of kids whom I found at the Twin Cities Boys & Girls Club and wanted to give them an opportunity to do something they could feel proud of creatively. And, they had fun and learned something along the way! Our first mural was here, in Minneapolis... next stops? Houston, Chicago, Atlanta... you name it, I am going. I'm leaving my mark on America, one kid and one wall at a time.

Co-Producing and Hosting my own T.V. Show this month!

2009-09-20T17:18:00.000-04:00

My newest venture in life is an ambitious one... I am working on co-producing and hosting my own t.v. show this month. We film the pilot in a couple weeks!

The premise of the show is to inspire creativity and passion where it is needed most- in America's youth. My goal is to mentor young creative hopefuls and leave my mark all across America- literally. I will be painting American themed murals in ten different U.S. cities with the help of kids. The process will all be documented.

The latest Pinup is done!

2009-07-26T11:27:00.000-04:00

Here's my latest finished project. It's a 1940's inspired pinup girl reminiscent of the nose-art that was painted on the US bomber planes during WWII, hand painted onto an old Chevy truck hood. Of course, I had to modernize her slightly with a little bit sexier hair. Hand painting as opposed to air-brushing keeps the artwork authentic- just like the old bomber planes. This hood art was done for Jeff Justesen of Hudson Wisconsin. Jeff came to me saying that he had been staring at this hood for years trying to find someone to paint the pinup he had in mind. He picks it up on Thursday next week and I can't wait to see his expression!

Horses, horses. Did I mention I love horses?

2009-07-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I shot with Andy Richter, a photographer in Minneapolis who does some amazing equine related work. This was one of my favorite shoots I've done, because I was so completely in my element being around horses. There was no editing required- Andy nailed the lighting right on.

This shoot also made me have one of those important "life checks". My schedule has been a bit hectic lately and I haven't been able to do as much riding- hardly at all this year. I also lost my favorite horse that I had ridden and shown since I was nine (Skipper) earlier this Spring which has made it REALLY difficult to pick myself up and get excited about riding. I kind of thought I would close that chapter of my life because of it, even though it's been a part of me for so long. When Andy asked me to do this shoot, I was instantly excited about it- like a kid in a candy store. Being around these horses, at Alpine Farms, and "horse people" that day reminded me again just how important it is to keep horse riding a part of my life. I have to keep riding.

Wood & Steel Magazine

2009-07-26T10:52:00.000-04:00

This month, Taylor Guitars has published an article in Wood & Steel Magazine talking about the custom guitar I painted a couple months ago for Christian Schauf, lead singer of the band Catchpenny. Download the free PDF of the current issue and read the "Soundings" section, page 24 and 25.
http://www.taylorguitars.com/woodandsteel/

Is a cigarette an acceptable prop to use for fashion shoots?

2009-06-16T17:31:00.000-04:00

I posted this photo to my Facebook page, and created quite the controversy. I am not a smoker, nor do I endorse it, but we used a cigarette as a prop for this photo shoot. Cigarettes are no new thing to fashion photography, even Heidi Klum herself has quite a few shots done of her "smoking" (not that this makes it okay). While we were "bumming" this cigarette from a bystander, it never even crossed my mind that it would create controversy.

So, question is: Does the cigarette in the photo create a negative image around me, Val Carpender? Or do they work as high fashion, 60's inspired editorial? Do you look at the photo and think I am trying to say "smoking is cool", or you recognize that the photo is simply me acting someone else? If you were a client looking to hire a model and you saw this photo, would it turn you away, or would you see beyond it?

I like the shots... and I've definitely seen way way worse photos taken in the modeling industry, but I can also understand why some people wouldn't like it. I really do appreciate the overall vision that the photographer achieved, and I did have fun acting as a 60's hippie.

Jennifer Cress Photography

2009-06-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

I loved shooting with Jennifer Cress! She was so ambitious and had the most fantastic outfits for me to wear (I even ended up buying one from her at the end of the day). I instantly felt comfortable working with Jennifer. We made a new friend, Tim, who didn't know his oldy motorcycle and car would be involved in a photo shoot that day. All in all, it was such a great shoot, and I was really happy to work with such a talented photographer.

Joel Larson Photography

2009-06-16T17:08:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of shooting with the one and only Joel Larson a few weeks ago. He has quite the reputation for shooting some of the best fashion photography around. Him and his makeup artist, Angelie, were a great team to work with...

Here's the guitar in action...

2009-05-22T01:06:00.001-04:00

Here's a follow up on the status of the Taylor Guitar I painted: It's in Iraq right now playing for our troops. Christian (lead singer of Catchpenny) even lets the soldiers have a try at playing the guitar. They LOVE what Catchpenny is doing for them. A lot of these bases haven't seen outside entertainment in months, and seeing live rock-n-roll music is just the thing they need to make them smile and make them feel human again. The troops are so thankful- they even write emails to Catchpenny after the show that really touch your heart. Catchpenny doesn't try to be the typical sex, drugs, Hollywood and fame driven rock band- they perform in ways that truly matter- with only good intentions. And my ending comment for tonight: What are you doing that is a positive reflection on our country? God Bless America.

Next: Wood & Steel Magazine

2009-05-22T00:02:00.000-04:00

Taylor Guitars contacted me today and asked if they could do a piece in Wood & Steel Magazine about the guitar I painted for Christian (singer in the band, Catchpenny) and the story of them playing for our U.S. Soldiers at war in Iraq. I am very excited about this opportunity to have my artwork published in a quarterly magazine where guitar collectors and enthusiasts will be able to see my work. Bring on more guitar painting projects!

The Beatles "Ticket to Ride" digital prints- For Sale!

2009-05-18T14:48:00.001-04:00

Last week, I created a poster of the Beatles, and named it after their famous "Ticket to Ride" song. The background layer is a collage of 1960's Beatles concert tickets that I created, each with the different lyrics to the hit Beatles songs written on them. I sold out of these at the Art-A-Whirl show, and started taking orders for more!

Art-A-Whirl 2009

2009-05-18T13:54:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, I had my art on display at the Art-A-Whirl show in Northeast Minneapolis. It was a great show! I sold one painting and sold out of my digital prints of a Beatles poster I created in Photoshop. I even started taking orders and have requests to make more- of not just the Beatles, but the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. I will be making them soon!

Taylor Guitars Tweets to the world about Chris's Guitar!

2009-05-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

How cool is this? Taylor, the guitar sponsor that provided me with the guitar to paint on, seems to be happy with the custom paint job! They tweeted to both Christian, the singer for Catchpenny, and myself with a picture URL attached!

Here's that info about the fantastic Photographers I know..

2009-05-11T09:33:00.000-04:00

I am posting the contact information to the two photographers who I constantly get asked about... I have done recent fashion/editorial shoots with both of these guys and I get SO many compliments on their work. If you're looking for a photographer that I highly recommend, check out my good friends Alec and Kyle, both professional photographers in the Mpls. area. Trust me, they're good! I've got their photos posted earlier on my blog.

Alec Johnson:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=643246743&ref=ts
Blog: http://blog.acjohnsonphoto.com/

Kyle Camerer:
Facebook:
Blog: http://kylecamererphoto.blogspot.com/

* Both of these guys offer classes and workshops for learning photographers, too!

Modeling Agency Representation

2009-05-07T11:47:00.000-04:00

I have non-exclusive contracts with several agencies in Minneapolis, Florida and Chicago, however I have a particularly good feeling about my recent addition. I had a fantastic meeting with Susan Wehmann of Wehmann models yesterday (http://www.wehmann.com/profile.php?id=1509) and I am very excited to be a part of her group of models.

MCAD Senior Exhibition

2009-05-07T11:42:00.001-04:00

Be sure to stop by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design May 6-14 to view my exhibition. I've got the original guitar that I painted for Christian Schauf of Catchpenny on display! It's open to the public all day, it's free, first floor main gallery.

Voltage Fashion Show

2009-05-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

Emily Weich's Spring 2009 Line

Maritza Ramirez's Spring 2009 Line

Pin-up Girl Trading Cards

2009-04-30T02:47:00.000-04:00

I made WWII inspired trading cards to give away at my Exhibition next week. Collect them all and stuff 'em in the authentic envelopes.

Catchpenny Iraq Tour Poster.

2009-04-30T02:45:00.000-04:00

Know anyone who needs a band poster? I am the girl for the job. Check out the poster I made for Catchpenny.

Envision Spring 2009 Fashion Show

2009-04-12T22:25:00.000-04:00

Here is a shot from the Envision Spring 2009 Fashion Show last night. This dress was awesome made by PFT Couture, photographed by Jason Thon. I'll post more images when they surface.

Steve Bye Photography

2009-03-26T02:38:00.001-04:00

This weekend, I had the pleasure of shooting with Steve Bye. He shot some very nice natural portraits. Check them out!

Fashion Show in Minneapolis

2009-03-25T12:43:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of the photos from Metro Magazine's Fashion Fight Night III Fashion Show.

Before the show, all of us girls had our hair set in pincurls for hours. I have hair like my grandma here!

Of course, we had to practice our "swagger".

The next shows I am doing are Voltage, Ignite and the Treasured Chests Fashion show, which raises money for breast cancer.

More Photos from Kyle Camerer...

2009-03-24T21:12:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my new Art Studio!

2009-03-23T15:27:00.000-04:00

Exciting news! I've got my own studio space to paint/make stuff/create in! Well, it's more than a studio space...it's a fabulous community of all sorts of creative people in a newly renovated building in Northeast Minneapolis (called the Mpls Photo Center). The studio is huge...two floors, two kitchens, lounges, tons of open room, print labs, classrooms, fabulous photography studios, gallery space...you name it. This place is seriously awesome. This will be a great year.

Guitar Painting Project

2009-03-23T13:26:00.000-04:00

Here are the pictures from the pin-up I painted on Chris's guitar. It turned out great! The guitar is on its way back to Taylor this week to be clear-coated and put together.

Chris Schauf of Catchpenny, holding the guitar when it was just finished.

The whole process was time-lapse video recorded...I can't wait to see it!

At the studio...with my painting mess.

When I first received the guitar from Taylor, it had been painted white and was unfinished. I transferred my original sketch onto the guitar using graphite pencil before I started painting.

An interesting convo with Paul Isakson from Space 150... this is the future of ad.

2009-03-16T09:45:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago, Paul Isakson from Space 150 came in as a guest speaker in my class with Tim Brunelle, Future of Advertising. We talked a lot about social media and user generated content and how it is essentially "the future of advertising". This is the kind of stuf that get me excited about my career. I emailed Paul after class, and I was happy to hear his reply. Read the conversation! Smart guy!

On Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 2:19 AM, Valerie Carpender wrote:
Hi Paul-
Thanks for taking the time to come into our Future of Ad class with Tim Brunelle. It was very interesting to hear your thoughts on social media. I always like to talk about social media and how is is fundamentally changing the way marketers and advertisers communicate to their audiences. My favorite part is when brands and/or agencies try so hard to be involved in these media outlets, but fail to understand that we [as consumers] can see right through their mostly self-beneficiary tactics and will reject their attempts- often times continuing to annoy the consumer.

Advertising [I believe] is now all about involving consumers in a relationship with a brand when they want, how they want and for a useful or beneficial reason. It's not about forcing a consumer to believe the brand's words. We're too smart. We will find out the real truth about a brand. "The Google", blogging and user generated content has given us the power of more knowledge than...anything tangible..and this has never happened in history! Do you agree?

Time for change in advertising! Exciting...

Thanks again, I appreciate your time and thought into our class.
v.

V A L C A R P E N D E R
VISUAL ARTIST
+ ART DIRECTOR

Hi Valerie -

Thank you for taking time to write. Sorry for the long delay in responding. Things have been a little crazy at work and I fell way behind on email. I agree 110% with what you are saying. It's very in line with what I've been writing on my blog for some time and have been talking to all of our clients about.

All of this is why having smart ideas backed by great insights is more important now than ever before. If you don't understand what people want/need/crave/etc., figure it out. The thing that baffles me most with how most companies and agencies are looking at social media is at how they can use it to push their messages instead of seeing that it's a direct line of communication with people that can be used to get tons of insights from. There's no excuse for just doing what you (the brand) wants without knowing whether or not people even care. Not when you can get instant feedback from the people you want to reach the most at relatively low cost.

Anyway... you're clearly smart and get it. No need for me to prattle on about it. Ha.

Not sure if you have seen Razorfish's newest report. If not, you might like to take a peek at it: http://digitaloutlook.razorfish.com/

Any time you want to chat, I'm more than happy to. I have endless passion and energy for this business. Especially the creative. It's what keeps me going.

And if you want to come talk to anyone at space, let me know.

Thanks again for your note,

Paul

PS - Took a look at some of your art on Flickr. Very nice work. I especially like the "Yellow" and "Blue Girl" pieces. If you have any shows coming up, please let me know.

///////////////////////

paul isakson

blog / http://www.paulisakson.com/
twitter / http://twitter.com/paulisakson

Clartity Coverdale Fury ... starting in May!

2009-03-15T21:32:00.000-04:00

I have half of a semester of school left, and then it's time to be forced into the big scary world of finding a job as an Art Director in advertising- and I picked a great economic time to do it!

All jokes aside, I have one more feat to accomplish before I get my degree in hand, and that is to finish a 15 credit externship, which is essentially a full time job starting in May. Last week, I had a great and always humorous lunch meeting with Jac Coverdale: my mentor and Partner/ Creative Director at Clarity Coverdale Fury (CCF). The best part about our meeting is that he offered me the externship!

I am looking forward to starting in May and working alongside some great creative people and in an environment that I truly enjoy. My goal is to be a sponge and absorb everything I can.

I am looking forward to this. I can't wait to begin a professional career where I can use my creativity everyday and have the world see it.

Painting Projects

2009-03-12T12:33:00.001-04:00

I've got to say that I am pretty excited about the project I am being commissioned to do...

This week, I'm going to be custom painting the guitar that will be used by Christian Schauf, the singer of the band CatchPenny. I'll be receiving an unfinished guitar from their sponsor, Taylor Guitars, for me to use as a blank canvas. We're going to try and do some filming of the process and I'll take some pictures to post.

Catchpenny will be going on an Iraq tour this month to play live shows for our hard working troops. What a great way to lift the spirits in such a difficult place to be right now. I am really proud to have my little part in this, and I am hoping Christian gets a lot of compliments on his guitar. And, I'm really proud of these guys- they're whole philosophy is right on. Check out their site, you'll see what I mean. http://www.catchpennyband.com/

Above: The preliminary sketch of what I will be painting on the guitar. A 1950's inspired pin-up with a modern twist, and of course, a little flag.

Alec Johnson Photo Shoot...continued.

2009-03-11T00:35:00.000-04:00

Makeup was done by Sarah Sponberg and hair was done by Amber Brenke, both from MN Bridal and makeup artistry. They were great!

It's kind of a shame that no one actually drank that cocktail...

Kyle Camerer Shoot

2009-03-09T10:08:00.001-04:00

I just shot some great new stuff with Kyle Camerer this week. He is fantastic to work with. Check it.

If you like this, check out some more of his work at: http://kylecamererphoto.blogspot.com/

Step No. 1. New Photos.

2009-03-09T01:58:00.000-04:00

So, before I can go very far with this whole modeling idea, I really needed new photos. It has been a couple years since I have even thought about doing this. I have been promised some pretty legit work by a few agencies, so they need new photos of my ugly mug.

My good friend/mentor and brilliant photographer Alec Johnson was up for the challenge. We enlisted the fantastic help of assistant Matt Albiniak for his exceptional fan blowing skills. I am very happy with the photos. If you like these shots, check out more of his work at (http://blog.acjohnsonphoto.com/). Any comments?

How the whole "modeling" thing started.

2009-03-09T01:22:00.002-04:00

Above: Venus Swimwear. They were my first photo shoot.

Above: Before I had many photos to show, my agency took these fancy Polaroids to show clients. I think I was... 19.

I used to (and still kind of do) make fun of people who thought they were narcissistic and self-absorbed enough to try and model. I mean really, it's a funny job! That's why I think it is totally okay for you to make fun of me a little and I will probably laugh with you. Nonetheless, being a "model" has been and was the only way I would have ever experienced some of the most memorable opportunities in life: shooting in tropical locations, getting lots of free swag, being chased by the paparazzi because they thought I was someone famous (!), getting my hair and makeup done by pros, walking red carpets, peeling John Travolta off the Santa Monica Boardwalk after a stunt...it all happened because of a little opportunity that I took...and that's the premise of my blog....

I started pretending to be Zoolander when I was 17, just turning 18. I won a Venus Swimwear model search in 2002 purely by accident (kind of a dare)and was shipped down to Florida to shoot for the catalog. This was the FIRST time this small-town horse-girl had ever been on an airplane, and I even braved it alone. From there, I signed with a few agencies, dropped out of college (ha kidding, just took a break) moved to LA, worked full time, traveled the world, did some acting, did lots of print, editorial and catalog, and probably had the best time of my life.

I quit modeling when I decided to go back to school at MCAD and finish my degree. Now, I am almost done with shool and life is giving me the opportunity to revisit this old chapter of my life. I'm taking my chances and I am going to do what makes me happy- and make some $ to start paying back my student loans.

I figure I am not getting any younger. I had better get on this now. Sometimes you need to take those opportunities even if they seem outlandish.

Look what I made!

2009-03-09T01:14:00.002-04:00

I have always loved to draw, paint, create, sculpt, build and make huge messes everywhere I make anything artistically. Currently, I am really into acrylic painting and have been selling quite a bit of work. I had my own solo art show in downtown Minneapolis for a month, and I have sold several pieces at the MCAD Art Sale the past couple years. I have also been commissioned to do a few freelance painting projects which I will post later. I think I might be onto something here...spread the word. This girl loves to paint.

Visit my Flickr site to see more paintings: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valcarpender/

I have posted a small sampling on here.

My dad made me love classic cars... and taught me to drive a stick.

2009-03-09T00:47:00.001-04:00

I grew up around classic cars. My dad used to restore 1958 Chevy Impalas among a collection of many other bad-ass American made 'rods that he left to my brother and I when he passed away a year and a half ago. I have fond memories of going to car shows with my father and driving in his black '58 Impala to the A&W Drive-Thru in Taylors Falls Wisconsin. My first driving experience ever was sitting on my dad's lap in that car with his foot on the petals and my hands on the wheel. I will always have an appreciation for really cool American classics.

I am pretty sure it was an impulse buy, but I have no regrets. I bought a Stage II Roush Performance Mustang GT just before I turned 20 with the money I had saved modeling. When I bought it, I had no idea how to drive a 5-speed, but I was determined to learn because I had to have the car. It's a ridiculously bad-ass Mustang, it's not a sissy 6-speed. It's got all the Stage II Roush modifications including the suspension, intake and side exhaust, to name a few.

I had the car hauled back and forth with me to my move to California. Having a convertible in California was ridiculously nice, although my pasty Minnesota skin did not fare well. Now, the car has been in storage with exception of one car show last summer and a Labor Day weekend drive.

The point of this blog posting is: Any guy that I date needs to have an appreciation for real cars. And know how to drive it.

Yes, I am a country girl, and have no shame in it.

2009-03-09T00:19:00.001-04:00

Skipper and I at the State Championships. Gotta love the outfit!

Skipper and I.

Cutter and I at a show this summer.

I grew up on a small hobby farm in Forest Lake, MN where I have always had a ba-jillion animals. I am a complete horse freak, and have been in love with the giant monsters before I could walk. I have been riding and showing horses competitively since I was six years old and have ridden almost every riding event possible. I have shown high-stepping saddlebreds, barrel horses, dressage, team penning and some hunter/jumper. I currently ride my two American Quarter Horses, Glows Skipper (Skipper) and CBC it's Tradition (Cutter) in all-around riding events such as Hunt Seat, Western and Showmanship at Halter .

This past summer, I rode both of my horses in as many shows as I could all over Minnesota and Wisconsin. This past September, I qualified and rode my horse Skipper in six riding events at the
WSCA State Championships. To those of you who do have never seen a horse show, don't be alarmed by my super awesome red outfit. Those cool outfits are mandatory, and I everyone has one. I think it would be fun to meet a boyfriend's parents for dinner for the first time wearing that outfit for the first time to see what their reaction is. ;)

The Purpose of this Blog:

2009-03-08T23:16:00.001-04:00

I consider myself a pretty lucky person who has been blessed with some pretty amazing things in my life. I am so happy about each day and the opportunities that life continually offers that I feel it is worth writing about. I want to tell the whole world. I want to inspire someone. I want to challenge you to make the most of your life's opportunities.

So, I will start by facing some of the things I am passionate about in life and tackling them head on all at once and write about it here, at my personal blog. I am going to set some goals for myself that some say are hard to achieve. By writing about my goals here, I am hoping to feel an even further sense of commitment to them. I would appreciate and encourage any advice, opinions, encouragement or even criticism. Yeah, that's right, even criticism. I can only benefit by listening to what others have to say.

So, here I go. I am putting it all out there for you.

This year, I am going to tackle the following goals and write about, photograph and track my progress. I think this will be interesting because, for my entire life, I have never given up on any of my goals and I enjoy a challenge. I am excited to make the following goals happen, one way or another. Watch me.

In no particular order:
Pick up my modeling career where I left it two years ago, but even better.
Graduate from MCAD and begin a professional career as an Art Director in Advertising.
Become a recognizable artist, and sell my paintings at shows and/or galleries.
Ride my horse in front of a large crowd at a spectator event.
Travel somewhere at least once a month.
Be on T.V.
Be in a magazine.
Be in a fashion show, or two, or three.
Place in the top five on my horse at the State Championships this year.
If the opportunity comes to relocate to L.A. or NYC, I am taking it.