Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Morton
Hi Madison, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My modeling journey began in the summer of 2022, shortly after I graduated highschool. I never considered modeling as something in the cards for me. To be transparent, my hair colorist brought a runway casting to my attention, and suggested that I attend. I never would have anticipated how drastically my life would have changed after a simple 20 second walk in front of a panel of judges. I ultimately booked the show, and that night after walking on a runway for the first time in my life, I went to bed with a newly emerged passion. From that day forward, my life was eternally changed.
Getting started as a model was a slower process. The first several months of my career consisted of freelance modeling, working with local brands, as well as relentless research on the industry for hours each day. I was intrigued by all things modeling, fashion, photography, and just the creative industry as a whole. I spent hours flipping through magazines, watching runway shows, and looking intently at the models on the websites of places I shopped. When home alone, I would put on a pair of stilettos and practice walking. I would stand in front of my bathroom mirror practicing different poses and expressions.
February of 2023, I began my 30-week training program with my agency, and became an official, signed, model in August of 2023. In late September, it was almost as if a switch flipped in my head, and every ounce of free time I had, went towards trying to grow as a model. That switch evolved into a turning point in my career, and from that day, it has been a steady “snowball effect” in the growth of my practice. I prioritized networking, and doing what I could to put myself out there. I had the privilege and honor to work with so many brilliant creatives, and I have been blessed with so many incredible opportunities I never would have even imagined happening for me. Working with so many people over time has taught me so much about different elements of this industry. I have learned a lot from many photographers in particular, and I have had the chance to witness how meticulous their practice can be, from camera settings, to lighting, and even down to the photo-editing process. I have been able to view things from the perspective of the designer, and learn about where their inspirations originate. I have even been graced by the knowledge of countless other models that have shared their advice with me, as well as their experiences while working. Being a working model in this industry has also instilled such great values in me such as patience, resilience, humility, courage, independence, communication and speaking skills, and more than anything, confidence. 2 years ago, I dreamed of simply being signed to an agency; two years later I can now say I have been internationally published 12 times, gained much experience on the runway, worked with several brands now, and again, have had the most incredible experience working with the most talented, brilliantly creative people in this industry. Truly, words cannot properly convey how eternally grateful I am to have been granted such incredible opportunities. With each job booked, each photograph taken, each runway walked, each article of clothing worn, each interview had, and each person met, I feel as though yet another dream of mine has come true.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every journey that one will embark on in life, will have its triumphs, however in the end, I feel that the lows of your journey make you embrace your successes so much more. Furthermore, I have experienced both peaks and valleys to get to where I am today. Getting started as a model can be a different experience varying from person-to-person, but in my case, the journey had a slow beginning. Concepts I will always emphasize when working in a field of this demeanor, are patience, as well as persistence. I underwent periods of frustration getting started, because I was so eager to be working, however I underestimated the power of networking, and building a portfolio. I was also quickly taught that sometimes, you will be met with a lot of “no’s” before you finally hear a “yes.” To this day, I’ve learned to appreciate the time I was granted to prioritize meeting new faces, and build a strong foundation to stand on.
One of the most critical things I have learned as a model is that self comparison will be your absolute worst enemy. To this day I still have to remind myself of this. Naturally, I have almost been my own biggest critic, and it has cost me. When I initially began my journey as a model, there were a lot of concepts I was naive to, as though I hadn’t even gotten a taste of what my job really would entail. Confidence was a trait that I severely lacked getting started, therefore I made it a mission to be exactly like the supermodels I looked up to. I stand five feet six inches tall, which has been deemed unconventional by societal modeling standards. I would also think disparaging thoughts about myself especially regarding my body & overall appearance. I struggled with body dysmorphia, as well as extremely disordered eating, and very quickly my health was compromised. Since then, I have made a full recovery and developed a much healthier mindset not only in regards to modeling, but in regards to myself as well. I now prioritize fitness, and healthy dietary habits, and I am currently studying nutrition at UHD.
In reflection, I had an epiphany gathering of thought, that I do not have to be an exact clone of those that I admire in order to see success.This toxic mentality only hindered me in the long run. An analogy that I consistently refer to, is that roses do not compare their worth and beauty to sunflowers; both are very different, but also both very beautiful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
First and foremost, I am 20 years old, and I am currently studying nutrition at The University of Houston-Downtown. I am so honored to say that I also work professionally as a model.Very often, I get asked what type of modeling I do, and my answer to that is anything and everything possible. I aspire to be well rounded in what I do, and experience modeling from as many different angles as possible. For example, there is a huge difference in being booked for a photoshoot vs a runway show. Each of those require a different mindset, a different skill set, and are ultimately just two completely different experiences. I value having the ability to be versatile, and being able to perform well at any job that may present itself to me. Different types of clothing often opt for a different approach as a model. For example, modeling for a high fashion couture designer would have a drastically different approach than modeling for an athletic-wear brand or even swimwear. Having experience working for different types of brands has allowed me to think creatively, and be intentional in every move I make. I enjoy being creative in my work, and having an artistic approach to my execution. Moreover, I love challenging myself to try new things, and to think outside of the box. I aspire to learn more and more everyday about all there is to know of the industry.
In all sincerity, I truly love what I do, and I bring my heart and passion with me to every modeling task that is presented to me. I am so inspired every single day by the other models, photographers, designers, and all of the creatives I work with every single day. It is such a blessing to have worked with such brilliant, artistic, and just simply beautiful-minded people in my time as a model.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic was a very prominent, and very life changing era of time for everyone. A prevalent value I was taught during this time was the ability to adapt, especially in social circumstances. When the pandemic was initially on the rise, I was a sophomore in highschool. As things began to escalate, my school district transitioned us into online learning.This was a huge change of dynamic for not only me, but everyone impacted. As someone who is intimidated by change, this period of time was overwhelming to say the least. I was also a cheerleader in highschool, furthermore, maintaining good health was an extreme priority for my team, as well as all of the other sports & extracurriculars. Many games, practices and events were rescheduled, or even canceled due to Covid-19 exposures, or people expressing symptoms. Although the pandemic went into remission, many things were still left to be changed. When I began my journey as a model, I had a virtual interview with my agency before getting started. This interview was held over zoom, and I was expected to demonstrate a runway walk, poses, as well as let the scout observe my structure and physique. This was an interesting challenge to say the least. Since that day, I have found that a huge number of castings, and interviews that I have participated in have been online. My agency put me through a 30-week training program before signing me, all of the classes in which were online. Every class was held over zoom, and I received 1-on-1 coaching from several incredible instructors. As I stated earlier, adaptation was an imperative skill for me to have during this time, and furthermore, having online school, and online model training taught me more than anything, accountability.
Pricing:
- Contact myself, or my agent Stephenie Patrick, for booking rates!
- Madison Morton , 281-387-1022 , madimorton13@gmail.com
- Stephenie Patrick, (972) 741-4939, stephenie.p@mtmagency.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madisonmorton.kavyar.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madimortonn?igsh=a3ZrZjQxdnFrMzc1&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madimortonn?_t=8neDZkWMRrO&_r=1
Image Credits
Josh Coronel
(@joshcoronelphotos)
Hayley Strander
(@hayleyostranderphotography)
Blake Zeitman
(@clovergphoto)
Gary Huffman
(@garyphotoprime)
Glen Carpenter
(@4evansrose)
Ryan
(@linkshotz)
Torry Sledge
(@the_quantum_lotus)
Phil Ardoin
(@philardoinphotography)
