The Auburn University Modeling Board is an organization consisting of students interested in learning more about the modeling industry.
The board aims to provide a better understanding of the techniques required in the industry. It includes models, photographers, videographers, makeup artists, stylists and the behind the scenes creative crew.
Chelsi Banks, a freshman modeling for the board, has grown personally and professionally during her time with the organization.
“It helped me make more friends with the same interests as me. It makes you feel like you have more of a community here. Professionally, I want to work for magazines. I know how the photo shoots will work for a magazine and I know if I ever needed to go to a photo shoot and help, I would know how to help,” Banks said.
Banks explained that the modeling board collaborates with other modeling and photography organizations, such as the Apparel Merchandising and Design Association.
In addition to being involved in a community of fellow models, the models on the board are given a competitive advantage and often picked earlier by modeling charts.
Banks believes that the modeling board encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their creative sides.
“The modeling board is more about growing yourself and helping other people grow in what they love to do. I think it gives a lot of people the opportunity to do something that they normally wouldn’t do,” Banks said.
Sarah Khan, a sophomore modeling for the board, believes the club has an impact on the culture of campus.
“I think the modeling board brings out a very artistic side on campus. You see a lot of people on the board with really awesome fashion and they, like a lot of people on campus, don’t really show that side of themselves. It’s a unique thing they bring on campus,” Khan said.
Khan highlighted how special it is to have photo shoots in a variety of places around Auburn and Opelika.
“I’ve had photo shoots in a laundromat. I did one at the art museum. It’s so fun because we have all kinds of different themed photo shoots and I love all the people I’ve met,” Khan said.
Through the modeling board, students have the opportunity to network with other modeling organizations, especially those around Auburn. Khan has been able to make many connections.
The modeling board consistently posts on Instagram, giving models the chance to be contracted by an agency.
Kacey Lyn, an Auburn University Modeling Board alumna, had a positive modeling experience and made many connections from being on the board.
“My second semester being on the modeling board, I discovered V Management and right before I graduated, I signed with them. Now I am a signed model and it has given me the opportunity to work countless jobs. I’ve walked in New York Fashion Week for two different shows and I’ve been published twice,” Lyn said.
She highlighted the diversity of the modeling board and how it shaped her experience by explaining how the modeling board is not strict about wanting a certain look. Students of various looks and measurements can become a model at any time.
Lyn emphasized the importance of taking every opportunity that is thrown one's way.
“Don’t look at the modeling board and create assumptions. You might look at this group of people and think ‘That’s not who I see walking in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.’ Models look like your neighbor. They can literally be anybody, and sometimes the person that looks the least like your average model is the person that’s gonna get you published,” Lyn said.
The AU Modeling Board is open for anyone who wants to audition.
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