Out of all the models I’ve featured on the blog I always go through a process to get an interview. After a model’s post does really well, I’ll reach out to her and see if she’s interested in setting up a session to work on an interview. This particular beauty however, was so engaging, I figured I’d skip the preliminaries and go right to an interview. From music video production, to modeling, to promoting, to being a full fledged make up artist, miss Anna Novikov is quite the busy woman. Russian born, and Bay Area raised, I was thrilled to get a chance to pick Anna’s brain, and find out just how she feels about the modeling game, her background, and what she plans on taking over next. Check the method below.
DJ Storm: So tell everyone a little bit about your background, and what you do when your not in front of the camera.
Anna Novikov: I went to George Washington High School in San Francisco, in school I was a bit of a bad kid. I ended up graduating with my high school diploma from John Adams City College campus and I’m currently in the process of becoming a domestic violence counselor.
DJS: Growing up, was modeling one of the things you wanted to get into?
AN: When I was younger, my mother on a trip, I remember being about 3 years old, my mom took me to some modeling audition. They wanted me to walk down the runway and introduce my self. Being the stubborn little kid I was, on top of thinking that was stupid, I just did what I saw on TV. Walked down the runway, did a turn at the end and walked back. Needless to say both the instructor and my mother weren’t too pleased. That’s my first memory of modeling. From the time I was 5 till about the time i was 13, I did different types of dance and theater, but modeling was never really on my radar again until I was 18.
DJS: How did you get started modeling at 18?
AN: People just kinda started to tell me that I should do it. Being an only child I enjoyed being the center of attention, and even tho I’m a bit of an introvert, I do like the spot light. Sometimes when I look at pictures of myself, I’m like “no that’s not me”. I don’t necessarily see what other people see, and even growing up, boys didn’t really like me. I was 90 pounds, because i was so active, but maturity and confidence came with time. My first shoot was with a guy named Javier Padella, and it went really well, I was very comfortable with everything. And after that, it gave me a little window into how large a modeling career could be.
DJS: Whats been your favorite shoot so far.
AN: It was a commercial shoot in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and everything came out SO well. I woke up that morning, and I was just sick and tired, and just wasn’t physically up to going, but I didn’t want to flake, so I dragged myself there, and fortunately the photos came out amazing.
DJS: So I know you do a lot more than just photoshoots, what video shoots have been your favorites?
AN: I would have to say, my favorite music video that I’ve been in, is the PZ featuring San Quinn and The Jacka, that was my favorite shoot. Everybody was just really cool. It was outside, it was in the sun, it was laid back, fun, and a very professional environment.
DJS: In terms of music videos if you could work with anyone, who would you want to shoot with?
AN: I’d LOVE to do a Beyonce video, simply because she’s so inspiring to women, so is everything she portrays. As for men, I always want to be more than just a video vixen shaking her ass, I want to be part of the story, I want to portray women in a better light than just being a whore. So more along the lines of Common, or Musiq Soul Child who are some of my favorite artists. And even a little sexier like Rahim Devaughn.
DJS: Do you think that you growing up in the bay gives you an edge over people in your industry that were born and raised in cities like New York or L.A.?
AN: I feel it gives me an edge because I have a lot less of a sense of entitlement. I want to work to become an icon, not just feel like because I was raised in a place with a lot of icons that I deserve to be one. I also want to give young women and girls something to strive for, instead of looking up to someone who only uses their beauty or their looks to get what they want. I’ve grown up to love making a difference and to just have fun with what I do.
DJS: Are there any photographers or artists that you’d want to work with in the future?
AN: I would love to work with any Bay artist that wants to make a difference instead of fitting a mold. I love the work from RiSF, and I’d love to work with them. And other than that I’ve already worked with some of the best, like Rick Flare, San Quinn and The Jacka. Outside of bay based artists, I was recently a production assistant on a J Valentine video, so working with him again would be great.
DJS: So I know you’ve talked about producing videos, and being a production assistant, so aside from being infront of the camera, what else do you do.
AN: I’m a makeup artist, and thanks to one of my really good friends Hagar Elaziz who’s produced videos for Quincy (Diddy’s son) and tons of bay area artists I’ve gotten the opportunity to be a PA, and do production coordination. She really helped me to get a behind the scenes feel for the entertainment business, which made me realize that there’s a lot more work to experience aside from being IN a video. She’s gotten me to appreciate all the work that goes into filming, and the entire production process behind a video.
DJS: As a model what are some of the things you’d hope to accomplish throughout the course of your career
AN: I have a very interesting look, in the sense that my face is very ‘commercial’ and my body is very ‘urban’, as of right now I’m really trying to find my place. I’d love to do actual commercial reels, for things like make up, or Fredricks, or clothing lines. But I know I’d love to grace the pages of Maxim and GQ. I’m versatile, so taking over the world is also an option. I love what I do, and I don’t want fame for the money, I want fame to change the world. I know that sounds like a very cookie cutter answer, but I’m just an ugly ducking trying to break out of my shell.
DJS: What type of music do you normally listen to?
AN: R&B and Hip Hop have always been favorites. Like I said before, I love Common, Mos Def, or anyone who tells a story in their music. For R&B, its people like Chrisette Michelle, and Beyonce, because once again, she’s a strong woman who shows you can also be sexy.
DJS: So I ask this in EVERY interview, and I love the responses I get from this question. Obviously you have guys chasing you around all the time, so what’s the worst line you’ve ever heard from a guy… So far?
AN: I honestly couldn’t give one particular story. But I hate it when guys talk to me, and look at my ass at the same time. I don’t know how you expect to get a response from me when your hollering “Aye, Aye lil mama!” and your staring at my ass before you look into my eyes.
DJS: Well I’m sure that can be annoying, but on the flip side, whats your ideal man?
AN: Someone that’s willing to pleas, but strong. I want my man to be my best friend, tell me everything. Communication is key. I don’t ask for much, but it seems to be a lot since I’m still single.
DJS: Do you have any advice for those girls out there who are trying to get started in either commercial modeling or urban modeling?
AN: Simply put… Follow your instincts, and stay true to who you are. Don’t let this business change you.
DJS: And where can guys (or girls) find more info on you?
AN: On twitter @BaYbAyBaY415 or on Facebook, but for serious inquiries, hit me on my Model Mayhem. And thanks to my manager, I’ll have my own .com by Christmas. Stay tuned.
