Briefly say Hi and tell us a little about yourself

My name is Lydia Cooke and I am a model, humanitarian and environmental activist based in Falmouth, Cornwall. Having travelled South East Asia amongst various other beautiful and complicated parts of the world I grew a fondness for the world we live in and the way that we, as humans, interact with it. From my adventures and the realisation of my passions I chose to study my degree in Geography at the University of Exeter’s Falmouth campus. I graduated from there in the summer of 2020 specifying in glaciology, natural disaster, human displacement and the all-important topic of global sustainability. Since studying, I have looked to combine my career in modelling to compliment my love of our environment by acting as an ‘eco influencer’ and blogger. My writing and social platforms aim to expand on problems and solutions for the world we live in as well as bridge the gap between science communication and public knowledge. From my modelling you may have seen me across various lifestyle brands including Passenger Clothing, Women and Waves, and Ann’s Cottage!

How did you get into modelling? Was it an early goal of yours or did the opportunity present itself to you?

It’s the age old story of ‘I just fell in to it’ for me. There was never an intention when I was young to be a model, I was always fond of the idea of being a film actress but unfortunately, I fell short at the actual skill of acting… so it never quite worked out! It all started having offered to help a friend’s sister with her A-level photography from which a university student came across the images and also asked to shoot. The rest is history really, in a snowball sort of effect the more images I created the better exposure I had and the more clients came my way! I started to model ‘professionally’ from the age of 18 and have since been signed by two agencies and have built a wonderful client base with connections across all walks of life. In fact, I even still work with the same University student who kick started my career all those years ago.

What is one thing that you really enjoy about modelling and what is one thing that frustrates you?

I know it’s cliché but it’s hard to choose just one thing that I love about the career I find myself in. There are so many levels to modelling from the smaller details like makeup and styling to bigger shoot adventures that have even taken me across the world. I guess when it comes down to it, the key thing that keeps me going is the genuine relationships you build with clients and team members along the way. I am lucky to have makeup artists and photographers as close friends now, and support from individuals who have taken time to refer me on to substantial and path defining jobs. There is a certain care for each other that is seen in the creative community, particularly in the south west. We look out for each other and seek to support others dreams alongside our own. I strongly believe if it weren’t for the people I’ve met along the way I’d be in no position to still be doing what I love. Each shoot is a different adventure with different people and I couldn’t wish for any more from a career!

In terms of frustrations, I think my main concern about modelling is that by being in the industry you become part of the darker side of social media. By acting as an ‘influencer’ and sharing perfectly edited and angled photos, you naturally fall in line as someone for young girls to compare themselves to. It’s become normal to see celebrities, influencers and models with smoothed out skin, tucked in waists and perfectly formed abs. But believe you me, we are certainly not how we come across online. We still have skin breakouts, cellulite and weight fluctuations; all things that are perfectly normal for a woman. That’s why I think it’s important to change the industry to try and offer a true sense of self to followers and remove that detachment of reality in a women’s appearance.

How has the pandemic affected you, specifically as a model, and what are some ways you have had to adapt?

At first the pandemic cut off all work entirely. Through lockdown there was no way of working, meaning 100% of my jobs were cancelled and my poor mum had to get roped in to take my photos. However, since the summer and the ability to shoot at a two meter distance, business seems to have taken off. With the increase in demand for imagery relating to online sales and shops being shut, more people than ever have needed models in order to push a constant thread of social and website content. I feel very lucky to say that this has actually meant 2020 has been my busiest year ever, despite all its bumps along the way!

In response to the crisis I also adapted to organise ‘remote shoots’. This has allowed companies to send products to Cornwall to be photographed with myself and one of many photographers within my network. With such logistics, travel and Covid risk has been massively reduced but content has still been created (not to mention within some truly amazing Cornish scenery). It seems to have worked really well and I’m excited to take the idea into 2021 as a new branch for my freelance world!

What is some advice you would have for someone looking to get into modelling?

As someone who created their own path rather than got scouted, I get asked this question a lot. I think honestly my best advice is to just be yourself and use your identity and personality as a selling point. After all, like all things in life you attract what you put out. From experience, clients are much more likely to rebook you if they are impressed by your confidence and ability to express who you are. Be sure to put yourself out there and harness social media as a platform where you can build your unique selling point; it’s becoming more and more common to be booked for your lifestyle and charisma as well as your image.

I also can’t stress enough how important it is to look after yourself and not let aesthetic pressures from the industry, such as weight and skin, get to you. Remember that modelling isn’t forever and you really shouldn’t sacrifice your mental and physical wellbeing for the short term. Modelling also isn’t just about the final image, it’s about being a team player and offering creative input; so don’t be scared to voice your ideas and offer inspiration. Above all, just make sure to enjoy yourself and appreciate building lasting relationships with creative teams along the way… it’s what makes the job worthwhile!

For more from Lydia, you can find her on Instagram here or visit her website here.