Autumn Marie: Fashion has always felt like a natural extension of who I am.

How did your journey into modeling begin, and what was the moment you realized this was something you wanted to pursue seriously?

My passion for modeling started when I was very young. I used to watch modeling shows with my grandmother, practice poses in the mirror, and even walk around balancing books on my head pretending I was on a runway. I always told people I wanted to become a model one day. I still remember being asked in sixth grade what I wanted to be when I grew up, and without hesitation, my answer was a model.

Modeling has always felt natural to me because I genuinely love the creativity, expression, and confidence that come with it. There’s an indescribable energy I feel when I’m on set, dressed up and fully immersed in the moment. Although the passion has always been there, this year is when I truly began taking intentional steps toward pursuing it seriously by building my portfolio, collaborating creatively, and putting myself out there for new opportunities. My motivation has only continued to grow from there.

You work across editorial, lifestyle, and glamour — three spaces that each carry a distinct visual language. How do you shift between them, and which feels most natural to you?

Each space allows me to express a different side of myself creatively. Editorial gives me the freedom to lean into mood, styling, and storytelling. Lifestyle feels more natural and relatable, allowing authenticity to come through. Glamour allows for confidence, femininity, and presence.

Shifting between them is less about becoming someone different and more about emphasizing different aspects of my personality and energy depending on the creative direction. Editorial and glamour probably feel the most natural to me because they allow for stronger visual expression.

Seattle isn't typically the first city that comes to mind in fashion conversations. How has being based there shaped your creative path, and do you see it as an advantage?

Being based in Seattle has taught me to be resourceful, intentional, and proactive in creating opportunities for myself. While it may not be viewed as one of the major fashion capitals, the creative community here has allowed me to build meaningful collaborations and grow within a more personal and supportive environment. I think being in a smaller market can actually be an advantage because it encourages individuality and pushes you to stand out creatively.

At the same time, I’m very open to traveling for modeling opportunities and expanding beyond my local area. I think staying open to new environments, collaborations, and experiences is an important part of growing within the industry and continuing to evolve creatively.

Your work is often described as balancing confidence with subtle storytelling. How intentional is that — and how much of it happens in the moment on set?

There is definitely intention behind it, but I also think some of it happens naturally. I’m very aware of mood, body language, and the feeling I want an image to convey, but I also allow room for spontaneity once I’m on set. Some of the strongest images come from being present and responsive to the environment, styling, and energy of the team around me.

Personal style is something you've mentioned as part of your identity as a creative. How does your off-camera aesthetic inform what you bring in front of the lens?

My off-camera style definitely influences the energy I bring into my modeling work. I’m drawn to fashion that feels expressive, unique, and confident — a mix of Y2K influences, street style, statement pieces, and more elevated, classy looks.

I’ve always loved putting outfits together and using fashion as a form of self-expression. Growing up, my family always called me a fashionista because I was constantly dressing up, experimenting with different styles, and creating looks.

One of my favorite childhood memories was playing a game I called “fashion,” where I would dress up in my grandmother’s dresses, purses, and wedge heels pretending I was modeling. I think that early creativity and love for style still shows up in the way I approach shoots today. Fashion has always felt like a natural extension of my personality.

Building a brand as a model in 2024 involves a lot more than bookings. What does that process look like for you day to day?

For me, it involves much more than showing up for shoots. Day to day, it includes curating content, networking, building relationships with photographers and creatives, researching opportunities, refining my social presence, and thinking strategically about long-term growth. Modeling today requires both creative and entrepreneurial thinking.

When you step into a collaboration with a photographer or creative director for the first time, how do you approach finding a shared vision quickly?

Communication is everything. I like to understand the creative vision beforehand through mood boards, styling discussions, or general concept conversations. Once on set, I focus on being adaptable, open to direction, and contributing ideas where appropriate. A strong collaboration usually comes from mutual trust and clarity.

Glamour photography has a long and layered history. What does glamour mean to you as a working model — and what do you think it should mean?

To me, glamour is about confidence, intention, and presence. It goes beyond simply looking polished or beautiful — it’s about creating imagery that feels elevated, expressive, and visually impactful. I think glamour should feel empowering and artistic rather than one-dimensional.

Is there an editorial or campaign you've been part of that genuinely surprised you — either in how it came together or in what it revealed about your range?

Every collaboration teaches me something different, but I’ve especially enjoyed projects that pushed me outside of my comfort zone or introduced me to new creative directions. Those experiences often reveal more versatility and help me grow both technically and creatively.

Creative direction is something you're actively developing alongside your modeling work. What drew you to that side of the process, and how does it change the way you show up on set?

As I’ve grown in modeling, I became increasingly interested in the bigger picture behind an image: styling, mood, composition, branding, and narrative. Creative direction allows me to contribute beyond posing and be more intentional about the final result. It makes me more collaborative and more aware of how every detail contributes to the story.

What is the most important thing you've had to unlearn since you started — something the industry taught you that you've had to consciously set aside?

I don’t think there’s necessarily something major I’ve had to unlearn yet, but one thing I’ve become very aware of is not taking rejection personally. Modeling is such a subjective industry, and not every opportunity is meant for every person.

I’ve learned to view every “no” as redirection rather than failure. To me, every opportunity that doesn’t work out is simply bringing me closer to the ones that are truly aligned for me creatively and professionally.

Where do you see your presence in editorial and brand spaces three to five years from now, and what are you actively doing today to build toward that?

In the next three to five years, I see myself firmly established within both editorial and high-end brand spaces, contributing to campaigns and publications such as Vogue and other leading fashion and lifestyle magazines. My goal is to be collaborating with luxury and globally recognized brands while earning at a top-tier level, all while maintaining full creative alignment with my aesthetic and values. I want my presence in the industry to feel distinct and instantly recognizable — a brand that is uniquely built around my identity, vision, and consistency.

Right now, I’m intentionally laying that foundation by refining my portfolio, curating a strong and cohesive personal brand, and being highly selective and strategic about the projects I take on. I’m also actively expanding my professional network and focusing on opportunities that push me closer to long-term editorial and luxury brand positioning. Beyond personal success, I want my journey to serve as inspiration for other young women, showing that with discipline, vision, and persistence, it’s possible to turn creative ambition into a sustainable and impactful career.

Hair Stylist: Desiree @hair.by.des.gj

Photographer: Ronin Photo @ronin.photo

Model: Autumn Marie @autumnn.mariiee