We recently connected with Quinn Heinrichs and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Quinn , so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
By choosing modelling as a career, I am able to implement self-care into my daily routine. By integrating wellness, physical fitness, and self-expression into my life, I’m able to ensure that I have energy and a positive mindset during demanding shoots. This holistic approach not only contributes to my overall well-being but also reflects in the quality of my work. Modelling serves as more than just a job—it’s a creative outlet. Having fun with styling and merchandising my projects, I find joy in seeing ideas come to life in beautiful imagery. As an artist, this creative expression is necessary for my ability to thrive and I do my best to implement it into every aspect of my life.
Voicing my self-determination and a belief in my own capabilities is integral to my self-care routine. Speaking these affirmations out loud as I get ready boosts my confidence during shoots and contributes to successful outcomes. By prioritizing self-care, I’ve been able to establish a solid foundation for my modelling career, ensuring effectiveness and authenticity in every project.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve been working as a published, professional freelance model in Vancouver since 2017. As a Black Woman, I have a particular passion for using my skillsets to showcase the work of other talented BIPOC artists, whether that be designers, photographers, hair artists or product creators. I utilize my Fashion and Beauty Make-up, as well as industry standard training, from Vancouver Film School to ensure that my clients get the best outcome for their photo and video shoots. I find that modelling as a career allows me to integrate wellness, physical fitness and self expression into my every day life. I have a lot of fun with styling and merchandising my creative projects and love seeing an idea come to life and develop into a beautiful piece of imagery. I have been honoured to extend those skills to other creators in more of an Art Direction position, creating teams of artists that respect each other, work well together and create magic.
I am a Daytime Emmy and Leo Award winning Makeup Effects Artist, working primarily as a creature lab technician in Vancouver’s bustling film industry since 2018. I’ve worked on films such as Aliens Stole My Body (2020), Childs Play (2019) and Corrective Measures (2022). This work entails a wide variety of tasks making up the fabrication of prosthetics, dummy bodies, and all things “monster”. My favorite thing to do is hair punching. Pushing individual strands of hair into an appliance in order to replicate hair growing from the surface. Whether it’s a replication of a human or animal likeness or in the creation of a completely new character, this is always my favorite step.
Similarly, my favorite way to illustrate is pointillism. I’ve been a fine artist since I can remember. I’ve always been very focused on realism and prefer the small detail work. I like to draw portraits of Black pop Culture icons. My current works in progress include Prince, Missy Elliot, Killer Mike and many more. I also love to paint. Using acrylic paint to create strong color and contrast, I focus on emphasizing textures that I love to play with in my fashion styling work, like shine and sparkle. My portfolio of self-initiated and collaborative projects has led to opportunities such as a mural commissioned by District Cafe in Edmonton, AB in 2016 as well as many portrait requests and set decoration projects.
Color and Sway is my brand where I showcase my fine art skills and current projects. Some of my plans for Color and Sway include creating coloring books, paint by numbers, prints and so much more out of my pieces. This is also where you can check out my styling work, including the custom press on nails that I create (another fave task at the creature lab- but think more glam-less zombie!). I believe that the small detail work can make all the difference, whether on the big screen or editorial fashion photography. That goes for the creativity and production, as well as the organization and prep skills that go into making a piece of art. I believe that we define our own success and should explore our ideas to the fullest.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three key elements that significantly influenced my journey were consistently prioritizing daily artistic practice, actively seeking opportunities in the environments I aspired to be part of, and seizing every chance to acquire knowledge and enhance my skills. For individuals at the outset of their journey, I recommend getting to know those in your surroundings, surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who inspire and uplift you, and cultivating an environment that fosters a mindset of success even before tangible achievements. Speak to the winner in you.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
For Jewelry and Apparel Brands: I bring dedication and professionalism to every photoshoot, striving to embody your brand’s aesthetic. My focus is on creating relatable lifestyle connections with your audience. By showcasing diverse combinations of jewelry and apparel, I aim to encourage multiple purchases and inspire fashion trends.
For Hair and Makeup Artists:
As a model, I serve as a living representation of hairstylists’ and makeup artists’ skills, creativity, and brand identity. My adaptability to different techniques, diverse styling, and contribution to portfolios and social media presence make me an essential partner for professionals in the beauty industry. I am dedicated to enhancing your reputation and attracting a wider client base through collaborative efforts.
For Fashion Designers:
With a commitment to arriving well-prepared and facilitating prompt fittings, I contribute to accurate garment assessments. My patience during time-consuming fittings, adaptability to various clothing styles, and dedication to showcasing how garments fit and move make me an ideal collaborator. I am eager to work together to achieve the desired fit and aesthetic of your designs.
For Photographers and Creators:
I specialize in bringing creative concepts to life through expressions, poses, and body language. Transforming abstract ideas into tangible visual stories, I contribute to photographers’ and creatives’ portfolios. My collaborative spirit, creativity, and ability to express emotions make me an invaluable asset in the world of photography and creative arts.
If you are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities, please feel free to reach out to me via email at [email protected]. Additionally, you can follow my modelling account on Instagram @qheinrichsyvr and my art account @colorandsway for a glimpse into my portfolio.
I would like to emphasize my commitment to working with and uplifting people of color. Diversity is a key aspect of my collaborative approach, and I am dedicated to ensuring representation and inclusivity in all creative projects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @qheinrichsyvr @colorandsway
Image Credits
Valeriia Zaporozhets, Irene Simpson Ajay Randhawa Arjun Sethi, Singh Styles Georgie Lawson Nick Taillefer Ariella Horvath, CRWND Hair
