Meet Clarissa Jane

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Clarissa Jane. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Clarissa below.

Clarissa, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is such a complex concept that I don’t think I’ve fully “overcome” thus far in my life. I grew up in a very uniquely complicated environment, having seemingly no end-in-sight as to when I would come out on the other side. I was always a wild dreamer, very imaginative & set my sights high as far as who I would be in this world. The life I have now is something I dreamed about since I was a little girl & I have to pause every now & then just to take a look around & soak it all up! That goes beyond career life & my accomplishments, it’s who I am in my own mind, my internal happiness & peace. I’m so proud of the woman I’ve become & I’m so immensely grateful to the road that’s lead me here. Gratitude truly helps keep me grounded & having the best dang support system I’m blessed to run home to. In the moments I’ve experienced heavier waves of imposter syndrome, it’s almost always rooted in fear. “What if I’m not good enough?” “What if I screw it up & I don’t accomplish the task I’m given?” “Am I qualified enough? Worthy enough?” With all of the doubts that flood in, I try to remind myself that I’m allowed to trust myself. I’ve built this life I lead on hard work & resilience, I wouldn’t be here without it. I’m more than qualified to accomplish anything I set my mind to & deserve to be proud of that. Continuing to be brave enough to try new things & strengthening my confidence levels to put myself out there helps me over come those doubts or questions.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a full-time model & actress based in Austin, TX! It’s such a wonderfully exciting, ever-evolving career path to lead & it definitely keeps me growing as a human. My job as a model & what I offer to clients & brands, is that it will always go beyond just capturing a good image. When I’m on set, whether a photoshoot or show, it’s my honor to breathe life into a vision given to me by a designer, director, photographer, etc. Working as a model to me, is about crafting a piece of memorable art that defines & distinguishes your art from the rest & that is the most special & exciting thing!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Knowing your boundaries, utilizing your voice, & being a good student all at the same time. I think when you’re just starting out as a model, especially when I did, being only 15 years old, it can be intimidating to not implement your boundaries. Looking back on 15, 16, 17 year old me, she was confused! There were lots of photographers or designers that didn’t care about honoring my childhood. I was treated like an adult. At the time I, of course, saw myself as one, but I was just a child. It was hard to stay firm on boundaries at the time. I didn’t want to upset anyone or be sent home as I often saw happen to other girls. I would nod along & try not to look uncomfortable. For anyone interested in modeling, especially kids or teenagers, enforcing your boundaries has to be a priority.
Using your voice is another great skill I’ve carried with me along the way. Yes of course in terms of speaking up, related to boundaries, but also in terms of collaboration. Sometimes on set, something may not be working quite as well as the director had envisioned. If you see a better route or a more creative approach, say it! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pitched a suggestion & it ended up being the winning shot. It takes some bravery & tact, not taking over as director but using your voice if you see an opening.
That also goes hand in hand with being a good student! Being able to learn as much as you possibly can throughout the entire process, not just while on set in your own craft, but off. It takes a village to put together shoots or shows. There is so much to learn from the makeup artist, the set designer, the lighting designers, the photographers & the directors. Keeping an open mind as a student, ready to be filled with knowledge is something I think will set you apart as a model.

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?

I’m always looking for new collaborations!
I model for all types of styles but my main expertise is high fashion & editorial. I am always looking to help represent boutiques, designers, stores, & brands! If you’re interested in hiring me, feel free to reach out via email!
[email protected]

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @clarissajane_

Image Credits

Alex Helm