Ladies and gentlemen, Magnificent Martese Mason is the latest beauty to grace the pages of IREP Magazine Online. This Virginia native can be seen in several calendars, magazines, and shows throughout Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Take a closer look - if you think you can handle it!
Ms. Martese Mason! Tell us about how you got into modeling.
I got into modeling through good old MySpace lol like everyone else...Rob Harrison, a photographer, contacted me...and from there was my first photo shoot
How old were you when this happened?
20
Tell me about your modeling career - where might we have seen you before?
As far as modeling, you might've seen me in the Fantasies Unleashed calendar 2008...that's probably my biggest career booster. From those photos, I've received way more attention and exposure.Lately I've been doing a lot of lingerie fashion shows for different clubs in WashingtonD.C. - and that's been fun!
What was your first shoot like?
Wow! Lol!My first shoot!It was interesting! I really had no clue what to do.So the night before I studied hard at every Victoria Secrets catalogue I had in order to get some idea of what to do.The facial expressions were very hard for me to grasp...to actually convey meaning. I didn't understand that modeling was a very fluid thing...there's no need to stay in a position for more than 2 seconds. Nonetheless from that shoot I gained a lot more confidence and understanding of how to model
Who is your favorite photographer to work with?
So, far there have been two that have blown my mind.Shemeka Barley is an amazing photographer who knows how to shoot the best angle.There's this other photographer, William, who's with Images-n-Photography who does great work w/ lighting.He can set any mood you're going for.
What was your first big break?
I wouldn't say I've had a big break yet, but I have had some great opportunities. I think modeling wise the Fantasies Unleashed calendar 2008 has got me the most recognition and acting wise would have to be the independent film, "Jewslim", I did w/ accredited actor/producer/writer Eli Harris
What's it like living and growing up in Virginia?
It was nice, but kind of slow-paced.I would love to live here long-term if I hadn't grown up here.But now, I'm over it.
I see you're in college? What's your major? Why did you choose that field?
Yep, I attend OldDominionUniversity.My major is Communications w/ a minor in Acting.Honestly, I chose communications because nothing else really piqued my interest.This is the only field I could actually see myself working in if acting and modeling don't work out...but they will ;)
Has anyone ever told you that you couldn't be a model?
No
Tell us about a time when you felt like giving up on modeling?
I never felt like giving up on modeling, but there have been times when I reconsidered my priorities.I just thought, wow, this business really is hard to get into and make a name for yourself.It really is about who you know.
How did you get through that tough period?
I kept submitting myself to different potential jobs and finally started seeing results from my hard work.
You have a stylish and sexy portfolio covering lots of different locations. Of all the cities you've visited for shoots, which one was your favorite and why?
t was in the backyard of a home in Maryland.It was a gorgeous location. The pool and scenery were beautiful and very surreal. It didn't match the city the shoot was in
Where are some of the places you've traveled that you would not want go to again and why?
Nowhere, I pretty much have liked everywhere I've gone. I mean most of the places involved beaches, so who wouldn't like that
Have you ever posed nude? If not - would you ever consider it? Why or why not?
No, I haven't.I think it stifles your career once you do it.Then you get pegged as being just a "nude" model...it's hard to come out of that
If you had $10,000 to buy only clothes at just 3 stores, and you had only one day to do it, what are the names of 3 stores, where are they located, and what you would buy?
Hmm this is kind of hard to narrow down but it definitely would be Astoria which is located in Miami, Nicole Miller which is in Miami as well, and Robert Cavailli which is in L.A...Lol 10,000 would not last long at all w/ these stores
How do you feel about the stereotypes people have towards models?
No one can escape stereotypes...They will always be there so...I guess me personally, I'm just trying not to fit into those stereotypes and be diverse in what I do
How often do you work out?
Not as much as I should...But I'm going to start going at least 3-4 times a week
What do you like to do for fun? I've been told that you love things that are action-packed!!
Yeah well I love amusement parks...I could go there everyday. The highest roller coasters possible!I also love snowboarding. It's so hard but so much fun...I love trying new things...I really want to do surfing soon so hopefully I'll do that in the summer
Other than modeling, what other talents do you have?
My other talent would be acting - which I'm still fine-tuning everyday.
Tell us more about you - what would you like the world to know about you?
I want the world to see my work everywhere.I want my face to be seen in the magazines and my acting to be in the theatres.I want everyone to know that determination and persistence do pay off and that I have done this from the very beginning...I put in and continue to put in hard work so I can have a thriving career
Where do you work?
Nowhere right now - I'm a full-time student.
What is your ultimate goal for your modeling career?
I want the world to see my work everywhere.I want my face to be seen in national magazines and my acting to be in the theatres nationwide.
Once you finish modeling, what would you like to leave as your legacy - since it seems most people only care about is the right now.
That I deserved every opportunity that came my way because I was talented at what I did.And that I'm a nice person ;)
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I would go back to Turks and Caicos. It's absolutely beautiful and very relaxing.
What type of modeling do you enjoy the most (fashion photos, swimsuit, runway, sexy spreads, artistic layouts, theme shots, or other)
I like them all but probably swimsuits, glamour, and theme shots...
Has anyone ever asked you or tried to force you to do something crazy or wrong to land a modeling job?
One time someone told me the only way I could make would be if I posed nude!He claimed since I wasn't 5'8" I would never have a legitimate career in modeling.
Do you think ethnic models get a bad rap by ethnic publications in how they are portrayed?
(For example - Hispanics women with low riders trucks cars, black women in booty shorts and clear heels, while white women are in Vogue).
Not necessarily a bad rap - but they do limit themselves on future jobs because of the stereotype.That's one of my biggest fears.I never want to be labeled or typecast as a "video" or "urban" model. I think it limits opportunities greatly...and it's very hard to build a successful career after that
What was you proudest moment as a model?
So far, it has been the Fantasies Unleashed 08 calendar. Just the fact that the pictures came out so well. It showed me that I actually have what it takes to make a successful career out of modeling
How does your family feel about your modeling career?
They support it all the way!Whatever makes me happy!
What is the most important thing in your life right now?
Getting my acting and modeling career off the ground and doing what it takes to make it extremely successful
Are you married, single or in a relationship?
Single!
Tell us what the Marvelous Ms. Mason is looking for?
I'm looking for someone that is loyal, funny, modest, and ambitious...basically someone that has his shit together.Oh - and obviously, he has to be attractive!
Would you fight for your man or to get another woman's man?
When I was younger I did. But now I realize it just looked stupid to fight for what you think is yours. If you're fighting for it, you're definitely sharing him with someone else...but if it's a good, honest relationship, you'll never have to fight for it
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is sex in a relationship?
Definitely 10!!
What is the sexiest thing about men?
Sincerity and when they are truthfully themselves, and don't pose like they are trying to be someone from some rap video
What is the sexiest thing about women?
When she doesn't care about what people think...does her own thing...not afraid to branch out ....not a lot of women can do that.That's what I strive for
Love v/s passion what's your stance or are they the same thing?
They're not necessarily the same thing - but I do believe they go hand in hand...when you're passionate about something, it usually means you love it.It doesn't have to be true the opposite way...just because you love something, doesn't mean you have to be passionate about it
Sexually, do you prefer men, women, or both?
Men
Overall guys don't mind if a woman is bisexual (Especially if they can share!). Would you date a bisexual man? Why do you think the double standard?
No.Because to me that just means they are gay
Since beauty is only skin deep, what best describes you as a person?
Loyal, determined, and passionate about what I love, open-minded, and I try my best to be non-judgmental
Do you fall into the cliché - look good, but dumb as rocks.
Nope
Do you think men are intimated by your beauty?
No
When going to clubs do you buy your own drinks?
No, I usually just drink before I go out
Do you live to eat or eat to live?
I live to eat!I loveeeee food!!I have to enjoy it. I can't just scarf it down
If you were the last women on earth, what man would you want with you to replenish the earth?
Lol that's a good question!Umm... I don't have anyone particular in mind, but someone sexy, athletic, kind, and intelligent...that way I can start mankind off the right way w/ all the best traits ;)
How would you like to be remembered?
As a successful talented actress and model who used her celebrity to help the less fortunate...that's what I plan to do in the future... make movies, model, raise awareness about important issues, and act to make it better
What projects are you currently working on? What should our readers be on the lookout for?
In February, I'll be doing lingerie shows at various clubs in D.C....I'm shooting a short film in Richmond right now called The Camera Eye...I'm modeling for the websiteRC Couture wedding gowns which should be up by February...and I have a music video shoot in early February. The artist's name is Bundy....I'm just trying to stay busy
Where can we get a copy of the "Fantasies Unleashed" calendar?
You can go on http://www.kckmodels.com/e-commerce-solutions-catalog.html/
and pick up a copy!
What advice would you give to the other models out there that are trying to make their dreams come true?
I really can't give advice because I'm still trying to make my dream come true for myself...but ultimately I think its determination