Today we’d like to introduce you to Logan Cooper.
Hi Logan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve had a passion for modeling the second I knew of its existence. My mom modeled for a couple of years before I was born and I was obsessed with looking at her comp card and photos. Through elementary and jr. high school I was always doing “photo shoots” with my friends and family.
When I was 17 years old in hair school I was asked to walk a runway in a charity event (AVEDA Catwalk for Water) for my salon because their model had dropped out last minute. They thought I did so well that they had me do it again the next year and that’s essentially what lit my fire.
After that, for months I had hinted to my family about potentially signing with a modeling agency. I come from a very left-brained group and I’ve always felt a little different in my interests. My stepmom was very hesitant at first due to the very real, cutthroat, industry that is modeling. They were very much concerned that I’d be seen as just “another pretty face” with no depth or substance. But after a little bit of convincing, we sat with a pretty reputable agency and signed that day.
I was with that agency for 4 years. I’m thankful for the exposure and connections that presented themselves in those years but after that, I thought I’d try my hand at some freelance work. I’ve always had the mentality that no one will ever prioritize my success more than myself. Ever since I made that choice, after quite a bit of hard work, research, sleepless nights, and rejection. things have picked up a great deal and I could not be more thankful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Modeling will never be smooth haha. If it was everyone would do it I think. Starting off with a modeling agency there’s always that natural instinct of comparison everyone deals with that’s even more heightened as a model.
“I’m not tall enough, I’m too curvy, these hips are going to be the death of me, my thighs touch, I need to lose 10 pounds, etc.” are all thoughts I’ve had on a daily basis since I started. Thankfully, I’ve never let those thoughts completely take over my being and I’ve learned how to manage them over the years. I’m nowhere perfect but I attribute a lot of my positive self-image to those who love and lift me up. I’d be nowhere without them.
There are a lot of stressors that come with being freelance as well. I’m messaging with about 50+ companies every week to set up shoots/campaigns. I get really stressed when I have a slow week/ month. Sometimes I feel guilty about how much I charge for an hourly rate. I get worried about potentially disappointing my clients with how I look or my abilities as a model; and so much more.
But at the end of the day, it’s all SO worth it because I’m doing what I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a full-time freelance model. I specialize in commercial, editorial, and lifestyle modeling. I would like to think I’m known for being really laid back and always striving to keep the workplace fun, upbeat, and full of laughter. I think I’m the proudest of just sticking with it.
There are so many times I wanted to quit but I’m so glad I didn’t. I think being a mixed-race model has really helped set me apart, especially in the state of Utah. My mom’s side is from the Philippines which gives me my olive skin and unique facial features. Utah is the mecca of beautiful blonde hair, and blue-eyed babes so looking a little different has given me a little bit of an edge. I also keep my hair short which I think is also unique for this area.
But I would say probably the #1 biggest reason why people book me is because I have tattoos. Utah is known for being incredibly conservative so when clients are looking for a little “edge” they usually come knocking on my door.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Building a community that uplifts and encourages you to grow is something that I’m always striving for. The cool thing is, is that it can never be fully achieved. I can always be better, I can always educate myself further, and I can always make new friends and connections.
That might sound silly to you because it sounds a lot like I’ll never be satisfied, but to me, it sounds like I’ll always be hungry for the next thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loganshayecooper.wixsite.com/logancooper
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coganlooper/
Image Credits
Paige McKenzi Burton Photography, Leah Kelley Photography, Aubree Belle Photography, Destynie Paige Photography, Wild Pines Collective Photography, Grainy Jeans Photo, Alysa Mae Photo, and Lilly Lilova Photography
