Jenna Hildebrand, a visual arts major, not only balances a full class schedule, but walks the runway on the side.  

Hildebrand’s first experience of the modeling world began with projects for friends. Photos from one of the projects were liked so much they were featured in the 2013 spring catalogue for a clothing company called Geneologie. These projects soon evolved to walking for seven designers at Fashion Week New Orleans.  

Jenna Hildebrand is a visual arts major who balances
school with a modeling career. She considers modeling
a source of professional and personal fulfillment. 
Courtesy of Jenna Hildebrand

“Fashion Week New Orleans is this big event where a bunch of designers submit their designs to it and it’s essentially a big fashion show, where there are multiple fashion shows a day,” said Hildebrand. “For example, I walked for seven designers, we had two shows one day, two shows another day and another show the last day.”

Hildebrand also dabbled in acting, appearing in multiple films and obtaining speaking roles in a couple. She was a member of Talented Theatre and Talented Art during high school, all of which she believes aided her modeling career.

Hildebrand is using what she has learned from modeling in her major courses. Her interest in modeling comes from its relation to her field of study. 

“It’s all under arts, whether it’s visual arts or performing,” said Hildebrand. “Modeling is tied into the whole realm of visual arts. When you’re an art major, you are exposed to so many different kinds of art:  could be a print, a painting or even a video. It’s inspired by some kind of emotion or a message the artist wanted to get across. When you’re modeling, your designer has a vision and it’s your job to get that vision across. It’s all a part of an image you are trying to project. As far as self-expression goes, modeling and art are all tied together because you are the art.”

Even though modeling is tied to Hildebrand’s major, the feelings she experiences while walking in front of a crowd on the runway are something all their own.

“[Walking on the runway] felt exhilarating,” Hildebrand said. “It’s an awesome feeling. It seems like it’s really glamorous, and that part is, but the rest of it is kind of different. It’s a very interesting industry to be a part of. When I walked in the model call, I could instantly feel the pressure, but when you walk out on the runway, it’s very exciting.”

Despite the glamorous appeal of the clothes and walking in front of an audience, Hildebrand is more drawn to the independence that comes with the job.

“What I value most from the whole experience is how it challenged me,” said Hildebrand. “Sure, there was the challenge to be in shape, to not trip on the runway, all that fun stuff, but there were a lot of behind-the-scenes aspects that proved to be even more meaningful. Successfully navigating fittings from all over New Orleans to Metairie to Baton Rouge, for example. Little triumphs like finding $2 parking to bigger challenges like interacting with designers and other professionals I’d never met before.”

Hildebrand expresses how modeling helped her develop a deeper sense of self. 

“Most importantly, being in Fashion Week reminded me how important it is to know yourself, what you value,” said Hildebrand. “Even with just a glimpse into the industry, I saw how easy it could be to forget yourself and get swept away by all the excitement. With so many influences surrounding you, you have to remember who you are, or you’ll get lost. I kind of just threw myself into the whole experience, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best  decisions I’ve made because it made me more confident in relying on myself, and it reminded me of how important it is to stay rooted in my faith. What I value most from the whole experience is the opportunity it gave me to grow even more into who I want to be.”

As of now, Hildebrand still models on the side when her school schedule allows it but says her true passion lies in her studies, where she is currently concentrating in graphic design and minoring in computer science. She hopes to pursue a career in web design once she graduates.