Brenna Bigs - I try to integrate art in all aspects of my life

I agree that self-confidence is key when it comes to any type of art, including modeling and self-confidence. I would say that the most important thing to remember is your value and image. Is your art demonstrating your worth? How do you want to come off to your audience? If the art that you are doing does not reflect this, then don’t do it. Also, don’t be afraid to say no. You don’t need to be overly sexualized for success. I’ve had so many male photographers try to push me to reveal more or do more than I was comfortable with in shoots, and I’ve had a hard time always saying no, but it’s something you have to do. I had to explain to them that I’m ok with revealing more, but it has to serve a purpose that makes statements that align with my views. Create what you want to create - it’s your art form, express yourself how you wish to.

Can you tell us about your roots, about growing up?

I grew up in a very loving family in Denver, Colorado. My father, a music teacher, pushed my siblings and me to be musically knowledgeable. This is where my passion for performance arts, playing the ukulele, and piano comes from. I also studied vocal music at Denver School of the Arts for five years, then went to complete my high school education at Leysin American School in Switzerland.

What was your childhood / teenage dream? What did you want to become?

I always loved performing - as a middle child, I craved attention, and performance seemed to be my calling. I loved to sing and do musical theatre, so my dream as a child was to perform one day on Broadway. Unfortunately, I’m not the best at learning dance moves or memorizing lines, so I moved on from this dream to complete a psychology degree and pursue stand-up comedy.

When did you start with modeling? Can you recall that photo session?

My first modeling session was with Annaleisa Friednash, a classmate of mine from Denver School of the Arts. In Spring of 2015, she had asked me to model for her to expand her photography portfolio. I was eager to try modeling because it was new and seemed fun, and it was a good way I could catch up with my good friend. I ended up putting these photos on my Instagram and photographers started reaching out to me for photoshoots!

You have done some artsy project about Feminism. Can you tell us more about that?

As a woman, I am very passionate about women’s rights and gender equality. Many of my photoshoots have feminist themes to them. I like to create projects that tell a story about the struggles women face. One particular statement I’ve loved working on is free the nipple. I believe that if men can show their nipples, so should women. If we are to be equal, we need to be treated equally. I’m fighting to desexualize breasts so people can become more comfortable with women’s bodies.

Comedy. You are all into that. Tell us about your approach to comedy, stand up, role models.

I started to do stand-up comedy in August 2017. I started as a musical comedian, because I have experience with music, and I liked writing funny songs. After having positive feedback on my comedic songs, I started to do stand-up on its own and have become more comfortable in front of an audience. Stand-up is scary! It’s a unique art - you are the writer, the performer, and the editor. You have so many roles that you are responsible for, it’s a lot of pressure, and bombing is hard! The key is to continue going to open mics so you are comfortable having both good nights and bad nights. I am a dark comedian - I love dark humor. I do take comedy seriously though. I always am taking notes like the comedy student I am! My favorite comedians now are Kathleen Madigan and John Mulaney. They always make me laugh and have unique styles about them!

Youtube channel. More about that. Also, how hard is to start a youtube channel? Recording, editing, advertise?

I advertise more on Instagram and Facebook, but I do have a Youtube channel so people can access my musical comedy. I love things to be perfect before I post them on Youtube, but this is difficult to achieve, so I often am not completely happy with what I post. I have yet to post any of my stand-up routines because I think they need more work!

What would be your advice to young girls who would like to start modeling career? Also, your advice when it comes to stand up comedy. My opinion is that there is a lot of self-confidence when it comes to both things.

Can you give an advice, to people in general, how not to be ashamed of their body? We have published curvy and plus size bikini & nude models, they have had big problems with their confidence before they started to do modeling.

Everyone has things they are self-conscious about. I am happy with my body, for the most part, but there are times I want my body to look different. I mostly just want to be more active and eat better to be healthier. You will have days you feel great, and others in which you don’t. You’ve just got to be okay with what you’ve got, and if you’re not happy, you’re the one who needs to empower yourself to change it if it’s attainable. All that I wish for anyone is a happy, healthy body! If you’re healthy, then there’s no reason to have body shame.

What kind of art, in general, do you like?

I am a very creative person. I try to integrate art into all aspects of my life. Of course, I love music, modeling, and stand-up, but I also like being on the other side of the camera and decorating my journals.

Any hobbies?

I love learning, so I spend a lot of time reading now that I’m no longer in school. I go to the public library at least once a week - it’s a great resource that I feel very lucky to have! I also have a small business with my sister making artistic soaps!