Often perceived as a ruthless industry, modeling has its ways of testing an individual's determination and sense of self. This has become apparent to Martha Andre, who dove into her career with hopes of fulfilling a longtime dream. As challenging as things can get, the 24-year-old has experienced different facets of the job and found lifelines along the way—one of which is herself.
Signed with multiple agencies around Asia, Martha finds her home base with Luminary Model Management, which she's been a part of since early 2023. Preview had a chat with the up-and-comer to learn more about her journey and the tidbits of wisdom she's picked up so far.
Preview Go-See: Martha Andre
Hi Martha! How did you get your start in the modeling industry? Tell us the story of how you got “discovered.”
"I really just started with a dream and had zero to no expectations. One day, I thought to myself that I should start applying to agencies by sending in some self-taken snaps at home. I had nothing to lose if it didn't work out. I applied to a lot of agencies—some asked questions but never got back to me, and some denied or rejected me."
"But then Luminary Manila really made my dream of becoming a model come true by signing me to be a part of their roster. I'm thankful I decided to take a leap for that dream."
How long have you been a model and what do you love the most about it?
"I signed with Luminary in January 2023, so I've been modeling for two years now. I really think the most interesting part of it is collaboration. Growing up, I've always been fascinated by art in whatever form and I [recognized that these works] are made possible by various talents. I see everyone as a piece in creating one big puzzle."
"I also love storytelling, and as a model, I feel like I'm somehow part of the storytelling process of a brand, a person, or a magazine, a place. [The whole process] inspires me."
Would you say being a model is your dream job? Why or why not?
"I would be lying if I didn't say yes. [It's always been a dream] in this lifetime of mine, but I've always thought that I only had a 10% chance of actually doing it as a job. Growing up in my hometown in Cagayan De Oro, I never really thought deeply about it. It was just a fantasy in my head until I moved to Manila for university and I just took that leap."
"I've always [felt a connection] watching music videos, fashion shows and movies, and also reading magazines. The stories and expressions [captured in photos or videos] spoke to me. Despite not needing to communicate verbally, these mediums allow you to express yourself and feel connected somehow."
"Fashion makes modeling 100% more exciting, too. Little me found a home in [this line of work.] I don't exactly know how to explain it all but now that I get to [live this dream], it makes it even more crazy just thinking about it."
What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced in the modeling industry and how did you overcome it?
"A struggle I had to face again and again was getting rejected. When I would get rejected after going to castings, I used to think too deeply about it, to the point where I ended up doubting myself. I'd end up not showing my best self. I placed my worth in the amount of rejections I got."
"I was able to somehow overcome it by taking a step back and seeing what my job really is. I reminded myself that my self-worth will never be measured by the amount of rejections I get. I am enough by just being me, by showing up, and by being vulnerable."
"[I told myself that] when I go to castings, I will not get all of the jobs. Sometimes, other models for what they're looking for, and that's the reality of this job. That is how this whole thing works and I should be able to give myself grace after being rejected."
"Since then, I allowed myself to keep showing up with no expectations. I felt more relieved and that allowed me to put my most genuine self forward and to embrace my profile even more."
"One specific scenario was when I was in Thailand for a casting. When I looked around, I was literally the only female Asian model there. As I waited in line, I thought about ditching it because this would never be for me if they were looking for someone with a different profile."
"But then I just stopped thinking too deeply about it and just went through it. Days later, my agent told me that I booked the job and it was such a huge surprise for me. The experience reminded me that just showing up and embracing myself for who I am, even with the possibilities of rejection, can give me some of the biggest surprises in life."
What would you say is the most memorable project you’ve done as a model so far?
"I'm a very nostalgic person and I appreciate every single moment that has happened [in my career so far.] But something that's very special to me is a campaign I did for Fresh Philippines. I felt that project was very special because I never would've imagined to see myself in advertisements inside stores. It was just pure bliss when my parents got to see it too. This was just one of many memorable moments."
How do you see your career progressing in the future? Do you have a dream modeling gig?
"I'm honestly open to anything. I have always made space for growth and there are a lot of [things I want to do] in my modeling career. I'd love for it to grow to its fullest extent."
"Getting to work with Filipino creatives I've never worked with before is a huge dream. [I also wish] to travel to and work in different fashion capitals around the world. Being on the cover of a magazine or doing an international brand campaign are [things I hope] are in my career path."
What’s something about you that sets you apart from other models?
"One thing that [sets me apart] are my expressive eyes. They look as if I'm telling a story with just the expression on my face."
What’s your go-to model-off-duty look?
"Anything baggy works for me. My go-to look is a baby tee and low waist jeans with a small shoulder bag, silver hoops, Puma or Adidas sneakers, sunglasses, my wired earphones, and a hair tie on either wrist."
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a great model?
"Discipline, versatility, openness, and collaboration go a long way for a model. I am still trying to learn [those characteristics, too.] I also feel that if you are driven with passion and heart for what you do, it sets you to bigger heights and brings you to bigger stages. Everything flows and follows after. It just naturally brings out the best in you."
What’s your advice to aspiring models?
"It's important to have gratitude in this job because it allows you to go through every challenge with grace. It is also very important to always have space for yourself and your dreams."
"It is a gritty job being a model but at the end of the day, if you stick up for yourself despite rejections and uncertainties, you'll always end up on the road to being unstoppable."
Follow Martha on Instagram here. Book her through Luminary Manila here.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
