A chat with … Sarah Tilleke

Full Name: Sarah Louise Tilleke
Age: 21
Based in: Currently, Perth
Hometown: Perth
Current Agency: Viviens
List of International agencies:
Viviens – Australia, Established – England, Women –France/Italy, Wilhelmina – America,
ICE – South Africa, Clyne- New Zealand, Munich Models – Germany.
Countries you have modelled in: Australia, NewZealand, Germany, England, America, Thailand, Spain
List some clients you have worked for so far: Marie Clare, Elle Mc Pherson Lingerie, Forever New, Burberry, Steven Kahlil, Hugo Boss, Zach Posen

 

How old were you when you started modelling, and how did you get into it?
I was 16 when I started. I was handing out resumes to work as a check out chick, someone suggested I give modelling a try so with the encouragement from my dad I sent digitals in to agency’s and Vivien’s were on the phone within 15 minutes of sending them in!

What are your most and least favourite parts of the industry?
The amazing travel opportunities that come with the job is by far my favourite thing as I loooove to see new parts of the world.
The loneliness is probably the hardest/my least favourite thing that comes with the job, because honestly I think I would be able to handle anything if I could just pack up my friends and family in my suitcase when I travel.

What has been your career highlight so far?
Shooting the Elle McPherson Intimates Campaign was pretty amazing, shooting on location and with such a wonderful crew…but I dont think anything will ever compare to working with Naomi Campbell day-in, day-out as my mentor. I still kind of have to pinch myself sometimes at how surreal the whole experience was…

What are your plans for the next twelve months?
After I finish this uni semester I’m heading off to the ‘Big Apple’ in August, where I will stay till the end of the year, but will definitely be back in time for our gorgeous Aussie Christmas! Then either head back to NY or go to London again in the new year (which is my favourite place)…I would like to keep chipping away at my degree though so we’ll see how it goes!

You were a finalist on the tv show “The Face” Australia in 2014, what was that like?
It was so unreal, I will always look back on it as the time of my life, the girls and I truly had SO much fun and I know that I came out of it such a different person for the better. Working with Naomi so intimately was also crazy, she called us her ‘baby ducks’ and treated us as such. Our team would all just hang out and chat with her in her dressing room (basically a pop-up apartment) and we learnt so much about the ‘behind the scenes Namoi’ that really only a handful of people ever get to experience.
I hate watching the show back because it makes me cringe but my memories of filming it will always be so special to me.

What is it do you think that sets you apart from other models in this industry?
I think my ability to move/pose quickly in a variety of ways on the spot makes me very easy to work with as a model and I tend to get feed back from clients who say that is what they love about me and why they book me again and again.

Who/what would be your dream client/job?
Like many, I see getting a spread/cover for Vogue or walking the VS show as the pinnacle  of modelling success, but to be honest I am happy just working regularly and being able to save/support myself and travel the world…which really, at the start of this whole thing was my dream.

Do you have a signature look that clients tend to book you for especially? What is it?
I wouldn’t say there is an absolute stand out thing about me that makes me totally different from the rest, however most of my work is commercial/body related in some way so I guess ‘my look’ is the classic brunette beauty. (Hahah! Feels like such strange thing to say about myself.)

What do you do to stay in shape? Do you have a special diet?
When I am home I like to take it easier on the diet and exercise, so just regular exercise and everything in moderation which helps take the pressure of when balancing uni. However when I’m away on stay internationally or interstate the industry is much more competitive so I try to keep on tip-top shape. I avoid sugars and carbs and try to exercise 6 days a week with a mixture of cardio and weights.

What advice would you give to a model who was just starting out?
Firstly, Work hard on your craft, that is maintaining healthy body skin and hair. Secondly stay focused on you and not others, it will help you stay grounded and all the nonsense that goes along with the industry won’t bother you. Thirdly make sure you are always having fun!

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahtilleke01

Add Sarah on Snap Chat: sarahtilleke

View Sarah’s portfolio on viviensmodels.com.au