This week’s Campus Celeb is a typical college student, that is if a typical college student is contracted under Mac Duggal, one of the largest dress designers in the world.
Meet Skylar Witte, a freshman from Wausau, Wisconsin. She is a Political Science and Communication Arts on the rhetorical studies track awaiting to go to law school.
How did you become involved/interested in modeling?
I had always wanted to do modeling, but my senior year of high school I saw an open model call for a designer, Vienna, in Texas. I have a friend that owned a boutique that knew I wanted to pursue modeling more seriously and had known the designer for Vienna. She had talked me up to him and he wanted her to show him my Facebook. He scrolled through a bunch of my pictures and liked me based on “the consistency of my smile.” He and I had emailed back and forth and he was interested. He asked me to do a photo shoot for him and to fly down to Texas. That photo shoot was featured in Seventeen magazine’s online prom issue. Modeling for Vienna opened many doors that led me to where I am today.
How long have you been a model?
Only for a year and a half. It doesn’t feel like it, but time has flown by.
Who do you currently model for?
I model for Mac Duggal. He is one of the biggest dress designers in the world. I just started my contract and will be featured in print and runway.
How did you become a model for Mac Duggal?
So Mac Duggal had four casting calls: NYC, Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago, and over 200 girls showed up to Chicago. I walked for five minutes in front of Mac Duggal’s daughter, who is one of the main designers, and she liked me. They then picked three girls from the Chicago call and I was one of them. I got an email from them that was super casual, basically saying “hey can’t wait to work with you and have you on our team.” I called my mom in tears; I was so excited and it was super unexpected. I would have been happy even if I didn’t get it because the casting call was just a fun experience. Vienna definitely gave me the upper hand on my resume.
How have pageants helped you with your modeling and vice versa?
They have both helped me with the other. The confidence from pageants really helps me in photo shoots and modeling. The Miss Wisconsin Teen USA pageant (Skylar holds the title for first alternate 2016) helped me shift my thoughts of body image for the better. Pageants also helped me build up confidence and communication skills when working with adults.
How would you describe your personal style?
I typically just dress like a normal college student, wearing leggings and sweatshirts everyday. I do really love dressing up and wearing heels, but my typical daywear is just like everyone else.
How do you stay in shape for your modeling?
I danced all through high school, and I live close enough to the Nat so it’s not too difficult to convince myself to work out. Since summer I have been working with a trainer, Nick Kernstock from Winning Edge. He specializes in pageant training and helps me stay on a clean diet at school. A lot of it is really just about being cautious of what I’m eating. Don’t get me wrong I still love a good slice of Ian’s, but I try to eat pretty clean.
How do you find the time for all of the photo shoots on top of class and homework?
Honestly, that’s the hardest part of the whole thing. It’s a whole new level of balancing with college and photo shoots on top of that. I basically try to schedule as many shoots in a day as possible and the photographers are super flexible as long as I communicate. They are very understanding that I’m a student. Once shoots become a part of your everyday life it isn’t that big of a deal, you just get used to it.
What’s your favorite part about modeling?
I love being a positive role model to young girls and helping them with confidence and really just being themselves, especially for my friends that have younger siblings and cousins. It’s always a nice perk that sometimes they let me keep outfits and dresses from shoots.
What’s been your favorite gig so far?
It’s so hard to pick just one, but about a month ago I did a shoot with my brother. He got to see what I actually do and there is a lot more to it than “just taking pictures.”
What’s all on your resume besides Mac Duggal and Vienna?
I was the first alternate in the Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2016 pageant, among several other pageants. I was also the Distinguished Young Woman of Marathon County 2015. I was a brand ambassador for Faviana and was a model for a boutique out of Madison called Blue Chic Boutique. I am super fortunate for all of the opportunities I have had. It still feels like I’m dreaming. My friends and family are all so supportive and helpful with everything. It’s definitely not a one-man job.