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How winning the first #ScoutMeScotland modelling contest changed Kirsty’s life
FROM shy, awkward schoolgirl to one of the UK’s most in-demand models – Kirsty Shearer has undergone an epic transformation.
The striking 18-year-old beat more than 2000 rivals to win the inaugural #ScoutMeScoland competition.
Kirsty, who had never modelled before, secured a once-in-a-lifetime contract with Scotland’s No1 agency Colours and
London-based Select, who represent models Agyness Deyn and Daisy Lowe.
Since then, the quirky beauty from Rutherglen, Glasgow, has appeared in magazines all over the UK and Europe and she has the world’s biggest brands queuing up to use her in their advertising campaigns.
As we launch this year’s search for Scotland’s next top supermodel, Kirsty reveals how winning the competition has changed her life.
The former Stonelaw High School pupil said: “I’ve had the most incredible 18 months.
“I’ve modelled for Gucci in the German version of GQ magazine, starred in a campaign for Barbour footwear and shot the online adverts for Spanish clothing line Pull&Bear.
“It’s been absolutely crazy and I’ve loved every minute.
“I’ve gone from a shy, super-nervous schoolgirl to someone who has no qualms about travelling on my own all over Europe, meeting stylists and performing in front of the camera.
“My confidence has skyrocketed. Before I used to shy away from talking to people but now I can chat to anyone. Winning #ScoutMeScotland has been a real turning point.”
Kirsty, who has agencies in New York and Tokyo looking at her, added: “I travel up and down to London all the time for castings and have done shoots in Germany and Spain. Every day is different.
“After winning the competition, I started an art and design course at Glasgow Clyde College. But I’m so busy with jobs, I dropped out of the course and have taken a gap year to concentrate on modelling.
“I got five As and two Bs in my Highers and plan to go to university at some point. But it all depends on how well this is going – and at the moment it is going great.”
The talented flautist has her mum to thank for getting her into the industry.
Kirsty said: “I don’t consider myself to be pretty and modelling was something I had never considered.
“My mum read about the competition in the paper and applied on my behalf. She took me into Colours on one of their open call days and I was shocked when they showed an interest in me.
“I was even more surprised when I went on to win the competition. It seriously was the best thing to ever happen to me and I would encourage anyone who is interested in modelling to enter this year’s search.”
She added: “If my 16-year-old self had known that 18 months down the line, I would be happily posing in front of a camera, she would have laughed out loud.
“My dream is to land a big campaign with a top designer like Dolce & Gabbana and continue to travel the world. Modelling is a great industry to be in. It’s hard work. There are long days and it’s very disciplined but it’s worth it for the thrill of seeing yourself in print or on screen.”
Colours co-owner Alison Bruce is very proud of her protégé and hopes this year’s search for a star proves just as successful.
She said: “From the minute Kirsty walked through the door, we knew she had something special about her and we were right. She is quirky, cool and has a great work ethic. Her career is blossoming by the day and we have great hopes for her future.
“Our hunt is now on to find another star and once again we are looking for girls with a healthy, happy attitude to how they look.
“We’re especially keen to find a girl that doesn’t necessarily think of herself as the model type.”
The Daily Record has teamed up with Colours and Select to find a Caledonian beauty who will follow in the footsteps of new face Kirsty and supermodels Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss.
Up for grabs again is a contract with both agencies.
As well as entering our competition online and via social media, girls can come along to open call days at Colours. And scouts from both agencies will be attending concerts and events up and down the country over the next three months.
Select owner Chrissie Castagnetti said: “We are looking for girls with dynamic ‘up for it’ personalities, beautiful faces and great hair. Hopefully, we can unearth some really striking Scottish redheads, along with all hair colourings, of course.”
Five finalists will get the chance to take part in a photo shoot styled by celebrity hairdresser Jason Hall and shot by top photographer Alexandra Modrzejewska.
The winner will get a huge selection of Sara Hill make-up and a year’s hair care from Jason Hall.
Last year, Colours took on all four runners-up, so there is a lot to play for.