Remember the name Victoria Pousada because she is going places! Victoria is a force to be reckoned with as an actress, model, and content creator. A graduate of Rutgers University, she stepped outside of her comfort zone by answering an ad about becoming a model and her career has been on a constant upward trajectory ever since. I was lucky enough to grab an interview with Victoria to learn just a little more about her life and career.
You are an actress, model, and a content creator. Why do you think social media is important for actors?
I’ve actually gotten a lot of opportunities from social media. I’ve gotten auditions via Instagram Threads before, and casting directors are posting casting calls more and more on Instagram. It’s also a great way to maintain contact with casting directors and make sure they don’t forget you and further the relationship! They also post the projects they’ve cast, so you can get an idea of what the final product is and how to better approach your auditions.
Do you have any advice for your followers on how to handle negative comments on their social media?
If I had a nickel! I’ve found that most negative comments I encounter are responses to comments I’ve made on viral posts. For example, I would make a comment about body positivity on a major magazine’s post, and then trolls come after me in the comments. So, I’ve started commenting less and less on major posts and only commenting on my friends’ posts. It’s also good to change your settings so that specific words can be hidden from your comments on Instagram. So, I’ve changed my settings to include slurs and fatphobic words. And whenever someone says something hateful to you, remember it’s a reflection on them, not you. Just reply “thanks for the engagement!”, or block them, and don’t give people power over you that they don’t deserve!
How do you come up with ideas for your social media content?
I’m more impromptu with my social media. I don’t plan it out anymore. I find people find that more interesting these days anyway, but it also takes the stress off for me! And when inspiration hits, I’ll make a batch of content and save it to my drafts to post later. I definitely take a reactionary approach and will make posts that are a response to current events both globally and in my personal life. And of course, I’ll post whatever projects I can speak on, or any new test shoots I’ve done!
How did you start your modeling career?
I answered an ad on Instagram! I was in bed scrolling and saw an ad “do you want to be a model?”. I thought to myself, “sure, why the heck not”. I clicked it. And it was for a special that a new NYC photography studio was offering. Basically, if you showed up on time with all your looks and makeup done, the shoot was free! But if you were late, they’d keep the deposit. So, I made it a birthday gift to myself, sent my deposit, and got it back when I showed up on time – as I usually do – I was told by the mentor there that she believed I had what it takes to model and that I should start a new IG account. I posted those photos and began my whirlwind adventure!
What has been your favorite designer to walk for so far?
Renee Cafaro by far! She is not only kind, but organized, hard-working, and laid back with so much heart. She gave us a thank you speech at the end of our London Fashion Week show and I swear everyone was crying. I’m tearing up now just remembering it! Not to mention her clothes actually fit plus size bodies!
If you could walk for any designer, who would it be and why?
Schiaparelli! I’ve been obsessed with them since the 1938 Dali skeleton dress! When I was studying costume design at Rutgers University, I spent an entire semester doing a project inspired and informed by Schiaparelli. And the current creative director Daniel Roseberry has re-established the brand as the innovative standard for high fashion art, true to the nature of the company’s origins.
How important do you think networking is to a budding career?
Exceedingly important. Many actors and models build their reels and books by just working with friends, or classmates from their theatre or fashion design programs from school. But even more so, this industry is both large and small, and networking will always help you level up. For example, a friend of mine, fellow actor and model Adrianna David, is the whole reason I was able to sign with Take 3 Talent because she informed me of their open call!
Are there any upcoming projects you can share with our readers?
I just signed with Wilhelmina (Denver) so I hope to be getting some exciting new projects soon! I was also just put on hold for a campaign with a major hair brand that will shoot in Mexico! Fingers crossed! I also have an audition for a paid lead role in a major feature film shooting in the DMV. So, nothing concrete yet, but lots in the works, and more to come!
