AT ONLY 12 YEARS OLD, JOANNA TOBIASZ KNEW SHE WAS DESTINED FOR THE CAMERA

BY JENNIFER VIKSE PHOTO BY JEFF JOHANSON @TMSPRODUCTIONS

INDUSTRY: How did you get started modeling?
Joanna Tobiasz: I wanted to become a model when I was about 12 years old! I looked up agencies online in my area and started doing work that included showroom, runway, TV, and print. At 16, I attended a convention in New York where I met with top agencies from all around the world and signed with my first New York modeling agency.

IM: Does your background influence your look?
JT: I think my background definitely influences my look. I was born in Poland so I have Eastern European features.

IM: Where are you currently living?
JT: Currently I’m living in Manhattan, New York.

IM: Tell us about your career.
JT: My real modeling career started when I moved to New York at 17 years old. I started working for smaller brands and eventually started working more frequently as I got more comfortable posing and walking. I started to travel and worked in between L.A. and New York a lot, but also got to experience other parts of the world such as Singapore and Hawaii. I made a home for myself in New York working regularly so my client base is here.

IM: Tell us about some gigs you’ve done.
JT: I think some of the coolest brands I’ve worked for include Nike, Fila, Steve Madden, Flaunt Magazine, Elizabeth and James, Ann Taylor, and Jill Stuart. Nike was a memorable experience because the set was inside of one of their warehouses that had drawings of how all of the shoes are made on the walls! That was something I’ve never seen before, and the sketches included hundreds of Nike shoes from different years.

IM: What is your favorite thing about the winter season?
JT: I love being able to snuggle up with a good book and watch the snow fall from my window. The holiday season also makes me very excited because I love Christmas and the time off to spend with my family and friends.

IM: What do you hope for your future?
JT: In my future I’d love to finish my bachelor’s degree and start a business. My biggest goal is to inspire others to chase after their dreams because you never know where it can take you.

IM: What are a few of your favorite things?
JT: A few of my favorite things are good books and movies, oversized comfy sweaters, and definitely a big, hot cup of coffee!

IM: How would you describe your look in three words?
JT: I would describe my look as versatile, strong, and timeless.

IM: How would you describe your personality in three words?
JT: I would say I am a very outgoing person that loves to get in touch with my creative side. I’d also describe myself as ambitious because I’m always setting new goals for myself.

IM: What did you always want to be when you were growing up?
JT: I always wanted to live in New York or L.A. So it’s surreal to be living out that dream now.