mmg.com.au

Catherine Grant is about to step into the uncertain competitive world of international modelling.

The 20-year-old former Cobram Secondary College student has secured a three-month modelling contract in Hong Kong starting mid-February.

‘‘I’ll be doing editorial modelling for magazines and catalogue modelling for clothes which will both be photo shoots, and runway (catwalk) modelling for fashion shows,’’ Catherine said.

‘‘I’m a bit nervous but very excited — there’ll be international models from Australia and all over the world.’’

Catherine has done some photographic modelling since joining a Melbourne agency last August.

‘‘I mentioned I would like to work overseas and they chose a Hong Kong agency from two Asian agencies who were interested in me.’’

Catherine said her main objective was to build a strong professional portfolio so she can compete when she returns home.

‘‘It’s a tough market in Australia because essentially all Australian girls look the same, but in Asia they particularly like tall Caucasian girls,’’ she said.

Catherine said after the Hong Kong assignment she would model wherever the opportunity presents itself — Australia or overseas.

Tall and naturally slim, she said Australian agencies liked models to be toned and fit.

‘‘I go to the gym and exercise to keep muscle on and I eat healthy — if you don’t eat healthy your skin doesn’t glow,’’ she said.

As much as Catherine enjoys modelling her first love is acting.

Last year she graduated from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy with a BA Acting.

‘‘After three intensive years, modelling is a bit of a break for me,’’ she said.

Eventually she hopes to work in theatre and film but Catherine is unsure whether acting or modelling will be her major career path.

‘‘Both industries are uncertain and unpredictable,’’ she said.

‘‘I really, really enjoy both of them — I have an insatiable appetite for acting, but I really do enjoy modelling as well.’’

Words and picture:Leonie Bourke