Walk into almost any store, and you’re practically guaranteed to see their faces. Featured in advertisements and in the pages of magazines, models can be seen in everything from designer clothes to the latest makeup products.

But how do these famous faces work their way from obscurity to superstardom?

THS Senior Brittney McWilliams, an up-and-coming model, gives insight into her personal experiences in the modeling industry.

Brittney’s interest in pursuing modeling began when she was thirteen. She became involved in pageants which gave her experience.

“When I was about sixteen I started looking at talent agencies,” she said. “It took me about a year to convince my mom to take me to Amarillo, but when she finally agreed I was signed with the Diane Dick Modeling and Talent Agency.”

The first few moments after signing were hectic ones for Brittney.

“It was crazy! I got signed…and like thirty minutes after that I was doing my first big [photo] shoot! It was a lot harder than I thought but I got through it and my pics turned out great,” she said.

Since that first day, Brittney has had numerous photo shoots in Amarillo and now knows what to expect.

“A typical shoot consists of hair and makeup, my favorite part. It usually takes about two hours. Then its wardrobe…I like doing that too. Then you go in and meet the photographer and start taking pictures! It’s hard because you’re trying to get a good picture, but you also have someone telling you to do this or that…” she said.

Although all of Brittney’s photo shoots have taken place in Amarillo so far, modeling will soon take her to both coasts of the US upon graduation.

“Recently I signed with Extraordinaire Models and Talent in Bakersfield, California,” she said. “…in May I will go to Los Angeles and in July I will go to New York.”

Brittney loves that she “…get[s] to take pictures and that it’s [her] job.” But there are also downsides to the industry.

“[There are] a lot of catty girls and the industry is cut throat,” she said.

Despite these obstacles, Brittney has high hopes for her future in the next ten years.

“I see myself in and on the cover of the most known magazines like CosmoGirl! and Seventeen,” she said. “Hopefully [I’ll] be making tons of money and will just enjoy being myself: sweet, humble, God fearing, and fun!”