Emily Ratajkowski, renowned for her successful modelling career, has long harbored ambitions that extend far beyond the runway. The 30-year-old star, who has recently ventured into the literary world with her collection of essays, has revealed that modelling was never intended to be her sole career path. Her entry into the modelling industry was initially a strategic move to fund her artistic aspirations.
In a reflective conversation about her journey, Emily disclosed, “It wasn’t until the book was finished, and I was doing the audiobook, that I sort of realized it was written into the text – this desire that I’ve always had to be the artist rather than the muse. Even when I left college and started modelling, it was with this idea of like, ‘Well, I’m gonna make enough money so that I can be an artist and so I can make things.’ That’s why I even started to really model full-time. So it feels extremely gratifying and fulfilling to now be the person who’s created something, rather than a piece of someone else’s vision.”
Emily’s modelling career began at the tender age of 13, driven by a combination of cultural influences and personal circumstances. She idolized pop star Britney Spears, who epitomized the powerful and attractive woman she aspired to emulate. This cultural admiration, coupled with the economic downturn in the United States, shaped her decision to pursue modelling.
“There were definitely a bunch of factors that came into my decision to model, and some of them were just cultural, not even personal – like the stuff I write about the way I looked at Britney Spears, and the way I thought about powerful women as being ‘attractive’ – that I think made modelling appealing,” Emily explained in an interview with Vice. “And then yeah, personally, it was also the timing. I graduated high school in 2009, right after the economy collapsed, and money was really on my mind in maybe a way it wouldn’t have been had I not kind of lived through that. So I think it was a culmination of things. I did choose it though. My mom always tells this story of me being 13 and saying, like, ‘Okay, I’m ready, I want to try modelling.’ And that was my choice. But also, as a 13-year-old, I probably didn’t totally understand what I was saying I was ready to try.”
Emily’s book, titled “My Body,” offers a deep dive into her experiences and reflections on her career and personal identity. The collection of essays sheds light on her perspective on being an artist, a model, and a woman in contemporary society. It explores themes of empowerment, beauty, and the complexities of being a public figure.
Emily Ratajkowski’s journey illustrates the multifaceted nature of her ambitions and the strategic decisions she made to achieve them. Her transition from modelling to writing underscores her desire to control her narrative and create something uniquely her own. This shift from being a muse to an artist marks a significant milestone in her career, fulfilling a long-held aspiration.
“My Body” is available now, inviting readers to explore the nuanced layers of Emily’s life and career. Through her essays, she offers a candid and introspective look at the intersections of art, identity, and empowerment, providing a comprehensive understanding of her path and the motivations that drive her.
In summary, Emily Ratajkowski’s story is not just about a successful model but about a woman determined to be more than just a face in the industry. Her journey from modelling to writing is a testament to her resilience and her unwavering commitment to her artistic vision. As she continues to evolve, Emily remains a compelling figure, inspiring many with her dedication to both her craft and her personal growth.