On the road of becoming a Top Model

One of the girls walking the long road of becoming a top model, is Roberta Grybauskaite (18). Born and raised in Lithuania, she came to Norway at the age of 14 and is now attending her last year at high school.

What are your plans after school?
I really would like to take a year off and see how my modelling opportunities are outside Norway. Norway is too small to work as a fulltime model, so I have to look elsewhere.

How did you end up in Top Model?
I actually got a request to apply one month after I signed a contract with the Vibe International. But I was unsure if I should apply since Norwegian is not my native language. But I thought it wouldn’t hurt to at least try, and before I knew it I was sitting in an interview. After my second interview I got the offer to participate in the next season of Top Model.

What were your first thoughts when you got the offer?
I was overjoyed – I couldn’t stop smiling. I just knew that being in this contest would be one unforgettable experience.

How did your first shoot go?
I was so nervous walking to the set and I got stressed out when I first met Mona. But I tried the best I could to hide it and act calm. But once I got in front of the camera, all my focus was on being a good model.

How was it working with Mona Grudt, Marcel Leliënhof and Storm Pedersen?
It was so much fun and with these guys and they made you feel very comfortable. Mona is like a nicer version of Tyra Banks – very beautiful and easy to talk to. She can be strict, but not that strict.

Marcel was a very good photographer. He knows what he wants and he is very good at capturing the expression he’s after. Another fun thing is that he gets so excited when the model is doing well, and that gives out positive energy.

When it comes to Storm, I first have to say that he has an exceptional good taste in clothes. He’s also very creative and has the ability to turn around situations in no time. We also spent a lot of time with him since he was our coach. He was very easy going, fun, relaxing and all in all a very nice guy.

What are the key lessons you learned from Top Model?
The most important thing I learned was not to give up. If there is something you really want to achieve, go for it. You also learn that you must have good chemistry with the people you work with. By having that, the photographer and the rest of the crew are more relaxed, thus giving better results.

I also learned a lot on how to focus on the set and release my emotions. As with most Top Model series, one episode involves acting. This gave me good insight in how actors behave in front of a camera, giving me insight in how I should act in front of a camera.

Did any of the girls try to psyche out the competitors?
Not really. But the further you come in the competition, the less you share with the others in form of advice and past experience. This is a competition after all, so anything that may give you an advantage, you want to keep for yourself.

So there was no direct attempt on sabotage as we saw in last season of Top Model?
No. But we did “borrow” each other’s magazines and tear out pages we liked and practice the pose in front of mirrors. Shit… I don’t know if I should have said that…. because we were not allowed to have magazines!

You were not allowed? Why not?
I don’t know. We were just not allowed.

Did you win any challenges?
Nooooo… how sad is that? But I learned a lot and I got to meet very exciting people.

So what are your plans now in term of modelling?
First and foremost I have to build a strong portfolio – I ‘m after all fresh in the modelling business. Then I need to get as many jobs as possible. If I am to get noticed abroad, I need to get noticed here first. I will also try to get on the runway as many times as possible during OFW this February. And then I will have to expand my network. So I hope I will be able to travel a bit and meet different people.

Ok, now tell me. How far did you get in Top Model?
You know I can’t tell you that. You just have to watch and see. This season is going to be very good.

Photo: Steven Stieng