HATTIE WATSON: MODEL, ARTIST, BICYCLE ENTHUSIAST

Originally posted December, 2011. Cover photo courtesy of Ashton Gooding.

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
Merrrrrrry Christmas! Guess what? We have another exclusive feature for you! This time around we were able to talk with rising star Hattie Watson! Not unlike her peer and friend Alysha Nett (whom we chatted with earlier this week, ~click here~ to check that out), Austin Texas based Hattie Watson has also worked her tail off to garner the respect and admiration of just about anyone who has crossed her path. Model, artist, traveler, food lover, and owner of one hell of a good taste in music; Hattie Watson knows what she wants. --She's motivated, passionate, and has a clear sense of direction. She's a breath of fresh air. Credits include Vogue Italia, Inked, NSFW, Heels and Candy, TheHundreds, among others and she has worked with some very cool photographers along the way!

Repeat after me:

On Christmas morning JUNNNKTANK brought me Hattie Watson...
On Christmas morning JUNNNKTANK brought me Hattie Watson...
On Christmas morning JUNNNKTANK brought me Hattie Watson...

Rad.

HATTIEWATSON.TUMBLR.COM | @HATTIE_WATSON

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Hi Hattie. It's a pleasure! Let's start off with a bit of astrology, from one Gemini to another. You know us Gemini's are inherently adaptable and versatile, communicative and witty, but also superficial and inconsistent. Do you put any stock in that?



I do occasionally read about Gemini's. I am very well aware how they are and most of the time it's pretty dead on. I am flighty, I get bored easily, I love challenges and adventure. I also, like to think I am very adaptable to situations. So I suppose, yeah, I guess they are not far off.

I want to touch on the versatile a bit here and talk about two interesting collaborations you've had. First, you've done a good deal of work with photographer Tamara Lichtenstein and the two of you recently hooked up for a shoot that is in Vogue Italia (woo!). Could you tell me a little about your working relationship with Tamara?



Tamara and I have been trying to meet up for a while now. I absolutely love her work and that's the direction I wanted my work to go. When we met, it was just so great. She is super down to earth and funny as shit. Shooting with her was a breeze and is now probably one of my favorites to work with. I wish we lived closer to work together more, but I'm sure a break is good because who wants to just shoot the same girl over and over again I guess.

In contrast is your recent work with Vara Pappas. Very loud, very out there in comparison to the almost seamlessly natural work with Tamara Litchtenstein. Tell me about the Pappas shoot.



I worked with Vara a little over a year ago and we did more of a pin up shoot. We've been trying to get together again and do something different than before, but I never go to Houston. I was actually surprised she wanted to shoot something like that. Pleasantly surprised. I loved the big hair and costume like makeup. It's different for me and I always love doing something different. Vara is always well organized and knows exactly what she wants. It's always a pleasure working with her and it's usually a quick shoot. Plus, she has good taste in music.

STUART MITCHELL

SIMON GENTRY

SIMON GENTRY

ELLE VANEGAS

JULIAN HUMPHRIES

BRANDON WITZEL

ART T

MIKE LERNER

STUART MITCHELL

KRISTEN WRZESNIEWSKI

TAMARA LICHTENSTEIN

STUART MITCHELL

KRISTEN WRZESNIEWSKI

How important is variety to you?



Variety is extremely important. I want to be able to do and show people that I could do everything. Unfortunately, I probably can't. I do prefer sticking to very natural settings but I am so not afraid to try things and experiment with ideas. That's how you figure out if it works out for you or not. You should never restrict yourself.

I have to respect the work ethic. It's clear this is not just a hobby for you, it's very much a career. How do you stay motivated and inspired to work as hard as you do?



My motivation goes up and down. A lot of people do not see this as a "real" job and that's fine, but I have pretty much made my own job. I stay inspired because I want to travel and see the world and make art as well as be successful. I wish more people could see that all I am doing is trying to make something of myself and be supportive. It has its ups and downs but when it's good, it's good. I just keep truckin, you know. Nothing worth fighting for is easy.

I'm a bit of a bicycle nerd. Please tell me about your SE Lager. Have you had the chance to hit the streets with it?



I have! I love it! It's my first fixed gear bike. Which, right now it's single speed but I can switch it at any time. I'm not a huge bike nerd...yet. So this, is my first and I will probably get maybe some riser bars and I'm looking to get a Brooks saddle and leather tape to offset the white. I just think it's so pretty and I'm stoked I get to ride with my guy now. Even though he rides super fast and I can't quite keep up yet.

Are you optimistic about the future?



Have to be. Otherwise, what's the point?

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

THANK YOU. NEVER QUIT.