Lydia – Let Life Catch You By Surprise

Beachcuties Boutique Lydia Cooke Nusa Swimwear Cornwall

You can spot her from time to time on our Instagram, modelling for Nusa Swimwear. British model Lydia Cooke has an impressive portfolio but that is not all. If you need a logo or design for your new tattoo, Lydia is the girl to contact. Here she talks about her journey so far and how she is living her dream!

FIRSTLY, LYDIA, PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF…

Originally from Devon, I’ve always found myself living in the South West of England along the coastal paths and ocean roads. I’m now studying geography with the university of Exeter in Falmouth, Cornwall; again sticking to my roots and grounding by the sea. Alongside my studies I am also a part time model and illustrator/ artist.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN PASSIONS IN LIFE?

I never would have predicted that I would find my passion in geography until I started researching into the impact of natural disasters on less economically developed countries in comparison to more economically developed countries. Having spent much of my gap year travelling the wonders of South-East Asia it became apparent that not only had I become massively passionate about traveling itself, but also about helping these poorer countries to prepare better for natural disaster events. And of course, art always has been and always will be an important part of my life. I suppose my biggest passion is to make sure that my life is spent trying new things and discovering new places.

Beachcuties Boutique Lydia Cooke model Cornwall

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELLING?

I fell into modelling very accidently when I was approached by a university student in Exeter. I did a very relaxed shoot with her from which the images were a great success. The images got great responses and chances to work with local photographers on a ‘time for print’ basis, however they also meant I ended up being scammed into a ‘modelling school’ in London as I naively followed promised dreams in return for silly amounts of money. However the scam taught me to stand for myself and to chase my dreams on my own hand. Since then my modelling career has been a great success and my portfolio has be on a constant build; I have even found myself travelling across the country for shoots and even in Bali.

HOW DO YOU STAY IN GOOD SHAPE?

Staying in good shape is all about keeping a balance in your life, whether it’s work and play or in your diet. As the saying goes, ‘Mens sana in corpore sano’ which loosely translates from Latin to ‘healthy body, healthy mind’. My diet is fairly simple; three full meals a day vegetarian style and a couple of green teas to keep me going. I always try to kick my day off with oats, yogurt, honey and blueberries and get as much nutrition as I can in my cooking. I always keep myself busy and hit the gym every other day, trying to get out for walks along the stunning Cornish and Devon coast as much as I can in between. Saying that, you’ll often catch me demolishing a bag of chocolate; like I say, if it makes you happy then it’s bound to make your body happy too.

Beachcuties Boutique Lydia Cooke model Cornwall New York Studio  

WHAT´S THE BEST AND WORST THING ABOUT YOUR MODELLING JOB?

That’s a hard one, I’d never try and shine a bad light on modelling because it’s all about feeling good about yourself and networking. But I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a hard industry. I was once dropped from a job because of my skin which, as something I couldn’t help, hit home hard. However I’ve rarely endured things like this happening; it’s 90% all well and happy as long as you pick yourself up and keep yourself going. The best thing about modelling has got to be the people and the places; you’re constantly meeting new people and discovering new opportunities. If I had to sum it up I’d say being given the chance to shoot in the gorgeous sunset on Old Man’s beach in Bali with the local guys explains it all.

Beachcuties Boutique Lydia Cooke British model Cornwall

WHAT´S YOUR GO-TO SUMMER OUTFIT?

Of course you have to base yourself with a stunning Nusa Swimwear bikini, throw on some palm tree print bright shorts and white crop top with a kimono to top it all off. A playsuit always goes a long way though! I’m a big fan of boho style jewellery too and lots of it. Strip your makeup off, dunk your hair in the sea and get your tan on; nothing beats freckles, sunkissed skin and salty hair.

ANY ADVICE FOR GIRLS WANTING TO GET INTO MODELLING?

Everyone has had their own individual modelling paths, but from my experience alone my advice is to be who you are and let your confidence take you places. Modelling is a career; not a personality. Stay true to yourself and great things will happen.

Beachcuties Boutique Lydia Cooke tattoo artwork Cornwall

YOUR ARTWORK IS AMAZING! WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DRAW?

Thank you so much! I’ve always had art in me.. My mum and dad are both keen artists so I was brought up alongside this. I tend to take my inspiration from what I surround myself by and what I’m passionate about; travelling, environment, animals, beaches, oceans. I don’t so much draw for a purpose or because I have to, I’m inspired to draw because it allows me to be creative and zone out into my imagination. I’ll always have a doodle when I’m chilling out, it’s the ultimate relaxation.

TALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CREATING YOUR ARTWORK?

I’ll always tend to start with a circle or a triangle which forms a uniting line for the rest of the drawing. I’ll either then draw in an animal of some sort or other subject such as mountains or flowers. From here I free style it and draw outward with mandala pattern until I’m happy with it’s composition.

SUM UP YOUR STYLE IN 3 WORDS

Boho, Light & Lace

Beachcuties Boutique Lydia Cooke Nusa Swimwear model Cornwall

WHAT´S NEXT FOR YOU?

It’s hard to say where my paths are taking me. I’d love to say that after university I’ll be working in natural disaster relief and research, but realistically I spend most of my time dreaming about living in a shack on some tropical beach surfing and drinking coconuts all day whilst drawing on people’s surfboards for a living. Who knows, Life’s full of surprises and that’s what keeps me dreaming.

Beachcuties Boutique Lydia Cooke Nusa Swimwear Cornwall model

Please follow Lydia´s Instagram @lydia_cooke and check out her artwork on @lydias_designs