THE JOYFUL DUALITY OF MARIE-CHRISTINE ALBERT: FROM EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TO EXPRESSIVE ARTISTRY
In the dynamic world of fashion and modeling, where new faces and talents are constantly emerging, Marie-Christine Albert stands out not just for her striking looks and compelling presence, but for the unique blend of intellect and creativity she brings to the table. A university professor by profession, specializing in emotional intelligence, Marie-Christine has carved out a second life as a joyful and creative plus-size artist, captivating audiences with her vibrant personality and emotive expressions.
Marie-Christine’s journey into the modeling world is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Balancing her academic career with her passion for art, she completed her training at Coco Rocha's Bootcamp in October 2022. This rigorous program, known for its emphasis on the art of posing and expression, significantly enhanced her ability to convey emotions through both facial and body expressions. "The bootcamp was a transformative experience," she shares. "It allowed me to channel my understanding of emotions into my modeling, creating a powerful synergy between my academic and artistic pursuits."
Over the past four years, Marie-Christine has worked with a diverse array of photographers, each bringing out different facets of her multifaceted personality. Her portfolio is a testament to her versatility, featuring a range of styles from high fashion to intimate portraiture. Each photoshoot is an opportunity for her to explore new dimensions of her expressive capabilities, making her a sought-after model in the industry.
Her recent participation in two official shoots – one with FTQ and the other with Ivanhoé Cambridge – showcased her ability to adapt and shine even in unscripted scenarios. These shoots required her to take photos and shoot video scenes on the fly, a challenge she embraced with enthusiasm. "Working without a script allowed me to tap into my creativity and intuition," she explains. "It was exhilarating to bring raw, unfiltered emotions to the forefront, something I strive to achieve in both my academic and artistic endeavors."
Marie-Christine’s unique background in emotional intelligence gives her an edge in modeling, allowing her to connect deeply with the camera and, by extension, the audience. Her understanding of human emotions and her ability to express them authentically have made her a standout figure in the industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Marie-Christine is an advocate for body positivity and diversity in fashion. As a plus-size model, she challenges conventional beauty standards and promotes a message of self-acceptance and confidence. Her presence in the industry is a powerful reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that true artistry transcends physical dimensions.
As she continues to break barriers and redefine norms, Marie-Christine Albert remains a beacon of inspiration. Her dual identity as a professor and a model exemplifies the richness that comes from embracing multiple passions. For Marie-Christine, every photoshoot is not just a job, but a celebration of life, creativity, and the myriad ways in which we express and connect with our emotions.
In a world that often compartmentalizes professions and identities, Marie-Christine Albert is a vibrant reminder that we can indeed be more than one thing. We can be scholars and artists, intellectuals and creatives, all while spreading joy and inspiring others to do the same.
QSM: What inspired you to specialize in emotional intelligence as a university professor?
Marie-Christine: I am a ray of sunshine who grew up in a family where emotions were often hidden away. Seeking a connection to my own feelings, I naturally gravitated towards various artistic pursuits such as theater, singing, piano, and modeling, and I immersed myself in the study of emotional intelligence. After several years at university, coupled with dedicated self-work and self-love, I am proud to say I am now fully in tune with my emotions, both positive and negative, and leading a vibrant and fulfilling life.
This journey was supported by many wonderful people, and now I am eager to give back. My goal is to help others embark on their own journeys towards ideal self and emotional awareness, guiding them to become ambassadors of emotional intelligence.
QSM: Can you share how your training at Coco Rocha's bootcamp in 2022 has influenced your approach to modeling and artistic expression?
Marie-Christine: When I first spoke to Coco, I told her I had one main goal during our bootcamp together: to work on my emotional expressions. And wow, did she deliver! She helped me understand that on set, it's crucial to navigate through different emotions, not just with facial expressions, but with my entire body. Now, every time I'm on set, I can switch between various emotional states and intensities, giving the client a wide range of options to choose from.
QSM: That’s dope! Money well spent! Now how do you integrate your academic knowledge of emotional intelligence into your work as a plus-size artist?
Marie-Christine: I would say that emotional intelligence helps me keep my head up. The fashion industry is still very conservative: diversity is welcome... as long as you have the right height, age, and size. While curvy models are starting to appear in commercials and on runways, truly plus-size models like me are still rare. Attending casting calls and meet-and-greets between models and photographers, seeing the admiration for my energy in their eyes but sensing their hesitation about ‘my diversity,’ can be disheartening and make me question if I have what it takes.
Whenever I doubt myself, I lean on my expertise in emotional intelligence. I remind myself that some things are within my control, while others are not. Some doors are locked, some are merely stuck, and others are wide open. I just need to trust the process. And most importantly: I refuse to let anything stop me because the next generation is counting on people like me!
QSM: What were some of the most significant challenges you faced during your unscripted photoshoots with FTQ and Ivanhoé Cambridge?
Marie-Christine: Honestly, I was to stay natural! Coco Rocha helped me so much with being editorial that I had to learn to 'tone it down' a bit. That's why I recently attended the Skylar Modeling Classes in New York with Oksana Jager, Dennis Jager, and Eric Weiss. They helped me refine my catwalk and provided a step-by-step guide to posing from head to toe. Thanks to their guidance, I feel I've significantly improved my commercial appeal.
QSM: In what ways have your collaborations with diverse photographers over the past four years shaped your artistic style?
Marie-Christine: Each time I collaborate, I ask: What would you like to try that you haven't done yet? What are your criteria for a great picture? What makes you want to work with a model again? Each photographer has their unique approach on set, in editing, and in choosing their favorite shots from our session. These conversations have broadened my perspective on the beauty of a picture, enhanced my self-awareness, and taught me how to be an excellent team player on set.
QSM: That is smart! How do you balance your dual roles as a university professor and a creative artist?
Marie-Christine: It’s still a work in progress, but I'm learning to say no to some extra university work to free up more time for modeling. In my experience, modeling contracts are often advertised just 2-3 weeks before a shoot (and sometimes rescheduled at the last minute), while my university schedule is set three months in advance and can't be changed. As a result, I book many collaborations on weekends and reserve my official contracts for the summer… for now.
QSM: Can you provide an example of how your experiences as an artist have influenced your academic teaching or research?
Marie-Christine: Presence. Working in modeling has significantly enhanced both my fashion style and my stance. While brains matter, so do looks! Some students have told me they appreciate the way I dress because it shows I’ve made an effort for them, making them feel valued. I would also say that my presence has become a powerful asset when I conduct important trainings for the university, as it grants me greater credibility.
QSM: What advice would you give to others looking to pursue multiple passions, especially those that might seem unrelated?
Marie-Christine: Ask yourself: What is the main goal of each of my passions? Is it to feel happy, to thrive, to earn money, to gain fame, to meet people, or something else? How does this passion connect to my ideal self? Write down your answers. Each time you struggle with your passion and experience negative emotions, revisit that purpose. This practice will help you get back on track and make the right decisions.
QSM: What do you find most fulfilling about your work in academia compared to your artistic endeavors, and vice versa?
Marie-Christine: They complete me. Initially, I wanted to be an actress. However, a loss of confidence led me away from the artistic world and into university, with the hope that I would someday reconnect with art. University restored my confidence as I excelled in psychology, and gradually, art found its way back into my life. My classroom became my stage.
In 2020, my best friend suggested, "Let’s do a boudoir photoshoot." That shoot reconnected me with my femininity. The photographer helped me realize that confident plus-size women who feel good about their bodies are rare. A new mission was born: at school, I help students become Emotional Intelligence Ambassadors, but I knew I could do more! I could use this knowledge in modeling to show that everyone has beautiful assets and deserve a thriving life.
QSM: What future projects or goals do you have in mind for both your academic career and your artistic pursuits?
Marie-Christine: In my academic career, I am constantly exploring new ways to help students and professionals understand the importance of Emotional Intelligence to ensure well-being and effectiveness. Recently, I trained to be a Sentinelle for suicide prevention at work. The more we encourage people to work on their happiness, the better the world will be.
In my artistic pursuits, now that I have received top-notch training from Coco Rocha Model Camp and Skylar Modeling, I am ready to find my modeling agency. With my friend I also created an IG page to promote diversity in modeling. We wish someday create event to regroup all those beautiful people!
QSM: Why did you decide to enter the Queen Size Magazine cover search?
Marie-Christine: Because I want to connect with my plus-size community! I believe we are all striving towards common goals such as promoting diversity and self-love. Surprisingly, Montreal’s community is quite tight-knit, and I currently don't have any plus-size collaborators. Please feel free to reach out and say hi—I would love to hear from you! Thank you so much QSM for this great initiative!
QSM: Where can people follow your journey and stay updated on your latest projects?
Marie-Christine: My IG page: mcvvvoom
My IG page to promote diversity in modeling: nextdiversitymodels
QSM: What is your ultimate goal for your modeling career?
Marie-Christine: I would say my first ultimate goal is to become a model for a renowned plus-size brand like Penningtons, Torrid, Eloquii, or Rebdolls. Once I achieve that, my second ultimate goal is to model for a well-known designer. It’s all about taking one step at a time.
Photos shot by: Karine Rukhlia @karine.rukhlia.photo
