Who is “Maddie Tha Baddie” Jenkins?
Photography by KBR, Assisting by Candido Torres
Creative and Visual artist, “Maddie Tha Baddie” Jenkins, who is most popular for modeling and her youtube videos, gave us an inside scoop on who she is as an artist and how she thinks art can change the world.
Maddie, can you describe yourself in three words?
Versatile. Dynamic. Resilient.
Give us a summary of who you are as a person and artist:
I would consider myself a natural creative and visual artist. I thrive most when modeling, making YouTube videos, and creating content. My style is versatile and I can model a wide variety of looks, but my specialty is looking “fierce” which is why I got the nickname “Maddie Tha Baddie.” I'm not just known for my looks though, as my vibrant personality shines through in my YouTube videos. I confidently elevate any project I'm a part of and I consider myself far from the “average” model. From magazines and marketing shoots, to fashion content or video creation - I'm full of innovative ideas, creative energy, and genuine authenticity. When I'm not creating content, I like to spend time in nature (usually feeding my lil' ducky friends at the park), lift weights at the gym, travel to new places, eat good food, or challenge myself with acrylic painting.
How did your artistic journey begin?
I began video creation when I was pretty young - like 8 or 9 years old maybe. My family used to have this big clunky camcorder to record holiday events and birthday parties, but once I learned how to use it I would make my own little vlogs, short films, and pretend to host my own "talk show" where I would interview different family members. Those will never see the internet haha. Once I was about 12 or 13, I started dabbling into photography and modeling. I used to use my dad's digital camera and would practice photography all around my house/yard. Once I got my own camera as a gift, I would get all dressed up and set my digital camera up on a self-timer and attempt to model... not my best work, but you have to start somewhere.
What advice can you give to aspiring artists?
The same advice that I give myself is don't give up. Seriously. It is so easy to self-compare and get caught up in analytics or criticize yourself - it happens to me quite often - but your biggest supporter should be yourself. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you too.
What has been the biggest challenge in your artistic journey?
Photography by KBR, Assisting by Candido Torres
My biggest challenge has been my own thoughts. Some days I will just have the worst self-doubt or negative self-talk. It will make me feel like I am not good enough or I will start comparing myself to more successful creators and get in my own head. At the end of the day, I know thoughts aren't real and just because I thought it doesn't mean it's true. As long as I continue to be self aware and take action to combat those thoughts, I'm not giving up on what I love to do.
What is your favorite part about what you do?
When it comes to YouTube, one of my favorite parts is seeing the final product all come together after hours of brainstorming, recording, and editing. When it comes to modeling or other forms of content creation, one of my favorite parts is getting to dress up in a variety of looks - I used to love playing dress up as a kid, so in a way I feel like my inner child comes out sometimes and it's such a blast! Additionally - nothing compares to the positive comments I get from my followers or subscribers, especially if I positively impacted them in any way, and that would probably have to be my favorite part from doing both.
Do you have any other interests?
TONS. I love anything music (listening to it, learning about it, the history, etc.), creating with my hands (painting, drawing, making things, etc.), trying new foods or restaurants (one of my dream jobs is to be a food critic), being in nature and/or with animals, traveling, weightlifting, dancing - I could go on, but I'll stop here.
Who is your favorite artist and what do they do?
My favorite artist would have to be Rihanna - singer-songwriter, model, actress, record producer, fashion designer, stylist, humanitarian, etc. She carries herself with confidence and radiates this authentic yet unapologetic energy. I love her.
How do you think art can change the world?
I think art can and will continue to change the world in many ways, shapes, and forms (literally). From something as small as someone scrolling on Instagram and seeing a model who looks like them (due to representation) and feeling empowered about themselves, to a poet or musician speaking about important topics that can spark change within communities. Art is constantly impacting us every single day without us even thinking about it - now that's powerful.
Photographed by KBR, Assisting by Candido Torres
What can your fans and the world expect from you in the near future?
Expect to keep seeing me create, grow, and flourish. ✨
Maddie is versatile in many things and you can expect to see her achieve great things as always. Click the link below to book Maddie “Tha Baddie” Jenkins for your photoshoots!
