Model and Actress Cristina Morales-De La Cruz Tischler talks exclusively for OTS Magazine.

The cover is photographed by Alexander Böhme, and styled by Cristina Morales, with hair and makeup by Sarah Lena.

Cristina is dressed in wonderful fashion brands like; Prada, Nude Projects, Vintage Amiri, Givenchy, and Allinabasement.

Cristina Morales-De La Cruz Tischler, the cover girl for this issue, embodies both energy and a burning desire to achieve her modelling goals and dreams while staying true to herself. She is a determined and energetic individual, yet she is also quite composed.

Read her insightful interview below;

During an internship at a local newspaper in my hometown, I had my very first professional photo shoot for a journalistic self-experiment about Glamour-Shots. I was 19 years old and very proud to be published online with my professional pictures.

Go on Pinterest and search intuitively for the first fashion-related words that come to your mind. For example “Grunge Fashion” And select them to make a mood board. 

Or choose pictures from magazines that show people or models who look like you and save them for outfit inspiration.

Book a call or shopping trip with a personal stylist to learn about colours, shapes, etc that suit your personal style. Or look at the mannequins in the stores and buy the whole combination instead of just one piece.

The most important components of my style are miniskirts and turtleneck tops. I love to wear basic colours such as white or beige as a monochrome look. I mostly choose natural fibers such as cotton, silk, or wool.

My signature style as a model is as comfy as possible. I recommend wearing clothes with a wide fit to avoid prints on your skin from the seam. This is very important if you shoot body parts, lingerie or swimwear.

I started very late with professional modeling because I believed I couldn’t do it due to my height, acne scars on my cheeks, and my age. I am 5’6 tall and 29 years old. I want to break the stigma that modeling is over when you pass 25 years. Of course, not everyone will like you as you are. But there are so many agencies and potential clients out there when you really want to work in this industry, you will find your niche. Focus on the agencies and clients who are against ageism, heightism, and so on. 

Not giving up and staying healthy mentally and physically. Sometimes you have to work 12 hours every day during high season without any time to rest, exercise, and eat properly.

Believing that you have what it takes to work as a full-time model, can be very challenging. You must work on your self-concept and mindset a lot no matter what clients or your personal environment says to you. You must be aware that criticism is not always justified. 

I was struggling with low self-esteem and no self-confidence since early childhood. Modeling triggered all my anxious beliefs at the very beginning. I applied to a high fashion model agency as a 16-year-old and took the rejection because of my height so personally, that I completely stopped believing in myself and my dream for four years. While working in a Cologne bakery, I was approached by a TV journalist who shared this concept with me. He advised me to apply to individuals or agencies who do not have height restrictions. Several external events in my life brought me back to my modelling career at my lowest point. However, my instincts and inner child have always known that I had the potential to be a model.

I tend to overthink if modeling is something I want to do for the rest of my life or just something temporary. My questioning myself and my decisions so much is caused by all the conversations I have had with my family who of course would prefer that I stick to a normal 9-5 job, work in an office, and also fit into society's expectations. I would love to feel more self-secure and more stable about what I am doing with my own life and not be influenced by what others think I should be.

Who are some of your favourite photographers to work with? 

I have worked with Alexander Böhme about five times now. We have a special chemistry and the same taste in terms of moods and fashion styling.

What’s your most memorable shoot? 

One of my most memorable jobs took place in the Black Forest.

We shot for 12 hours with a movie production team from Berlin. I played a hiker who enjoyed the breathtaking landscape. The commercial was for a local beer company which will be shown in spring this year. This was my favourite experience so far because I rediscovered my passion for acting. Which I want to pursue more in 2024.

Becoming a model really introduces one major condition into your life which is “Consistency”, Do you think this theory is accurate or not? 

Absolutely! Yes, being consistent is the key to success no matter if it’s about personal development or your career. The deeper you dive into modeling, the more you know about the industry and will extend your network.

Is there any brand you would love to model for? 

Yes, for sure! I would love to work for the US brand 'For Love and Lemons', I love their playful and floral designs.

Women's Empowerment means sisterhood to me. Jealousy and envy leads to nowhere. In my opinion, supporting and complimenting other women is the biggest flex a woman can have.

How do you empower females through your work? 

I try to give real insights about modeling without romanticizing the fashion industry. Real talk and being my authentic self is so important nowadays. I talk about rejection as a model, and insecurities with making the right decisions in life.

I post shoutouts of women’s Instagram accounts who inspire me a lot. Being a creator myself I know how important engagement is therefore I try to compliment, like, and share other profiles as much as possible.

One of my goals for 2024/2025 is to do an On Stay in a place like Capetown or Bali. I love living in a tropical environment. I have contact with different agencies abroad and I have already signed with Nova Model Management in Guatemala which I am looking forward to working with very soon. Another project I am proud of was being featured on a magazine cover for a German knit magazine

What are you doing when you are not working? 

When I am not working I try to spend as much time as possible with my dog, friends, and grandparents. But honestly, as a self-employed model, I think about work almost 24/7.

What is your beauty regimen and how do you stay in shape? 

I love working out up to five times a week, personally, I prefer Contemporary Dance. I have enjoyed it so much lately that I am thinking about applying for a dance apprenticeship.

I walk my dog 1-2 hours per day.

I take steps wherever possible.

I stay hydrated, avoid alcohol most of the time, and rarely drink more than one or two glasses of it.

On my days off when spending time alone or during home office or sports I never wear makeup. 

Yes! Always keep in mind that being a model is never worth risking your health. I used to work so much in September and October last year that I had to take three weeks off in a row in December 2023. I ended up in the hospital and had to cancel collaborations, castings, and flights. It’s better to keep a balanced life and say no to Jobs if you feel your energy is drowning.