Jen Wilke is on her way to a great to a future as a glamour model, having landed the cover model for the 2014 Playboy Swimsuit Calendar and was named a 2014 Maxim ‘Hometown Hottie’ semi-finalist. Earlier this year, Jen appeared in Dopeness Magazine, Alwayz Therro, and Prototype Magazine.
Jen is a born and raised Texan girl from the small town of Fredericksburg, which explains her down to earth, southern charm. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, fishing, going to theme parks, working out, and going to live events. She is a mix of German, Irish, and Native American.
Hi Jen thanks for the interview, please tell us about you:
How did you get started in Modeling?
About three years ago I needed a change in my life and so I decided to go to a Playboy casting. I didn’t know a thing about modeling, and go figure I didn’t get a call back. A few months later after doing some research I found and entered a cool contest on Facebook called Playboy Miss Social. To be honest, I never thought I would actually win. Especially competing against so many beautiful women, but #TeamJen pulled it off! Playboy ended up flying me out to California to do a non-nude shoot with them, and one of the pictures ended up landing the 2014 Playboy Swimsuit Calendar. This kick started everything else, and I’ve been working on furthering my career ever since.
How has modeling changed your life?
Modeling has opened my eyes, and helped me realize that you can accomplish anything that you want in life as long as you work hard for it. I can’t even tell you how thankful I am that I now get to travel places that I used to only dream of, and experience things that I can share with others for the rest of my life.
How did you stay fit?
Thankfully I have good genes, and don’t have to work out super hard to get into shape. I usually end up running 3-5 days a week, and doing booty/ab exercises.
Who was your role model as a child?
I’m gonna have to go with my parents. They both have taught me so much throughout my life, and have always encouraged me to be me. I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far in my life without their guidance, and love.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling?
I really enjoy meeting genuine people in the industry, and working together to create something beautiful. I think it’s really cool that everyone has their own style, and vision of what the photoshoot will look like. The end results always blow me away. I’m always excited to see where they get published, and which ones are my fans favorites.
What is not?
The plane rides are never really fun, and I’d much rather drive. I usually get crammed on a plane full of people that are really loud, and sometimes smelly. It’s always hard sitting there for a long period of time being cramped up beside a guy that bathed in perfume. I usually turn on my music, lean my head against something, and try to not look at my watch every ten minutes wondering when the heck I’m going to land lol.
Do you have a favorite photoshoot? Why?
I have a couple that stand out, my first one being with Playboy. It was the first professional shoot that I had ever had, and I was stoked that it was with such a big company. All of the concepts were amazing, especially the set that I shot at The Yard Muay Thai and where kickboxer Joe Schilling wrapped my hands. I also filmed a really cool BTS video there, and you can find it on YouTube.
My other favorite photoshoot was actually my most recent, and with my favorite photographer. Not only was my makeup and hair amazing, but I also ended up getting to shoot in the Vegas desert. There were so many old cars, props, and views to die for and I got to finally pose with a horse! #yay
How would you describe your style?
I like to say that my style is glam/rock. I love the sleek and sexy style of a bondage dress with high heels and pretty jewelry, but I also love skinny jeans and a tank top paired with thigh high boots.
What other modeling projects have you done?
I have been so blessed, and humbled by the fact that I shot for the covers of FHM, and Maxim along with other spreads and features.
Photographer you dream to work with? and Why?
It’s so funny that you ask this… When I first started modeling I messaged one of my favorite photographers about shooting with him, and never heard anything back. Three years later I had forgotten all about the letter, ended up shooting with him and then the next day I messaged him on FB about the images that we had captured together and found the old letter. It made me laugh, and also feel really accomplished.
What projects you are currently working on?
I actually just signed with an amazing agency about 2 hours ago haha, so I will have a lot of really cool activities going on soon and you can keep track of it all by checking out my social media sites.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Making more of my dreams come true. #TooLegitToQuit
How was the feeling when you saw your Maxim cover?
I teared up instantly and couldn’t wait to show my parents haha! It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
How was doing the 2014 Playboy Swimsuit calendar?
I was so nervous before going to the shoot because it was my first professional photo-shoot, but it all turned out amazing once I got there. I worked with a great group of talented people, and got to do some sweet shoots.
What music we can find in your iPod?
I have a pretty open mind when it comes to music, and so you can find a range of things. I have some Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Eminem, Sia, Chevelle, Ellie Goulding, Type O Negative, and other random stuffs on there lol.
What do you do in your free time?
I really enjoy being outdoors especially during the summer. One of my favorite places has gotta be the beach. I love being lazy and laying in the sun all day long lol. I also love watching movies, listening to music, and going to theme parks. You can also find me reading when I just feel like trapping myself in my room and being alone for a while. There’s nothing like a good story.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Celebrities crush on me
What actor/actress do you admire the most, and why?
I admire all of the ones that started from nothing, and have made it on their own.
Please list 3 designers who you like the most?
Paul Marciano, Luli Fama, Bebe.
Which trend(s) from the past would you like to see come back, and also which do you wish had never happened?
I’m enjoying the neo 80s thing that’s happening right now, but I despise the parachute pants and hope that they stay in the past.
What’s your favorite quote?
Treat other’s the way that you would like to be treated.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think very highly of social media, without it I would have never have gotten the opportunities that I have or met the amazing people that I now call friends.
Where our readers can follow you?
You can follow me on
Instagram: @wilkejen
Facebook: facebook.com/WilkeJen
Twitter: @wilkejen
Your favorite song? Why?
Chris Isaak Wicked Games, it’s one of the sexiest songs in existence.
Movie/Tv Series:
Right now I’m loving Game of Thrones, and Walk Hard.
Book: Terry Goodkind Sword of Truth novels.
Travel Destination: Cabo baby!
Festival: Crawfish #Nom
Drink: Water, the drink of the champions.
Restaurant: Chipotle, ugh their burritos are so yummy.
Sports Team: the San Antonio Spurs #GoSpursGo
Morning, noon or night? Always a #NightOwl
Do you have any pets? Not atm, but I plan to get a small dog that barks a lot in the near future lol.
Bar/Nightclub: Nah.
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Photo Credit: Sara Orbanic
