Profile of a Hustler | Annabelle Lyttle

If you’re a beautiful woman, you’re a bitch. Why? Because that’s what we’ve decided and it’s simply our deep-rooted, subconscious reaction to beauty so we can better deal with our own insecurities.

But that isn’t Annabelle. She shatters any stereotype the moment she speaks to you. Her kindness is almost as overwhelming as her beauty. She’s a fresh face with a warm heart. She might have legs for miles but her heart seems to stretch further. And this stereotype somehow seems to be the easiest one for her to overcome.

Trying to fit into that mold of the model/actress, Annabelle works in an industry where stereotypes are seemingly celebrated, where “models” and “influencers” are now expected to be the same thing, when on- or off-camera you are still supposed to represent your brand. How do you break through the stereotypes and outshine the shadows being cast in order to truly be seen?  This societal need for labels, for titles, for definitions we can all agree upon and understand makes it more difficult for those who don’t.

A kind, intelligent model.

A gritty, determined actress.

An optimistic, spirited New Yorker.

No thanks, can’t you just keep being the pretty girl?

Annabelle Lyttle won’t.

We sat down with Annabelle while she exposed the grit and grind of this seemingly glamorous industry. We take a look inside the hustle, from castings and auditions to rejections and victories, from disparaging looks and the promising chances from those who choose to see her as more than just a pretty face. In the latest from our Profile of a Hustler series, find out how she is continuing to push through stereotypes, and the frightening way she plans to kickstart her acting career

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BiT: When did you move to New York and what brought you to the city?

AL: I moved to NYC in June of 2011. I moved to the city after signing with my very first modeling agency, although I didn’t start modeling right away. I picked up restaurant jobs to help make ends meet. Actually, the very first restaurant I ever worked at in NYC was the Oak Room at the Plaza hotel, right before the restaurant shut down.

BiT: What did you think you’d find here, and what did you actually find?

AL: Everyone has an image of New York in their heads from movies and tv shows, and when I first got here, I was living the life I’d seen in a way. I’d get invited out to huge parties and swanky clubs at night, rub elbows with the occasional celebrity. But the stars faded for me when I realized how difficult it was to make real relationships here. It was very superficial.

BiT: How do you define “hustle”?

AL: My definition of “Hustle” is continuing to pursue your craft no matter how many times you are rejected. I’m in the business of rejection as a model, and I’m starting to segue into the acting world now which is rife with rejection as well, so it’s something that comes with the territory. But I keep trying and I keep showing up because it’s something that I really want to do.”

BiT: What is one reality about both modeling and acting that people would be surprised to know?

AL: One misconception is that models are just there to look pretty. In order to stand out, you have to have a personality and be eloquent and professional, and now there’s so much more of an expectation to be a brand ambassador in addition to a model. Your instagram following is almost more important than experience.

BiT: How do you balance trying to do the whole branding thing?

AL: That’s definitely a sore spot for me. My entire journey getting to New York and to the place where I am right now was from years of doing little things on the side that I thought would elevate me to get to where the people are now that are only quote “models” because of their social media following. It’s very frustrating for those of us who have literally pounded the pavement for years to then get looked over because someone has 20k Instagam followers

BiT: Because they know how to play the game, that’s what they concentrate on instead of actually doing the work.

AL: Exactly. I’d rather spend more time being a model who shows up on time, is professional on set, takes direction, and gives them what they’re looking for than someone who’s constantly glued to my phone posting the next thing on my Instagram story. I go to castings and before they even ask for your comp card they ask what’s your Instagram handle is, and I already know that I’m not eligible for this because I have barely 2k followers.

BiT: That’s so frustrating.

AL: I mean, not to discredit it, a lot of good has come from social media. Our definition of beauty has broadened exponentially, and I think it’s amazing because it is a gateway to see different body types, different sizes, different races. I’m totally on board with inviting and being open to many things. Now there’s so much more acceptance of trans culture and there’s a suport system in it and it’s wonderful. That’s what I love about social media. But when it comes to almost being a necessity to brand yourself, I struggle with that. I’m a person, not a brand.

Maybe I’m just reminiscent of the past, but the supermodels of the 80s and 90s were huge, and it was a part of their allure that they were mysterious. You didn’t know where they were having dinner or what they were doing all hours of the day. That’s what put them on another level. Now you can pull your phone out of your pocket and see what Bella Hadid is having for breakfast or where she’s traveling, which is cool to think, oh hey, she’s just like us! That’s great, but at the same time, I’m a private person. So the fact that this is a part of the business, I struggle with that. I feel like I could still be just as good as they can without any of that stuff, but for that to be a requirement now, it really sucks.

BiT: I completely agree. How do you maintain energy in your craft and push through periods of frustration between projects?

AL: For modeling, it helps that it pays the bills. But also I really enjoy it. Most of the jobs that I’m doing at this point in my career is behind-the-scenes stuff, so I’ll do fit modeling or showrooom modeling, but when I do book the rare editorial, I really love it. You’re working with all of these people who have a vision and I’m basically the canvas for all of them. It’s fascinating for them to have it all come to life on my face or with my body movements. That’s why I appreciate it. Modeling is an art, and I respect it in that sense. I think I hold it in a different standard than a lot of models do. Not to undermine anybody else, but that’s how I view it. Rather than the fact that it could be perceived fancy or glamorous, at the end of the day, it is artwork and that’s what keeps me going.

BiT: What about living in this city in particular helps energize you and keep you going?

AL: I used to have moments where I’d take a taxi home after a night out in the city and I’d go over the Williamsburg Bridge, and I know this sounds so cliche but it’s so amazing to look at the skyline and be like, Wow, I’m still here. I’m in this city. I’ve been here for almost 7 years and it hasn’t kicked my ass yet, and that’s energizing I think; to be like, all right, I may not be where I want to be yet, but I’m still here. And I’m still pushing. And knowing what could be… I think that keeps me going.

BiT: I think it’s kind of remarkable that we live in a city that simple day to day survival is like, I’m really proud of this!

AL: [Laughing] Yeah, I think that’s where the bar is right now. I’m surviving. But I’m surviving in New York City.

BiT: …and that’s pretty damn impressive.

BiT: Was there a moment in modeling and acting where you thought, hey, this is really happening!

AL: Yes. Modeling, I was lucky enough to travel to 2 different international markets, and for me that was like, oh my god, I’m one of those models who’s going somewhere else! It felt very validating to me. It just seemed like, ok I’m doing well in New York, I don’t have to go anywhere else, and at that point in time I had done very little international traveling, so it was so exciting to be in another country and experience a totally different culture and meet new people from other places.

BiT: I would imagine there are few benchmarks at that level in a way in New York so that’s definitely a big stride.

AL: Exactly, it was a really big deal. And it worked out really well for me. I came back with a brand new portfolio, I signed with an agency down there but I actually had a spread in Glamour Mexico, which, I mean I would never book Glamour in New York. In New York it’s so saturated, and most magazines are given to celebrity models instead of people like me. The fact that I did Glamour there was huge.

AL: In terms of acting, I’m still waiting for that moment to happen. I did have an audition with a casting director and he was so impressed with my performance that he took the time to call my agent and say, “Annabelle has got something. She’s way more than just a model. You need to be sending her out and developing her for acting.” And then I actually took a meeting with him to pick his brain a little bit and he told me, “I’ve made that phone call maybe 3 times in my entire career and one of those times was for you. Stick with it, keep doing it, you have it.” For me that was like, ah thank you! Thank you so much.

BiT: In some ways that can be better than getting a role.

AL: Exactly, I didn’t even get the job but he was compelled to say, she needs to know that she’s good. That was really nice. But yeah I’m just now getting back to acting so I’m still taking it as it comes and celebrating small victories.

BiT: Tell us what are you working on now.

AL: I was just cast in an indie horror film called Reap. It’s kind of like Saw meets the 7th Seal. Which actually I haven’t even seen the 7th Seal [laughing]. Frankly, I can’t even watch scary movies which is why it’s so ironic that I’m about to be acting in one, but yeah it should be a really cool project with really cool people and it will be my first lead role in any film project I’ve worked on. I got really lucky with this because when I initially submitted myself, I submitted to just like a small day-player, not even a supporting role; she had one scene, maybe 3 lines. I submitted myself for that, and the director called and said, “Hey, I loved your look, I watched your reel on your profile page, let me know if you’d like to read for a bigger part.” I was thinking, of course, I’d love to read for a bigger part! I was just thankful for the opportunity to even audition for him. So he had me read for the lead role. I did a self-tape first at home then the auditions, and he told me I was cast as the lead role. I’m super excited.

BiT: What is the scope of the filming from here?

AL: At this point we’re still trying to get our budget together and plan everything out. I think they are going to be shooting 2-3 weekend shoots. We’re having a really good cinematographer come in, a special effects makeup artists come, just a really really great team and good actors!

BiT: What are you most excited about in terms of seeing the finished product?

AL: I guess just seeing myself performing again, because it’s been so long since I’ve done anything professionally other than modeling. I don’t know, it’s just so… I just feel so proud of myself. I have been struggling with my agent on finding roles that are a good fit, so I’ve just been doing it on my own, sending myself out, so I’m really proud of myself… the fact is that I not only got the audition but I got the lead role in this part, it’s just all very exciting for me. So to see the finished product and to say, ok, despite what you may think, I did this.

BiT: I imagine to see everyone’s genius come together will be invigorating.

AL: Yeah, exactly.

BiT: What are the next steps to make it come together?

AL: So for funding, we have a Kickstarter. Our deadline ends on May 2nd. We have a $6k budget and it’s exciting for me because it is an opportunity for a lot of people to come together to support independent artists who have a goal and a dream and want to put together their vision and make a really cool movie. I think it’s a really great start for me personally because I’m non-union and independent, and some really big name actors started out doing completely independent films, horror films specifically. So I’m hoping it all comes together.

BiT: It’s not often for people to have the chance to hear your story and to then understand what it takes to get there. Kickstarter is a way to monetize what you believe in and support independent artists.

AL: And I’m so thankful for all of the support I’ve been given throughout my journey in NYC and my career. That’s definitely helped maintain my hustle, having other people believe in me. If anyone can donate to our Kickstarter, it will be much appreciated!”

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Donate to Reap here, and see Annabelle kicking ass in a few months.

Keep hustling, Brooklyn. It’s why you’re here.