Those of you who've heard of the "Everywhere Girl" (or Jennifer Anderson, as she's known In Real Life) will already know the amazing story of how one modelling session turned Anderson into one of the most used stock-shot faces in the world. Her image has been featured in countless adverts, book covers and websites, and she's developed an online following of people dedicated to finding her face in as many places as possible.
We were lucky enough to get an interview with Jennifer. Keep reading to find out what it's like seeing your image used on Christian texts, the weirdest place she's ever seen herself, and her plastic surgery. [Pic via The Idée Blog]
Have you ever been recognised in the street?
No, at least not that I am aware of. I do sometimes wonder if someone is like "where do I know that girl from?" But then again, I look quite different all the time, changing my hair and stuff a lot...so who knows?
Have you ever felt that some uses of your image have been inappropriate?
I don't feel that anything has been inappropriate per se, but I have seen my pictures advertising things that I feel uncomfortable with. I am a very liberal person, but I know my picture was used on the San Diego Republican Party's website at one time, which of course kind of irked me...but it's not like I can do anything about it. I also seem to be used a lot on Christian sites and books, which cracks me up since I do not consider myself a Christian really. But it's out of my hands, it's not like I am selling out or anything, you know?
How does it feel having your face put to something you don't necessarily agree with or believe in?
Well I guess I answered that above...yeah, it sort of bothers me, but I just have to laugh it off. Now if it was ever used to somehow advertise any anti-gay or racist propaganda (or something alon those lines), I would just lose it!
What's the weirdest place you've seen your picture?
Well actually there are two places...both were way before my picture was really getting around on the internet, an were more being used in print media. One was in probably 1998 or so when my mom and I were in the school supply section of Fred Meyer (a Target-like store in Oregon) and we saw a huge display of those 3-ring notebook binders that have a clear plastic cover on the front where you can slide in pictures and stuff....there was like 30 of them displayed with my picture as the example picture in them...pretty surreal.
The other time was in 2001 right before I moved to LA...I was in a place called "Car Toys" in Portland to get a new stereo for my car. I walked in and right behind the front counter was this *huge* picture of me (the one with me sitting on top of the Mustang convertible with my hands up) on the wall. Needless to say, I got a discount on my stereo once they realized it was me. The funny thing is that I guess there was some rumor going around throughout all the Car Toys shops that I was their CEO's daughter...they only found out after the whole Everywhere Girl thing started that I wasn't.
What came first - the sites dedicated to finding your face, or your blog?
It all started with TheInquirer.net for sure. They started really noticing my picture when I was on both Dell and Gateway ads at the same time and the rest is history.
Do you think about the money you could have made? How do you feel about it?
But I could have never made that money, because that just isn't how stock photos work. If I was just a regular model selling my own photos, the price would have been too high for all these companies and they would have just picked another stock photo...so I don't think about it, because it would have never happened that way. Plus my Wells Fargo commercial has made up for that over the past two years...I have nothing to complain about...but the photographer from that photo shoot must be enjoying it!
You've obviously got just the right kind of face to be an "everywoman". How does it feel to be an everywoman?
I have never heard that term before, but I guess it feels nice to feel like people can relate to me.
Have you been offered any interesting work thanks to your web following?
Well I did a podcast for The Inquirer which was fun and at some point I would like to make it to London to meet all those blokes, but not much else too interesting otherwise...at least not yet!
Have you got any new projects on the cards?
Well I am not acting any more so I am getting ready to transfer to a University in the fall to finish up my Psychology degree, and am going to be a certified Hoop Dance Instructor in the fall as well. Other than that I am just enjoying the ride!
You're really into web geekery stuff, like blogging and Twitter etc. Were you always like that, or did you get into it thanks to your face and its fame?
Nope, I have always been like that, although I find now that between work, school, and my personal life, I don't have as much time to do that stuff anymore...I am trying to find a good balance right now.
Would you ever have plastic surgery?!
HA! Wellllll....ok I am coming out with it here first...I did have plastic surgery almost two years ago...in fact during my recovery time was when I started my blog and posted most of my first introduction posts. I *never* thought I would have plastic surgery, but I also struggled over my big schnoz for most of my life and I got the opportunity to do it and be on a show (Discovery Health's Plastic Surgery: Before and After) and get it done for cheap....so yes, I had a nose job and chin implant...and I have no regrets whatsoever...and I didn't do it for my acting career...I did it for myself. So I will say this...if plastic surgery can make someone feel a little better about themselves, then why not...as long as they have a healthy view of what it will do for them....go for it!
What advice do you have to other models doing stock shot work?
Just make sure you understand what Royalty-Free means and what your pictures can be used for, it's not really a big deal. Oh and make sure you are getting paid the going rate for your photo shoot!
Are you available for guest appearances?
Well besides my totally hectic schedule, yes! It would depend on what, when and where, but yes that would be fun!
Anything else you'd like to say?!
Thanks for this opportunity to talk about this weird thing that has become part of my life...haha!
For more info about Jennifer Anderson, the Everywhere Girl, head to Buzzfeed for a great round up of all the best links.
