Biography
My name is Sofiya Mina Smirnova and I am a model, actress and artist.
I started my career as an Artist in 2000 then as a Brand Ambassador Model in the Winter of 2003 and after that I got into Glamour Modeling part-time Summer 2004. Finally, 2006 marks my debut break into the film industry; specifically independent horror films. I've been a horror film fan since I was a child so becoming a part of this community is a blessing. My first horror film was Abattoir by Happy Cloud Pictures. The producers and directors I've met so far have been such an influence to me that I cannot thank them enough. My goal is to become one of the b-horror scream queens of the new millennium. Eventually I would like to get involved in more serious independent films such as drama, thriller and comedy, but for now, I'm enjoying my pace getting to know the industry.

Every Spring kicks off a part of my career as a spokesmodel. I do various work from product sampling to promotion and guerrilla marketing to being a brand ambassador. I truly enjoy what I do because everyday, my work is different as well as getting to travel to different cities. The best part is making new friends along the way. I've learn a lot being a spokes model. The most important thing is learning all the new products and educating the consumers the same time. I always have to stay one step ahead.

Being a spokesperson requires a lot of knowledge other than just having a pretty face. People tend to appreciate a model with knowledge just as much if not more. Spokesmodeling is "live modeling" and I use spokesmodeling as a term to represent all aspects of my modeling. This includes sampling, promotions, tastings, trade shows and special events, etc. I have been spokesmodeling since late Fall of 2003.

For Glamor Modeling, I work with photographers to create that one magical photograph that my fans will instantly recognize me from. I make appearances at conventions such as Glamourcon to promote myself as a glamour model and to promote other various aspects of my career. I usually have a booth set up and sell merchandise and autograph prints for my fans. It is a great opportunity for me to meet media companies, photographers, and of course my fans. I also network with other glamour models and have met celebrity models that have inspired me to excel and to be my best. It's definitely awin-win opportunity for me being there.

As an Artist, I have painted several themed fine art collections and have them displayed around the Chicagoland area (where I am located). I also participate in art conventions, the same as any other glamour or horror convention

Physically, I am best defined as exotic. I am part-Chinese and part-Russian. In Russian, Sofiya means "wisdom". Smirnova means "patient", "obedient". My middle name was named after Mina Loy, a poet and artist in the late 1800s whose poems represent, "art, love, sex, and childbirth from the perspective of a new woman." My Mother is an amazing woman. She knows much more about me and what I am to become since the day I was born. I spokesmodel as "Nico" and uses it as a pen name for my poetry and artwork.

Spiritually, I am sensual and poetic. Like all female, I love and want to be loved. To get that love, I seduce.

Intellectually, I am goal oriented. To promote myself for work such as being an ambassador to reaching my goal as a centerfold, I create and design my own promotional pieces utilizing graphic work. I produce promotional items highlighting my talents to agencies and create attractive flyers to lure the attention of a photographer in hopes to capture that one perfect piece of photograph to submit to various agencies.

Mentally, I am an artist. I love to paint and be painted. I am as crazy as you can imagine; filled with rage for life and the meaning of doing what I do.

Personally, I have a lot of compassion and very shy and quiet. I am a homebody and enjoy open mic and poetry slam over late night clubbing.

During my time off, I enjoy painting, writing poems and playing my cello. I usually play topless at the Chicago lakefront around 4-5am during the summer months.

FAQ About Me I'm pretty easy to please. Give me a journal, colorful pens and you'll have a nice person like me writing sinful thoughts.

Hates: Mean spirited people.

Loves: I'm also a pet lover. Meet my kids Arf-Arf, Meow-Meow and Tango

What makes me sad/fears: Discrimination.

What kind of model am I? I want to say a glamour model.

Why a glamour modeling career? Why I do what I do is because it's "ME", which explains why I do what I do. I've been a good girl all my life so being a glamour girl allows me to be bad for once in my life. Personally, being a glamour model is my 'fountain of youth.'

***PRINT***

2007 Images from Asia Calendar -Miss February

Stephen Narens Photography -Postcard ad

Red Eye News Magazine- Editorial for GenArt Ignite

Novem Studios- Tearsheet/merchandise ad

New City Chicago - front cover Feb issue'04

***MEDIA APPEARANCES/ FEATURES***

Q101 Mancow..2006..Live magic performance; appeared as Countess Sofiya, Fitzgerald's Realm of Magic

Hottie TV...2005...Event Correspondent for Chicago Bar Babe's Calendar Search. Feature body painted model at X-Rated's Halloween Party

IGN Entertainment..2005..Interview and featured on their website

Red Skyy Comics..2005…Feature model in comic book Sin Su: Vampire Hunter

Playboy Radio...2005....Guest Appearance Anonymous Letters vol. 1 Letters from the Soul produced by Playboy Radio for Sexy Stories
Segment

Glamourcon...2005 January Girl Of The Month

Exposure International Inc…2004, 2005… Appeared in their volume I and II music video