VISUAL TALES: Thanks for doing this shoot Finn. We always have a affinity with the name Finn. Any idea the origins of naming you Finn by your parents?
FINN DOERING: From what I’ve been told, my parents stole it from a Danish silent film whilst on their honeymoon in Denmark! 

VT: Tell us about your upbringing.
FD: I was born in Rhinebeck NY but grew up in Brooklyn. I went to a Waldorf school* until 6th grade which was my foundation in the world of Arts. Extremely grateful to my parents for that choice. Most of my life was split between upstate and the city which was a really instrumental navigation of life for me. A balance. Around the age of 13 my family made a full time move to our country house in Woodstock where I finished high-school before I returned to nyc for design school at Parsons. 

*—In Waldorf education, the learning process is essentially threefold, engaging head, heart, and hands—or thinking, feeling, and doing. This is the basis out of which Waldorf teachers work to nurture and engage each child through a curriculum and methodology that integrates academics, arts, and practical skills.

VT: Your personal interest outside of modeling and goals you would like to achieve in the near future.
FD: My current focus is working on a product for the hair with my barber friend. I want to follow my father’s footsteps as an entrepreneur so my main goals for the future are just brining to life my many concepts! This current venture is a perfect foundation to build upon that I can scale quickly before moving on to my next concept.

VT: As a runway model, you have modeled for a lot of major brands from Dior, JW Anderson, Fendi, Palm Angels, Coach and Private Policy (Which we featured in this editorial). What do you love most about modeling and if there is a special memory walking for these brands that is special to you?
FD: My absolute favorite part of this journey has been the ability to travel and meet people. The cherry on top is being able to be so close to the development and inside aspects of clothing design, which I adore. Fashion is a major part of my life both through work and personal interest. 

VT: What advice would you want to pass along to up and coming models that dreams to achieve the success you have? What are the requirements to be a good model, from your experience?
FD: Haha, well I’m not sure I’ve reached the height of “success” just yet but maybe that’s just how I fuel my desire to improve. Simply just being yourself and staying true to who you are. Don’t let the fast paced world of fashion change what makes you you. Learn from it but don’t let it change you and definitely keep your eyes on your own feet rather than constantly looking up at what everyone else is doing. 

VT: Since you have been modeling for a bit of time, how do you keep your perspective on modeling fresh? 
FD: I really just take it as it comes, each experience is entirely different and there’s always loads of new things to take out of being in the world of fashion. I just try and soak up everything I can and express my gratitude for each opportunity. 

VT: Since this is editorial have a hinge of space travel, we would like to ask some random questions related to the topic for you to answer: How do you envision the future, say in 10 years time?
FD: It’s so hard to say, obviously I would love to just lean on the side of hoping the world will transition to a more peaceful thoughtful and green space but it’s difficult to determine that as definite. Ideally, less focus on screens and technology and rather a return to person to person interactions. Hopefully more environmental mindfulness as-well. 

VT: If you can bring five items with you to show the future of where you came from, which items would you bring and why?
FD: My motorcycle, soccer cleats, an early drawing from Waldorf I keep hung in my room, probably one of my plants if it’s still thriving and a sentimental bracelet I always keep on. I think those sum myself up in this moment in time, although that’s always in motion. 

VT: What’s your favorite science fiction book/film?
FD: Ready Player One, the book. The movie is awful haha.

VT: If you could invent an item for the future, what would it be and how will you utilize it.
FD: Recently, I’ve been much more interested in the creation of spaces. I always had a focus on products but as of late, I’ve been so invested in creating concepts for creative spaces that can leave my mark and voice on my city. I would love to bring together forms of community through niche avenues that are combined into one passionate creative space. 

VT: The perfect song that you would want to play in space?
FD: Serenade of Water by Men I Trust, but I would definitely prepare a playlist. I listen to loads of songs that fit a space vibe. 

VT: If you have to escape from reality, where would we most likely find you?
FD: By a secret spot along a creek in my woods upstate in Woodstock.