Modeling isn't always as glamorous as it looks: early mornings, long hours and living out of a suitcase for months on end.

But the perks are plentiful, too.

"The opportunity to travel and see the world is so humbling and rewarding," said Kara Gall, a model with Minneapolis agency Ignite Models. "Every time I come back from being in another country I just want to keep traveling and keep moving."

Known for her quirky, offbeat looks, Gall's talents have taken her from her hometown of Webster, Wis., to photo shoots and runways all over the world. She's walked in New York and Milan fashion weeks.

Off duty, Gall sports a tomboyish look with ankle trousers, fuzzy sweaters and a pixie haircut. She's known just as much for being funny and friendly backstage as she is fabulous and fierce on stage.

"It's the whole package — the right combination of beauty, brains and style — that je ne sais quoi that has made Kara a sought-after model at home and abroad," said Allison Vaillancourt, owner of Ignite Models. We caught up with Gall via e-mail from Seoul, South Korea, where she's modeling for a few months.

How did you get your start? "I wish I could tell you some amazing story of how I got scouted at my local McDonald's. I searched around for agencies in the Minnesota area and found Ignite Models. I submitted some photos to them and they e-mailed back, asking to meet."

One modeling misconception: "A lot of people think that modeling is a glamorous job. There is so much more to it than just taking a pretty picture."

One modeling perk: "The early mornings … not because I'm a morning person, but because there are no lines at Starbucks. And getting to travel the world. That's a close second."

How do modeling jobs overseas differ from modeling jobs in the U.S.? "I'm in Seoul right now and there is a bit of a language barrier. I have a manager that comes with me to all jobs and translates exactly what the client/photographer is looking for. The workdays are longer here, too."

What's your best modeling beauty trick? "Having clear, healthy skin is really important and I've found that using coconut oil on the skin works wonders."

Aimee Blanchette • 612-673-1715