a warm welcome to my art space
Dear visitor,
Welcome to my virtual home. I’m Ana Tomouanu (Anato). I’m a freelance model, photographer, event organizer, influencer and freedom activist.
Background & education
I grew up in Tulcea, Romania, a small town by the Black Sea, surrounded by nature, traditions and yet with a strong motivation to escape the social norms. I was olympic in mathematics and in literature and my poems were published in local magazines. I always loved art but I was warned to not try to become an artist.
When I turned 18 I moved to Bucharest to study Communication and PR at the University of Journalism and Communication Sciences – a big disappointment for my family. They wanted me to follow a more secure career in IT. After graduating, I decided to follow a master degree in Touristic Management (graduated in 2022).
Career wise, I tried several paths, since I was 16. I worked part time in Tulcea in a law office while in high school, then moving to Bucharest I worked in HORECA in parallel with university, then during and shortly after graduating I worked for two PR Agencies – BBDO & The Good Company in Bucharest. After that, I moved to my touristic marketing position in Servatur hotels (Spain) until 2023.
Even though it seemed like that was the “safe” way, the corporate environment never felt like the way I wanted to live my life. I have always had a strong calling towards human interaction and creative thinking.
Modeling/Photography
During all these years trying to build a career, I was modelling as a hobby. Portraits, street shootings, some commercial work but also artistic nude – first photoshoot was in 2014. I didn’t earn money from it until 2017.
In 2018 I decided to start traveling as a freelance model. I worked all around Europe, Asia, Africa and USA. I mostly posed for art nude workshops, gallery projects, independent artists and brands. My work as a model was featured in ArtBasel Miami, Normal magazine, TreatsMag, Ellements, Playboy (online and print), PhotoVogue and many different galleries around the world.
This decision was definitely the best of my life so far. It brought me freedom, hundreds of people met, more than 40 countries visited, authentic experiences and financial growth.
Future possibilities – photography, events, coaching
Before I realized, social media numbers grew and therefore Anato became a brand itself, one that believes in freedom of expression, courageous ideas, experimental processes and most of all, genuine human connection.
Deep inside my mind present Thoughts
Obviously, modeling is not a lifetime job. Here comes the challenge, how to continue creating by using different tools?
I am now in a process of building the next steps in my career:
- 📷 Moving behind the camera as a photographer/creative director
- 🎨 Sharing my artistic knowledge through workshops and photo events for models and photographers
- 🌍 Organizing holistic retreats meant to connect people through movement, travel, and a healthy lifestyle
- 📢 Creating advertising campaigns as an influencer for clients with similar values
My journey has been intense so far. I am looking forward to seeing where it’s going to take me, and meanwhile I’m not going to stop choosing what makes me feel healthy and happy, enjoying life at its fullest. Feel free to explore the rest of the website to find my portfolios, events, print shop and business opportunities.
Love yourself and life,
