Each week, we take the time to highlight one of our favorite emerging models. Previously, we profiled Brazilian beauty Carol Paes and this week we're turning our attention to Samantha Fendall. We caught with the Sydney native to talk about her career so far, her passion for modeling and her plans for the future.
Nationality: Australian
Instagram: samanthafendall
Have you always wanted to be a model? If not, what did you want to be growing up?
It was never so much being a model as doing some of the things models get to do that inspired me to be a model. For example, riding a horse along the beach or standing in a glacier wearing swimwear struck me as enchantingly bizarre and I suppose it was the strangeness of this work that I found enticing. Growing up, I went through stages of passionately wanting to do anything and everything. Even now I change my mind very often and frequently pick up and drop interests!
How would you describe yourself as a model in three words?
In fact, I wouldn't describe myself as a model. I find it strange that for so many people working as a model becomes an identity. In what other profession are people defined through their work? I am first a person and I work as a model.
Your first modeling job?
I think my first paid job was for a sleep-wear brand and for the day all I had to do was lie down on a bed! After working in hospitality, retail and childcare I couldn't believe that this could be work...! That said, it was incredible to see how meticulous and creative the professionals around me were and how what appears to be a simple shot is articulated down to the finest detail.
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model?
By far it is everything that goes on behind the scenes...the planning, the problem solving, the professionalism, the fun on set and the creativity! Working with people who aren't afraid to push boundaries and who are constantly seeking novelty is exciting.
What's been your biggest OMG moment to date?
Working overseas was 2.5 months of OMG. My first paycheck (though nothing noteworthy in this industry) was an OMG moment. The whole industry is just OMG. It's shocking and brilliant at once.
What is your dream shoot/campaign?
A shoot in the snow would be unreal. Or with animals. Or on a beautiful location somewhere I wouldn't ordinarily take myself. Nothing too specific because the best shoot would be a complete surprise!
Biggest lesson that modeling has taught you?
I have learned that there is no limit to how much you can do. I met some very successful models when I was just starting out, and I was intimidated not by their modeling achievements, but how much they achieved along the way and how many side-hustles they have ticking away alongside modeling. It changed my outlook on modeling to reconceive it as a means to live a big life and not limit myself to any one project at a time. That's what has led me to travel extensively, to work as a waitress and ski instructor and nanny whilst I'm modeling too, to study and learn to code whilst I model too. It taught me that if you're motivated and diligent, there's no limit to your productivity.
What's the best life advice you've ever received?
It wasn't so much advice as a way of thinking... I recently was taught about an interpretation of the Myers-Briggs personality psychology which changed how I understood interactions with people. It taught me that some people will click and be on the same wavelength quite organically, and others just simply won't. It showed me a way of valuing people's differences and it made uneasy interactions more interesting than uncomfortable. Essentially, it made all people and all interactions completely fascinating to me!
How do you stay in shape?
I like to keep it fun. I'd rather go to prison than workout in a gym, I much prefer a coastal run or a game of tennis with friends.
What do you think about fashion? What does it mean to you?
Fashion to me is a fascinating way to observe cultural changes, from shifts in gender politics to cultural nostalgia, I think fashion gives a real-time reflection of changes in culture and psychology. I also believe it is an industry that celebrates women in a beautiful way and brings out the challenges women continue to face.
How would you describe your style?
Very careless. I'm tragically unfashionable if somebody could do my shopping for me and dress me each day that would be ideal!
Denim or leather?
Denim!
Heels or flats?
Is that really a question...flats!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Butter! The problem is, I don't feel guilty enough about it...
When you're not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I'm teaching myself some piano pieces I used to play growing up. I'm also trying to find a better balance of work and play, and trying to spend more time outdoors, with my family and friends and doing things just for the hedonistic pleasure of them!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
I have no doubt I'll be somewhere I would never have expected in 10 years' time.
Check out Samantha's profile here and check back next week to find out who our next 'Model of the Week' is.
Thank you, Samantha, for taking the time to talk with us!
Interview by: Clinton Gonsalvez
Special Thanks to Jason Mayman @ Priscilla's Model Management (Sydney, Australia).
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