FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU WANT
FEATURED ARTISTS
Photographer: Samantha Wolov
www.samanthawolov.com
Photographer's Assistant: Kyle Stephens
Hair and Makeup: Victoria "Wallett" Luburich, Look Artists
Model: Tory Grove, Look Model Management
Stylist: Renata Gar
www.renatagar.com
Special Thanks to: King's Boxing Gym, Oakland CA
FEATURED MODEL INTERVIEW
1.How do you prepare for a shoot?
Mentally I always like to look for visual inspiration, so I am always glad when photographers or creative directors have a mood board or some type of visual outline for their goal for our shoot. Samantha Wolov is always great with this, and makes it so easy for me to feel prepared and excited for our shoots together. Other than that I have some lemon ginger chamomile tea before going to bed early and I also go through my beauty checklist the night before. I always make sure I am dressed comfortably the day of and have an extra long coat and some snacks, my emergency nail kit, and I am set to handle anything.
2.What do you find to be the most difficult when trying to bring the story to life?
I don't believe that I run into much difficulty in bringing stories to life because I am someone who has a wild imagination. As long as the photographer and the creative team are open about what they are seeing and needing from me, everything just comes to life. I need to keep myself open and read them to create the person they see through the lens.
3.What or who inspires you?
I am inspired greatly through passionate artists and their wild projects. Right now I am going through a David Lynch phase. But I also always feel most inspired after being out on an adventure, somewhere off the beaten path, nature is the best place for me to find that flying feeling of inspiration.
4.An Interesting thing that most people don't know about you?
I have always had a fascination with plant life. I spent a summer interning at a local organic farm, and I studied horticulture at San Francisco city college.
5.What knowledge have you developed during your career that has helped you most?
No matter what one person might say to discourage you, never give up on what you know you are capable of achieving.
6.Who mentored you in the beginning of your modeling career? & What was the most valuable lesson they taught you?
My mother was my first and strongest mentor for my modeling career. She always was encouraging and taught me how to not take all the rejection that comes along with the territory personally, which I feel is the most important skill to have in modeling. But the person who really taught me how to be a professional model would be one of my favorite agents Jeffery Hassler at Look Model Agency. We have been working together off and on for 5 years and he always takes the time to coach me to be the best model I can be.
7.What do you see as a big mistake newer models tend to make?
It always breaks my heart to see new models who are being too hard on themselves. Confidence is a major factor in this industry, they must remember that it is a business and they cannot take some harsh criticism personally. There will always be rejection or rude superficial words thrown at you, but you must remember that they are just those opinions, and you will always have plenty of others who admire you and your work. So never stop representing yourself with confidence and beauty, the people who are on your side will appreciate it.
8.How do you expand your skill?
I always learn the most when working with new people, or creative direction I am unfamiliar with. I learn more and acquire new skills when I am out of my comfort zone.
9.How has working with a team benefited you aside from strengthening your skills?
working with a team is always beneficial because you learn new skills from all the creative minds working together to problem solve and meet a goal. And it is always great to build new relationships with people working in your desired industry for future projects.
10.What started you working in editorial?
From the beginning of building my portfolio it has been quite clear that I work better for editorial style modeling. Although I love doing all kinds, I have the most fun doing artistic, far-fetched, and sometimes even dangerous photo shoots.
12.Next BIG goal?
I want to start my own company focused on health and well being
13.Who are three of your favorite designers?
1.Hussein Chalayan
2.Yves Saint Laurent
3. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte
14.What has been the most amazing opportunity you have had in this industry so far?
The most amazing, and challenging opportunity I have had so far has been living in New York and being represented by Major Model Management. I got to experience the breathtaking city, and learn a lot about what I want from my modeling career, versus what others might.
15. the 5 essential products to be found in your model bag?
1.Nail polish remover and cotton balls
2. "adore-a-ball" nail polish by essie
3. Padded inserts for the ball of your foot
4. "Burt's Bees" sensitive face wipes
5. Lotion
