Savannah, a model and an actress who has been acting since she was a kid describes her journey in modeling and acting industry. She has been doing modeling for almost 3 years now and working to get more opportunities in both modeling and in her acting arena.
Why did you move to Reno from LA? Are there enough opportunities in Reno Tahoe area?
My family moved to Tahoe. I did my school in Tahoe. It is a big change for me as LA is a big city with lot of opportunities while Reno is a small city. Over some years, Reno has brought a lot of opportunities; I basically grew into modeling in Reno Tahoe area. I am expanding to Sacramento and also reaching out to SF area. Reno has definitely helped me boost my career but nowadays it is hard to get more opportunities, photographer maybe because a lot of photographers only work with certain models and they are not much helping out to other models.
What do you do to get more opportunities?
I go to the Meet-up for the photographer and models, where you can meet new photographers and connect on social media, get to meet models and share each other’s experiences and get to learn new things. I am also doing freelance modeling and it is working out great for me.
Have you faced criticism in your modeling and acting career?
I get judged a lot in my modeling career, because I have Dental braces, I am not very slim and thin according to “Industry and Society Standards” which is wrong. In modeling, you can be whoever you want to, it should not be certain size and looks. Society would like to see very slim models but not everybody has the same slim body-build which is completely ok. It becomes hard for other models to get more opportunities with this type of mentality. I personally have similar experience in past that one of the agencies I reached out to for modeling, even though they liked me and my skills, I got rejected because of my braces.
What tips do you have for someone who’s just starting their modeling career?
I would say promote yourself as a model, represent yourself on social media, reach out to photographers and build your portfolio, increase your networking with photographers. Don’t be afraid. You have to start somewhere so take that first step and you will see yourself growing and learning. Don’t be discouraged in the beginning if you are not getting enough opportunities or followers on social media, DON’T GIVE UP and Keep Going. I was published in the famous magazine and if I would have given up I would have not achieved what I already have.
Who are your role models?
Since I was a kid, I look up to Audrey Hepburn. She is my fashion figure and her life style and journey into movies and modeling inspires me. She has brought a big change Hollywood by changing the mentality that it is ok not to have slim physique for model. She also helped people around the world, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF and her service and work was recognized worldwide and UNICEF honored her legacy of humanitarian work and contribution.
What are your goals and dreams?
Alongside my modeling and acting career, I would want to go to Nursing School and after the graduation, I would like to be a Missionary Nurse and help underprivileged countries.
