Stephanie May is a model from Penrith, Australia. We were delighted when Stephanie completed a feature interview for Urbanity Chic so that we could share her initial portfolio of work with you and give her an opportunity to tell you a bit about herself. Read on to find out, amongst other things, how Stephanie prepares for a shoot, how she would define her personal style and what motivates her to do what she does.
Stephanie May
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPpm-EaEkP0
Q: How did you get into fashion modeling?
Although I’ve only just started out, but I am having so much luck already. A lot of people have told me that I have the looks and height to be a model. I wasn’t sure about it so I checked into some agencies and I got accepted into one based in Sydney and I have a few jobs lined up already 🙂
Q: How was 2010 for you?
It was a good year with acting, but as I said, 2011 has been all about trying modeling so I hope I’ll have a lot to say about 2011 when next year comes because I am already walking down the catwalk come this August.
Q: Who inspires you?
Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe and my Nan.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I love Guess, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Its my style to a T, I could survive off these 3 designer brands alone.
Stephanie May
Stephanie May
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
I love both for different reasons. Some days I would prefer the privacy and comfort of being on set especially if the weather conditions are harsh, but I have to admit being on location is so much fun! I have been to some very beautiful locations, plus I like the fact that people stop and stare and ask me questions. It makes me feel significant even though they have no idea who I am :).
Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot, or a casting you’d like to share?
Not really, although I did a photo shoot for an agency once and when I rocked up some short fat creepy guy that looked like something from “The hills have eyes” comes out with an ordinary camera and takes me on the street and starts taking photos. There was nothing professional about it and the photos were bad. That was an interesting experience I suppose :-p my friends made fun of me and they said they could have done the exact same thing for nothing :).
Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
I like to do everything at least a day in advance. My hair, eyebrows, waxing etc., I hate being rushed around. I also get heaps of sleep so I look as fresh as a daisy.
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
Of me? I have a lot 🙂 not because of me but because they mainly reflect how I was feeling at that certain moment. I believe that the camera was one of the best inventions ever. I love photos of me that I don’t know are being taken. They are the best ones I find. I love big group shots where we’re all laughing and having a good time. One of my all time fav. photos of me were when I went to London and I walked the famous “Abbey Road” I have a huge smile on my face because I am a huge fan of the Beatles. I was told Ringo was there just a few days beforehand going into the local studio.
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
Guy Bourdin had some very interesting ideas and I have to admit I wouldn’t have mind being photographed by him 🙂 Not a lot of people know who Guy is.
Stephanie May
Stephanie May
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?
Many people but if he was still alive I’d have to say Ansel Adams. His work really captures the moment even though he is a landscaper I would have loved to have been shot by him with amazing backgrounds just to jazz it up :).
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
It means being able to express yourself freely and I love that. I am who I am and if people don’t like it then fine! I love being a girl and being able to do so many things to make me feel more confident and fashion is a big part of it.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
I love accessories. I am a fan of hooped earrings and bracelets. I love big sunglasses. I’m not a footy shorts and singlet type of girl, I love dresses and I am a fan of pants with a nice top and a good jacket. I hate winter, but I love winter fashion. I don’t really like dark colours and it doesn’t match my personality. I love brands like Ed Hardy 🙂 I could wear his clothes everyday :).
Q: Where are you based?
“The Riff” lol aka Penrith.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
There are a lot of weird styles here. Mainly the same type of thing though, even if its a million degrees below, girls still love walking around in short shorts. But in saying that, people don’t really care what others think up here, and that’s a good thing. We also have lots of emo and gothic people up here too.
Stephanie May
Stephanie May
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
When it comes to modeling, I don’t have a lot yet. I am entered into the Rimmels “Girlfriend” search of the year, and this will be my second feature in a magazine but I have some runway projects coming up soon. As for acting it will definitely have to be achieving a speaking role in a TV series called “Deadly Women” which will air here next year. I truly felt like a star that day and I drove home from location with the biggest smile on my face even though my hair was drenched in fake blood, it was 3 am and freeeeeeezing cold. I will never forget that day ever.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
I want to be in a lot of magazines , walk many catwalks and I want my name on people’s lips.
Q: What do you do to relax?
Smoke. 🙂 Cigarettes to clear that up 🙂 I know it’s not good for my body or complexion but its something I do to calm me down. I love seeing my friends and I love listening to music.
Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?
I love all music from the Rolling Stones to 50Cent.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Acting and modeling of course 🙂 I love exercising and reading romance novels. I’m a bit of an airhead and I can be a fool for love sometimes but I love the fantasy of books. I also like cooking and playing with my animals if I’m feeling down, 🙂 and having travelled to over 20 different countries, I’d have to say travelling.
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new models or aspiring models what would it be?
Never give up. Don’t create huge goals and go for the big things straight away. Set yourself small goals and when you start to achieve them, bigger and better things will happen in good time.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
Whenever I get a job the smile that it gives my parents and friends makes me want to make it into the big time. I truly love this industry and I cherish every opportunity that comes my way. I love fantasies and I am a big daydreamer. I love playing all sorts of roles. If I had of been around years ago, my all time fav. Movie that I would have loved to have been in would be “The Predator”. I love escaping into different realms because being Stephanie all the time can be mundane 🙂 so I suppose escaping sometimes motivates me more to get different jobs and roles.
Stephanie May
Stephanie May
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I am pretty academic and I am proud of that. I like the fact that I am sexual and a free spirited person but sometimes though that I get labeled stereotypical things like “bimbo” and “airhead” sometimes worse. People don’t know that I am actually really smart. It proves that people judge books by their covers and don’t take the time to find out about a person before they judge them. I am who I am and I’m not going to change for anyone but me. I urge people to do the same 😀 I can be real emotional at times like when I watch a movie like “The Lion King” I just ball like a baby, but if any of my friends were in danger I’d be the first to open my mouth and defend them. I love my friends and family more than anything 🙂 I think I’m the type of person you either love or hate, but I’m fine with that 🙂 If you want to find out more add me on Facebook and you will 🙂
Editor’s Note: Although Stephanie has just recently started her modeling career in earnest, her attitude and interest in fashion partnered with her classical yet individual look will surely mean that she’ll enjoy even more success in the future.
If you’d like to find more about or contact Stephanie May just check out her Facebook page, the link’s below:
Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=777722800#!/pages/Stephanie-May/216843708349647?sk=wall
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