©2008 Pottle Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Full Q&A is below the jump!

Tell us how you got involved with Top Model.

I have been going to college and living a normal life and I decided that I really wanted to give modeling one last go. I didn’t want to be an old lady, telling my grandchildren that back in the day I could have been a model. I tried out cycle 9 but didn’t make it. I decided to try out one more time. I wanted to give myself until I was 20 to make it in modeling. After that, it was going to be over. So I tried out again for Cycle 11 and I made it.

On the show, you seemed to be quite the boxing enthusiast. Can you talk about that?

It’s a bit of misconception. I’m not a boxer, I do mixed martial arts. The type I do does not have face hits, which is good. It’s more like wrestling. I plan on continuing training, but I’m not competing, due to injury risks. I want to stay in shape and stay toned because that’s important for modeling and my training will help.

Did this background help you on the show?

My martial arts background gave me confidence boost. I had the drive and competitiveness in the past and that could help me in modeling. I have been pushed in the past and pushed myself. I know how to dig deep down and get the best out of myself. I also know and understand how to compete with other people without it affecting me, my personality and my relationships outside the fight or the competition. This helped me when I was modeling to push myself to be the best and to come up with the best photo. A lot of emotions are really similar in martial arts and in modeling. I get frustrated with myself and I’m a quick learner. I think the way I mentally categorize things the same way when I’m modeling and when I’m training. which helps a lot.

What happened the first time you tried out for ANTM?

I thought I did well. But I had an emotional breakdown in my video. I was sobbing ridiculously! I don’t cry so that was weird. I thought I did well, but I want what they were looking for for that cycle. But it all worked out. I went to college and gained perspective and life experience and that let me be a better, stronger person when I tried out for cycle 11. In cycle 11, I was more confident, I had a different demeanor and I experience life differently now.

You are the third winner from Illinois. Why does Illinois produce top models?

We are aggressive people! We go out and get what we want. We are not the kind of people who sit back and take it. We go out and make our place in the world.

When you were in the final 2, what did you think your chances of winning were?

Coming into panel, I felt confident. Before we went into panel, Sam and I hugged each other and wished each other luck. It was all done. We put forth our best effort, and there was nothing left to give. I felt confident before we entered panel. But going through my pictures, I got nervous really quick. This is embarrassing, but I always have to pee when I’m nervous, so I’m just sitting there with my designer gown with my legs crossed thinking, “Please don’t pee in this designer gown!” As judging, went on I got more and more comfortable and stopped shaking so much. I have a confession: I have a neurosis about the number six. So throughout the entire competition, I kept telling myself if I mad eit to the final 3, I’d be fine because 3,2 and 1 are all factors of 6. I guess it worked out!

You said you were always such a tomboy. What led you to modeling in the first place?

I used to be into soccer in a big way, but I had bad injury. I had to have knee surgery and that put me out for over six months. My life revolved around sports and not being able to do anything, I became unhappy and depressed. I wanted to do something, get out there and active again. I didn’t care what it was. I heard of a modeling competition and thought “I can do that. Looking pretty and walking around in heels isn’t that hard.” I entered and I did really well, winning the regional competition. I signed with Elite Chicago and went from there.

What did you think of the runway challenge?

Oh man. We didn’t get any time on runway on the runway before, a couple minutes at the most. It was scary walking on that runway. I wasn’t so scared about slipping, what terrified me was falling off the hill at the top, that would have been disastrous.

Who did you see as your biggest competition in the house and who were your closest friends?

It started out that the closest person to me was Isis, but she wasn’t around for long and I lost my roommate and best buddy in the house. I was pretty close with Joslyn, Sheena and Sam. I’m still closest to Sheena. As soon as casting week started I saw her and thought there was no way I could compete with her. She has this spark and lights up the room. She walks into a room and you can’t help but look at her. As the competition went on at one point I thought Lauren Brie was my biggest competition, and I thought toward the end that Marjorie was my competition because she’s magic in front of the camera.

Are you going to keep the name McKey?

Yes. Brittany never suited me. I am not a Brittany. McKey is more unique and innovative and it’s a way for people to remember me.

Why do you think the judges chose you as the winner?

I think I represent a unique kind of girl. I have a unique and different personality. This helps me in photo shoots, I take a different perspective when interpreting the concept and executing the shot. I think my high-fashion edge helped me. I’m definitely a high-fashion kind og model, but during the Covergirl commercial I showed I can do different kinds of modeling as well. I thought I would struggle during the commercial, but I did well and this solidified the fact I can do lots of different type of modeling.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans or supporters?

I want to give a big thank you to supporters. I never realized that so many people cared about me. I can’t believe the forums and emails and phone calls I’ve read and have been receiving. There has been unbelievable support. I can’t believe it. Honestly, it’s better than winning, knowing I have so many people behind me, pushing me to do well and supporting me in that process.

What are your future plans?

I still want to complete my majors, politics and government, and chemistry and biology, and then go on to med school. I have wonderful teachers and advisors at Ripon College to help me along every step of the way. If I want to take time off, if I planned on it, my advisor said he’ll be there for me. It’s a wonderful school and wonderful people, and it’s been very positive. I hope to model and then go to medical school when that’s over. Everyone has been so supportive that I believe it’s possible.

You had a distinct sense of fashion on the show. What was your transformation from tomby to girly-girl like?

There’s never been a complete shift. It really depends on day and how I’m feeling. I had a wonderful advisor at Elite Chicago who taught me everything there is about presenting yourself and finding your own style and doing your makeup and how to shake people’s hands. That was priceless to me. I learned that you don’t have to dress like a guy to be yourself — you can find a style within the fashion industry that looks like you and feels like you.

What were some of your old tomboy habits?

I still sometimes have this habit of putting my butt on the edge of the chair and sitting with my legs wide open. That’s not very attractive! I also used to try to spit like the guys too, but that didn’t really work out — I didn’t have the same skills. I’m not much of a belcher either. I spent some time trying to spit like the boys, but that didn’t work out. I was raised in a country club setting, so I do have manners, I just didn’t like them very much.

What were some of your favorite moments from the competition?

Oh wow, there are so many. After the swimsuit shoot, was one of the most relaxing experiences of my life. Working with the photographer was natural. He let you relax and get into what you are doing. I always had a character behind each shoot and tried to get into the story and figure out what the character would do at that moment and he really let me feel the character and explore her in that shoot.

The princess party was hilarious. I never attend a princess party before, I was not fond of tiaras! The skit Tyra and Miss J did was hilarious and cheesy and amusing at same time. The whole experience was so much fun and it was really great to relax and have fun with the girls.

Have you had a chance to talk to Whitney? Has she given you any advice?

The best advice she gave me was actually at the first Covergirl shoot. We were talking about Dominique and Whitney was telling us how she wouldn’t have made it as far if she didn’t hold herself the way she did in panel. Every time the judges said something bad about her, Dominique just brushed it off — I think that helped me a lot because it kept me from doing anything really bad at panel. Dominique listened and took it in. She wasn’t brushing off it a way that was rude or condescending but rather in a way that was “hey, I sucked. Let’s laugh about it because there’s nothing I can do about it now, but I’m going to learn from this and improve upon it next time.” It made me realize that I can acknowledge I did badly, but still present myself with poise and confidence.

How did it feel to never be in the bottom two?

Never being in the bottom two really helped confidence. It was a goal of mine going into house. I did not want to be in bottom two. I have ambition and I set high goals for myself. I know it’s a huge thing to think going into house, but I kept pulling it off. This was very special to me and it kept me going.

How did you feel when you found out Isis was getting her reassignment surgery?

I was so happy, words cannot express it. Isis has had a really hard life, and to think that we’re the same age is just unbelievable because she seems wise beyond her years. Something so great is going to happen to her, and she gets to be really what she wants to be. Nobody deserves it more than her. Something so great is happening to her and now she can enjoy life however she wants.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to say that I’m so thankful to my friends and family for sticking through me and being supportive all the way. They’re the best. My mom bought me a puppy to travel with, and This has been the best experience ever.

Thank you for speaking with us today!

Thank you!

Post from: Top Model Gossip

©2008 Pottle Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Full Q&A is below the jump!

How did you get involved with Top Model?

My mother and I went to CW website got application, downloaded and filled it out. It was coincidental that there was a casting call a block away. We figured, what the heck, let’s go do it! We took my cousin and went to the casting call. We waited in 6-hour line with thousands of girls! We finally got to the front and got callback after callback. I got to the top 33 and made it into the house and in the final fourteen.

You seemed to be close with makeup and wardrobe people. What was that relationship like?

I’m not a serious girl and I like to have fun. When work has to get done, I’ll buckle down and do it, but I love to socialize. They are great fun backstage. There’s always laughs! The makeup artists are great and have funny stories about past experiences of people they did makeup for. The wardrobe designers are the greatest girls you’d ever meet in your life. They’d pick out the weirdest clothes and say “Sam! This is so you!” and I’d be like “Noooo!” It was the funnest time. People see me as a jokester and I’m definitely the class clown of America’s Next Top Model.

What was the weirdest outfit they out you in?

On the windmill episode, I was with Masha and we were having the funnest time. She put me in this plastic jacket. Every move I made was super-loud, like “crunch, crunch, crunch” and it was so stiff! She put clogs on me and there was cow poop and mud in them. My hair was a flying mess. I looked ridiculous. It was so outrageous and so much fun, even though my photo turned out really bad. The entire shoot was fun. Me and Sutan went on the farm and played with the cows and went into the fields and looked at the windmills. Everything backstage was so fun and so real. It wasn’t staged and that was refreshing.

On the show, you said you never felt like a pretty girl until now. How did that transform go and how did it feel?

If you ask anyone who knows me, my family, my high school, “What’s Sam Potter like?” They’d be “Oh! I know her! She’s the athlete, she’s the goofball, she won the state championships in 2007.” They never go “oh she’s a model, she’s pretty. She’s the pretty girl.” But after being put on this stage and having people tell you you are pretty it’s amazing. I’ll never get that from any other experience. Looking at pictures, thinking about everything that happened, it hit me. I am pretty, I am a model. I can do that. Hopefully agencies will look at me and see me and go “We want her.” Acting seems great too and I would love to be on either of these industries.

How did it feel to make it to the top two?

It was amazing! I had no idea that I would make it this far. I was like, “let’s try out, let’s go do this.” I saw it as an adventure and a challenge. I got in, that was a shock. Photos, shoots, modeling everything happened so fast! On panel days, I was so nervous. You never know what’s going to happen, or who id going home. It’s always a surprise, it’s always a shock. Unlike the other girls, I had no modeling experience. This show was an amazing experience, it put me out there and exposed me to this industry and now I’m ready to start my career! In the final two, you really can’t just say “I knew I was going win” or “I knew McKey was going to win”. There are so many factors. We both put ourselves out there and worked so hard. McKey is golden, always shining. She’s amazing and a fantastic model. We worked hard did our best. I have no regrets. I’m sure the judges had a hard time figuring out the winner and made their decision. It was CRAZY being in the top two!! It was so amazing. You have no idea. I didn’t see myself going that far. Everyone else was so much more a model. I was thrown into mix straight from a volleyball court. I made it this far, that’s amazing. My experience on the show was all so amazing. Seeing the recaps and the pictures, its all so amazing. I had a fantastic experience and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What was it like walking that runway?

First of all, let me tell you about this runway. Jay was way over his head! There was an 80-degree angled mountain you had to run in order to get up it or you’d fall back and die. You had to run! It was crazy! The runway was a magical candy-land fantasy. It was so cool, so amazing. Walking in the show was very nerve-wracking. I used to run cross-country and know how to run up hills, but running up hills in 5-inch heels is not the easiest thing to do. It was really stressful, scary and hectic. But I have no regrets. It was amazing.

What did you learn from your time on the show?

I learned so much! Like, how to dress. On the show, I was getting reamed for not dressing appropriately, not having the right styles. I’m not a fashionable person. After the show, I went shopping and I have the right outfits now. I know my look now and that has helped me and now I’m a better model. People can see me as a model now and not as a everyday girl.

How did you feel about your makeover?

I loved my long hair. But as soon as they cut it and I saw myself in my first photo with short hair, I saw a totally different person. I completely respect Tyra for that. She made the right choice for me. People don’t look at me like I’m a normal girl anymore. I look like a model. It has helped me and it will help me in the future. I have kept the makeover. My hair is still pretty short. It’s grown out a bit, I have roots now, but I’ll fix that. I was upset about it at first, but the stylists told me id be high fashion, not commercials, they told me it was a chance to step up my game.

How did you feel about the judges constantly calling your look commercial?

It was frustrating. I kept taking it in and working on it. My personality plays a big part on that. I’m a bubbly happy person and that plays into the commercial presence. But I’m getting better. My windmill shoot was pretty high fashion, as were a few others. I’m becoming more versatile and I’m growing.

Which photo shoot was your favorite?

My favorite shoot was definitely the first one when we got to Amsterdam. We had to run through Amsterdam like crazy. It was like The Amazing Race Top Model style. Me and Elina got there first so we got 50 extra frames. The shoot itself was amazing. Being on the boat in middle of Amsterdam was s much fun. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out, there was a makeup artist below deck. It was so pretty outside and the photographer was great. It was so cool. I was standing on the bow at the front of the boat, on a foot of wood. If I fell off that wood, I was going to fall into the water. It was so amazing to be there. There were birds and sky and it was so amazing and I had so much fun.

How were the go-sees?

Oh my gosh. That was one of the hardest things ever. Time restraint was a huge factor. They didn’t go very fast. The boats didn’t go very fast, so there was lots of down time in the boats, which was really stressful. The designers were amazing. The people in this industry are so nice. They are genuine and they care about you. There are people who are going to judge you, but that’s part of the industry and I respect their opinions. Some of the designers thought I was too commercial for them, but that’s okay. I understand that. I can see that. Not every model has the right look for every designer. It was great to meet them and try on their clothes. It was so stressful, but one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.

What’s your favorite thing about being a model?

It’s definitely seeing yourself in a magazine or in advertising. Also, it’s knowing that people are looking at you and seeing your pictures, it’s like inspirational that people are looking at you and wanting to be you. When people look at my pictures are going “whoa” it’s such an honor to be recognized and to have the power to inspire people and influence people. It’s really cool.

Thanks for speaking with us today.

Oh, thank you! This was fun!

Post from: Top Model Gossip

©2008 Pottle Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Full Q&A is below the jump!

How did you get involved in the competition?

I auditioned for cycle nine. I was recruited from a model website and went over there. I made callbacks, but I wasn’t flown to LA. For cycle 11, another person found my myspace, and asked me to audition in LA and I did. I eventually made it to the house. So I was actually scouted both times, and I finally got in.

How did you feel about McKey’s win?

I was really excited, honestly, but I would really have liked to see Sam up there too. I know Sam put everything into the competition too, and worked so hard. They’re both great girls, so I’m happy. Hopefully she’ll work and do the title proud.

Did you expect to do so well?

I definitely HOPED going in that I was going to do really well. But every week is so nerve-wracking, and every elimination brings new fears. I never knew what to expect, or how well I’d be doing. So when I made the final three, I could — not exactly breathe — but be, like, I’m in the top 3, and that’s really incredible.

Marjorie said you weren’t portrayed entirely accurately on the show. Do you agree with that, and how do you feel about your portrayal?

I don’t agree entirely…I thought the way the girls were portrayed was accurate. They definitely focus really intensely on one aspect of your personality, so other things get lost. For example, Clark really did have a sweet side, but they didn’t focus on that, and they focused intensely on my sweet side. I think I’m a stronger person than just a peace-loving thing, but that’s how they wanted to go. I think what she meant is that they focused intensely on just one aspect of their personality, and that’s limiting. We all had a positive experience, I think.

Towards the end of competition, the judges were saying you should look at acting. What did you think of that? Is that something you want to pursue?

I think I will try to pursue both modeling and acting. I will definitely modeling on the more commercial side, which spills into acting. I love doing both so much. It’s kind of ironic that the last thing Tyra said was “You should go into acting!” when I was kind of eliminated because of my commercial. I love acting, I love modeling, hopefully I can do both.

You have a background in ice skating. Was there anything you used for your advantage?

Throughout the competition, I believe it was the mentality that helped me. It was being able to not look at the other girls and compete with them, but compete with myself. In skating, you compete with yourself, and how well you’re doing, so I really brought that to the competition. I had that background of being so competitive through my entire life, so that helped. The posing made it a challenge at first, as I took everything so literally. Mr. Jay helped me in taking my 3D poses, and making them 2D.

Was it weird not being on skates when doing theatrical things?

It was so weird! It was really frustrating, people kept saying “Use your figure skating!” But it’s a whole other ball game when you have to bring that to a photo. I think people were expecting this ballerina thing, but figure skating is different than that. It’s more athletic. I think once I just relaxed, and started to more mix the skating with modeling, it worked better.

What’s more intense: figure skating outfits or modeling outfits and make-up?

Modeling hands-down! Though I have had some crazy figure skating outfits! One time I had to wear a big unicorn head. I got really dizzy and could barely see and it was intense! But I think some of the hair and make-up I had during the competition was more exaggerated and crazy than figure skating outfits could ever be.

After doing so well in the first commercial, how did it feel to not perform at the same level in the second commercial?

It felt like crap, to be honest. I disappointed myself. I was so excited for the Covergirl commercial. I knew I could rock it. They could pick on my modeling, but I knew they liked the way I acted. But then I got on set, and it was NOTHING, and my heart was breaking, and I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t remember the lines, when before I had them down PERFECTLY. I just couldn’t get over the fact I was blowing it.

What did you think your chances were of making top two after the commercial?

All the girls said they didn’t do well on their commercials, so I really wasn’t sure. I knew Sam and McKey had such strong features so I knew their photos would turn out well. I think I knew that McKey would go through, but I really wasn’t sure between Sam and I. I got into panel, saw my picture and commercial, and my critique was bad, but so was Sam’s. So I really had no idea until Tyra spoke to both of us. After she said her bit to me, I just closed my eyes, and I knew that was going. But until then, I still had a strong belief I could still be in the running.

How do you think you would have done on the crazy runway?

The runway is one of my strongest things. I think I had one of the best runway walks. I don’t think they showed it, but Tyra said I had the best way back during the last panel. I knew I could do that runway so well, but Sam and McKey rocked it as well. I think it would have been a blast for me to do it too.

How did you feel about your makeover? Did you keep it?

I’m still pretty blonde! I miss my brown hair, that’s my natural color, and I never had it this blond before. I kinda feel a little more average California now, whereas before I felt more… unique. I miss my brown hair. I thought they were going to go darker on me, but then I opened my eyes and… blonde. But blonde hair matches clothing so much better, so it’s okay.

Did you feel that you got enough training throughout the competition from the judges?

They gave really good information back, and it’s really helpful. You can’t take everything that they say to heart. You have to find yourself in what they’re saying. Some of it can be overwhelming, but you definitely learn a lot. I think modeling is really kind of a long learning process. So many times and aspects and situations, there’s no way you can learn how to be a perfect model. There is no such thing as a perfect model, because nobody fits everything.

How did you feel about the Go-sees in the boat? Was it difficult to get around?

Oh, goodness. When they told us the go-sees were going to be in a boat, all of us had this dreadful look. We knew how expansive the city was, and how slow the boats can be. The boats were really frustrating, because they only went so fast, and you really had to schedule your time carefully. I played it safe and only made it to three designers, but I ended up winning the challenge because of that, because I didn’t go over time. On the other hand, it was a really great way to get out there and see the city, so that was really great.

What was your favourite photo shoot throughout the entire competition?

There were a lot that were good. I had a few favourites. My top two were ironically not the ones I did the best on. My first favourite was the beach shoot with the bathing suit, that I shot in the water. It was such a relaxed day, and everyone was happy. All the girls were sitting out and tanning. It was really the first time we all got to relax together. Of course, I ended up in the bottom two, but it was still a fun shoot! My second favourite was the shoot with Tyra. It was really down to earth, and she’s a great photographer. It was the first time we got to show our ability to Tyra, which was great but also intense and nerve-wracking. And I loved the high fashion side, with the hair and the make-up and the crazy poses.

Do you like that kind of high fashion in comparison to more commercial shoots?

I like both. I like the make-up and the hair and the crazy outfits of high fashion. But I think I’m better at commercial. So I think I’ll get to do some of both. I like both aspects, and I can’t really choose.

What did you think of Paulina’s comment that your Covergirl photo looked like a headshot?

Lots of judges said my face was too commercial and not strong enough. It was hard to hear, because what can I do about it? This is my face, it was what I was given. I happen to like my face! It wasn’t a very helpful critique, because it wasn’t like “This isn’t a great angle for you” but rather “we don’t like your face”, but I took it as best I could. And, hey, maybe I will use it as a headshot, because I definitely will be pursuing acting. [laughs]

Marjorie said during her interview last week that you overreacted during the party. Did you think you were doing the right thing?

The boys were EXTREMELY drunk, falling down stairs and setting things on fire. Marjorie was in the bathtub with her clothes on with a boy with not-the-best intentions. I don’t think I overreacted. I think overreacting would have been screaming for everyone to get out at the top of my lungs and I didn’t do that. I have dealt with people who have constantly been drunk throughout my life, so I knew how to handle the situation. I just didn’t want Marjorie to do something on national television that she would regret.

Thank you for talking to us today!

Thank you!

Post from: Top Model Gossip

The CW. © 2008 The CW Network LLC. All Rights Reserved

Full Q&A is below the jump!

How did you get involved with Top Model?

I really didn’t expect to model before show. I was recruited at my college bookstore. Sarah asked me to get a Polaroid taken and to say hi to Tyra. I went through the three day audition process and that’s how the journey began.

What did you see in yourself that could make you a top model?

I definitely don’t think I am terribly mainstream. I have an edge and I like to be creative during my photo shoots. What I did at every shoot was come up with a film reference and carry out that concept in my photo shoots. Our direction in photo shoots was really vague and we didn’t get a lot of feedback. We had to create our own story and carry that out.

What was your favorite thing about Amsterdam?

I liked posing in the red light fashion challenge. I liked my designer and liked my dress. It was covered in Dutch sayings and I had a lot of fun figuring out what the dress meant. During that challenge, I got a lot of applause and it was exhilarating.

Can you talk about the controversy with Elina and why you said that she didn’t try hard enough?

I haven’t gotten a chance to clear the air with Elina. As for the controversy, there isn’t any. We are friends and we do connect more than just the fact we are European. We get each other as a person. Part of what I said about her not trying was my own projection, as we winded down to the final five. I was more likely to cater to the criticism we received than she was. Elina got tired of incorporating it in her performance and not seeing results, so she returned to her initial way of modeling. It’s not that she didn’t try, she just became frustrated with the process and the experience and wasn’t as eager to grow as some of the other girls. Ultimately she tried as hard as she could and did the best she could and we can’t fault her for that.

Often, the girls from ANTM are seen as role models. Does that worry you with how the drinking was portrayed on the show?

Um, honestly, it was completely blown out of proportion. I didn’t drink that much alcohol. Analeigh was concerned about how much I was drinking, but she didn’t need to be. I just took a bath fully clothed and just stayed kinda quiet. Yeah I kissed a guy, but it wasn’t anything outrageous. People think it was losing control, but it was pretty innocent, actually. As far as being a role model, I actually think I fit the mainstream idea of what a role model is. I tried as hard as I could and I gave it a fair a shot. I’m the luckiest person in the world and have an opportunity to pursue whatever I want from this rare platform.

How did you feel about being constantly criticized for your nerves, then were eliminated because you conquered them?

I was worried. The awkward nervous persona they showed is really reductive. My normal personality was the more composed person you saw more of in the last episode. I didn’t show this side as much. I found when I did, people called me boring. This happened on many occasions early during the show, which wasn’t aired, and it was criticism I was very much aware of. I feared being eliminated or lack of personality. I identified and worked on my weaknesses when I went through periods of self doubt, and that came across as that jittery, nervous person. It’s very much a part of me and my personality, but it was a uni-dimensional representation, and one I became focused on.

Was it hard to say goodbye to Analeigh?

I didn’t break down until I saw her face. It was nice to see she was affected by my elimination and that she was rooting for me. She was my best friend in the house. We were comfortable with each other, but it was not of a sexual nature. It was shown in a one-dimensional light. Tt often showed one sided dependency, with me leaning on Analeigh, but it was mutual. We protected each other during hard times and leaned on each other for support throughout the competition. We are valuable friends and once she gets off the show and the show is over, I hope to stay in touch with her.

How do you feel about the other girls reaction to your explanation of your different perspective and “Europeanness”?

The girls questions weren’t out of line. The moment you distinguish yourself, you are targeted. It puts yourself out there for criticism. Also, the show didn’t represent my argument well. All I wanted to say was not that being European gives an excuse. It’s not about that. As soon as you are in a foreign place, you have two different perspectives, regardless of how long you’ve lived in one place over the other. You have lived in, learned from and seen two different cultures, two types of people and two different ways to see the world. These perspectives make it less possible to be so sure of yourself and of your environment. It makes you consider other options and other possibilities. The other girls have only been exposed to one environment, one perspective and couldn’t understand why I could understand them and see another side as well. They only had one perspective because it was something they had never been exposed to, so they couldn’t understand it. But they weren’t out of line. If anything, they were trying to understand.

How did you feel about the constant criticism of your nerves?

There were times I was calm and controlled at panel and nerves were worked back into evaluation. Nigel would be like “you’re hiding it, but I see your nerves!” when really, they weren’t there. But then, when they weren’t, I was considered uninteresting and that was a lot of pressure. Looking through forums online, a lot of people found me being annoying when I was so nervous. I am not uni-dimensional. I am a complex person, just like everyone else. The show simply chose to highlight and exaggerate one aspect of my personality. I did play into that a bit, in an effort to prevent my own elimination. But I am not the only person who was represented in a uni-dimensional light. Take Analeigh. She is wholesome, but deeper, private issues, were not addressed in the context of the show. It would have taken her character and her role on the show in a different direction. We’re edited to be caricatures and viewers take this to the first degree. The show can be taken out of porportion, but what is certain is that its subjective. Viewers need to understand and recognize that they are seeing only a selected aspect of who were are as people, and doing so when we are in an extremely unnatural environment, and take that into account when forming opinions about our nature.

What sort of things do make you nervous?

The fact I was treading through uncharted waters in a high pressure situation was pretty nerve-wracking. I don’t play sports and am not competitive. I have no game face and am not trained for such scenarios. Plus I couldn’t vent at any time, when I did, it was on camera so I looked like a train wreck when I was trying to work things out for myself. I was talking through things so I could understand them and contextualize them better for myself, but to do that in confessional paints that experience in a very different light. It takes talking it out for me. Doing some other activity, like editing film. I just go back to that, it’s a comforting area for me. Bur we didn’t have that outlet on the show.

What are your plans for the future?

I would love to model now. Before the show, I wasn’t expecting to model. It was never a dream of mine. Now that I’ve been exposed to it, I love it. I worked with experts and won outlandish prizes and have a strong portfolio. I’m the luckiest person in the worlds to be able to have that and to go forward in my career with such a strong start.

Do you see yourself as a print or runway model?

I need to work on runway. But it’s not impossible for me to be runway model. I need better posture in order to be an effective runway model, but it’s not an insurmountable task. I love doing photo shoots. I love coming up with a concept and attempting to actualize it. Models should be relatable and connect with person looking at it. Translating emotion through image is important it me. It’s an equal interest on me. Some people think I’m a better print model, but I can work on both levels.

How did you come up with your signature look?

I came up with it on my own. I naturally have a slouch, so it was easy for me to push it and make it photogenic. It’s good to transform weaknesses into something positive. I think that’s why the photo shoot with Tyra was in fact my best, because she pushed me to come out of niche for myself, stand up straight work posture in a way I hadn’t focused on yet.

Why do you think the last photo shoot was a struggle for you?

I think a large factor was that I didn’t have a prop. The other girls were given lots of different things to work with, but I was instructed to just walk back and forth. However, this isn’t a fair representation of why my photo was weak. It didn’t help, but it’s not the only factor. However, I quite like my photo and thought it was a success. I was trying to have an alien-like quality about me and was trying to convey that. In my photo shoots, I like to think of film references and portray that in the concept. For that shoot, it was David Bowie and “The Man who Fell to Earth.” This idea made Jay really happy and I think I succeeded in what I, as a model, was trying to do for that shoot.

Thank you for speaking with us today!

Thank you!

Post from: Top Model Gossip

The CW. © 2008 The CW Network LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Full Q&A is below the jump!

Tell us how you got involved in Top Model.

I just returned home to Seattle from school. I went to tech school in Orlando. I applied for everything I could get my hands on. This year was the first year I was eligible for Top Model, because I had just turned eighteen. I sent in a tape, got a response and it just escalated from there.

What do see in yourself that would make you a top model?

I’ve had a passion for modeling since I was 10. ANTM is a great opportunity to introduce myself to industry. It seemed like fun and saw it as a challenge to bring myself out of my comfort zone. The show definitely did that and it was a lot of fun.

What made you stand out as an applicant?

I sent in a video explaining why I wanted to be there and showed I was confident. I said I was there for a different reason. I was there for my passions that I wanted to be involved in and bring some exposure to my causes after this. I said I had a lot more to bring to the table than a pretty face and that’s what they want. They want people who are passionate about being a model and using being a model to the best of their abilities to do the best the can. By being a model, I can bring exposure to the causes I care about and that’s important to me.

What was your favorite part about being in Amsterdam?

My favorite thing was that it reminded me of Ukraine. It was a great way to connect with Europe again. I hadn’t been back in a while. Amsterdam is very free and has a wonderful atmosphere. I had a wonderful time.

Have you had a chance to clear the air with your housemates since the show ended?

Nope! I haven’t had that opportunity yet. I would like to see a lot of girls and talk to them outside the competition. It would be different—the cameras are off and the tensions are off and we could get to know each other in a different way. However, I am in touch in Clark and talk to her occasionally.

What’s next for you?

I plan to keep pursuing this career. It’s just something I love to do.

How do you feel about the judges’ constant comments about your restraint and control issues?

Oh god, that was really frustrating. It was the first time I really heard that. The first couple photo shoots I didn’t get that critique then all of a sudden, it was the only thing I heard. You can’t receive that strong of a response from everyone in panel and everyone on set and not try. I was trying very hard and tried to improve as much as possible. I didn’t know what to do that I tried to get as much explanation as I could so I could improve that but I never figured out exactly what the judges wanted from me and it was hard to improve.

You always seemed very confident about your performance and your photo shoots. Why?

Going into every shoot, I tried to bring my best and work with whatever I had. I said I was confident because I felt I did the best I could do. As for the last photo shoot, I was surprised from the commentary by Jay and Tyra because when I was shooting on the ladder with the extreme look, I was getting a lot of positive feedback. It puzzled me and it still puzzled me to this day.

Do you feel that the judging process was fair?

No. That constant control thing was ridiculous. I think I did deliver consistently. I do have a lot of potential as model and that control thing was blown up. It didn’t get in the way of my modeling much as they claim.

So, do the judges play favorites?

I can’t say. I don’t know. But it wasn’t fair.

What would you have done differently, looking back?

I would let go more, whatever that means. But I did they best I could and I had a lot of fun. I learned a lot and left the competition with a lot of things I want to work on, both as a person and as a model.

Early in the show, you said you like to wear pants because they don’t conform to gender roles. Can you elaborate?

My whole thing with gender roles is that I don’t like anything that restricts or puts limits on me. I think they way that men and woman are expected to dress is very limiting and if you dress outside that realm, its looked at as odd and as what’s not expected. So I try to wear things that are not gender specific.

How did you feel about the Angelina Jolie references?

Angelina is an incredible woman. I look up to her very much and I would love to me her and work with her. I really appreciate the comparison, she’s amazing.

Tell us about your control issues.

I wish we would have had one-on-one chance to talk about it so I could explain it. I’m not controlling, but my main issue is being too self-conscious. I hold back because I’m afraid of looking silly or failing or trying something new. I hold myself back because I’m afraid for putting forward a certain image or failing.

In Amsterdam, you received a lot of negative feedback about your tattoos. Do you think they will be an issue in the future?

I got them when I was taking some time off modeling. I went to school and didn’t think I would return to modeling. But now, I haven’t had many problems with them because you can cover them and they are easily airbrushed. A lot of models have tattoos and the show just went overboard with it. I don’t think it will be a problem in the future.

Your makeover was one of the more interesting makeovers. Did you keep it after the show?

I didn’t keep it. I took it out as soon I got home. I did get used to it, but it was very painful to have that braiding and it left a lot of marks on my scalp. I also returned to my normal hair color.

Do you feel that ANTM is overrated in terms of the exposure it gives to aspiring models?

Looking at the track record of the girls who preceded me, it’s really what you do and how you portray yourself and how you put yourself out there. It’s a huge experience and a wonderful opportunity, but it’s really what you do with it. You could be America’s next top model or you could be nothing. Some girls from ANTM have amazing careers. You need to make it bigger than what is given to you and work with it.

Which photo shoot was your favorite?

My favorite one was the ladder. It was wonderful to hang off the hot air balloon. That was crazy.

Tell us about the conversation you had with Brittany about your mom.

Obviously, a lot of that is very personal. But I was just expressing my opinion. Brittany is very close to her mom and has a hard time understanding how or why people wouldn’t get along with their own mother or have as close a relationship as she does. I didn’t do it in the best way, but I expressed some negative feelings about my mother. No one knows what goes on between a mother and daughter. I hope that Brittany could trust that what I said came from a certain, personal place and could respect that. She has no idea what went on between me and my mother and she should respect that, regardless of how inarticulate it comes out. I shouldn’t have to elaborate about personal things I’m uncomfortable talking about simply because she doesn’t understand there are more types of experiences than hers.

A lot of the girls were upset when you agreed to do the holiday fashion spread. Why did you agree to do it?

Some of the girls thought I was hypocritical because I don’t celebrate religious holidays in my personal life. I later explained to them that I’m not against or morally opposed to holidays. I think if its what you want to celebrate in your personal life, that’s okay and I respect that. That’s why I thought it was okay for me to do the shoot. If I was against holidays for whatever reason, I wouldn’t have done the shoot. For example, if it was an ad for milk or for meat, I would not do it because I’m against those products and do not support them. But I’m not against holidays in any way, I simply don’t celebrate them for personal reasons.

Who would you like to see win America’s Mext Top Model?

I’m rooting for Marjorie. She has a lot of potential, she just needs to work through her nerves. She was the closest person to me in the house. She’s a smart woman and an incredible lady.

Thank you for speaking with us today Elina!

You’re welcome!

Post from: Top Model Gossip

The CW. © 2008 The CW Network LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Full Q&A is below the jump!

How did you get involved in ANTM?

I received an email from a casting agent who saw my photos and music and everything online. They said they liked what they saw and asked if I wanted to audition for the show, and everything went from there.

How did you feel this last shoot went?

I felt like the concept was so great. The way that they depicted how I was posing didn’t go so well. I just did what the photographer suggested — he suggested the straddle, etc. I just did what he wanted. What was I going to say, no? Overall, as a model, you just have to execute what is needed of you. They just made it look like something else.

It seemed like in the last few episodes, there was a lot more divide in the house? Was that true, and when did that start?

The division was devised from the get go. It was a lot like high school, everyone fluctuates to cliques and people hang around with who you’re vibing well with. In terms of the divisions, things got closer as more got cut. As the group got smaller, I got to know everyone more closely and that’s when our differences started to clash.

Did the comments about your “hoochiness” wear and tear or get old?

My initial reaction was shock. I was kind of appalled at first, but then I looked at my shots, and realized where they were coming from. I just had to learn to play to my story arc, which was trying to deal with my ‘hoochiness’. I didn’t like the word. I thought it was inappropriate. It’s just being overly ’sexual’, really. Sex is everywhere in entertainment, but in terms of the audience, and the show. I learned I needed to be more careful.

What kind of modeling job would be your dream job? Maxim or High Fashion?

I’m a glamour model hands-down. I knew that when I got in. Tyra did Sports Illustrated and such, so I thought Tyra picked me because she saw me in that kind of light. My potential really is Maxim and men’s modeling. I know that. I’m about glamour modeling, not high fashion. But maybe a few fashion shows, if I was the right fit.

How did you feel about the constant references Kimora Lee?

I got that waaay before I got in the show. I think that got me into the show. I love Kimora. As a person. As a mogul. It’s not such a bad comment, you know. It’s very Flattering. Kimora is a beautiful and strong woman. Who wouldn’t want to be compared to that?

How did you feel about Amsterdam?

I loved it. It was the most charming country I’ve ever been to. The food is amazing, let me tell you. My experience there was one of a kind — not every day you get a free trip to Amsterdam!

Are you going to go for a future in modeling? What’s your future going to be like?

Modeling is not my strength, especially high fashion. I see myself in entertainment – actress, entertainer, making people laugh. That’s really what I’m passionate about.

There was a moment in the judging panel when they asked about your breast implants. Why did you initially said no, then why did you admit it?

In terms of my breasts, I didn’t think it was appropriate for them to ask out of nowhere. A part of me feels like they wanted to ask, and that was the opportunity. Initially, I was really surprised, and acted out of defense. I didn’t want to come off like that, be thought of of that kind of girl. I thought people would judge. It was not the message I wanted to put out to young girls. They didn’t give me a chance to explain.

At the same time, it’s America. There’s lots of plastic surgery. It’s not something that’s so…unfamiliar. To be honest, it’s not like I did surgery on my soul (laugh!(. I wasn’t offended. I was called out, and I wanted to take the chance to be honest. I just didn’t feel initially that it was an appropriate setting to be confronted about something so small, when there are bigger issues out there.

Who would you like to see win?

McKey should win. She’s absolutely golden. I think she has a good shot and will have a really fulfilling career.

In the race to the new house in Amsterdam, what caused your team to finish last?

I think we got held back, because a lot of the cab drivers didn’t want to stop. They were uncomfortable about being filmed. The cabs would stop, but wouldn’t take the cameras and didn’t want to be filmed.

Who were your favourite and least favourite people in house?

Honestly, I don’t really have one. People are who they are. We had disagreements and that’s what was shown. But there’s no reason to dislike anyone. I got love for Joslyn, MckKey, Isis and Sam. It’s great to be around them.

What did you think of the picture from last night? Did you think that you were voted out more for Mr. Jay’s comments, rather than your photo?

Part of the reason I was going home is because it wasn’t a strong picture overall. I just think the setting which I was given and the idea, everything didn’t work out at that particular time. I really didn’t like the picture myself, to be honest. I’m sure they could have found a better one. The picture was definitely not my favourite.

Do the judges often choose pictures that you don’t think are the best?

Top Model is always very unpredictable. In the competition, there’s an agenda to fulfill. Once your time is done, you’re done. I made it as far as I could, but at the time, they realized my strengths were not in high fashion, so they let me go. They let the entertainer go, so I could pursue my own strengths.

Like the commercial?

Yeah, like TV, or anything not to do with high fashion. Playing to my strengths.

Are you still doing the go-go dancing?

I’m taking that to the next level, actually. I’ve been offered deals to start performing and traveling down the world and getting good money. It hasn’t started yet, though.

Did you teach any dance moves to girls in the house? Have dance-offs?

Definitely. During the dinner party, I was pulled up to dance — everyone wanted me to dance. So I was like ‘whatever’ and got up. And then everyone got up, and we all started dancing. Elina was all up on me, and Joslyn, having a great time. It was lots of fun!

Thank you all for joining us today.

Thank you!

Post from: Top Model Gossip

©2008 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Full Q&A is below the jump!

What is it you saw in yourself that made you think you could be America’s Next Top Model?

When people talk to me, I make a connection with them. Anywhere I go, I walk with confidence and I also walk while keeping in mind that I want to put a smile on someone’s face. I love to make people laugh and I guess that’s where my goofiness comes from. I wanted people to remember me for something and I wanted that to be my personality.

How did you feel about your CoverGirl commercial?

I tried to avoid looking as sick as I was feeling because I was feeling very miserable. I felt very weak. I tried out so many times for the show and I didn’t want all of my determination that I put into it to be in vain before I reached my goal, which would be to become America’s Next Top Model. It may be goofy, but I was sitting there for my commercial and I was sick. I was like, “Joslyn, make yourself feel happy then maybe you won’t have that sick look on your face.”

Do you know what was wrong, illness wise?

I had a cold previously, like a couple days before the commercial shoot, but I ended up having to go to the emergency room after I did the commercial. I had gotten dehydrated because I had been vomiting so much. The doctor told me that I obviously had food poisoning or something. So, they gave me medication for the nausea. It had gotten pretty terrible and it weakened me pretty bad.

You tried out for Top Model over 30 times. What kept you going?

I think it can be summed up in one word – faith. I had faith in myself and I knew that if I worked hard, I would be rewarded. I tried out four or five times per season, since Cycle 2. If I didn’t make it for Cycle 11, then you can bet I would have been in line for Cycle 12. I was involved in a reality TV scam that was NOT pleasant, and this guy really did take me for a run. You have to realize that there are creeps out there ready to scam you, and I was definitely scammed, but I still got right back up and tried again!

Why do you think the judges chose Elina over you?

I think the biggest problem that came up for me was I was trying to do the photo shoots sometimes to my liking and did some things that they wanted me to change. When I tried to do that it took away from me and the way I’ve always done things. That was my biggest fallback. What I would end up trying to do at the end of the day was satisfy what they were telling me and still be myself that I was at the beginning. I tried to pick it up, I really did. I was really confident about the commercial. What happened? I don’t know. I did have some bad photos along the way, but I thought that most of my photos were pretty good! My biggest worry the whole time, especially during photo shoots, was that I had to satisfy the judges. Being in the bottom two the first time really showed me that. That’s when I began to get past it, but most of the time, that really did hinder my performance.

You and Elina had some conflict in the house. What were those issues about?

Elina contradicts herself. She’s an environmentalist, yet she smokes cigarettes. She’s against people having pets and she has a cat! She says that pets are slaves and I’m like, “Well, why do you have a pet cat?” It’s like she’s not practicing what she preaches.

Who did you think was your biggest competition?

I started to see great improvement in Sam, but only after she got her haircut. I didn’t see Sam as a threat before she got her haircut, but she somewhat was a threat after she got her haircut. McKey just is a beautiful person in general. Once you get to know her, McKey is a great person.

What was the biggest struggle for you throughout the competition?

Doing the show is overwhelming. It’s a stressful experience, and I was getting tired. I had down times. But I don’t think I was as bad as they made it out to be. I think the biggest problem that came up for me was I was trying to do the photo shoots sometimes to my liking and [did] some things that they wanted me to change,” she told Reality TV World. “When I tried to do that it took away from me and the way I’ve always done things. That was my biggest fallback. What I would end up trying to do at the end of the day was satisfy what they were telling me and still be myself that I was at the beginning. I tried to pick it up, I really did, and I was really confident about the commercial. What happened? I don’t know.

What did you think of what the judges had to say about you?

I don’t value Paulina’s opinion. I did not hear the comments firsthand, but I do object to her comments about me being more of a runway model than an editorial model. Paulina always says some stuff that makes no sense, none whatsoever. But that’s her opinion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and Paulina has hers. I feel like I’m both runway and print.

Post from: Top Model Gossip

Miss the episode? Read the recap here!

The CW. © 2008 The CW Network LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Full Q&A below the jump!

Tell us how you got involved in Top Model.

I was looking for way to get back into the industry. I was looking online and saw that ANTM was taking applications, so I applied and got on the show.

Why did you think you could be America’s Next Top Model?

I saw the show as a great opportunity to get involved in the industry again. I was modeling at fourteen and was signed with Elite, but it wasn’t the right time for me. I wanted to focus on school and sports and push modeling aside for a while. But when I decided it was time to get back into it, I was really unsure how and the show seemed like a great way to do that.

The judges had concerns that you didn’t evolve as a model. Do you agree?

No. I felt that I did really well overall. Some of my photos and my portfolio are stronger than some of the girls who are left in the house. Yes, my final photo shoot wasn’t the greatest, but overall I felt like I was a strong competitor. I know they did have concerns about my personality, but you’re only in front of panel for a very short time. There’s all the other girls there, you’re getting critiqued, how am I supposed to show my personality? I saw ANTM as a business opportunity, as you would with an agency. I tried to act as courteous, professional and attentive as possible, but I guess I went about it the wrong way and it wasn’t what the judges were looking for.

Who do you want to see win?

There’s some great girls left there right now. Elina has a great face. Analeigh has a great runway walk. It’s really up in the air and anyone could take it. I honestly couldn’t tell you who might win.

Did you leave a goodbye note for the girls? What did it say?

I did leave a note for everyone! I don’t remember what it said, because I was so upset when I wrote it.

What are your future plans, now that the show is over?

Right now, I’m a senior at university. I want to finish school and graduate. After that, I plan on moving to New York, get signed with an agency and start modeling.

Did you keep your makeover?

I did! I was blonde going into the show and they just made me blonder. It looked great, so I kept it.

What was your favorite part about being in the house with the other girls?

Probably having a pool. We didn’t have a place to workout in the house, so I swam a lot of laps to keep in shape.

Is there any advice you’d give to future contestants?

Be yourself. Everyone has their own opinions and everyone is entitled to them. But you can’t constantly change yourself to adapt to all these opinions. Share your opinions, be strong, work hard, and it will come.

What was your favorite experience on the show?

After we had done the voting is sexy shoot, and I didn’t do a great job, we did the hot air balloon shoot. That was my favorite shoot and I did really, really well in it. To learn that much about modeling and from the Js in such a short amount of time and to be able to put into practice was a great feeling. I was so proud of what I accomplished there and proud of that photo and of that shoot in general.

Were you surprised to be sent home?

Clark was eliminated the week before me, so we knew that anything could happen. If the judging was only about photos, I knew I had it in the bag. One weak photo shouldn’t be enough to send me home, my portfolio was pretty strong. But I knew if they made personality an issue, I could be in trouble. So when I was in the bottom two, and it was between me and Sheena, I knew I was going home. Sheena has a big personality and the judges love that and commented on it a lot. So I didn’t stand a chance!

Thank you for speaking with us today!

It was my pleasure!

Post from: Top Model Gossip