Spotlight Feature: Exclusive Interview With NYC Based Male Model and Actor : Montay Savoy.
We had the pleasure of interviewing fabulous male model Montay Savoy. Montay talks about his most memorable experience while trying to get into the modeling industry and the pros of modeling in this new exclusive interview.
Fashion photographer Brian Lee|Power Of Vision captured the handsome Model Montay Savoy, exclusively for OTSMAGAZINE UK Interview.
Hi Montay, please introduce yourself to our readers, telling us more about yourself.
Thank you for having me, my name is Montay Savoy. I am a male model in the United States. I was born and raised in Yonkers, New York. Living in New York becoming a model is not so hard. People find local photographers and become the next inspiring model, Although becoming a model wasn't my first choice, Becoming an actor was my first choice, I have always had a passion for filming movies, tv shows, and commercials. I train myself every day to become a better actor and model so I can be an inspiration to other aspiring models.
So how did you first get into modeling? And how long have you been modeling?
I first started modeling at the age of 17. I booked my first photo shoot with a local photographer which was an enjoyable experience, I had a few more photoshoots and this motivated me to try modeling as a career, and here I am five years later.
How has COVID affected you both personally and professionally?
Covid really hasn't affected me entirely in a negative way aside from seeing the sadness many had to go through in the world, but during the pandemic, I was building connections and creating new bonds, Now that there is some kind of normality in the world today, I was able to shoot new projects. Having said this, Covid also stopped a few of my projects and photoshoots so I was kind of disappointed about that, but it also opened up more doors.
When did you first have any inclination that you might be model material?
My first urge to model is after my first photoshoot with Capital P a photographer from Yonkers. The Photographer said I was model material and I just started booking more shoots and people started texting me wanting to work with me. This was when I knew I could do this as a career.
Where are your roots – The best thing about/to do in your hometown?
Living in Yonkers, New York -the best thing we have is a strong community. Many people from my city have creative minds in art, music, modeling, etc. Everyone has their own niche in life. The best thing you can do in my hometown is building bonds and relationships that can help you in life and in your career.
What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
The biggest professional success I had so far is being featured on a billboard in New York City time square. The first time I saw it I was filled with over enjoyment and happiness that I accomplished something that is bigger than the average person.
What do you think about the state of fashion today?
Fashion today is more vintage mixed with baggy clothes. Most styles are H & M, Zara, Forever 21, and Alessandra rich. Fashion has evolved over time from the 90s to the 20ths and has more loose clothing and plaid colors.
So, How has your perception of the industry changed over time?
My perception of the industry changed completely. Over time it was hard to adapt to the new style of clothing because I wasn't used to the new style of vintage clothing. I had my own style of clothing like streetwear mixed with Zara and H & M.
Is there any brand you would love to model for?
I would love to model for Boss, Coach, Nike, or Ralph Polo. I will keep staying positive and hopefully, my dreams will come true and I get an opportunity to model for one of these brands.
Do you have any special Talents?
Other than being a male model I am also an actor. I shoot a few projects and I'm getting ready to shoot a movie soon.
What keeps you feeling positive and motivated especially during these difficult times filled with uncertainties?
Most of my motivation comes from the people I keep around me, they keep my mind in a positive place and it just makes me want to do more and be more. I stay focused on my goals and it has also been a distraction for me to stay focused on what I need to do to become a better version of myself.
What do you consider the most common stereotype about male models?
I think the biggest stereotype about male models is that they are tall and skinny. Most people dream of modeling for Nike or Adidas but they have to be a certain height or weight to be able to model for those brands.
Is there anything you would like to change about the modeling industry?
One thing I would like to change is the height requirement. I feel like without the height restrictions, it would give more people an opportunity to get more work opportunities as models. And more open calls for big print work.
What advice would you give to aspiring male models out there?
Book your first five shoots and start sending your work to magazines and agencies. I promise you someone is going to want you one day. Everyone is a model. In my eyes, anyone can become a model.
Favorite photographers?
Jundering_eye
I noticed most brands and potential agents hesitate to contact or collaborate with a model lately especially if the person has less than 5000 followers, Do you think it’s fair that social media is a big part of these models’ jobs today?
I do think it does play a big part today. Due to the fact that popularity plays a big part because the more followers you get, the more opportunities you would get in the industry. People that have a big following will most likely get more opportunities and more offers in the next big job booking.
When you look back to the start of your career, what would you say has been the biggest hurdle you had to overcome and how did you do it?
I think the biggest hurdle was going to school; trying to juggle my career as a model and actor. I never really went to school. I thought I could do better without going to school and making my career a priority. I felt that I had no energy every day. But I stayed focused and kept it going.
What are some of your latest and upcoming projects?
I am looking forward to some amazing new projects this year, some I can't reveal at the moment, but I will be featuring in an upcoming movie, Working on my new website, and also a few other amazing magazine features.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I would love to say a big thank you to OTSMagazine Uk for giving me this opportunity, and I would also like to say to other aspiring models out there - Never give up, stay positive and focus on only the good.
You can check out Montay’s Instagram, where he gives you a peek into his life.
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