An interview with ANTM runner-up Sam:
America's Next Top Model Roundup: Samantha Was "Nervous All The Time"Samantha Potter came this close to the title of America's Next Top Model, but ended up as the first runner up behind McKey. Known for her bubbly personality and relentless energy, Sam worked her charm and her natural modeling instincts to make it all the way to the finals. Fancast talked to Samantha about her time on the show including her transformation into high fashion, what she learned from Tyra Banks, and what was up with that crazy runway show.
How did it feel to make it all the way to the top two?
Top two was crazy! It's amazing. To tell you the truth, I had no idea I was going to make it this far. Getting on the show was a shock to me, then I had these photo shoots and everything just happened so fast. I loved every part of it. I'm telling you, on panel days, I was so nervous every time. You never know what's going to happen, who's going home. It was always a surprise and I was always scared to death at panel. I didn't see myself going this far in the competition because all the other girls have a modeling background and I was just kind of thrown into the mix straight off of a volleyball court. But the fact that I made it this far and I have no modeling experience, it has really put me out there and I'm ready for my career now.
How did you like your chances going into the final panel?
I can't really say I thought I was going to win or McKey's was going to win because it all depends on what Tyra thinks and what the judges think. But McKey and I both really put ourselves out there and we really worked hard. McKey's golden. She's always shining and she did really well, and we both worked really hard and both put everything out there that we've got, and we both have no regrets. I think the judges probably had a pretty hard time trying to figure out who America's Next Top Model was going to be. And they made their decision!
What was going through your mind during the final runway show?
OK, first of all let me tell you something about this runway. Mr. Jay went way over his head! This thing had an 80 degree mountain on it that we had to run up. You literally had to run to get up it because if you didn’t run, you'd fall back and you'd die. It was like a magical candy land fantasy pulled straight from a fairytale book. It was so cool and it was very nerve-wracking. I used to run cross country for my high school but running up a hill in five inch heels is not the easiest thing to do. It was pretty stressful, pretty scary, pretty hectic. But it was fun.
Did you agree with Trya when she said you look like a commercial model in person, but in pictures you come off as editorial?
When I first got my makeover, I was kind of upset. But after I talked to the makeup artist and my hair stylist, they all said "When you get your hair cut like this you're going to be a high fashion model. You're not going to be commercial anymore. This is where you step up your game." And hearing Tyra tell me, "Sam, you're still commercial even with the short hair," I was like dangit! I got my hair cut off and I'm still commercial! So that was pretty frustrating. I guess I understand where she's coming from. I think my personality plays a big part in that because I'm kind of a bubbly and funny person. I think I'm pretty high fashion. I mean, my windmill shoot showed my versatility in modeling.
Did the hair help make you into a model?
To tell you the truth, I loved my long hair but as soon as I cut my hair off and I got to see myself in my very first picture, you could see a totally different person. I completely respect Tyra Banks for that. I think she made the right choice cutting off my hair. I hope it helps me in the future when agencies look at me and they like my look.
You said you never felt like the pretty girl before the show. What was that transformation like?
Well if you ask anyone who knows me—my family, or anyone at my high school—if you ask them who Samantha Potter is, they'll all tell you she's the athlete. No one would look at me and say she's a model, she's so pretty. After the show, having all this makeup thrown on my face and being in front of the camera and people telling you you're pretty, it's amazing. And I know I won't get this from any other experience. After the show when we looked at all the pictures again and we compared and I remembered everything that had happened. I realized I am a pretty girl, I am a model, I can do this! I'm hoping now agencies will look at me and see me and say "we want her" and they'll pick me up. Hopefully I'll
be successful with modeling, and acting's great too. I'd love to get in either of the industries and really just put myself out there.
What did you learn?
I learned a whole bunch of stuff. I learned how to dress. On the show I was always getting reamed for not dressing in the right style. I'm not a very fashionable person. Now I go shopping and I have all the right outfits. So that has really helped me become a better model. When I go out on the street people will recognize me as a model rather than like an everyday girl.
What did you think of the go-sees?
That was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. Of course we had a time restraint, and those boats didn’t go very fast! We had a lot of downtime in the boat as we were trying to get from canal to canal. It was really stressful, but the designers are absolutely amazing. The people in this industry are so nice! They're so genuine and they care. Of course there are people who are going to judge you and critique you and categorize you but that’s part of the industry and I respect their opinions. Some of them thought I was too commercial and I completely understand that. It was just great to meet these different people and have the opportunity to try on their clothes and I had the greatest time. Even though it was so stressful, it was probably the most fun thing I've ever done.
What's your favorite part about being a model?
My favorite part is probably seeing yourself in a magazine. And knowing that when people see your pictures or your poses, it's almost inspirational knowing that people are looking at you and people are wanting to be you. And when people see my picture, it's such an honor to be recognized. And to have the power to influence people and inspire people. Even to have a part in someone else's life is really cool
Link: http://thebiz.fancast.com/2008/11/americas_next_top_model_roundu_11.html
