Interview with Amy Fantasea — Cosplayer, Model and Mermaid
Amy Fantasea is a 22-year old model residing in Sarasota, Florida.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Born in Panama City FL, raised in the rain forests of Puerto Rico. My family is all in Puerto Rico, I lived there for 13 years and decided I wanted to explore The U.S, so I moved back to Florida 3 years ago with only 2 bags, $300.00 in my pocket and a heart full of dreams. Today I live in Portland Oregon and I’m beginning my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, I have a wonderful boyfriend, 2 beautiful cats, and a bright future.
My hobbies will hopefully become my career and that includes making swimable mermaid tails, cosplaying, modeling and photography.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started Cosplaying in Puerto Rico when I was 15, I’ve always loved fantasy, video games and Japanese Pop Culture, so I fell in love with cosplay instantly.
I had a knack for making all my costumes and props by hand, with whatever I could use. I taught myself how to sew, do makeup, work with plastics and wigs. I began to draw a lot of attention because of my dedication to the characters I would portray and slowly began working with various photographers. When I turned 18 I tried nude modeling, alternative arts and body paint, my portfolio began to grow and so did my job opportunities. Today more than 50% of my income comes from nudes and cosplay modeling and I couldn’t be happier!
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I want to finish my degree in Fashion Design and Bushiness so I can have the necessary tools to begin my own costuming and alternative clothing company. If that’s successful, then I would love to have my own studio where I can give costume making workshops, modeling, makeup and photography classes for teens who are looking for artistic ventilation and direction. It’s something I wish I could have had when I was young and I know there are tons of young people out there who are very interested in these art forms but don’t know where to look for learning.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I model at least 2 to 4 times a week, I manage my own hours, rates, who I choose to work with and most of the time I do my own wardrobe, makeup, hair.
Most of my shoots are artistic nudes, body painting, figure modeling, alternative, cosplay and my favorite, underwater.
When I’m not modeling I’m working at a retail store or selling my mermaid tails online.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I don’t really have very many bad experiences when it comes to modeling, I’ve been very wise with who I work with and I usually bring my boyfriend who is also my bodyguard… hahaha.
I can say that my worst was probably during a nude shoot, the photographer was still a rookie, pretty young and single. He awkwardly began getting a boner while we were shooting. I asked him if he needed to take a breather, he was pretty embarrassed.
Best experiences are definitely when I put on my mermaid tails for an underwater shoot. I make my own swimable mermaid tails by hand and underwater photography is just an art form of its own. Together it creates some very beautiful photos and nothing is ever the same once you try it.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Once when I was shooting at a coastal reef in Puerto Rico, I had one of my mermaid tails on, it was a perfect day, water was crystal clear. I don’t use a mask or goggles when I do underwater sets so my vision is pretty blurry, I suddenly see a large dark blob come towards me. I of course freak out a bit, this thing was at least 7 to 8 feet long, so I climb onto the reef and rip my tail a bit in the process. It turned out to be a manatee coming up to say hi…
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Yes, discrimination. The human body is a beautiful work of art, no matter how big or small you are, old or young. I have met some amazing people during my journey and some that make me want to gag. And what has bothered me the most is that the closer you get to a modeling agency or to fashion modeling, the closer you get to some legitimately disgusting people. I’ve had the opportunity to do runway a few times and I was always the shortest one there -I’m 5’7- and the only “curvy girl”. The agency admins would always poke fun at all the girls, and all the girls would in return get very nasty with each other regarding weight, height, and even ethnicity. I decided that the nude modeling world was a much more realistic place, and it has been.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Nutrition has always been very important to me, my mother is a nutritionist and practices natural medicine. I eat a lot of dark green vegetables, spinach, kale, chard, lots of nuts, beans, root vegetables. Good quality lean red meat, turkey and fish. I don’t drink soda, don’t eat dairy and I hardly eat sweets or bread. I love wine and good dark chocolates and occasionally I’ll indulge in some good sheep’s milk cheeses. I also take classical ballet and have been doing yoga since I was 10.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am obsessed with looking different, not for others, but for myself. I get terribly bored easily so I’m constantly changing my hair color, I change it at least once a month to purples, blue, teal, pink, pastels, red and all over again! I also own over 20+ pairs of colored contact lenses, I’m a bit obsessed.
Would you change anything about yourself?
Yes, I wish I was better with money! Slowly I’m learning how to manage it, but it’s still one of my weakest traits. I also wish I was happier, I’m never content with what I have and always want a better version of it. It does fuel my goals, since I’m never satisfied with my work or with myself, I’m constantly improving. But, I just hope I’ll someday get to the top of my mountain and finally be happy and content with everything that I have accomplished.
Are you currently in a relationship? How would you describe your partner?
My partner is exactly that, my partner. He is my rock, my protector, my support, my accountant, my cheerleader and the one who always brings me back down to earth when my head is too far up in the clouds.
I’m very fortunate to have him, he’s very supportive of my modeling and career path, he even participates in my shoots sometimes! We have been together for almost 3 years and it feels like we have known each other for a lifetime. We are extremely cheesy…