Beyond the Runway with Sam Norris

Did you always know you would be a model? Was it something you inspire to be?
Oh, no way! I never would've guessed in this lifetime that I'd end up being called a model. If anything, I thought maybe I'd be seen as a role model, but even that felt like a stretch. Funny thing is, growing up, I just saw myself as a regular kid from the rough parts of Houston, Texas and Indianapolis, Indiana. Before I got into modeling, I had this idea that models were all from a certain social class, you know? Like, you had to be money to be seen as beautiful or attractive. I remember when my mom took us to one of those model scouting events you see advertised every year somewhere. Out of all five of us (sibling and Sam), they picked my sister. But then, when it came to the fees and costs, Mom couldn't swing it. It was tough, you know, feeling that rejection for the first time – like someone just took a jab right at my heart and said, "Next!" So, nope, modeling wasn't ever on my radar. But hey, I guess it ended up choosing me in the end. Funny how life works out, huh?

---

How did modeling start for you?
Modeling kinda fell into my lap unexpectedly, back when I was in college in Fort Wayne, Indiana. One day, I got stopped by campus security who randomly asked if I ever thought about modeling. I chuckled and said no, cracking a light joke about it. Next thing I knew, I was being escorted to meet the university's marketing director. Turns out, they were eager to have me be part of a campaign shoot for the school. I gave it a shot, and before I knew it, my face was plastered all over campus – on brochures, billboards, you name it. That was my first taste of modeling. Fast forward a couple of years, and I got approached for a photo shoot, which then led to walking the runway at a fashion show. From there, I even scored gigs in New York for Brooklyn Fashion Week. After that whirlwind experience, the modeling opportunities just kept rolling in. At no point did I ever think of myself as “model material” or to be in front of a camera until I saw the first professional picture taken of me. 

How do you prepare for a photo shoot?
When it comes to photoshoots, I've got this whole routine going on that involves music, asking questions, checking out what's happening around me, and doing some serious forward thinking. First off, music is key. I pick tunes that match the vibe I want for the shoot, whether it's getting pumped up or staying chill. It helps me get in the right headspace to bring the vision to life. Then, I'm all about asking questions. I like chatting with whoever's running the show to really understand what they're going for. It helps me adjust and make sure we're on the same page. Next up, I'm all eyes and ears, taking in everything happening on set. Watching how everyone works together helps me shine in front of the camera and make sure the client gets the shots they're after. And before we even start snapping pics, I'm already picturing how the shoot's gonna go down. I gather as much info as I can, using my senses and my imagination to plan ahead and make sure everything runs smoothly. It's all about setting the stage for success!

Modeling is a competitive industry.  How do you maintain your viability? 
You know, a lot of folks don't realize and tend to be unaware that the industry is a bias industry. You are always competing with an idea and not other people (models). The world we exist in, stems from the imagination of someone else. I don’t always fit that imagination so to compete I craft the fluidity of my style, portfolio, and my on camera presence to allow the person looking at me to reimagine their original idea.

Could you describe your journey into the modeling industry? What were some of the challenges you faced along the way?
The biggest challenge I discovered in modeling was that it’s truly not lucrative. It’s a financial nightmare. So being a “starving artist” was real. So having to get a job that would allow flexibility to get a call in the middle of a work day for a casting two hours from that moment but you don’t get off for another 6 hours. I had learned most models who had that flexibility worked in industries that hi turn over rates or had positions designed for :model: such as Abercrombie & Fitch (where I worked), and or serving jobs in restaurants. 

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations within the modeling industry, and beyond?
My aim in this industry is to maintain a marketable image while making a meaningful impact. Looking ahead, I aspire to inspire others and shed light on self-doubt, influenced by external opinions and perceptions.

 How can we follow you?
IG: iamsamnorris
X: iamsamnorris 
FB: Sam Norris
LI: Sam Norris