Name: Amanda Boyd
Age: 19
Measurements: 122 lbs., 5'5'', 34B, not sure about other exact measurements
Nickname(s): Amandar, Roo Roo, Sweet Cheeks

WU: I understand you were a "tomboy" growing up. Do you think you're still a "tomboy?"

AB: It is the biggest joke with my friends that I am a guy in a girl's body. Most of my main friends are men, too, so coming from them I guess it's more true than not. I do avoid befriending women since the only thing I have experienced with them are drama, aside from a select few. I grew up hating dresses and frilly things and Barbie dolls constantly took a beating. I was big into the skateboard scene from 6th to 10th grade and even won an award for being the best "girl skater" on my campus in 8th grade. When I was a senior I also wanted to try out for our varsity football team, even though I looked like a valley girl. I was actually only one of two girls who took weight training as an elective during my senior year, and I earned the top grade. I changed my outter appearance and grew fonder of shopping and gossip magazines around my sophomore year, but I still have my inner tomboy. I can sit for hours and play video games (and win), beat at least half of my guy friends in arm wrestling matches, burp to break the decible limit, play any contact sport and brag about my injuries, and can become vicious during a Sharks game.

WU: What do you think is the most important quality for a model to have, besides looks?

AB: Models have to have a positive attitude. Attitude is what makes or breaks a person and someone who has the "I'm the shit" outlook makes them look like a stuck-up snob. Models, however beautiful/handsome and admired they are, have to maintain the attitude that their career may end tomorrow. Modeling is for the young, and once you age past a certain point, you're not wanted anymore. Unless a model becomes super famous and has the money to surgically stay young, it is rare that we see older models on large print ads or runway shows.

WU: When you think about modeling, what do you imagine it would be like to actually be in the life?

AB: I can imagine that the life is incredibly stressful. Granted, it would be fun and exciting and a rare opportunity, but I can see the stress that maintaining the look of a model could put on me. Obviously, it is expected to keep in shape and stay flawless, but I can imagine that it gets to a point where that responsibility becomes an obsession. I can only wonder that the life itself is a thrill-a-minute, but a heavy weight on your shoulders.

WU: Do you think that you have to look a certain way to be a model?

AB: No. I believe that you have to look a certain way for certain situations. There are models of all shapes, sizes, and appearances who can work a shoot no matter what. Modeling is not just glamor and runway shows in Paris, modeling is simply using yourself to promote an image for whatever the image is needed for. Some models make millions by modeling body parts. How many times have we seen advertisements for jewelry or watches and wonder whose hand is on the page, or print ads for Nike shoes only showing the shoe, but someone's ankle and calf attatched to it. The point is, some models never even show their faces to earn their living and reputation in the industry. It seems impossible to be able to only have "one look" to be a model, or what we define as a model in this generation.

WU: What is the biggest motivational factor in you wanting to model?

AB: People. I cannot tell you how many people have approached me telling me to try modeling. I get at least one person a day, no joke. My friends back home have told me to try and my boyfriend is always telling me that I would be a great model. I have always been a very modest person, so I take compliments with a smile and a thank you, but I'm shy about it. The fact that I have always wanted to be a model is a factor as well, but since I have such a large amount of positive opinions and motivation from people other than me, I figured that I would try to pursue it and see where it leads me.

WU: Do you see this as a life-long goal?

AB: It's not a life-long goal, but a goal that I would like to accomplish in life. I do not see myself modeling for a lifetime, as I said before it is for the young. I would love to make a career out of it if the opportunity presented itself, but that is a tough thing to do, so for now I'm just trying to get into the business, have some fun, gain experience, and stay in school. If I walk into the modeling industry with a degree, then at least I will know I have a backup plan once my age catches up with me, which sounds weird to say since I'm only 19.

WU: Are you a sports chick?

AB: Absolutely! I love sports with a passion. Among my favorites are football and hockey. I am a huge Broncos and Sharks fan. There have been many Sundays where I have done nothing but sit on the couch in my PJs all day long and watch every football game on T.V. that day. I have also been known to chuck random objects at the screen if my team screws up. My mom is also a big fantasy football guru, so I get most of my love for football from her. I can say that I am a pretty big A's fan, and I am so happy that it's finally baseball season. Nothing is better than setting up a bitchin' tailgate party in the stadium parking lot and tossing a few cold ones back with your friends and family before a big game.


WU: I heard you are a big Victoria Secret person. If another lingerie company, similar to Victoria Secret, wanted you to model for them, would you be as interested?

AB: Of course! I would take any opportunity I could to do lingerie modeling. Like I said, it's about experience and fun, and if it led me to the big V.S. then that would just be icing on the cake. The Victoria's Secret models are amazing, and they are all gorgeous without having to overexpose themselves. They all look so tall, though! I'm so puny at my 5'5'' status haha.

WU: What's more important, sex appeal or confidence?

AB: Without confidence, there is no sex appeal. It's a simple and known fact that confidence is sexy. You could be the sexiest girl (or guy) in the world and many people wouldn't be able to tell if he or she downplayed themselves all the time and sat on the sidelines. If you KNOW you're sexy, then you ARE sexy.

WU: Any last words....

AB: Thank you WestUP for everything and the opportunity to get myself out there, even if it's just a small step, you guys are awesome. Also, if the advertising agency for Victoria's Secret ever reads this, give me a call!