Check out our interview with stunning Fashion Model, Musician and Actress Sif Saga who has managed to stand out from her peers through her creativity and talented artistic expression making her a total triple threat. Originally from Iceland, Sif grew up in Boston, MA and started modeling at age 16, after being scouted while at boarding school.
Over the next 7 years, Sif went on to live in Paris, LA, Australia, and now New York City to pursue her career as a model. Sif has graced the covers of top fashion magazines including Elle Bulgaria (2019), Numero Russia (2019), Elle Argentina (Feb 2020), Maxim Mexico (2020), L’Officiel Argentina (2020), and Elle Argentina (Dec 2020). She has also shot campaigns for esteemed brands such as Estee Lauder, Ralph Lauren and Kendra Scott, to name a few.
In 2020, Sif furthered her passion for music; writing, composing, and singing over 20 songs and counting in which 7 have been released so far. Her latest song “French Fries”, which she co-produced with AJ Jenkins and released on March 26, 2021, is a song celebrating self-love and describes the act of letting go of previous relationships and loving oneself. To listen to all of Sif’s music, check out her Spotify.
Sif is also an actress gearing up for her big screen debut in Indie Thriller “Feral State” in which she stars alongside Annalynne Mccord. “Feral State” is set to release in June 2021.
Follow Sif @itsmesif
Hi Sif, please tell us a little about you?
Well, I’m 23 and live in New York. When I was growing up I was lucky enough to have two places to call home; I traveled back and forth from Iceland (where my family is from) and Boston (the place I was born). When I was 12 I went to boarding school and I’m not sure I would be modeling today if I hadn’t. I was scouted at my high school prom and moved out to Miami shortly after that. Now, I also do music and have a film coming out in a few days! I never used to think I was creative, but now I know I am. I love being creative, making art and being a part of art has given me such a purpose. Also I like to joke around a lot and love to laugh, I have a dry sense of humor 🙂
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Compassionate, loving, and curious
Name one your strengths?
I would say I am analytical when it comes to people. Often when I first meet someone I’m quiet, which is mistaken for shyness. What I am actually doing is observing and taking mental notes about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to said person. I know it sounds odd, and I used to hate that I did this, but having a better understanding for a person you’re just meeting is an advantage. It helps me to make important connections and friendships, which never used to be my strong suit.
Best advice ever given?
My Dad always told me I should never be afraid to fail but it’s best to fail fast. It simply means if you don’t see any results or markers that you’re headed in the right direction, it might be time to move on and take the lessons you’ve learned. I’ve actually applied this when it comes to my dating life as well.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
Without hesitation, my Mamma. She’s guided me through every step of my career and has never doubted or questioned my career choices. She’s also a very strong woman, she knows how to hold her own and stand up for herself – she’s very powerful, more than she realizes. I feel lucky to have her in my life.
How and when did you start into modeling?
I started modeling when I was 17, I was scouted at my high school prom. After that I decided to give it a go and moved to South Beach Miami to build my book.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
I think it’s fun when you get to work with friends or people you know. It doesn’t feel like work at all when that happens, it feels like hanging out with friends. The most rewarding part about modeling is when I work with a great team and everyone is on the same page, especially important that the photographer and I are on the same page. Being in front of a camera is vulnerable and there’s an unsaid communication happening between the photographer and the model; it’s kind of like a dance. There’s not too much to complain about for me when it comes to my job, obviously it’s not always fun and there is a lot more work that goes into it that people don’t always realize, but for me it’s very draining when i’m ordered around/ talked down to or I’m not being seen as a person with opinions and feelings, just a pretty face. However, there are far worse things to complain about. I think I’ve been extremely lucky.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
To be kind to myself. This was an important lesson for me, I used to be so hard on myself and it rarely ever served a purpose.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
To have an understanding of what the client or photographer is hoping to get from the shoot and good music, this allows me to feel comfortable and confident!
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Speak up for yourself. Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something that makes you uncomfortable. Show up on time/ take it seriously: if you want to make it a career it’s important to have a good work ethic. Lastly, use modeling as an opportunity to discover more parts of yourself. When I started, I was super shy and the more I got to express myself the more I got to know who I am and what I want.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
That my time, opinions, and feelings are just as valuable as everyone else’s in the room; if you made it into the room then don’t question your abilities and talent, you deserve to be there. It’s easy to say, but when I first started I would often question my own ability and value.
On the music side, describe your sound in 3 words?
Pop, R&B, soul
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved music. I’ve been singing since I could speak and took piano for 10 years, so I guess it’s always spoken to me. I started making music on garage band. I wanted to put a song I learned up on garage band, but I ended up getting an idea for another one and made my own song instead. After that I was hooked and continued to teach myself how to produce and kept writing. When I was living in LA, I lived with a house full of songwriters and musicians, I think seeing what they did initiated the yearning to give it a go myself.
Do you play any instrument?
I play piano 🙂
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes, I can be a nervous wreck sometimes. It’s not a bad thing though, it just means I care about what I am doing.
Photo Credit: Joe Diez
