Check out our interview with Brazilian Model and Actor Felipe Portella.
Follow Felipe @portellatv
Hello, please tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Felipe Portella, I’m 23 years old, I’m from Rio de Janeiro from the North Zone but I travel all over Rio, I’m an actor, I sing and dance, and I also love sports, especially football, jiujitsu and skateboarding.
I was a soccer player until I was 16, then I started my career in fashion through a course given by Yuri Graneiro, a great scouter, I finished the course and was invited by Sergio Mattos to audition for 40th Models @40grausmodels, I joined the agency and I became interested in theater through a project called “Once upon a time a poet” where I got to know Luiz Lobo, another key agent in my career, since then I haven’t stopped, I had the opportunity to record some short and feature films, some campaigns, and -commerce, magazines and editorials. I always try to expand my knowledge, whenever I can, I take courses in my area of expertise, in addition to that I am very interested in economics, and I also study journalism.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Family
Art
God
How and when did you start modeling?
Leaving a football training, I received a flyer and a scouter called me to take a test for a scholarship, I passed and studied there for 3 years, that was in 2014.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
The funnest thing is getting on board with the producers’ eccentric ideas, I once wore a newt’s tail on the beach, it was pretty funny. Rewarding is collecting stories and immortalizing moments, a mix of arts; photography, fashion, design… not to mention friendships, they are pearls for life.
Not rewarding… it’s having contact with mean proposals and bad people. Oh, and getting paid months later… hahaha, that’s not good either.
Can you name some of the brands you are working with or have worked with?
Versace, Osklen, Dreamers do Brasil, Tiow, Colcci, Pulse and recently Supertramp, a brand that I really like.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Failure is giving up, and if you don’t give up, it will just be bad times with learning; such as: everything can be overcome if we have a good plan and willpower.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Have understood the proposal and objective of the work.
Are you still nervous?
Yes, and I think feeling that emotion is what gives the process meaning.
What is your advice for new role models and influencers?
That improve their knowledge and talent in their respective areas, a person with theoretical background and willpower can get anywhere.
I usually read a lot about philosophy and self-knowledge, knowing better about yourself, we can go further.
And the third, in the Bible it says that there is a determined time for all things, it is important to know that we are not in a race, and that your time will surely come.
– Comparation +inspiration!
When you started your social media accounts, did you expect such success?
I still haven’t achieved the success I want, but I really enjoy receiving all the support I’ve received, from friends, family and all the admirers.
Any advice for entrepreneurs out there?
In my opinion, success and prosperity reside in solving society’s problems, when a brilliant and hardworking mind is faced with a big problem, we can have great results.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Power of Not Knowing – Cortella
What advice would you give your younger self and why?
Plan very well, and believe in the process, then push yourself day after day.
Because planning is essential, and in addition to focusing on the goal, we also need to enjoy living the process.
Do you support any charities?
Not at the moment, but I plan on doing so.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I like to wear clothes made by creators who believe in an authentic, sophisticated, real and courageous lifestyle, courage enchants me.
A good example is the brand “Dreamers” from Brazil
How would your best friend describe you?
Faithful, loyal and fun.
What’s next in 2023?
Soon I will make a musical directed by Francisco Nery, and I also have great expectations with the negotiations of exhibition of the series that I recorded.
What is your favorite healthy food?
The avocado breaded with tomato and pita bread that my girlfriend prepares, a kiss Julia.
And your favorite cheat food?
Feijoada is a typical Dish of Brazil.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to be next to the ones I love, and be recognized for my work.
What is a normal day in your life like?
I wake up and work out, I look at the economic scenario, I talk to the people I love, I work, I talk to God, I try to eat and sleep well.
What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
A 40° sun on Ipanema beach, playing altinha and drinking mate, at night I thank God in church.
If you could meet anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandfather, my father’s father, he passed away when I was very young.
Best advice ever given?
“Know thyself” paraphrasing Socrates
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Song
Sport
Knowledge
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
I believe in an improvement in the policy of encouraging art in Brazil, so I want to be in Brazil producing something in cinema or teledramaturgy.
Favorite song for this moment?
S.O.S Amor – Ed Motta
What songs do you like in general?
aor, soul, funk, samba, jazz… I have a very varied taste!
What do you think of Social Media?
Today they are the best communication channel to spread something or someone.
Where can we follow you?
On any social network: @portellatv
Favorite singer/artist: Ed Motta
Film: Knight’s Heart
Travel destination: Athens, Greece
Sports Team: Fluminense F.C.
TV show: TV Globo
Book: The Little Prince
CREDITS:
Model: Felipe Portella
Photo and Production: Gabriel De Ita @gabrieldeita
Looks: Burberry, Lacoste, Purificación Garcia, Hugo Boss.
Location: Parque de Agua Blanca, São Paulo.
Agency: @40grausmodels
