
Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Mae Carter.
Amanda Mae, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am a scientist and an artist. By day, I work in a research lab as an undergraduate research assistant and an archivist, but by night I transform into a fashion/runway model. My career as a model was a path I did not anticipate taking during my time as an undergraduate. I am going to school at the University of Arizona for a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology and a double minor in Library Science and Japanese. My mentor, Rielle Oase of Oase Photography based out of Phoenix, literally swept me into the modeling world and I would not be where I am at today if it were not for her. Given my wanderlust-filled upbringing of having been raised moving every two to three years of my life in a military family, transitioning not only between communities across the globe but also into trying new possible career options is what led me down this path as well—my desire to attempt the unexpected.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My goal and inspiration in my modeling work as an artist is to bring science to my art and art into my study of science. Many perceive the study of art and science to be a singular focus—where you only study either one of the two subjects. But what people may not realize is that science involves a lot of creative thought processing. When you begin scientific research, you don’t come up with your hypothesis on a whim. Rather, you have to observe your surroundings or look a particular problem and analyze it a certain way in order to figure out what a possible outcome might be. Art can be approached the same: There are many possible answers to your “problem” but you just have to figure out how to present your artistic concept in such a way to find the answer(s) you seek.
My inspiration for much of the work I have done is my love for fashion and fantasy/science fiction books. When I am modeling, I am able to jump into fantasy worlds that I bring to life out of the books I read. A great portion of the clothing I used when I first started out in modeling was stylized by myself, and I continue to study different aspects of fashion as I jump through different worlds that I create in my modeling work.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Success is being able to look back on the work you have done and feel satisfaction. A characteristic I believe essential to success as an artist is being able to pick yourself back up again after being told “no”—for every “no” I receive after applying for a project, that only fuels my determination to try harder. I grew up struggling with self-confidence issues due to being visually impaired. I am legally blind in one eye, which may or may not show up in my modeling photos as my left eye being slightly askew due to blindness. It’s a genetic birth defect that I thought would hinder my ability to model, but I grew determined to overcome that obstacle. Now, I am able to look back on all the work I have completed so far and feel proud of myself. I hope that the work I have done inspires others like me who may have a visual impairment and be struggling with self-confidence that they are not limited by their visual impairment and can reach new heights regardless of what others tell them they can/cannot do.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work can be found on Instagram @uhohitsmanda and I also have a Facebook modeling page as well. I am considering building a website in the future, but still researching platform options. I am currently represented with Smart Models, a fashion and runway agency based out of Los Angeles. You can book me for photoshoots by contacting my agency at smartmgmt.talent@gmail.com or messaging me via Instagram or Facebook for further booking details.
Contact Info:
- Email: amagnacarta25@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uhohitsmanda/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/maecartermodel/
Image Credit:
1. Aleisha Chamberlain
2. Priscila Matei
3. Jasmin Pickens
4. Adair Lopez
5. Jose Carlos
6. Ryan Closson
7. Paul Chamberlain
8. Rielle Oase
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Matthew Doyle
June 7, 2018 at 4:05 pm
I highly recommend Lily Carrizosa who is the owner of Ella Delilah photography. She goes over and beyond for all her clients and Iv seen these girl have blood, sweat, and tears over getting the perfect shot. She started off as a single mom trying to make more income on the side of her full time job to help raise her daughter alone. Lily is self taught and does an amazing job! She eventually was able to buy a house and now runs her photography business so well she’s booked out for months. She’s the perfect example of starting off with nothing and gradually building up to become successful.