Penticton's Brandi Hansen is in the running for another shot at Maxim magazine's cover contest.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Brandi Hansen Facebook page
October 11, 2019 - 4:00 PM
Penticton resident Brandi Hansen is back in the running for Maxim magazine’s cover girl, and this time around, like before, it’s all about the message.
Hansen competed in the magazine’s Canadian cover girl contest in May, surprising herself probably more than anyone by making it to the semi finals.
This time, she’s competing for the magazine’s international cover girl, a contest that comes with a $25,000 prize, which Hansen says she will be donating to charitable causes.
Hansen recently received notice she's in the semifinals in Maxim's cover girl contest.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Brandi Hansen Facebook page
“It would be extraordinary to win. I’ve decided to divide the money between Canadian and U.S. vets, as well as a share to a women’s aviation fund I’ve named ‘Higher, Further, Faster,’” says Hansen, who has dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship.
Hansen found out this morning, Oct. 11, she has advanced once again to the semi finals. She has the long weekend off before the contest resumes on Sept. 15.
“It’s a huge commitment in time. This competition is much more intense, there are women from Paris, China, Turkey, Scandinavia, all over the world competing, and some of them are professional models and actresses,” Hansen says.
Hansen has spent a lot of time in Northern B.C.. She also holds dual American and Canadian citizenship.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Brandi Hansen Facebook page
Hansen has been charting her own course through the competition, focussing her photo submissions on the things that interest her, such as outdoors and shooting sports, and flying, rather than trying to build a more typical cover girl portfolio.
Hansen’s goal is to win on her own terms. She’s refused to get professionally photographed or use computer enhancing techniques like Photoshop to give her an advantage.
“I really want to keep away from that. My photos are real life, unposed and as natural as possible,” she says.
Hansen believes her message has gained traction this time around, with online outdoor communities and outdoor sports companies backing her and asking how they can help.
“I’ve had ten times more support in this competition than the last one. It’s nice to see people believe in the message,” she says.
Hansen is trying to break new ground, portraying outdoorsy aspects of her character rather than concentrating on being a cover girl.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Brandi Hansen Facebook page
“If I make the cover, I’m not changing my stance. I’m planning to pose in my own element. There will be nothing scandalous or skimpy,” she says. “My whole message is to stop sexualizing women and making them feel like just taking off more clothes was going to win them this contest,” Hansen says.
"I stand firm that it’s primarily about pioneering and paving your own path, and demonstrating you don’t need to follow the crowds and what everyone else is dong to attain your goals. That is the main message."
To vote for Brandi, see her profile page on the Maxim cover girl website.
This is Hansen's second shot at a Maxim cover girl contest.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Brandi Hansen Facebook page
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