How were you first “discovered” as a model?
I was discovered on Instagram by a photographer named Lewis Meyer. He shot me for his magazine Underdog Men.
How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 27 years old and I’m from Brooklyn NY.
How was your experience on the first job you did as a model? My first experience as a model was crazy cool, Lewis and his husband Joe really put a lot of thought into the shoot and it happened to also be my birthday!
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m not sure how I would describe my style as right now it’s ever changing, my go to look currently has been black slim jeans turtleneck and boots or white sneakers and an array of jackets for layering purposes.
What inspires you the most? I’m most inspired by the people around me and my experiences in life. I’ve been through somethings and I’ve met people who have had lasting effects on me both positive and negative but these experiences have allowed me the ability to feel and work through my emotions and that’s pretty inspiring.
Do you ever get nervous in front of the camera? YES! Before every shoot, I feel a wave of panic that is usually fueled by anticipation and the desire to deliver what the photographer is looking for. But usually, I get into it once the camera goes up.
What are 3 things people may not know about you? The 3 things people may not know about me are… 1.) I’m a trained dancer 2.)I’m a skilled sculptor and ceramic arts is a passion of mine. 3.) I used to work at American Girl Place as a doll hair stylist. It was the best job ever!
You are breaking barriers as a plus-size male model. Do you ever get shy? I get very shy when people talk about the work I’ve done; I get very bashful. Like amongst friends, I may playfully brag, but I do muster up confidence when I need to raise my voice about an issue. I believe that anyone who chooses to place themselves in the public eye has a social responsibility to utilize their platform for positive things that belief definitely gives me confidence and reminds me of what I bring to the table.
Any advice for aspiring plus sized male models? My advice to aspiring plus sized male models is to have a goal youd like to reach and set small goals to help you reach it. We are all capable of so much and setting small goals helps us to stay on track with what we’re seeking and small setbacks dont feel as devastating. Also practice your craft, you are only as strong as you allow yourself to be study your features work on being comfortable in front of a camera it’ll also boost your confidence onset because you’ll be ready to take a photographers directions and deliver the shoot they need in a timely manner and that is golden!
Your favorite place to travel and why? My favorite place to travel has been Weston Connecticut. I have family that lives out there and it’s literally like a little town cut out of an hallmark movie. There also isn’t much cellular support so I really spend my time unplugged and unwinding.
In your opinion, do you feel the modeling industry has changed? If so, how? I think the modeling industry has evolved a bit because consumers are pushing to be seen and heard by companies who in the past have silenced them, have silenced us! It’s such a important thing to feel valued to be seen as important and not everyone understands that because society tells us people should look a certain way. I will say there is still a lack of representation you see the same faces companies aren’t willing to truly invest in guys like me. I’m not 6foot, I’m 5 foot 7 and I’m a big guy– but that doesn’t stop me because I know there is a guy out there looking at my image and sees himself and feels what I myself have been yearning for.
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