Blog Archives

Nov 08 2015

Interview with Brooke — Jill of All Trades and Badass

Brooke is a 25-year old model residing in Louisville, Kentucky.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a 25 year old entrepreneur born and raised in Louisville Kentucky with 4 other siblings by two wonderful, hard working doctors. I have had the opportunity to travel to most of the US states and over 30 countries. I received a BFA from University of Arizona and have opened my own small business, which is a letterpress. I have held all sorts of odd jobs including: kennel tech, AR15 designer and builder, security officer, motorcycle mechanic apprentice and model, and as you can see I have trouble being idle and at any time could be doing a hobby, picking up an odd job, or in the gym, and if it’s a DIY project, I’m doing it. I’m self sufficient and determined, maybe even a little hardheaded! I am a serious dog lover and my two dogs come first, and I also love tattoos, so I’m not stopping at the 13 I have now.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I became interested in modeling at a young age, maybe 13 and joined a so-named school, which turned out to be really just a money pit, and landed one acting job but quickly realized the company for what it was and was tired of being told “you’re not tall enough” to be a model and get an agent. I moved to Arizona in 2011 and really put in time and effort and quickly built a good portfolio and met some wonderful photographers and other models, while I was a college student, so modeling was some good side cash and really fun for me.

Brooke holding a badass gunWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I hope to build my letterpress company, have a family and continue doing all the things I love, which includes modeling. I’d also like to continue body building and do more fitness photoshoots.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

In Arizona I did about 2 to 3 shoots a month including video shoots, but when I got into grad school things slowed down, and I also worked for a lingerie company in Arizona for a bout a year. Now that I am back home in Kentucky I have maybe 1 to 2 shoots a month, and although I love video work, I usually end up doing nude, implied, fashion, lingerie and fitness shoots; in general I love outdoor work and anything badass.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

I have definitely run the gambit with photographers and modeling shoots, and have also found a few photographers who I have absolutely loved and continued working with on silly shoots or just for fun shoots pretty regularly, and I have also met the “guy with camera” about 100 times, so I am pretty good at weeding through those. I can read how a shoot is going to go from the first encounter with a photographer, and I have also learned to expect at least half the payment upon arrival after doing a 6 hour shoot and the photographer refusing to pay me.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Plenty of inappropriate behavior from photographers for sure, but one particular photographer stole all my lingerie from my suitcase when I wasn’t looking! And I once did a “group shoot” with some other girls where we dressed up as zoo animals, probably a bit more scandalous than we should have, and went to a zoo where a giraffe licked my armpit, gross.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

If I could get rid of all the “guys with camera” that would be great, and also anyone who preys on models, since I think no one should feel uncomfortable at a shoot.

Brooke sitting next to a tree in a forestDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I go to the gym 5 days a week and am big into weight lifting; in fact, I’ve gone from 90 lbs in 2011 to 115lbs by 2014, all 25 lbs being muscle. I love to swim and be active, I eat extremely cleanly, and I do not drink alcohol, take any type of recreational drug, drink caffeine or carbonated drinks and tend to eat balanced meals. I’ve seen people not be well enough to play with their children or grandchildren and I have sworn to never be that way… I want to be healthy and active until the day I die.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have trained on a flying trapeze.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Honestly I wouldn’t change anything about myself, but perhaps I wish some things had not happened to me; although those experiences, despite being horrible, have made me who I am today and I am pretty proud of that. Physically? OK maybe I wish I had been blessed with more defined calves.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I do not have many vices, I don’t drink, or do drugs or really have an addictive personality; I have tattoos, though, but I grew up in Kentucky and love betting on horses. Also peanut butter oreos, whoever invented those I want to kiss you and also kill you.

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Aug 31 2014

Interview with Roberto Cordero Jr

Roberto Cordero Jr is a 19-year old model residing in Gilbert, Arizona.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Greetings and salutations reader, my name is Roberto Cordero but I usually go by Robert, to make it more simplistic for those who find it difficult to pronounce. Anyways, I was born in Yuma Az but the majority of my childhood resides in Oceanside CA. I’m currently staying in the valley of Phoenix Az, where my career began. I am a film student attending the Art Institutes of Phoenix where most of my notions are developed and put into action. My hobbies include creating art, capturing moments and scenes, inspiring, being a thespian or model. Growing up, I was in constant battle, going through pivotal phases, given doubt, feeling hopeless, and lost in this universe. School was a disaster, I didn’t fit in with the kids that attended so I spent a vast amount of time with myself during classes and lunch or spent it with the wrong crowd. I believe that the struggles I had throughout my adolescence has made me a better and more innovative individual. My family, including my 4 younger brothers, one older and one younger sister, is an incredible support system, they believe in me and I believe in them. Though both my parents divorced when I was just a child, they are both civil and have found new partners… which is why I have a big family. I believe the annulment did affect me though which is why I’m a very secluded and silent person but I’m slowly opening up and coming out of that particular phase. But, not to go into complete detail, let me make this short and simple for you, I’m just your average guy living an extraordinary life.

Roberto Cordero Jr wearing a black coatWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

Last year is when it all kicked off. I signed my very own two year talent contract with Deborah Maddox Agency, located in Scottsdale Arizona. You see, there was no hand-outs, it was all one me to take initiative to make this happen and that’s exactly what I did. At first, my plan was to aim as an actor, but slowly as that progressed I became intrigued with the art of modeling. As a freelance photographer, I also shot my own images so I used myself as the model to create and edit and since then I’ve been building my portfolio and submitted for and booked gigs that involved runway, commercial, editorial, and photo-shoots with local photographers. It just happened, there really isn’t an interesting story behind it. It’s just something that became compelling to me. It’s also a great opportunity to gain more exposure as a local and a creative enjoyment for self-expression. And, if you’re fond of fashion, then this is a wonderful opening to its world.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

If I were to categorize my goals, I’d say my personal aspirations would be a Photographer and Videographer. I’m currently going to school for film but photography will always take a huge part in my life. I’ve been self taught with creating and capturing portraits. It’s just something that lived within me at a very young age, as cliche as that sounds. Now I’m taking full advantage of those abilities. As far as my professional goals, I’d say Acting and modeling is where my passions lies and I view these dreams as my professions. In 5 to 10 years, I see myself changing the world for the better. Inspiring the youth, making positive impact. I also envision myself living out my fulfilled dreams, traveling the world with my loved ones, taking care of my family, working with other artisans, and just being able to entertain, be it on television, stage, runway, and others; and creating art.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I’m usually working more on film projects rather than modeling assignments. Right now, I’m currently focused on filming my first feature film which includes dialogue in Flagstaff, Arizona, titled “My Name is Nobody” premiering in theaters in 2015. When it comes to the modeling world, there are many themes and subjects I enjoy depicting or engaging with but most shoots I work on are more fashionable and creative editorials. I’d say I work with modeling at least twice every two weeks, which isn’t really frequent due to my busy schedule with filming. But, that will definitely change up once everything pacifies.

Roberto Cordero Jr in the woodsPlease tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

Come to think of it, I have yet to have a bad experience with modeling. I hope I don’t jinx myself on this one.

However, there are many good. Every experience with modeling or anything with entertainment is an amazing involvement. I try to soak in as much as I can and learn from other talent and photographers as I’m on set. The process is incredible; being patient is definitely a virtue. I’ll forever cherish the moments

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Last year, I was scheduled for a photo-shoot session with TME and I was so stoked for it, thinking I’d be in a room full of incredible and talented male and female models. Well, there were definitely incredible female models at the shoot, then again there were only female models present. I was the only dude. It was quite hilarious actually and took me some time to adjust to the environment. Nothing embarrassing happened, it was just unordinary and funny to me; As it was to the rest of the ladies as well. I still had a wonderful time working with all the creative minds that attended.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would put the value back into creativity and labor. It’s not about money, but it is about value. You can have it good, fast or cheap, but presume you can only choose two. Well, people are leaving ‘good’ out of it and decide to have it quick and vulgar. I would like everyone to slow it down just a little bit to bring back the quality. To have the appreciation for things that are caliber and bringing back those who just want the job done well and with passion. Nothing is free and the fact that seems to be lost lately. We are all aiming in the industry because it is something we are truly vehement about and we enjoy doing it, let’s not get sidetracked.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Nutrition and exercise certainly plays a huge role as a model and actor. Physical and mental health is dynamic and essential for the talent. Although, when it comes to food, I’ll eat anything and as much as I want. I have my high metabolism to thank for that and I’m taking full advantage of it for the time being. It can be a hassle at times because it could cause severe acne and system problems so it is best that you balance it out with eating vegetables, tons of water, and making sure you’re taking the right dose of vitamins and protein. Salads are very common in my meals; at least 3 a week. On Mondays and Tuesdays I take two hours out of each day and work on my arms and chest. Wednesday & Thursdays are leg days, and on Fridays I work on abs and back. The routines are making quite a great difference with my fitness and well-being but a difficult task due to my HM but that is no excuse for me to give in. I’ve always been the type to take care of my physique and wellness, as it should be for everybody else. John F. Kennedy said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

Roberto Cordero Jr holding a cigar and whiskyPlease share something people don’t know about you.

I can sense people’s emotions and energy. Also, when someone is staring at me which is quite phenomenal, but at the same time unusual. I guess that’s what they call a “sixth sense”.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

There is absolutely nothing I would want to modify about myself. I’ve learned to accept who I am and my appearance. God created us all in his own image, just how he wanted us, so why change it? Be you and change for no one! These TV shows, magazines, movies, and stars give the viewers, especially women, such a distorted perception of reality. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, remember that. As a model, it’s mandatory that you accept yourself because being insecure will definitely be a con in this industry. It will destroy you, knocking down your confidence and that can affect your career. Be you!.

What features do you look for in a partner?

A woman that is open minded, adventurous, spontaneous, witty, quirky, funny, goofy, outgoing, great sense of style. A woman that is confident and comfortable with being herself in and out of public. Also, having a great personality because that is much more important than physical looks. Intelligence, ambition, drive and loyalty are also very essential characteristics.

Visit Roberto Cordero Jr’s website for more photos and information

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Aug 09 2014

Interview with Christian Aragon

Christian Aragon is a 20-year old model residing in Phoenix, Arizona.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Christian Aragon, I’m a male model and actor. I came from a humble upbringing being born in Federal Way, Washington and eventually moving to Boise, Idaho then Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up with separated parents was difficult, living with my mother’s friends and just doing my best to get by. Leaving my little sister in Idaho with my dad was one of the hardest moments in my life even though it was her choice. Sports were and still are my passion, going to college to play football and eventually having to leave due to a sickness that made me lose too much weight to regain in a short amount of time really put a cloud over my head. After going broke and moving back to Boise to get on feet I chose to go work in Alaska at a fish cannery, which I can say was one of the best decisions I’ve made as it allowed me to provide for myself and get back to Phoenix.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got involved in modeling after I had to stop playing college football. I had always been told I had the look so I did some research and got my name out with small shoots and a lot of networking.

Christian Aragon nude What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My goals for the next five years are to build up a strong portfolio and hopefully get a spread for either Calvin Klein or another big name company. Eventually I’d like to move to acting full time and work my way up the ladder.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I like to shoot at bare minimum once a month usually consisting of fashion and commercial shoots, and monologue readings.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experience was easily going to LA and shooting for a week with Travis Lane photo. We got a lot of great shots eventually landing me in two magazines! My worst experience has to have been a small shoot it did for a photographer who had no idea what they were doing and were asking me where and what I’d like to shoot when I was in a city I didn’t know well, and they had told me over the phone they had all these ideas. After giving no creative in-site on set the pictures turned out completely sub-par and I feel that shoot was a waste of time.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

A funny and embarrassing thing to happen was while shooting at a mansion in Bel Air we were taking rapid fire photographs. It caused me to get so dizzy I fell over and scared the photographer. It was funny because they were so scared and we both just sat there laughing when they figured out I was completely fine.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would change the fact that people give models a stereotype right off the bat. They find them full of themselves and completely vain without getting to know them just because of their profession. I have met many models who are some of the most down to earth people I’ve met and that bias needs to go.

Christian Aragon black and white nakedDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Exercise and nutrition are the most important thing to me. I play on a baseball team with some buddies and am always out playing basketball. Nothing beats the feeling you get after a competitive game and then laughing about it after with some good friends. When it comes to nutrition, I try to stay away from any sugary foods or sodas for both modeling and just my overall well being in general. I love getting done at the gym and coming home to some chicken and rice with vegetables and a protein shake.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Most people don’t know that I battle with depression quite often. I struggle with trying to stay up beat and positive on certain days and it’s been something to overcome; but I feel like I’m growing daily and it’s definitely been occurring less often as if late.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I honestly wouldn’t change anything about myself. I feel like we’re all born a certain way for a reason and can make the best of it. I hope to stress that to kids when because I’ve seen too many trying to be like what they see on tv instead of just being themselves.

What features do you look for in a partner?

The most attractive thing to me in a woman is confidence. Being a model puts you around a lot of very beautiful women quite often and a woman who understands that, and can be confident enough not to lose trust and become jealous is irreplaceable. They also have to be independent and strong willed. I have a big personality, I need a woman who can ground me and tell me when I’m wrong.

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Aug 07 2014

Interview with De’Sean Goree

De’Sean Goree is a 25-year old model residing in Phoenix, Arizona.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is De’Sean Goree, I’m currently 25 years old and have been modeling for almost 5 years. I was born in San Bernardino California and raised in Phoenix Arizona but moved to Pensacola Florida in high school. I have 7 siblings all together and currently reside in Phoenix Arizona. I really enjoy playing basketball, gymnastics and being active all together. I currently work in the human services field and just started my own event hosting, staffing and promotions company named Apt 69.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got into modeling when I was 19. What influenced me was a trip to Las Vegas for a funeral when I was 18. I was walking through the casino of our hotel and got stopped more than a few times from people asking me if I was model or in the entertainment industry. I’ve always wanted to be a model or in the entertainment industry so those comments and questions solidified the thoughts and gave me the push to pursue it. I told people I was going to be a model and everyone laughed at me including some of my family thus further pushing me to prove everyone wrong that I can and will in fact become a male model.

DeSean Goree wearing underwearWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I’ve created a good image and reputation so my goal is to turn the years of hard modeling work into grooming and developing my company Apt 69 into the vision I have for it. As far as modeling goes I have taken a slight break but am now in the middle of putting together a break out shoot that will rocket me back into the spotlight bringing a personality and presence into the modeling world that isn’t there now. In 5 to 10 years from now I’ll be a common face, a common name and a certain high standard will accompany both.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I am coming off of a break from modeling so I haven’t been on any shoots in about a year or so but I am putting together a breakout shoot currently. On the contrary I’ve been producing shoots and music videos. I’ve also been staffing music videos, providing promotional models for events and hosting events. Basically I’ve been in promotional modeling.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experience was on location at a shoot in north Phoenix where the set was built, reflectors and separate flashed were set up and the camera equipment was the best I had seen yet. People were walking by taking pictures with their phones and asking for autographs because of how professional and elaborate the location was set up. That shoot was a breaking point in my career where I really felt like I’ve surpassed the my previous plateau. My worst shoot was with a pushy photographer who grabbed me and the other models putting them into positions, yelling and being really disrespectful to us and the craft. Even after everything from the shoot the images were garbage. That would have to be my worst experience.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

During an action shoot, I was doing backflips in a studio while “fighting” another model. On the last backflip I was supposed to do I under rotated and smashed my chin into the concrete floor splitting my chin open ultimately having to get 6 and a half stitches in my chin that night. That would have to be the most funny or embarrassing moment during my career.

DeSean Goree wearing a swimsuitIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would change the stereotype that you have to be really skinny or fit a certain body structure. I know big, small and in between models that are exceptional with facial control and all that it means to be a model but do to the current requirements won’t be looked at seriously.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I play basketball often and practice gymnastics whenever I can. I eat whatever I want! I eat the worst and the healthiest things but dedicate my fitness or physical time to making up for it. I figure that my metabolism is really high right now so why not take advantage of it and eat how I want.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

A lot of people don’t know that I am a huge Power Rangers fan. I grew up on the Power Rangers and they are actually what inspired me to begin my journey into gymnastics. Not the new seasons though! The first 3 seasons of the original Power Rangers.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I would remove some of my tattoos. I got them when I was younger just to have them but now seeing them, some of them have no real meaning to me so I would remove those if I could.

Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?

I’ve been told that I’m abnormally sized so I went a day without underwear and wore the thinnest basketball shorts I could find to see if women would actually notice. I went to grocery stores, malls and places with a lot of foot traffic to catch women staring at my crotch.

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Aug 05 2014

Interview with Preston Xavier

Preston Xavier is a 22-year old model residing in Phoenix, Arizona.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Preston. I have been modeling for about 3 years now. I am originally from Sioux City, Iowa but I now live in Scottsdale, Arizona. I love playing almost all sports. I used to play college football back in Iowa so doing anything athletic or dangerous fuels me. I also manage a 13,000 square foot photography studio in downtown Phoenix. Things we do consist of photoshoots, music videos, corporate parties, private parties, weddings, gifting suites, and just about anything else you could possibly think of. This keeps my life very interesting and fun.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got involved in modeling right when I moved to Arizona from Iowa. My mom had always told me I should try it but there is no such thing as modeling back in a small town like Sioux City, Iowa. I auditioned for multiple agencies and I ended up choosing the one that I was most comfortable with, Signature Models and Talent. Right after I was brought on, they asked me if I would be interested in doing an internship as an agent so I decided that it would be good to learn both sides of the camera. For the next year I worked with them as well as modeled and it was an amazing experience.

Preston Xavier showing his chestWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My goal in life is to own my own company which is currently in the works. My business partner and I have been coming up with an investor proposal over the last 4 months and we have finally completed it so I am keeping my fingers crossed! Also, I love to model so I am hoping that I can further my career and get signed in New York and Los Angeles as I just got signed with Wilhelmina in Denver, Colorado.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I do a lot of photo-shoots as well as commercials and runway. I have been hired for big names such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Ford as well as smaller rolls for hotels, food products, and others. I am always open to new things so it just depends on what the client is looking for. Sports wear is probably my favorite thing to do as well as high fashion clothing such as Calvin Klein.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The 2013 like of Reebok clothing was probably the best experience that I have ever done. It was a 3 day event and I had 9 different looks of the new clothing like that I had to show international clients for Reebok as well as pictures of each line that I shot for a catalog. There were about 40 other models of my age so we all got to hang out the whole time which was an even bigger bonus.They also gave me 4 outfits including shoes, backpacks, and ray-bans!. The pay was also amazing!. The worst experience I have ever had was when I did an extra roll for a pizza commercial. It was less than $100 and they kept me there for 12 hours doing absolutely nothing! Never again will I take a roll that long for that little pay, but at least I learned my lesson!

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

One time I was doing a runway show and I completely fell on my face and everyone including me died laughing. I still don’t hear the end of that to this day.

Preston Xavier wearing a tuxedoIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

The one thing I would change about the industry would be that it’s so small in Arizona. I wish it would be bigger in more states rather than New York and Los Angeles even though that’s not a very realistic wish.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I played college football back in Iowa and I was an All American kick and punt returner as well as wide receiver so I try to play pick up games or at least catch as much as possible. I probably have the worst diet in the entire world as I literally eat fast food every day and I am obsessed with Krispy Kreme donuts, bacon, and Oreos. Sort of weird for a model but somehow those foods fuel a decent six pack for me. I do lift weights about 4 times a week though so that definitely helps me keep definition in my arms and legs. I really want to start eating better, but when you have had the bad habit of eating fast food everyday, it’s hard to break it.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

An interesting fact about me would be that I am a third of the way through my private pilot’s license so hopefully in the next couple months I will have finished and be certified!

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I wish I was a few inches taller so I could do a little more runway.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

Snakes. I hate snakes.

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