mc Sport: Boxer As a graduate from California State University, what is your response to critics that say models are dumb? To respond to a critic’s opinion about models and intelligence would be dumb. People are allowed to have their own views, even the ignorant. Looking back at how you began your career with various photo shoots, which lead to commercials, TV shows, films and now appearances in the 2009 Native American Men's Calendar, what was the most memorable and exciting moment for you? I think my most memorable and exciting experiences would have to be as an actor, working on the set of the blockbuster movie Twilight. The second runner-up would have to be auditioning for the movie Apacolypto with Mel Gibson. He is an amazing actor, whom I truly respect. I did not get the part but meeting with Mel was very rewarding as an actor. What obstacles have you faced while being Native American in a European modeling market? The European market is structured around the Caucasian image—men and women who are white. It is tough to find a place for a long-haired brown guy. It is still that way today. The doors have opened up a bit for the Asian and the African American, but not for the Native Warrior.
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I heard that you produce and advise musicians, what is your favorite genre of music and whose album are you currently playing in your car? Music is a huge passion of mine. I have managed, produced and mentored everything from death metal to Latin jazz. My favorite music these days is house music and hip hop and the CD in my car is a house mix by my current project DJ Chris Getz, grandson of jazz great Stan Getz.
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Aside from modeling, you’re a photographer. Where do you draw your inspiration from? I draw my inspiration from the sea. The ocean plays a big part in my spirituality. The ocean has the power to sustain life and destroy life. The ocean serves as a border, yet has no borders. The ocean is strong and it is weak. The ocean inspires me to seek out the unknown. You have a piece of artwork titled “A Perfect World.” If you lived in a perfect world, what would your ideal reality consist of? The word “perfection” is an oxymoron. Nothing in life is perfect because life is subjective. So, the answer to this question has to be answered as a primitive man. A world that is free of struggle, a world where there is plenty of food, drink and women. A world with sand, surf and sun.
What do you get when you fuse sports and J’Adore’s hot models? A swimmer, boxer, soccer player and runner that score big in the eye candy league words by: Erica McRae images by: Kenny Sweeney
After life as a model, what are your career plans? It is sad to think that I would not be a model forever, but I do have a college degree in Communication and if I am not going to be able to work in front of the camera, I definitely want to work behind the camera, somewhere in production. I truly only desire a career in the arts.
Makeup & Hair: Alex LaMarsh Styling/Props: Lyndzi Models: Rick Mora, Cesar Valdez, Katherine Guevara & Kaitlyn Gillis @ Models International www.mi-agency.com
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Sport: Swimmer Where are you from and how long have you been modeling professionally? I’m originally from Orange County and I currently reside in Ventura County. I’ve been modeling professionally for about four months now and have truly enjoyed the many experiences I’ve had along the way. What do you do to maintain your flawless figure? I’ve been taking hikes around the area and recently found some hot springs fairly close to town. I play softball on two slow-pitch, co-ed teams and also take my dogs out to the park or just stroll around the neighborhood. You have a fresh look, what are some of your favorite beauty products? Thank you. My absolute favorite product I’ve used recently is Philosophy: Kiss Me Lip Gloss. Something helpful for daily use is the very light sunscreen from PCA Skin - ReBalance SPF 45 and Pur power foundation SPF 25.
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Were you involved in sports as a child, if so which sports did you play? I’ve played softball for 13 years and have been to the National Junior Olympics twice, where we placed third and fifth in Santa Fe, N.M. and Aurora, Colo. When I was younger, I played soccer, volleyball and tennis for short periods of time. I loved the games, but I always excelled in softball and it’s my first love.
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Would you ever do a modeling reality show? Yes. I find the interactions and relationships that develop between the participants amazing.
Out of the many fashion photographers you’ve worked with, who is your favorite? I’ve really enjoyed all of my shoots. The photographers have been great and I’ve learned so much from working with all of them. Out of photographers I have had the opportunity to shoot with recently, my most enjoyable shoots have been with photographer Jerome Duchange.
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Is the modeling business really as competitive as it seems and what do you plan to do to stay on the surface? It is competitive, but not as cutthroat as people would have you believe. I plan to keep an open mind and push myself as hard as I can. It’s all really about how strong you are inside, whether you can take constructive criticism in an optimistic way, how you handle rejection and your ability to just keep on pushing through to the next level.
Who is your favorite shoe designer? Cole Haan.
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I understand the modeling industry is fast paced, so where do you see yourself in two years? It is fast paced, with quite a lot to grab onto at first. I feel that as long as I keep up the working hard, I have every opportunity to make something of myself. If all goes as planned, I will be overseas continuing to achieve much success, which I strive for on a daily basis.
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CeasarValdez Sport: Soccer
How did you get started in the industry and how long have you been professionally modeling? I was 16 years old and someone asked if I would model in a fashion show, which was in a church and no one under 60 years old was in the crowd watching. It was a lot of fun. I have been modeling professionally for 10 years. If you hadn’t become a model, what profession would you have pursued? Acting at a younger age and possibly architecture. Where do you see yourself in four years? In the big screen, producing, acting and participating in producing soundtracks for films. When you’re not modeling, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Fitness, martial arts and writing of all sorts, such as poetry and screenwriting, as well as singing. Who are some of your favorite designers? Prada, Bottega Veneta, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Burberry. Are you a dinner and a movie type of guy, or do you party like a rock star? A bit of both–life is a balance. What is your definition of success? Love, happiness, comfort and liberty. Has anyone in the industry asked you to change your look, if so, how did you feel about it? I would for a shoot, but in general I would not because I know how to market myself. What do you do to stay in shape? Swimming, sprinting, weight training, martial arts and plyomerics. So far, what has been the highlight of your career? A photo shoot in New Zealand on a plateau in the mountains and it was not about that money, but about the experience and the amazing sight.
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KatherineGuevara
Sport: runner
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How did you get discovered and what were your emotions as you booked your first gig? I got discovered at a modeling and talent event held at the Universal Hilton Hotel. The first gig I booked came to me as a complete surprise, due to the fact that it was my first audition ever. Nonetheless, it was a fabulous and amazing surprise.
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You have a very exotic look. What makes you stand out from your competition? As clichéd as it sounds, I believe that it’s my genuine personality and my passion for the art of modeling. Since you’ve been in the industry, what model stereotype has proven to be true? I really dislike stereotypes, but if I have to choose a modeling stereotype that has proven to be true, it's that most models are skeletal skinny. I, myself, am a thin young lady, but I keep it up with a lot of cardiovascular workouts and healthy eating habits. Some of these girls just look ill. What are your on-the-go fashion must haves? I have four fashion must haves that accompany me at all times. The most important is my sun-block lotion (I am not a big fan of sunburns), sunglasses, a scarf and four-inch heels. Are you a Victoria’s Secret or boyfriend’s t-shirt kind of girl? I like to play on both fields. At night, I like to play the Victoria’s Secret girl, but when the sun comes out, I am more than happy being the boyfriend's t-shirt kind of girl.
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What animal best embodies your character and why? The animal that best embodies my character is a leopard. Leopards can easily adapt to any habitat and they are capable of killing prey much bigger than itself. How would you define self-confidence? I believe self-confidence is being able to try new things, whatever it may be and not being afraid of failure. If failure does result, learn from it and try again.
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