DIEGO DEANE International Actor + Model When did you first get into modeling? I first began modeling about 15 years ago on accident. I was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was trying to start a career in acting. I was taking acting classes, workshops, doing community theater, etc. I started going to as many open auditions as I could. I quickly realized I needed professional head shots. As a result, I payed a well known local photographer for a session of photos. I felt very comfortable in front of the camera and understood angles and lighting due to my acting experience. The photographer was impressed and started recommending me for photo projects. I continued to act and model locally for the next year until I got married. My new bride was not a fan of my creative endeavors and told me to “get a real job”. Me being the good husband, I put everything on hold and got a real job.
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Who or What inspired you to be a model? Well, the inspiration really came much later. Fast forward 11 years and I found myself divorced and bored. I decided to take a trip to Colombia after being inspired by binge watching Narcos on Netflix. In the city of Cali, I met and fell in love with a local fashion model (bad idea). A few months later I moved to Cali to be with my new love (worse idea). By cohabitating with a working model I was able to see exactly what it takes to be successful. I had the opportunity to attend modeling classes through my girlfriend’s modeling agency and started to go to casting calls. Watching my girlfriend work as a professional model inspired me to do the same. (We
broke up shortly thereafter and I moved back to the US). Once back in the US, I continued to apply the lessons learned in Colombia to build my portfolio and improve my image. What style of model do you consider your work to be? It’s hard for me to categorize my modeling style. I pride myself on being very versatile and flexible. I am constantly trying to evolve and progress as a model. It is way too easy to get labeled into a certain category due to your appearance. I don’t want to be known as a “mature model” because of age or an “alternative model” because of my tatts. That is very limiting. I’ve done fashion, commercial, stock, and fitness modeling. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why? I am very driven, so a little bit of all of those emotions, especially anger and passion. Anger, because I encounter a lot of resistance due to my unique look and age. Many markets are very traditional and don’t want to make bold decisions. They blindly follow what is happening in Europe and think they’re being progressive. This angers me because they’re not willing to start new trends. However, I would have to say that passion motivates me the most. I am happiest when I am creating art. By collaborating with photographers/stylists/designers I am able to be part of the creative process and create something from scratch. For me, there isn’t a greater
