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.

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

feeling than inventing a concept and carefully developing it until it becomes a reality. I think a lot of my projects reflect this level of creativity.

What do you think makes you stand out in an industry overflowing with new faces?

I think I standout due to my versatility. There seems to be a lot of Viking/beard models with tatts who are popping up lately. However, there aren’t many (if any) who are over 6 feet tall, who have fashion model measurements, who are photogenic, who know how to pose, look good in suits, workout clothes, or naked, can speak multiple languages and work in multiple markets, and can also walk in high level fashion shows. Plus, I was a successful model before the beard, so I can change my look by shaving and still be successful. I’m not a one trick pony.

What has been your biggest challenge as a model? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge by far has been getting representation. Even though I was having success building my portfolio and creating amazing collaborations with talented photographers, I had a hard time finding a modeling agency to represent me. In my home town (Albuquerque) there aren’t any modeling agencies. So, I spent several months sending emails and photos to the top international agencies. I was rejected every time. Then for the next several months I targeted the top American agencies. They rejected me as well. Then, I targeted regional agencies in the Southwest. Yup, rejected again. In total, I spent well over a year trying to find representation. I am a confident person and don’t give up easily. The only other option that I had was to physically go to an agency and sell myself face to face. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and do something different. From my time in Colombia, I learned that Mexico City, Mexico was the largest media/fashion market in Latin America. I figured I would have a very unique look down there. So, I bought a plane ticket for two weeks and sent emails to all of the top agencies with a link to my portfolio and my dates of availability. Most responded and said they were willing to meet with me once I arrived. Once in Mexico, I met with the owners of 5 agencies. I showed up well dressed, motivated, and ready to find the right representation. All of the interviews went great (I’m a Spanish speaker, by the way). Each agency said they loved my look and would love to represent me. At the end of the trip I chose the agency I felt most comfortable with (GH Model Management, www.ghmanagement.mx).... 6 months later, I moved to Mexico City.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

The greater the sacrifice the greater the reward, right? That totally rings true when being a (mature) male model. As a fashion/fitness model, you are only as good as your abs. So, to maintain a low level of body fat it requires a constant struggle/sacrifice. It is a 24 hour a day lifestyle commitment. I spend hours in the gym daily and am on a strict diet (except for my cheat day). It’s mentally draining and very challenging to maintain when traveling. But in the end, when the photos are released, it all is totally worth it.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling industry? When I first started there was no social media. For the most part, opportunities were limited to where I lived. Now I can collaborate with artists from around the world. A large sample of my work is posted on platforms like Instagram and there is also a link to

my portfolio on my agency’s website in my bio. This has opened so many doors. Not only can I receive inspiration from fashion photographers and fellow models, but I can also arrange collaborations relatively easily and quickly. I know that whichever country I visit, I can have multiple photoshoots arranged before I get there. Social media also helps me to maintain friendships with photographers/designers with whom I’ve worked. This not only keeps the door open for future collaborations but also can lead to valuable recommendations for new projects.

If you could collaborate with any photographer or designer, who would you work with? And Why?

I’m a big fan of the photographer David LaChapelle. His stuff is just so visually stimulating and bizarre. I would love to see what crazy context he would put me in.

What’s next for you?

Well, I’m scheduled to be here in Mexico City until the middle of December. However, everything is on hold for now due to the quarantine. My main goal for this trip is to expand my brand and start acting again. I have representation here for modeling and separate representation for acting (https://armonika. co). I was really starting to make progress with more callbacks before the shutdown. I co-wrote a screenplay that was in preproduction that will resume in the near future. Since, I have a unique look and speak 3 languages, I can play a variety of roles and have many distinctive opportunities. (I’ll include a link to my acting demo reel below).

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

Instagram: Modeling account, @diegodeane74, Acting Account (Instagram): @diego.deane Acting reel (youtube): https://youtu.be/t3MYZihcqvg