NEW YORK -- The Step Up -- Modeling for a Cause event was a huge success, thanks to all the volunteers who helped out and showed support. As I was searching for volunteers for the charity fashion show event, I had no idea what to expect, who would volunteer or if the volunteers would show up. I was very fortunate that all of them came and exerted all their efforts in making this possible. I was ecstatic to have been given a chance to work with amazing people.
One of the volunteer models, Tommy Sterling, has been modeling for quite awhile now. Tommy is also in the process of obtaining a Phd in Biomedical Sciences and currently works as a research specialist. In the short period of that time that I’ve worked with him, I saw how passionate he was in modeling and it is truly amazing how he excelled in both the fashion and scientific world. I interviewed Tommy to find out how he made it this far.
NK: How did you start modeling?
TS: A friend of mine does fashion photography as a hobby and asked me to model since he didn’t have male models. It was after a brunch with mutual friends and I was completely taken aback. I had never modeled before and barely knew what I was doing but he gave me some good tips to get started and we both were able to hone our skills.
NK: Who inspired you to become a fashion model?
TS: I have always felt that models put an extreme amount of work into what they do. They have a complete understanding of not only what their body is doing, but also how it is seen from different angles. It takes a lot of thought and attention to be aware of that. I admire the awareness of how they are being perceived and the importance of body language and I think that these skills can trickle down into everyday life to an extent.
NK: What does your career do for you?
TS:I’m getting my PhD in biomedical sciences and my actual career is as a research scientist at an academic research institution. My passion has always been for science and discovery but I grew up doing theater and circus. Needless to say, I need a certain level of creativity in my life to stay sane and while I love science, it lacks that vital aspect for me. Modeling is my way of supplementing that creativity. As a model, I get to be at the center of all these creative influences (designers, stylists, make-up artists, photographers) and help bring their concepts to life. It’s such a blast!
NK: What’s your most memorable shoot?
TS: So far it would be a promotional shoot I did for a start up entrepreneurial campaign. The goal was to spark interest in corporations so they would fund this venture in Africa. As a result, the wardrobe and styling was vibrant prints in all sorts of colors. The shoot was so energetic and there were so many models. The entire day had such a great energy and we all had such a great time.
NK: What’s the biggest highlight of your career to date? Why was it a highlight?
TS: Honestly, every time I get to indulge this creative side of my personality is a fantastic and rewarding experience. In that regard, I feel that every modeling job is a highlight.
NK: What’s your biggest career mistake to date? What did you learn from this mistake?
TS: I missed an opportunity to sign with an agency because I was concerned as to what it would mean for my life. I love modeling, but the agency would have wanted me to be full time and travel where ever they had work for me. At the end of the day, I am committed to my graduate program and my research and I wouldn’t be able to leave that without major consequences for my life outside of modeling. While missing this opportunity pains me to this day, I think it was the right decision for my life.
NK: How would you describe your personality and working style?
TS: I’m very analytical and logical and I like to think about things a lot before I do them (scientist through and through). I find this helps me when it comes to modeling as I am constantly thinking about my body shape and angles. Generally, whenever I am involved in something I have an intense interest in all the cogs that make the machine function. On a shoot, you'll see me talking to the stylists about their details, the make-up artist about cosmetics, the photographer about their particular style. I look at every experience as a learning opportunity and the more you know about the world in which you work the more successful you will be.
NK: Did you ever imagine that you will go this far?
TS: If you had told me a year ago that I would be modeling I wouldn’t have believed you. I still don’t believe you. I’m just a nerdy guy who thinks science is cool and wants to develop new treatments for cancer. It’s very weird to think that modeling is now also a semi-regular part of my life.
NK: What are your future plans for your career (5 or 10 years from now)?
TS: I would love to continue modeling to supplement my income and creative interests while I am in grad school. When the time comes that I have my PhD and am too old to continue in the industry, then I will have to find a new way to feed my creative needs while being a researcher. On the science side, I hope to enter the business sector to develop and invent medical tools and devices.
NK: Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
TS: At the end of the day, have fun with it! A lot of work goes into everything around a model, from the creative inspiration for the shoot to the apparel you wear. Models are at the center of everyone’s diligence and effort and it is up to the model to carry all that work into the final shot. Be professional and respect the people that allow you to have a job but also bring fun and energy to your shoots. Enjoy what you do because it will always come through to your coworkers.
Check out Tommy Sterling’s profile on Model Mayhem.
