If you told me 10 years ago that I would eventually become a male model living in New York City, I would’ve sent you to the crazy house.
Many folks ask me how I started as a model. And despite how often I get asked this question, it’s a totally fair one. I never aspired to become a model. And no, I did not come to New York with the intention of launching a modeling career. I suppose it was a rare combination of fate, timing, and being open to new opportunities.
Fate and Timing
I was approached by a modeling agent on Saint Marks Place in the East Village. It was July of 2011 and I was on a brief two week trip to New York. I was a working musician at the time, touring with my band in Asia. We had decided as a band to take a much needed break from the stage and studio. Timing was an interesting factor in what transpired that particular day. I say that because literally a few days before I was scouted, I had received a phone call with unexpected news from one of my band members. Apparently there was a hiccup in a visa renewal process and if we return to Taiwan (where we were based at the time), one of my band members would have to serve time in the military for over a year. This was basically a dealbreaker for our band.
Where it all began…
I still remember the location, it was a Taiwanese boba and bento shop on Saint Marks Place. I was having a snack with a friend. After fetching my order and sitting down, a muscular man with a cut off shirt (it was summer) approached our table and, without a hello or greeting, said, “Hey, stand up?” I remember he had a fairly gentle voice so despite the nature of the request, it didn’t come off as a threat. So I stood up. “Take off your beanie, man.” Now don’t ask me why I obliged his request. He seemed nice enough! As I took my beanie off, he says, “Perfect man. Your hair is perfect. Hey, you got nice cheekbones.” I didn’t know what to think of these comments. It was bizarre. But it is New York City…?? He then asked whether I had considered being a model. Handed me a business card, told me to give him a call, and took off.
Having gone through years of shitty contracts and unkept promises in the music industry, the now cautious Tony didn’t think much of this interaction. So he’s a “modeling agent”. This is probably some sort of scheme to prey on tall guys to pay an exorbitant amount of money for a few amateur studio shots for a “portfolio”. However, the curious side of me prompted a Google search. Turned out the agency was among the Top 10 in New York. Hmm. A few days passed and I gave it some thought. On the third day, I decided to shoot him an email. He responded and told me to come by the office.
Being Open To New Opportunities
One of my first modeling polaroids
When I visited the modeling agency, he took me up to the rooftop to take a few “polaroids”. Facing the camera, side profile, 45 degrees, etc. In the modeling industry, polaroids are basically a series of photos taken from a digital camera or smartphone without makeup / hair / wardrobe / lighting for clients to see what you look like in your basic form. The idea was that he wanted to send my polaroids around to see if clients feel the same way he does about my potential. He handed me a contract to look over, I asked a number of questions, and I left.
A few days passed and I had just about forgotten about the whole thing… when I unexpectedly received an email from him. It was not what I expected. I thought it would be a follow up on how I was feeling about the contract. But instead, it was a confirmed job. Red flag. I hadn’t signed anything, so what made him think that I was willing to commit to a photoshoot? I immediately called him, and he explained that this could be a great way for me to get some hands-on experience to see if modeling is of any interest to me. In addition, I’d get to keep the entirety of the paycheck without being required to sign any contract just yet.
My first runway show
The shoot ended up being a 2-day Vogue Italia cover shoot in Brooklyn with a female supermodel, an A-list photographer, 9-10 seasoned male models… and me. To the agent’s credit, it turned out to be the perfect trial run and an excellent opportunity to ask the other male models about this particular agency, agent, and the industry in general. Long story short, it was a great experience and seemed like good ROI. Signed a contract and started working as a model.
Being open to this particular opportunity and giving it a go may have been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. Throughout the past seven or so years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to amazing places all over the world to shoot with a cache of wonderful clients. It’s been a surreal experience and I feel very blessed. I’m glad I was receptive to the offer when it came and that the timing was such that I was able to accept it. I’m also extremely thankful to the agent in that boba shop on Saint Marks Place who saw potential in me.
Below are some brands I’ve had the pleasure of modeling for through the years.
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