June Male Model of the Month- Antonio Starks

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Persuade: Mr. Starks, Welcome to the Persuade realm, lol

 

How long have you been modeling for? 

6 years

How did you first begin modeling, being that it’s such a challenging industry to get into?

I first started modeling from pictures that I was taking and was showed off to different people. I use that as a stepping-stone and I went from there. Being that it was a challenging industry, I wasn’t worried about it because I’m always up for the challenge.

How do you handle rejection from various designers or agencies? Do you ever become discouraged?

When I first started modeling I wasn’t taking it that well. I felt as if I didn’t have the looks for modeling for different designers. I wasn’t picked to wear clothes at all. I was only picked to do just swim wear because of my body but I knew that there was more that I wanted to do. I don’t feel now that it was my look. It was just that I needed to keep pushing along. I just needed to keep that faith, get better in my craft, and do what I needed to do to be successful in this business. Although I feel I still have a long way to go, I still push hard to get there. Now I have different designers that would love to work with me.  I’m still not signed with an agency but it’s not discouraging me. I just feel if I also keep the faith for that then it will surely come.

What’s next for Mr. Antonio Starks?

What’s next for me is working more towards modeling and one day acting. Right now I’m working on some stage plays, different fashion shows, and being an extra in different TV shows.

What are the advantages as well as challenges, if any, of being a model in the NY?

I think the advantages of being in New York are more to look forward to there. It’s a market where more can stand out and show itself versus some of the different states around. Though it is rarely possible to jump right into the best projects available, there are many benefits to becoming a model in New York. While you are visiting beautiful locations, you will also be making a paycheck. Top fashion models can make large sums of money. Even models that are not household names can earn a great income by doing work for catalogs. Also, if you are someone who is passionate about fashion and clothing, being a model can help you meet some of the top names in the field. You will work with designers and photographers who know every aspect of the business.

Tell us something people wouldn’t know from first glance about Mr. Starks? 

-Something that most people wouldn’t know about me when you look at me is that I love talking about relationships . I’m actually called three different names on my Facebook page (Antonio Starks). Lil Steve Harvey, Young Dr. Phi, and Love Doctor lol.  I find it that the best way to a woman’s heart is to be able to comfort her and if you can’t do that… then you don’t need one. It was something that my mom (Charle Starks) raised me to do. Although I have made mistakes, as I got older I have grown to realize what that means.  So now I talk about how men and women can become better within themselves in a relationship.

Who are some of the models in the industry that have inspired your work?

-Tyrese Gibson, Cole Mohr, Tyson Beckford, Isa Rahman, and Salieu Jajjoh

Who would you say is your biggest fan?

-I would have to say my beautiful princess, my daughter, Lyric Anasar Host :). She has showed through any struggle in life that you can still have a life.  She was born on May 29, 2004 6 months, 1lb, and 4.2oz.  Her fighting for her life showed me that anything can be possible; that made her my biggest fan for life.  Now she’s a beautiful baby girl healthy and following in my footsteps as a track and field runner. She’s a big daddy’s girl so I love every bit of it.

Favorite Photographer to work with?

I really don’t have a favorite photographer but if I have to name some of the greats that I have worked with…Sterling Jordan, Ijumo Hayward, and Ty Xavier Weldon.

Final Words:  

Live life, Enjoy it, and Have Fun!!! There’s nothing in life that a person can’t achieve. Just keep faith, put God first, and never give up!!

 

Thanks Mr. Starks for allowing Persuade to interview you.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Antonio-StarksMrPassion/240782712601343

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