Craig Kelley
~ Male Model ~

Copa: At what time did you develop an interest in modeling?
Craig: While working in the ER at a local hospital and running our medspa I felt I was stuck in a rut. I was looking for a change and for something that would take me out of my comfort zone at the time. I knew of a few models and actors and really wanted to pursue acting but needed an "in" to the industry. I talked it over with my wife, who was and still is completely on board, went out and got some professional shots taken and started marketing myself around until I found a fit.
Craig: While working in the ER at a local hospital and running our medspa I felt I was stuck in a rut. I was looking for a change and for something that would take me out of my comfort zone at the time. I knew of a few models and actors and really wanted to pursue acting but needed an "in" to the industry. I talked it over with my wife, who was and still is completely on board, went out and got some professional shots taken and started marketing myself around until I found a fit.
Copa: Who are your favorite top male models of all time?
Craig: That's a tough one. For starters, I don't think you can even mention male modeling and not bring up Tyson Beckford. I don't think there is a critic out there who wouldn't put him in their top 3. The next names that come to mind are models that made a successful career in acting as well, because that's what I'm looking to do, and those are Channing Tatum, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Wahlberg. Before you question the Mark Wahlberg nod (haha), one thing that sticks out to me that I remember growing up are the Calvin Klein ads. Mark's ad is probably one of the most popular and well known and looking back on them now that I am a model, it looks like he is just having fun and being himself which is easier said than done when in front of a camera but noticed immediately if done well.
Those are my top model picks that everyone knows but I do have to mention at least two more because I wouldn't be where I am now without their help. They are Eric Brisbane and Grayson Schmelzer. These two guys took me under their wings and taught me essentially how to be a model. They are real professionals and not only do I expect big things for them very soon but they will be around for a very long time. I just want to make sure they get their shout out.
Craig: That's a tough one. For starters, I don't think you can even mention male modeling and not bring up Tyson Beckford. I don't think there is a critic out there who wouldn't put him in their top 3. The next names that come to mind are models that made a successful career in acting as well, because that's what I'm looking to do, and those are Channing Tatum, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Wahlberg. Before you question the Mark Wahlberg nod (haha), one thing that sticks out to me that I remember growing up are the Calvin Klein ads. Mark's ad is probably one of the most popular and well known and looking back on them now that I am a model, it looks like he is just having fun and being himself which is easier said than done when in front of a camera but noticed immediately if done well.
Those are my top model picks that everyone knows but I do have to mention at least two more because I wouldn't be where I am now without their help. They are Eric Brisbane and Grayson Schmelzer. These two guys took me under their wings and taught me essentially how to be a model. They are real professionals and not only do I expect big things for them very soon but they will be around for a very long time. I just want to make sure they get their shout out.
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Copa: Have you ever posed as a fitness model? If so, when and how was the experience for you?
Craig: I have done shows and shoots for underwear and that were shirtless. I did an Ethiopian runway show where I was shirtless wearing Ethiopian style makeup and jewelry and during the last DC Fashion Week, I did an underwear runway show for Jimmy Trendy. Being shirtless doesn't bother me at all. At one time I was trying to be a competitive bodybuilder and they leave little to the imagination when posing on stage. Modeling for Jimmy Trendy was an experience all on its own and helped to push me a little more out of my comfort zone and really helped to hammer home what being a model is all about. Modeling underwear is easy, modeling thongs and jockstraps that has your whole ass out... well that's a different story. I went out and owned it though. After the fact, I felt that was what I needed to really push me outside my comfort zone that last little bit. You will never grow and progress while being in that comfort zone. You should always seek out opportunities to push and challenge you. I would happily model for Jimmy any day, all he has to do is give me a call and I'll be there. |
Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Craig: My personal style has definitely changed (for the better haha) since becoming a model. I am very much a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. You will normally find me working in the garage or yard with a flannel shirt and worn-out jeans. After working with multiple designers now, I have a better fashion sense and now know what I look the best in. I love a perfectly fitted tailored suit! So if I'm doing something semi-formal, I like to have "different" or eye-catching jackets that make people stop and look. If I am doing something casual, it's more of the distressed fitted jeans, boots, and a shirt that goes with this ginger hair (easier said than done. haha).
Craig: My personal style has definitely changed (for the better haha) since becoming a model. I am very much a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. You will normally find me working in the garage or yard with a flannel shirt and worn-out jeans. After working with multiple designers now, I have a better fashion sense and now know what I look the best in. I love a perfectly fitted tailored suit! So if I'm doing something semi-formal, I like to have "different" or eye-catching jackets that make people stop and look. If I am doing something casual, it's more of the distressed fitted jeans, boots, and a shirt that goes with this ginger hair (easier said than done. haha).
Copa: What is your opinion on today's Men's fashion, dressy and casual?
Craig: Honestly, I feel that today's fashion is relative or subjective to each person. There is a flavor for everyone out there. On the runway, I have modeled everything from suits to jeans to kilts with leather pants and something that resembled a shirt. I love it. It's fun to try things that you would never normally wear or even give a second look at. That was part of getting out of my comfort zone early on. As a model, you have to look at yourself as a blank canvas and the designer is the artist and like a canvas, we can't dictate what the artist decides to put on us. It's our job to make the clothes and the designer look amazing and the best we can like that canvas does for the artist.
Craig: Honestly, I feel that today's fashion is relative or subjective to each person. There is a flavor for everyone out there. On the runway, I have modeled everything from suits to jeans to kilts with leather pants and something that resembled a shirt. I love it. It's fun to try things that you would never normally wear or even give a second look at. That was part of getting out of my comfort zone early on. As a model, you have to look at yourself as a blank canvas and the designer is the artist and like a canvas, we can't dictate what the artist decides to put on us. It's our job to make the clothes and the designer look amazing and the best we can like that canvas does for the artist.
Copa: How was your experience in the Gatsby Showcase Fashion show?
Craig: I thoroughly enjoyed myself and had a great time. I was honored with being selected to be the model who walked the finale and closed the show. The Designer Don Morphy was great! The venue was amazing! The directing staff did a fantastic job! What always makes these events a blast is seeing, talking, networking, and having fun with my fellow models whom most of which are close friends.
Craig: I thoroughly enjoyed myself and had a great time. I was honored with being selected to be the model who walked the finale and closed the show. The Designer Don Morphy was great! The venue was amazing! The directing staff did a fantastic job! What always makes these events a blast is seeing, talking, networking, and having fun with my fellow models whom most of which are close friends.
All Slideshow photographs were taken by Phelan Mark
Copa: What did you think about the "Mr. DC competition?"
Craig: It was a lot of fun competing My goal of course was to win. There was some very tough competition this year and the judges will definitely had their hands full with having to choose. I had a few things up my sleeve that I hoped would set me apart and make me stand out among the others.
Craig: It was a lot of fun competing My goal of course was to win. There was some very tough competition this year and the judges will definitely had their hands full with having to choose. I had a few things up my sleeve that I hoped would set me apart and make me stand out among the others.
Copa: What does the future hold for Craig Kelley in his wonderful world of Fashion & Style?
Craig: I plan on continuing to model alongside acting in the foreseeable future and for as long as I can. I want to be known locally, nationally, and internationally! I plan on working with as many designers and media outlets as possible while also helping as many people as I can along the way. I am excited to see what the future holds.
Craig: I plan on continuing to model alongside acting in the foreseeable future and for as long as I can. I want to be known locally, nationally, and internationally! I plan on working with as many designers and media outlets as possible while also helping as many people as I can along the way. I am excited to see what the future holds.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigkelleysr/