Nodak Nate in NYC

Magazines (Finally)

2010-02-16T01:24:00.007-05:00

The last shoot I did while still in NYC finally came out in print this month. The focus of the shoot was on tattoos, if you remember from my previous post. Here's the final result:

I can't say that I'm completely excited with the end product, what with my face looking like that in the first photo and it being completely cropped out of the second, but I did get two full pages of the magazine to myself. That's pretty cool.

I also just realized that I never shared photos from the Italian Vogue shoot. These are some scans from the story that was featured in the November '09 issue. As I believe I said in a previous post, the wardrobe covered our faces so I'll have to tell you which one of the guys I am.

I'm one of those guys in the back with the suitcase. I have no idea which one.

I'm dead center, stepping over the flawless Rianne Ten Haken as she grabs for my foot. True story: In one of the shots I actually kicked her hand by accident!

I'll give you a hint on this one: I'm not wearing a dress...

On this one I'm directly to the left of Rianne's face. I'm the palest one if that helps. Like, matching-the-white-jumpsuit pale.

I'm either on the far left or the far right. Who knows.

I looked at this picture and got really confused at first. There were only five male models for this shoot but there are six of us in this photo. During the shoot there were three of us running past Rianne and the boy with the oxygen tank. They just used two of us again on the far right! So, of the pack of 5 running boys, I'm the one out front and the one on the far left. Cool huh?

I'm on the diving board on the far left, reaching for the water. In the magazine you can actually see the tattoo on my wrist, which is nice so I can actually prove that it's me in the story since our faces never make an appearance!

Well, that catches you up to the present in my now-defunct modeling career. It's fashion week in New York right now and I'm sitting on the floor in Fargo looking at photos of shows I desperately wish I could be in. I see pictures of my friends still living the life out there and it really makes me sad that I'm back.

Now I'm just holding on for Spring Break. I'm going back for 7 days of friends, shopping, and being in the city I love. Can't wait!

Back in Fargo

2009-12-04T01:46:00.007-05:00

I got back into Fargo last week. After a nice Thanksgiving with family and friends, I started working again at the hotel that I worked at for 3 years before leaving for NYC. Yesterday I signed the lease on an apartment located very near to downtown where I work and will be attending classes. I'm really excited about this place; it's going to be great!

The building was built in 1929 and it has a lot of character.

My apartment is a 400 square foot one-bedroom on the SE corner of the top floor (3 stories, including garden level) There are hardwood floors in the living and bedroom, natural stained woodwork in the living room, arched openings between the living, dining, and kitchen, original cabinetry in the kitchen and dining room, and even the glass doorknobs that I like. Here are some photos:

Coming up the stairs to my door (on the left)

My door again from the other angle

The living roomThe entry closet on the left, the front door on the rightNext to the entry closet is the arched opening to the dining room (with cool corner cabinets!)Looking from the kitchen, through the dining room, back into the living room

The kitchen has an awkward layout and ugly sheet vinyl flooring (with a huge burn) but the original cabinets which are pretty cool.

The bathroom has the original tub, sink, and medicine cabinet. Only one outlet though, on the light fixture above the mirror. Might make using the blow dryer a little interesting!

The bedroom is in the back. It has a pretty good sized closet for a building this age. I never had a closet in any of my three apartments in NYC, so I'm just happy to finally have one.

I don't have much for furniture yet, but it will all come together I'm sure. I'm going to start moving my things in tomorrow!

Another Shoot, BIG NEWS!

2009-10-27T12:32:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago I had a shoot with photographer Thomas Dozol for a French magazine featuring models with tattoos. It was a really cool concept. Each model will have two shots. For the first shot he took a snapshot of the tattoo, printed it, then used a projector to place it on a different part of the body. The second shot was a portrait featuring the tattoo. Each model's second portrait was different, shot in different places. I personally think mine was coolest. The photographer brought me up onto the roof terrace of the loft in Tribeca and shot me with the Hudson River and New Jersey skyline in the background. I haven't seen any of the final photos yet, but I did see this polaroid from the shoot on his website.

If the polaroid looks this good I can't wait to see the final pictures. The magazine is biannual though, so it will be a while!

Now for the news... I'm moving back to Fargo at the end of November so I can spend the holidays with family and start school at NDSU again next semester in January. There were a lot of factors in play while making this decision. Trust me, it was an extremely hard choice. Harder than the decision to drop everything and come here. I kind of realized that modeling industry has been changing due to these economic conditions. It's primarily because retailers and magazines are trying to reach a broader audience. Who is going to reach more people, the all-American good looking guy with the buff body or the skinny, edgy fashion guy? I hope you see where this is going. This last show season was pretty much the nail in the coffin. Nobody like me worked.

My agents and I had a talk about this, about how I didn't feel right for the New York market, and decided to try to place me in London. They tried, but nobody wanted to take me on right now. After that, I called a meeting with the agents again and told them that since things are so slow I felt it would be in my best interests to get back into school. They were completely supportive and will still be representing me. They said that if a project came along that I was right for they would still submit me and I could just come back to shoot. That sounds really expensive but I can get round-trip tickets for under $250 and stay for free with friends. You also have to think that I'll be spending around $500 less a month on rent though!

I am a little worried about switching back to the old lifestyle. I'm going to really miss my life here. The energy of the city, the mindset of the people. The diversity, the style, the individualism. I'll miss it when I'm dropped back in the land of parking lots, identical vinyl sided boxes, and people wearing the same haircuts and Abercrombie clothes trying to fit in. I'm going to stick out in Fargo after feeling like I fit here for the last 18 months. Really, the only thing I'm looking forward to are my family and friends. That and going to school again. It'll be a big change but I know it's time.

New York will still be here. I hear they hire architects too.

More Photos

2009-09-21T17:02:00.005-04:00

I just picked up the new issue of SOMA magazine today. Now I have the photos from inside the magazine to share too.

Hope you likey!

SOMA Magazine Cover!

2009-09-13T06:56:00.004-04:00

Good morning, loyal readers. I just thought I'd share a little preview I got of the September issue of SOMA magazine that I shot for a few weeks back. I guess one of the photos ended up on the cover.

That's me on the right, and the designer Robert Geller on the left. He's kind of known for his hats; you like? It was a very fun shoot and I'm really liking this photo! And a cover? Yes, please. The magazine isn't out yet, but should be out soon.

Have a great week!

New Job!

2009-08-31T22:14:00.005-04:00

I started a new job this week, working nights and weekends to suppliment my real estate income. I'm working at the club reception desk at the SoHo House. The SoHo House is an exclusive club in the fashionable Meatpacking District where members can meet, eat, drink, or stay in one of the 24 hotel suites. There is an incredible roof deck where I also will be working, hosting at the rooftop restaurant and working at the door verifying membership and working the guest list. If you're interested, check out their website to learn more about it.

This place is incredible, and the job is fun. I really like the people I work with and I can already tell that it's a good fit for me. (possibly not the case with the real estate)

In other news, last night after work my friend Reed (Happens to also be manager on the roofdeck at the SoHo House. Guess how I got this job!) and I went to grab a drink at a fun nautical-themed bar called the Rusty Knot. We were playing a round of pool and when Reed stepped out to use the restroom I heard a voice over my shoulder asking me if I could do him a favor. I turned around and it was BILL MURRAY! He was smashed and asked me to drink his drink for him because he didn't want it. He introduced himself to me as Bill, and asked me where I was from. He has actually been to Fargo, so we talked briefly about that. At this point Reed comes back from the bathroom and sees me talking with Bill Murray. I quickly introduce them and go to take my shot at the pool table. I completely miss and Bill tells Reed that he should teach me how to play pool, then exits the bar. Then I walked over to take a sip of the drink Bill gave me: straight tequila! Yuck. But when Bill Murray gives you a drink, you drink it and you like it!

Funny story, huh?

I'm back!

2009-08-23T04:49:00.007-04:00

Sorry, my computer broke and I just got around to getting it fixed.

So, where to begin. I went to Los Angeles last month to shoot that story for Italian Vogue. It was without doubt the most amazing experience I have had yet. The flight to LA on that Wednesday morning was probably the most miserable flight I've ever taken. Non-reclining seat in the last row. Crying baby in front of me, lavatory behind. Oh the glamorous life of a model.

Once in Cali, I took a shuttle van to the hotel where I stayed, the Hollywood Standard Hotel. Check out this celeb in his shades!

The hotel has a really cool mid-century modern design. Here's a photo of the lobby.

There was one other guy model who flew in from New York, Matt, who is also with Fusion. We shared a room to keep the costs down, as we were not paid very much for this job. After we got everything squared away in the room we went down to have dinner poolside, which we did every night we were there.

We wore our trunks down with the intention of swimming, but after the sun went down during dinner the air got too cold. Trust me, I jumped in anyway and froze! I said, "I didn't come all the way to California to NOT swim in the pool", then proceded to swim for three minutes, followed by a quick walk upstairs for warmer clothes.

Both Thurday and Friday morning we were picked up in a van to take us to the set at 5:45am. On the first day I was very excited, despite the early hour. As evidenced by this photo as we waited for the van to arrive:

(Yes, the hanging bubble chairs were fun)

So, the van pulld up and as I opened the door to the van to find one the most beautiful girls I have ever seen inside to greet us. As we started moving toward the set, she introduces herself to us. Of course she is the supermodel who the shoot is about. Her name is Rianne and she is Dutch, but lives in New York. Not only stunningly beautiful, but also very sweet and intelligent. No, unfortunately she was not interested in me! At one point in the shoot though she said, "Nathan, I don't think I've ever seen a boy as skinny as you." Not sure if that counts for anything. Back to the story.

We pull up to this newly-constructed high school where the shoot will take place. The concept of the shoot is a quarantined area with some deadly disease which Rianne is impervious to because she is so mind-blowingly beautiful. We, the 5 skinny boys, of course are all sick or dying from this. The school is all steel and concrete and glass. Very sterile, as any quarantined area should be. Biohazard!

(very cool architecture!)

We walked into the cafeteria, where we would wait between photo sessions. Also where the catering was. The three of us were joined by the other three boy models, all from the LA area. The stylists were there already unpacking racks and racks of clothes, at least six tables of shoes and four tables of accessories. This photo contains just a portion of the clothes they brought.

We grabbed a little breakfast and started fitting the clothes. While we were trying things, in walks Steven Meisel. He came and introduced himself to us (I was a bit starstruck, not going to lie) and left us to get dressed in our first look.

We wore the most amazing clothes! Think of a designer there was something there for us to wear. Dior, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Raf Simons, Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, etc. Rianne was in very 80's inspired clothes with strong shoulders and lots of gold jewelry, while the guys were in either all black or all white ensembles. We each had a hood over our heads, then a scarf wrapped over our noses/mouths. Think somewhere between ninja and arabian knight. We also wore a lot of gas masks as you might imagine one would in a quarantined area.

For each shot Steven would start with Rianne and maybe one or two guys, then add more guys in the shot if he felt he needed more. The first few shots used all of the guys, but especially the second day he used two or three guys per shot for most of the day. One of the guys from LA and I realized that the two of us were in every shot, and that we were requested on set first. I guess we were doing something right!

We had shots inside, outside, in the grass, by the pool, IN the pool (have you tried diving into a pool wearing Dior?) There were about twelve different areas of the school we used. Sidenote: I have no idea how the final shot will come out, but I am one of the extras on the cover. Hopefully you can see me!

So after two 12 hour days of shooting, we got back to the hotel with just enough time to get a few hours of sleep before heading to the airport to fly back to New York on Saturday morning.

I got back and switched from model-mode to broker-mode and began focusing on renting apartments. Recently I've been doing a lot of business in the Financial District, so I'm pretty much exclusively advertising there. It's an area that has really good deals, and not a lot of brokers are working there right now. I'm submitting another application for an apartment there tomorrow!

I've worked two more jobs since I got back to the city. About three weeks ago I shot a look-book for Uniqlo's Jil Sander diffusion line, which you wouldn't ever see, but it paid really well.

Two days ago I shot a couple pages and video for Soma magazine. The magazine is running a profile on German-American designer, Robert Geller. They had me dressed in his fall/winter 09-10 clothes and there were photos of us together in his showroom and outside on the street. On the block where his showroom is in Tribeca Julia Roberts was filming some movie and the street was all blocked off and full of set equipment. As we were leaving the showroom to take some photos along a brick wall at the end of the street, we took some really cool photos using the movie set as a background. I guess it was the right place at the right time. We finished shooting on the sidewalk and went back to the showroom to get our things and go home. Robert had popsicles in the freezer which were exactly what we needed, shooting outside in the hot August sun. Especially me, in my three layers of winter clothes and hat.

So that's about where I am now. I've been to two fashion week castins so far, and I'm sure there are more in the coming week or two. Fashion week is the second week of September and I'm hoping I book a few more shows than last season. We'll see what happens.

Long post! Thanks for sticking it out!

Exciting News!

2009-07-09T18:45:00.003-04:00

I was awoken this morning with a phone call from my agent. It seems I booked this job that I was optioned for. It shoots next week. In LA! I will be flying to Los Angeles to shoot on Thursday and Friday with top-photographer Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue! I know, crazy right?

Now, before you get all excited reading this, I am not starring in the story or anything. The story is about some, as of yet unknown to me, celebrity girl. There are a bunch of skinny boys with her in the shoot... I will be one of these boys.

I just see this as an amazing opportunity to work with one of Fashion Photography's biggest artists. Who knows, if I impress I might come to mind for another project he works on... hmm...

I'm very excited. ...aaaaand hitting the gym!

Guess Who Walked to Work this Morning!

2009-07-02T20:01:00.004-04:00

Yup ME!

I went from gunshots on the corner to a Pottery Barn. Love it.

I spent the majority of yesterday moving everything from the old place to the new one. It took four trips on the subway. Eight if you count there and back. Well, only seven... I stayed after the last one ;)

Now you need a photo or two of the new digs. Bear in mind that, although it is only 7' x 9', it is in the perfect location and I'm not home that much. It's about the size of my parents' walk-in closet, but for me it's essentially all I need. A walk-in closet with a bed! The half bath is just bonus.

Here's looking from the door to my room toward the back. The door in the back is to the half bath.

We're going to need some paint in here. I also am going to move the shelves around a bit so that the room flows better.

The half bath:

Luxurious it's not, but it's just for me so it's perfect. I have never in my life had a toilet just for me. I want to hang a sign that says "welcome to my humble commode" but I suppose that would be tacky.

I might have to see if there is something I can do with that tile (or lack there of). The faucet only has a working hot handle. To use the cold water you turn the supply line on, the water comes flowing out, then you shut off the supply line to cut the water. Classy. It's something I can fix though, just like the slow drain. The sink is about the size of a cereal bowl, so it fills up pretty quickly with the slow drain. This is beginning to feel like my old house blog! The paint in here is even more dingy than the bedroom. Luckily I have some of the old paint from my old room in Harlem that is a nice light blue that will work nicely with what's left of the tile. Ha ha ha.

Here's a photo taken from the bathroom back toward the door, kitchen beyond.

Again, the shelves are going to get moved a bit, and the walls and trim need new paint. I'm thinking a khaki or tan color for the walls and some crisp, clean white for the trim. No money for that right now, but maybe in a couple weeks.

The kitchen has a really awkward layout, but who cares with my cooking abilities. It's a weird space because you come into the apartment through a door on the East, my door is on the South wall, a roommate's door is on the North wall, and a spiral staircase and window are on the West wall. Appliances and cabinets are just kind of strewn about carelessly, but it's OK because I can make my pb&j sandwiches anywhere.

The staircase leads upstairs to the next floor where the main bathroom is, as well as the third roommate's bedroom.

So, I was coming down the stairs after my shower in a towel and I thought to myself, "hmm, if anyone is in the kitchen, they're very likely to be getting a free show right now if they look up!" I don't know how the gals in their dresses manage spiral staircases like this! (nobody was home though)

I have two feline roommates as well. There is Allie, who is a 15 year old male cat with grey and white longer hair. Charlie, who is keeping me company here on my bed as I type, is a sleek, jet black female with short hair. Funny thing about Allie though, with his longer hair, he looks like any ordinary cat, but when I reached out to pet him I got a surprise... at 15 years old, he's pretty much just a hair-covered skeleton kitty. You can seriously feel every bone in his body! I'm not one to judge though; pretty bony myself. They're both nice cats though.

Last night I walked from the apartment to a club in the Meatpacking District where I sometimes go on Wednesday nights. Usually it takes about 45 minutes to get there, and even longer to get home because the trains don't run express after 1am. It took me about 10 minutes in a leisurely stroll. I walked back home (saw a taxi smash into another taxi!) and got up this morning and walked to work. It is the best thing to be able to live in the same neighborhood as I work/play in. It's like a whole new New York!

Moving Downtown!

2009-06-18T00:50:00.006-04:00

See ya later, Harlem. It's been... er... Harlemish.

I am finally moving downtown to a new apartment. I found an ad for a room that is available July 1st in Chelsea, three blocks from where I work. Naturally, I checked it out. The room is on the third floor of a walk-up building (goodbye elevator) that was built around 1910. The building is a 6 story townhouse that someone in their infinite wisdom decided to paint canary yellow with baby blue trim. As I was walking to go see the place I saw it from a distance and thought, "Aw crap, it's going to be that one, isn't it?" I know my luck. It's a nice building though; well maintaned and clean.

The apartment is actually two apartments combined together. When you enter on the first floor (on 3rd) you walk into a kitchen. There's a bedroom on the right, and mine is on the left. There is a spiral staircase in the corner of the kitchen that leads upstairs (4th floor) where there is an open space with a second entrance to the building's hallway on the 4th floor. The third bedroom is on one side of that upstairs space, and a big full bathroom on the other. My room is by far the smallest at about 7' by 12' and doesn't get much for natural light. I'm ok with it since it's about the same size as my room up in Harlem which also got little light. This new room, though, has a small 1/2 bath tacked on the end of it that will just be mine. Score! Regretably, I forgot to take any photos of the apartment itself, but I did take some of the building later.

Looking from the front door down the hallway to the stairs:

Looking from the stairs back toward the front door:

The view South from the rooftop. I can't wait to go up there at night!

The neighborhood is awesome, basically the area I would pick if I had a choice. The modeling agency is in Chelsea (26th St. & 11th Ave.), as is my office, on 7th ave and 19th street. The apartment? Three blocks South on 16th street between 7th and 8th. I will be able to just walk down the street to my office, walk home for lunch (save $$) and after work, walk home to pick up my gym clothes. I have been carrying a heavy gym bag with me to work since I switched gyms back in February. I can't tell you how excited I am to not have to drag that with me all the time. The walk takes me about 4 minutes. I timed it. To get from my place in Harlem to my office requires about a 40 minute commute with two different trains. I'd call that a good change!

Just in terms of neighborhood environment, take this as the comparison: Harlem- litter on the sidewalks, occasionally heckled for being white, occasional gunshots, no good places to eat/hang out really. Chelsea- tree-lined street with townhouses and rowhouses, banks, restaurants, nightlife, art galleries, parks in walking distance. Here's a photo of 16th street, the street I'll be living on.

From the corner of 16th, here's a shot down 7th Avenue. My office is in the tan building in the middle. My current apartment? Oh, about 113 blocks in that direction.Speaking of my office, here's a shot of the building

And the storefront

And my desk. I'm on the end of the row, under the whiteboard on the right.

So, there you have it. The big news. More photos once I start moving. I promise!

Oh Poor Neglected Blog.

2009-06-02T01:26:00.002-04:00

My apologies. I've neglected you, my poor little blog.

I just returned back to New York about two hours ago after a week's vacation in North Dakota. My brother graduated from high school a week ago Sunday, prompting my return home. It really was quite the extraordinary week! Saturday night I met up with friends from Wahpeton. Sunday was the graduation (congrats Nolan!), so I saw the whole extended family. Monday (Memorial Day) morning was great because Dad took my Nolan and I golfing. I have to say, for not even touching a club for a year and a half, I didn't do too badly! I still slipped into last place, but I didn't embarrass myself or anything! Tuesday and Wednesday were spent in Fargo with college friends. Wednesday I got a haircut at my favorite, Salon Why, in Fargo. Thursday some of my fraternity brothers and I went to my pledge-classmate Matt's lake and had fun out on the pontoon all day. Friday was pretty low-key. Saturday night a whole bunch of my friends got together for a bonfire up in Fargo which became a hilarious night to say the least. Sunday was church and a visit to my grandparents in Moorhead, MN. Dad and I squeezed another 9 holes of golf in there too! aaaand Monday I flew back to New York.

Somehow that very breif account of my trip sounded really overwhelming. It was a great time though.

Real estate is going really well. I've closed four deals so far, allowing me to actually support myself and pay all of my bills myself for the first time since I moved here. I have to say it feels pretty good!

Now I just need to get back into the swing of things. Especially getting back to the gym and back following a healthy diet. It's amazing what kinds of foods I revert back to when I'm home. There was a lot of fried food and sweets happening in ND... I need to get back in shape ASAP!!!

I'm going to go to bed now so I can get up for work in the morning. My own bed again! Yes!

Happy Birthday to Me! (tomorrow)

2009-05-01T20:04:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is my birthday. Kinda irrelevant to the post but, whatever.

I'm in the process of closing my second deal, so that's the latest on the real estate front.

I picked up my payment from the Shipley & Halmos show: shirt and pants. I haven't opened them up yet, but I probably will soon. I'm just feeling a little lazy right now. You should be happy I'm even taking the effort to type!

And Men isn't out yet, so no photos. Sorry!

I booked a job for next Saturday, although I have no idea what I'm shooting for. They needed someone who can wear a 29 inch waist. I'm probably more of a 28, but I'll just eat something before I show up to the shoot.

I am meeting with three European agencies next week, which I am really excited about. I meet with Success Model Management in Paris on Monday, Ford Models in Paris and Fashion Model Management in Milan on Wednesday. I hope I get picked up so I can do some work in Europe. Cross your fingers for me!

That's about it for me right now. Have a great weekend everyone!

Dedicate Magazine

2009-04-15T21:01:00.006-04:00

No, I didn't get a copy of the magazine yet. I spoke with my awesome booker yesterday and he hunted down some digital copies for me. Aaaand now I'm sharing them with you.

So there you have it. I hope it was worth the wait! Now I just have to wait for the And Men magazine to come out.

Photos... Finally!

2009-04-15T20:32:00.006-04:00

You might remember that I wrote about a spec hair editorial back on November 4th and, well, I finally found the photos. They didn't run in a magazine but I found them on the photographer's website. Not exactly what I hoped they would look like, but they're cool. Definitely not how I've ever seen myself before!

The guy on the left in the bottom two photos is my friend Casey from Fusion. I probably could have cut him out of the shots, but I'm lazy and you can get a sense of what the photographer was going for. That and I like how she used orange background, purple light for me and the opposite for him. Contrast.

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I've been really busy getting started with real estate. I'm going to be going back to Wahpeton a week from tomorrow for a few days for my twin sisters' confirmation. I am really excited to get back again and see everyone.

For Easter I took a little trip down to Washington DC to spend the weekend with one of my fraternity brothers from college. It was really just what I needed: to get out of the city for a while. He picked me up from the bus station in his new convertible Corvette! Good times. He then decided that over the course of the weekend I would have to eat my body weight in red meat. I guess he thought I was looking a little thin! He made the best prime rib with mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and blueberry pie. It was a great weekend.

OK, that should have you all caught up. I'm going to put some more photos now, but I'll start a new post. I guess it's the day for photos!

Fargo Floods and Real Estate Adventures

2009-03-29T07:00:00.003-04:00

It's been a really busy week for me! I started my job as a real estate agent last Saturday and I've been running around the city all week showing and previewing apartments. I haven't gotten too much sleep and I haven't been to the gym in a week. I need to figure out how I am going to do this job and fit everything in every day. I like the job even though I feel a little over my head still. There's just a lot to learn before I feel confident out in the field. I'm sure it will all fall into place in time.

I feel really helpless with the whole flooding situation in North Dakota. Everyone I've talked to from back at home has been putting in long hours sandbagging. I wish there was some way I could help but geographically that isn't really possible. I wonder if the basement of my old house is dry. It is far enough from the river that it wouldn't be in the flood plain, but I wonder if it would come up from the drain in the floor. I guess it isn't my problem anymore! As far as my family goes, I think everyone should be safe. If any water made it out to their houses it would be a really big disaster for the city because they live quite a few blocks from the river.

...still no magazines to report.

Photo Shoot Today!

2009-03-11T22:52:00.007-04:00

Today I had a photoshoot for And Men magazine. It's an Australian magazine with a focus on hair styles. The beauty story we shot today had 5 models, all from Fusion, and it will cover ten pages in the magazine. Do the math, and I get two pages. The photos were beauty shots, meaning shoulders up with creative hair styling. The magazine will be out in April... who knows, maybe I'll get this one before Dedicate. I looked again today and it's still not there.

For this shoot, they cut the back and sides of my hair down, but left the top long. Exactly what I would have done if I had picked it myself. Here's a picture after I got done with the shoot.The styling of the hair for the pictures was pretty interesting. One shot had curly hair and the other had wavy, wispy type hair. The mood for the story was a romantic, melancholy feeling. I saw some of the photos as the photographer downloaded them onto her computer and they looked pretty good. I think they are all going to be in black and white, so that should be interesting.

Then I went on a casting for Modern Bride. What? I don't really think that's my market! Ha!

New Job

2009-03-09T10:19:00.004-04:00

Well, ladies and gents, I passed my exam for my New York Real Estate license. After a couple interviews, I was also offered a position with Citi Habitats in their Chelsea office on 7th Ave and 19th street. (Conveniently located off of the same subway line as my apartment!) I will be starting the week of training on Monday the 16th and ready to start working on the 23rd. I'm really excited and I can't wait to see how it goes!

Sorry about the magazine photos. I have been to the magazine shop twice and they haven't received the French magazines for two weeks. They are expecting them this week, but who knows. That's what they said about last week. I'm growing impatient!

Exam Tomorrow!

2009-03-03T01:30:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow morning I am going to take my NY Real Estate License Exam. Wish me luck!

I am also going to run to a magazine shop to find a rather hard-to-find French magazine. One that about 3/4ths of my face is on the cover of! The editorial I shot back in December for Dedicate magazine came out in France last week and should be dropping here in New York this week. I found a shop's website that said they carry the magazine, so I'll swing by tomorrow sometime. I'll share pics as soon as I get them!

We had a snowstorm last night and schools were cancelled today. Transportation was a nightmare and I only left the apartment to go do laundry on the first floor. I did go a bit stir-crazy after dinner so I went to the gym. I thought we were done with this snow... it reminded me of North Dakota outside today. The part of North Dakota I DON'T miss!!!

Sunday Afternoon in the Park

2009-02-16T20:14:00.004-05:00

BRYANT Park!

I walked for Akiko Ogawa yesterday in the Salon at Bryant Park and it was incredible. Being in the tents made the backstage situation much more chaotic, but it was a great experience. After being shuffled around to makeup and hair, I pretty much stood around for an hour and a half until it was time to get dressed for the show.

I wore all black. I could describe it but the photo should really speak for itself.(photo from wwd.com)

Pretty wicked side-part, huh? That sucker was hard as a rock. It only took two washes to get out though, verses the four times for the hair wax from Shipley & Halmos.

Here's the finale. I was fourth in line. I can't wait to get back onto the runway again! (photo from the dailyobsession.net)

Shipley & Halmos Show

2009-02-13T23:21:00.006-05:00

Well, today started off not looking too good. I called the agency because I never received an email about when I should show up for the show. I was told that they never confirmed me for the show... so I was out. Craptacular. I got ready for the day and headed downtown for some comfort food in the form of a gigantic chicken queso burrito at Qdoba. It was delicious. Nothing like emotional eating during fashion week. I'm pretty sure that's breaking a big rule in the model handbook.

At any rate, I was walking from Qdoba toward the Magnolia Bakery (world renowned for their cupcakes) to cap off my emotional eating binge when my phone rang. Apparently there was some communication mixup and I was going to be in the show after all. It was just after 2pm, and the models were all supposed to be there at 1. I hailed a cab and we sped over to the gallery where the show was held. I got there just in time for the runthrough before the show.

After we did the runthrough, I sat down for hair and makeup. Hair was a giant pompedor, about three or four inches high, and the makeup was done to accentuate and sharpen the cheekbones.

We all scrambled to get the clothes on and then lined up for the show to start. I wore a woven shirt, suit, and double-breasted overcoat. It was a really nice outfit! It was such a rush as the line ahead of me got shorter and shorter. Finally I had made my way up to the exit and I felt the production assistant's hand on my back, signaling me to start. I stepped out into the light and started my way down the zig-zaging runway. You have no idea the adrenaline rush that takes place at that moment. It was absolutely amazing! I can't wait to do it again on Sunday, but this time it will be in the tents in Bryant Park. The big time!!!

I was only able to find one photo on the internet at this point, but you can see how I was styled. Check out how skinny my legs look in the tailored pants!!!
For the finale they sent out all of the models in a parade, one after another, down the zig zag runway. I found this photo on the internet somewhere and, so it isn't like a 'Where's Waldo' or anything, I tagged myself. It caught me mid-stride, but it's still a really cool picture of the finale.After I was finished, my friend Ryan and I went back to our agency. We have hung out a lot over the last couple weeks because we had mostly the same castings. We were each really glad the other was in the show, since we were the only two models from our agency that were cast. After gushing about the show to our bookers for a few minutes we left. I went to the gym and ran a few miles, then went home and rewarded myself for a job well done... with ice cream. I always get myself ice cream after a shoot or a show. Good stuff.

I'll keep you posted if I run across any other photos. There were a lot of photographers backstage so I bet I'll find some good candid ones of models hanging out behind the scenes and getting styled up for the show.

Runway Ready

2009-02-12T18:55:00.004-05:00

I can hardly believe it. I booked TWO, count 'em, TWO runway shows for Fashion Week! I will be walking for Shipley & Halmos and Akiko Ogawa.

The first show I booked was Shipley & Halmos. I was completely floored when I read in my email from the agency "fit to confirm", which is now my favorite phrase. Basically it means that they are ready to book me for the job, I just need to show up for the fitting. What really surprised me was that the casting was insane. I stood in line for about 45 minutes waiting for my turn to be seen by the designers. I would imagine they saw over two hundred models including the best and most popular in the world. It was surreal enough waiting in line, making small talk with the faces gracing the ads in the magazines you probably have in your living room. Now, I beat some of them out for a job?!? Insane.

The second show, Akiko Ogawa, is an avant-gaurde Japanese label. Very edgy! This is her first time showing in New York's fashion week and, I think, her first time showing mens clothes. It will be really interesting though. The awesome thing about this show is that it takes place in the tents at Bryant Park. The major venue for shows. It isn't in the big, main tent, but in one of the smaller side tents. Fashion week will be moving from the park to Lincoln Center next year and I was really hoping I would be able to walk in Bryant Park before they moved. Now I get to!

What is really great about booking these shows is the response I got from my bookers at the agency. They were really impressed that I was able to book the shows because my portfolio is WAY less developed than most of the other models (I don't have a single magazine tearsheet yet) and I wasn't in the show package (collection of the best guys the agency sends to the designers - special composite cards -show cards- are printed for these select models). I don't even have real composite cards yet. I am just using laser-printoffs. It is really funny to look at the casting director's walls and see all of the cards for the models they are using pinned up. My little piece of paper with my photos and measurements, folded in half, next to glossy cardstock showcards for the best in the business. I hope this means I'll be getting my show card next season!!!

I took my computer to the shop yesterday, got the diagnosis, and found out that I have a damaged video card. It is covered by the computer's warranty, but I have to do some more work before I can get the computer up and running. It shouldn't be too long though, so I'll be able to upload some photos after the shows. I can get the runway shots from other websites, but the juicy-backstage shots will have to wait until I get the computer fixed!!!

I haven't gotten my daily schedule from the agency yet, but I think tomorrow is the first show. I just hope I can pull it off without tripping and falling down or something. I would probably just lay down on the runway and die. It would be so embarassing! I'm just not going to think about that. I'll write back tomorrow night and let you know how it all went.

Wish me luck!!!

Update!

2009-02-05T17:11:00.003-05:00

Long time, no blog!

Lets play a little catch-up. First and foremost, I decided to try a new job to suppliment my modeling (or lack there of). I'm going to be a real estate agent! I am halfway through my classes and I am taking the state exam on February 17th. New York is different from most cities, as apartment rentals are leased through brokers. I'll be working with rentals, which allow more flexibility than sales. Who knows, maybe I'll have to go to Europe for a month?!? I got the idea to get my license from my roommate who did this about three weeks ago and he is really enjoying it. He's a model too and, since agents make their own schedules, he can still go to all of his castings. He also makes quite a bit more money than I do now, so that's a plus! I'm excited to do something a little more challenging than folding clothes all day. It's going to be a good change.

Fashion week is just around the corner and I'm starting to get into the flow of things. I just got home from four castings today, and we're still a week away from the shows. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a job or two. We'll see, but I've had a pretty good response so far.

The gym has been working out extremely well. I actually look forward to working out now. I started going to the group classes; pilates, yoga, spin, etc. I've lost the last couple pounds that I needed to get rid of and I'm starting to get the muscle definition that I want. Most importantly for me, I've been running a lot lately. A LOT! 20 miles in the last week! I am 98% sure that I want to run the Fargo marathon on May 9th. I have been planning on running a marathon for the last two years, but I never got around to training for it. This is going to be the year I finally do!

Lastly, my computer is nonfuctional... again... so I need to take it in to get fixed. This would explain the general lack of postings lately. I'm working from the roomie's computer right now. I can't wait to get my computer back so I can upload some pictures. It's about time I share some more!

Ok, that's all for now. Hopefully I'll be writing back soon about some crazy fashion week job!

Ouch.

2009-01-11T17:00:00.003-05:00

I can barely move. I didn't get out of bed until 4pm today. I am so sore.

I started at a new gym yesterday and as a complimentary service you get two free personal training sessions. Now, I have not been working out regularly as I should since before Thanksgiving, so my body wasn't ready for a workout of any kind, let alone the one I got yesterday. That trainer was good, but I'm feeling it today. I have my second appointment on Tuesday and I'm a little worried that I might die. At least this is moving in the right direction I guess.

I'm going to get ready and hobble down the street to the supermarket so I can eat something today.

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-03T02:58:00.005-05:00

I'm back in the City after a nice little trip back to North Dakota for the holidays. Have a couple gratuitous snow shots:

First, some fun on the road. This doesn't come close to what I saw driving from Fargo to Minneapolis on the 30th. Thankfully I wasn't the one driving!

It isn't all bad though, it can be a really beautiful landscape too. Just look at the sky!

After a great Christmas with my family in Wahpeton, North Dakota and some time catching up with friends in Fargo, I spent a couple days in Minneapolis, celebrating a nice low-key New Years.

This was the only picture I took in Minneapolis, definitely not the most flattering shot of what is really a great skyline. I guess we all have our awkward angles...

It's great to be back in New York though. I'm excited to get back into the grind and see what 2009 brings!

On the Set - Pics!

2008-12-23T03:38:00.006-05:00

I forgot to put my battery in my camera on Friday, so I wasn't able to take any photos in the studio. Luckily, the stylist's assistant took some photos and posted them on her facebook. Without further ado,

The Studio in SoHo where we shot:Accessories table. Fun stuff!Hanging out with the other models & the stylist. I'm in the yellow jacket on the left. It was wicked-cold in the studio and there was only one heater, up on the ceiling. Guess where the fan blew the heat. Yeah, we pretty much didn't move from that spot unless we were needed by the photographer.The finishing touches. Yep, I always keep it classy.Lovin' it! I had so much fun & I hope I get to do another shoot really soon!

Fresh Photos

2008-12-23T01:54:00.003-05:00

I had a really great casting on Thursday which turned into a booking for the job! The next day, Friday, I shot an editorial spread for Dedicate magazine in France. There were four of us guys and one girl, all from my agency. It was my first time shooting with any other models, since everything I've done so far has been test shoots by myself. It was a lot of fun and I'm excited to see the finished product. The photographer was great and helped me out a lot. He taught as he shot, so I walked out of the studio with more confidence in my modeling abilities. We were there from 9am to almost 6pm, but I kept on saying throughout the day that I wish I could do this as my job every day. Maybe someday...

The shoot wasn't a paid job, but it doesn't really matter much. What I really need are some tearsheets in my book from magazines, so this worked out perfectly. Since we weren't getting paid, the photographer took solo portraits as he was working, just to help our books. He was so nice! I'll share photos as soon as I get them. The agency is closed for the holidays and doesn't reopen until January 6th, so don't expect anthing soon.

Having just returned home after only a month since my last visit, it's great to be able to have something new to talk about when everyone asks the same question, "how has modeling been going?"

The answer? I'm having so much fun!

Christmas on 5th Ave.

2008-12-22T23:56:00.014-05:00

Here I am, reporting from North Dakota again! I got into Fargo at 10:30 and by 11:30 I was signing away my house to its new owner. I'm staying here until the first of January, then it's back to New York.

A few days before I left, in a desperate attempt to get into the Christmas spirit, I took a walk down 5th avenue to see the lights and window displays. Here's what I saw:

I started at Rockafeller Center. Of course the tree was amazing.

It's actually on 6th Ave, but I checked out Radio City Music Hall.Saks had some impressivew snowflakes covering the front of the building that flashed along to Christmas songs.

The snowflake theme continued into their window displays. The animated displays were pretty cool. Check out this one depicting a sudden snowfall.

Here are a couple more of their animated window displays.

Cartier was all wrapped up like a giftThe window display featured a wall of Cartier boxes. The boxes would open one at a time and out would slide a different piece of jewelry. (sorry for the bad pic)But for I much prefered the windows at Tiffany's. Look at this amazing peackock, dressed in diamonds.An aquamarine bracelet made quite a nice necklace for the little lady.Peacocks showed up in at least four of the stores' displays. Look at this one from Juicy Couture. (I think that gift is a horse)This window wasn't particularily Christmas-y but I just love Prada. That suit would look absolutely killer on me!Burberry followed a gold theme too with rows of black, gold, and bronze glass icicles as a background. If anyone needs gift ideas, I would like very much this black trench coat:Louis Vuitton made their iconic emblems into light displays which was a cool idea, but ultimately it reminded me of those light-up reindeer and santa ornaments you can buy at Walmart. Better luck nexg year LV!The intersection of 5th and 58th had a giant snowflake that shimmered and flickered. I'd hate for that to fall on my taxi.The best windows in my opinion were at Bergdorf Goodman. The mens windows featured cold-weather animals dressed to impress while playing sports of some type. Looky:Across the street at the womens part of Bergdorf Goodman there was a cool window with a woman playing chess with an owl.There were two vignettes with great dresses (one lady has a bird head)The most spectacular windows were the windows displaying the four seasons. I heard that the displays took eight months to create. They were so intricate and detailed that I would completely believe it.

Winter:

Spring:

Summer:

Autumn:

Winter again. Absolutely insane. The whole time I was looking at these windows I had my ipod playing the Charlie Brown Christmas music. It was just what I needed to snap me into the spirit of the season.

I'm Back!

2008-11-30T03:16:00.006-05:00

Well, I'm back in New York again. It was great to be able to visit my family, friends and just familiar places. I got my computer fixed while I was in Fargo, so get ready for... NYC PICTURES!!!

I've taken some good ones but haven't had the opportunity to share until now. Forgive me, there are quite a few that I've been waiting to share!

First, from a little day-trip to Roosevelt Island. Here is a photo of the bridge and the tram that we took to the island. It was basically like a huge ski-lift that carried us across the river. The tram isn't in the shot but you can see the two cables it rides on to the right of the bridge.

We stopped in this little deli/grocery store and there was this super-friendly cat there. I took a pic of him because he was so nice.
Next, from a catering job I worked on Halloween. This party was incredible; the most extravagant party I've ever seen. The venue was an old synagogue that is now an events space. It was all lit with candles and colored lights and dry ice filled the place with a mysterious fog. It was incredible!They had all of the waiters wear these stupid skull shirts, but the face painting was pretty cool. They hired air-brush artists to paint everyone's faces. I kinda thought my first air-brush experience would be with modeling, but oh well.
Now to the park! I visited a traveling art exhibit by Chanel a few weeks ago. The building is completely portable and was designed by famed architect Zaha Hadid. The pieces inside were all based on the iconic Chanel quilted purse. It was really interesting.
Of course, I couldn't not post photos of Central Park in the fall!
My favorite place in the park: Bethesda Fountain
Finally, here's a picture of a fountain down in Chelsea near where I work. I guess they forgot to turn off the water once it started freezing. It looks pretty cool, but I'd assume there is some sort of damage going on here.I had a great trip home, but it's good to be back. I'll be posting more soon!

Fourteen Hours Away... Should I Be Packing Now?

2008-11-21T01:41:00.004-05:00

I probably should, right? Oh well, I can sleep on the plane.

It seems that I've been tagged by my Sandy, at Curly's Corner to share seven random or weird Book facts about myself.

This may be particularily hard for me because I'm not that big of a recreational reader. Here we go.

1. The worst critique I received in Architecture school was on a design for a library addition. It was a hot mess and I knew it, but I tried to sell it as best as I could. It was especially sad because I know I could have done a really interesting design had I actually put some effort into it. (that's kinda about books, right?)

2. I've read two books since I moved to New York and I've just started a third. I suppose I'll finish it while I'm schlepping through airports and sitting bored out of my mind on planes. You may be thinking big deal, two and a half books. It IS a pretty big deal when the last recreational reading I did was... wait... when was it? At least 2+ years ago.

3. I can't help but fall asleep when I'm reading. Especially textbooks. Most notedly textbooks with 40+ pages dedicated to the fascinating topic of structural properties of concrete. Riveting.

4. Reading a book on the subway makes the commute seem much shorter.

5. The best book (besides the Bible) that I own is the Home Depot's Home Repair 123. It explains everything that the owner of a crumbling 80 year old house would ever need to know and illustrates it fantastically with photos. Yet another reason I love the 'Depot.

6. I frequently 'space out' while I'm reading. I'll finish a page, start to turn the page, then realize that I have no idea what is printed on that page I just finished. My eyes looked at the words but my mind was on something else completely unrelated to the book. Adoral anyone?

7. My favorite people to be around are people who are well read. I really enjoy conversations with people who are knowledgeable in a variety of subjects because I learn so much from them. It's great to talk with someone who is articulate and has a great vocabulary. Those conversations always make me want to learn more to speak eloquently.

Alright, I realize that not a lot of this was actually about books, but I tried. Had this been about magazines I would have had quite a lot to share. Sorry Sandy! I'm getting better though... 3 books a year is better than 0 books in 2 years.

Still no further photos to post. I was hoping to get them back before I left for NoDak but I guess I will just have to keep waiting and, subsequently, so will you.

ND in 3

2008-11-18T03:10:00.005-05:00

I'm leaving for North Dakota in 3 days! Friday morning I'll be flying out from NY and, after a short layover in Minneapolis, I'll be landing in Fargo for dinner. I'm going to be back on Saturday, Nov 29th with my computer fixed so I can start posting photos again. Trust me, I have some great photos to share just sitting in my camera, waiting to be released.

I'm still waiting to get the photos back from that hair shoot two weeks ago. I'm really not a patient person so between waiting to get the photos back, waiting to see what happens with European agencies, and waiting to hop that plane home I'm pretty much going crazy right now.

Photos!

2008-11-05T23:25:00.003-05:00

I checked the agency's website today and three of the photos from my shoot on Sunday were posted. I'm not sure if any other shots turned out, but they must have liked at least these three.

This first one I'm not sold on. I think I look a little bewildered in it. I don't know.

This next one is pretty good, but I have a lot of photos of my profile already. I've been told that I have a really good, unique profile but I really need to get good photos from other angles. Yeah, I'm showing some leg...

This one is my favorite. 100%! It's so high-fashion!

I'll have to see if any other pictures turned out when I visit the agency next. Probably Friday. I'm quite a bit more excited to get the photos back from Tuesday. I felt better about how that shoot was going anyway.

Shoot Today: Fun Fun!!!

2008-11-04T23:37:00.002-05:00

First of all, you should hear Harlem right now. Cars honking and people shouting in the streets. Complete madness! Reed cooked a really nice dinner tonight and we were enjoying some wine when the election was called, so we grabbed the bottle and ran up to the rooftop and watched it all unfold. It's crazy out there!

Today I had so much fun at my photoshoot! It was a spec shoot for a hair editorial that will hopefully be popping up in a magazine soon. The concept was really edgy and avant garde, kind of an eighties, angry vibe to it. I showed up at 10am and sat down for the hair and makeup. The hair was caked in hair products and slicked into different shapes. The look was a bit dark with highlights of different colors of light. To get the light to illuminate the skin in an interesting way they covered my face, neck and shoulders with baby oil. I was so greasy! Each look had a different pop of color. The first one I had a pink stripe under my left eye with white on the eyelid, the second had teal on the eyelids, and the last shot had bright blue lips. It was pretty intense. For each shot the photographer had me twist my shoulders into intersting positions and crank my neck in a strange angle then then we went for the emotion. Angry! Scowling and clenched jaws and angry stares. It turned out to be really interesting and I can't wait to share the photos. I'll find out in about a week which, if any, magazine picked up the story. If nothing else it will add some diversity to my book. It was just fun to play around with an edgy look today.

I should be getting the photos from my shoot on Sunday tomorrow sometime, so I'll throw those on here soon.

NoDak in 17 days!!!

2 shoots in 3 days!!!

2008-11-04T01:07:00.004-05:00

Things are going SO well for me this week! I had a photoshoot yesterday with Thomas Lohr that went really well. It was a test shoot (a big deal since he doesn't do tests) but it sounds like he might try to get the pics published. The clothes were amazing too, all 2009. I wore Lacoste, Burberry, Gucci, Jil Sander, Fendi, Moschino and Hermes. Incredible! I talked with my bookers today and the photographer was very happy with the results. I'll be able to see the photos in a couple days and I'll share them as soon as I can.

My booker also told me that an agency in Milan requested to have a video of me sent. This looks good!

I also booked a photoshoot for tomorrow! It is a spec shoot for a hair magazine. Yup, I'd be a hair model! Good thing too, 'cause in hair photos you won't be able to see that I just got done eating a pint of Haagen Dazs.

I worked my first day at Brooklyn Industries today. It was a lot better than my old job so I'm pretty happy.

My roommate Reed and I are going to Central Park tomorrow to hang out and see the changing foliage. He lent me a book that I'm going to start reeding. He said I'll like it a lot. I'd share the name if I remembered it; It's in my room and I'm to lazy to walk across the hall.

AND I'm going to be in NoDak in 17.5 days. I've had such a good day.

Last Day of Work... & Tokyo???

2008-10-30T23:22:00.003-04:00

Last day at my job at French Connection today! I went through the orientation for my new job at Brooklyn Industries today as well. I'm excited for a change even thought I'll miss my coworkers at the old place.

I met with an agent from an agency in Tokyo today and I think it went pretty well. He commented that one of my photos was very good, the photo I have as my profile picture on this blog. Right now my agency is focusing on getting me ready to work overseas so I've been trying to get representation in other fashion capitals. What I really need to do is get some more pictures for my book. I might possible be having a shoot on Sunday for a spec editorial. (spec editorial = the photographer would try to sell the photos to a magazine but they might not ever get published) It would just be fun to get in front of a camera again.

Yesterday I went to a halloween party that was co-sponsored by my agency. It was a 1920's/black and white theme. So cool! The bar that it was held in just opened and has a 20's theme and decor. I took some photos at the event but, until I take my compy in to get fixed, they'll just reside in my camera. I know, it sucks. I took some other cool pics lately that it would be cool to share. Only a couple weeks until I'm home and can get going again. Hopefully I'll have some more modeling photos to share next week. Fingers crossed!

Waiting

2008-10-22T22:23:00.002-04:00

Not much going on right now, just waiting for the next adventure. I'd post photos or something but I'm having computer issues. It's unfortunate because I took some pretty cool photos lately. My computer is under warranty with the college bookstore back in Fargo, so I'll get it fixed when I return home in a few weeks.

...leading me to my next thought: I need to get back home. I need to go spend some time with the people who have known me forever in the places that I've been comfortable in for years. You know? I just need the pick-me-up of being immersed in the familiar. Just for a little while and then it's back to chasing the dream. Hopefully I'll come back with a rejuvinated drive since I've been a little disheartened lately by the slow progress of my career.

Ugh. A downer of a post. Sorry!

Weekend Fun

2008-10-13T08:17:00.006-04:00

This weekend was really enjoyable. I didn't have to work at all! Friday my roommate (and best friend here in NYC) Reed and I decided to take a little trip down to Staten Island. Why? We had never been there and I wanted to be able to say that I had been to all of New York's boroughs. I had no idea that there was a beach on the island. Had I known this back when it was warm out... well I guess I know now for next summer. Assuming I'm here. At any rate, here are some photos from our adventure.

Taking a photo of Manhattan as we leave on the Staten Island Ferry.The beach we hung out on. That would be the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in the background.
For some reason (probably because we're both models) we had an impromptu photo shoot. The photos of me all sucked, but I got a lot of good pics of Reed. Like this one:Seriously. He looks great in almost every picture. I looked stupid in nearly every one. It was a lot of fun though. I could see myself being a photographer someday... along with my giant list of future professions. Here's a photo of me being a dork on a beach. Enjoy.
On Saturday night I met up with a girl I used to work with at the HoDo in Fargo. She recently moved to New York and is trying to get a job in a designer showroom. We had dinner on the patio at this nice little Mexican restaurant in the Meat Packing District followed by a couple drinks at some cool bars.

The Mexican place brought watercolors and skulls for us to paint for el Dia de Muerto. There was also a hula hoop contest that I was unarguably the best at. Hands down. Later on our cute waitress gave me her phone number. Ha ha! It was a really cool place. Just look at the decor:
Screams fiesta, huh? (this was taken late at night, it was actually very busy before)

We also went to this nautical themed place called the Rusty Knot that had really good drinks served in Tiki heads. We look like we are having fun, right?
The best part was we talked for hours about Fargo and where we worked. It was really nice to be able to do that since I've been a little homesick lately. I'm sure we'll be hanging out again soon. Well, as soon as I have more money!

Beautiful Skies

2008-10-10T03:27:00.005-04:00

I had a casting today for Details magazine. The gentleman said "Wow, you have a very thin waist." To which I said, yes I know I'm pretty thin. He replied with "I work with a lot of models whose waists are too big. It's better to be this way." But obviously not today as he handed me back my book and I left. I'm getting really frustrated that I don't fit into a lot of the clothes out here. I'm not supposed to put on any more weight though, so I'll just have to wait for high-fashion designers to find me. I suck at being patient.

But, for happier discussion, here are some photos I took a couple days ago when I was in the Madison Square Park area in Midtown. The sky was so clear and blue with just a little speckling of clouds.

I was walking down Broadway toward 23rd street to get to Madison Square Park when I looked up and saw this streak across the sky that mimicked the angles of the buildings. It was absolutely perfect and I scrambled to get my camera out before the wind took it out of center.
A close-up shot of the Flatiron building on 23rd street, wedged between 5th ave and Broadway.
Go ahead and tell me the sky isn't amazing in this photo. On the left is the old MetLife south tower which was the tallest building in the world from 1909 until 1913 when it was trumped by the Woolworth building. On the right is this awesome new building that's being constructed. The proportions are so interesting to me. It stands in the footprint of an average sized building but stretches up really high. Tall & thin... like me. I suppose that's why I'm so fond of it.
Finally, I blogged about my trip to Ikea a few days ago. Here are the results! I hung the $3(!) curtains on the new curtain rod and hung up the paper lantern I picked up. The bed was lofted when I got here, but I took the loft down since I wasn't using any of that extra floor space and, frankly, it felt like I was living in a dorm room. It feels more like a grown-up bedroom now.
p.s. Happy birthday DAD!!!

Back From the Dark Ages

2008-10-07T04:00:00.004-04:00

After some phone calls, arguments with the landlords, and a visit from the city housing department, we finally had our hot water and gas repaired today. I took a hot shower and made spaghetti. It's good to be back in the 21st century.

I had a casting today but I was told I was far too thin for them. Again. I gotta get over to Europe where we stick-figures are appreciated!

Haircut Before & After

2008-10-03T02:23:00.005-04:00

I got my hair cut today at this INCREDIBLE salon in the Meat Packing District, Armando Corral Salon. I've been there a few times before and they are great. The design of the place is stunning too! The cut was a lot shorter than I thought it would be. I wasn't too happy at first (thought it looked a little too 'Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby') but it's grown on me and I'm really liking it. I miss the length but this cut works much better with my face. It's much more 'model-esque' than before. The booking agents (bookers) at the agency are happy and that's what is most important. Have a good Friday everyone!

...sorry for the dead stare. There's no smiling in fashion!

Another Good Day! (Apartment Mgt. Still Sucks Though)

2008-10-01T22:42:00.010-04:00

Well, I still don't have hot water or gas here at the apartment. I'm eating a lot of toast. This morning I went to the gym early so I could get in a good workout and take a shower in their hot water. I still had to come home and shave with icy cold water. Yeah, that doesn't work out so well.

After I got myself all ready for the day I hopped on the train and paid a visit to my agency in Chelsea. I like to stop in at least once a week just to see how things are going and today they were going pretty well. We had a quick discussion about traveling and now it sounds like Greece might be in my future. Apparently it's really easy to get in magazines there because I've heard from many sources that it's a good place to get some tears for your book. (Tears are pages from magazines you are in. Like they've been torn out to put in your book, see?) ...speaking of magazines, they pulled out the latest issue of DNR magazine at the agency and showed me that I had a photo featured again! I was in the magazine back in June for another job I worked, but it was cool to see myself there again. It's fun to be able to walk into a magazine shop and turn to a page and find yourself! The story was a recap of some of the shows from fashion week and they included a picture from the Antonio Azzuolo show I was fortunate enough to participate in. I was too cheap to buy the magazine so I took it into a corner of the shop and took a photo with my camera.

The other thing I did at the agency was ask about my hair. I was thinking I needed a trim because it's been over a month since I've gotten it cut. It was decided for me that I need a new hairstyle entirely. One of agents said it "looks like I've had hair plugs or something," which I believe is not a good look for me. I currently have my hair kind of slicked back, but they want me to get it shorter on the sides and have it hang messier across the front. It sounds like what I'd pick for myself so I'm happy. I get it cut tomorrow and I'll be sure to post before & after photos. I'm a big fan of before and after photos, as evidenced by my other blog, so I'll try to include them whenever possible.

After leaving the agency, I decided to bum around and go shopping/browsing for a while since I didn't have to work today. I was walking past Grace Church in NoHo (from 2 posts ago) and I remembered that Wednesdays they have "Bach at Noon" so I stopped in for a half hour of Bach music on the pipe organ. It was really nice. Here are some photos from the inside of the church.

Here is the front of the nave with the altar and gigantic stained glass window: Here's a shot of the back with the rose window and pipe organ
To get a good shot of the ceiling I had to turn off the flash. Take a look at that groin vaulting! No giggles now, that's the proper term for the vaults.

On the way home I sat in Madison Square Park and did some sudoku next to the reflecting pool. I decided to come back home to take a nap and got back to the apartment just as it started to rain. Perfect timing!

Thanks to: Ikea & FDNY. No Thanks to: Apartment Mgt.

2008-10-01T02:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday (Monday) started off as a good enough day. My roommate and I took a little trip to the Ikea out in Brooklyn to pick up some cheap stuff for our rooms. I'm pretty excited about the stuff I snagged, it but I'll wait until I get it all put in place before sharing. Quick side-note: the Ikea has a shuttle bus that takes you from the subway stop to their front door! It was amazing! The bus was basically a coach bus that had reclining seats and a radio that was playing ridiculous 80's and 90's music. I'm sure the few other people on that bus must have thought we were crazy because we started singing along and laughing hysterically. I suppose you had to be there...

On the way home he informs me that it is Rosh Hashana and, even though nobody in our apartment is Jewish, we decided to celebrate. I guess it is tradition to celebrate by eating apples with honey. He looked up a recipe online for baked apples and, after a quick trip to the grocery store, this is what he came up with:...and after a little baking:
(btw those are not my horrible cut-offs. That would be of my equally-as-skinny roommate.)
They were pretty good.

We had a friend who is a model with my roommate's agency over and we stayed up pretty late hanging out. By the time he went home and I had gotten ready for bed it was about 4am or so. I was actually reading some of the blogs I follow when around 5am I started smelling something. Smelled like smoke. I looked out the window in my room into the air shaft and to my surprise the whole airshaft was filled with grey smoke. I started getting out of bed and *bang* it sounded like a machine exploded or something. The smoke in the airshaft turned dark black and I started scrambling for the things I wanted to run out of the building with. I grabbed my computer, cell phone, camera, modeling portfolio (I paid a lot for those pics!) and ran out into the hallway. I was met by a roommate who shared my idea of a hasty exit. We knocked on everyone's doors and went down to the street where a lot of our neighbors were gathered around. There were firetrucks everywhere and we stood there for a little over two hours while they drug hoses into the building and broke out windows. Here's a video of the scene.

The fire apparently started from the laundromat on the first floor and went up through the walls into the apartment on the second floor just above the portico entrance on the side of the building. There was some fire damage in the apartment above it on the third floor as well. These apartments are across the air shaft from my window and when the firemen broke the windows out into the airshaft a huge cloud of black smoke and smoldering embers flew up into the sky. I caught a little of the smoke in this horribly blurry photo. One of my roommates didn't leave as quickly as I did (I went straight for the street, I don't mess around!) but on the way out looked through the window and saw flames coming up the airshaft. Not cool! After the fire fighters got everything contained we were allowed back into our building. It was surreal, like out of a movie, when we quietly walked single file back up the stairs to our apartments. The floors were wet and dirty and the walls were covered with soot. It was eerie. I took some photos of the air shaft from our apartment. The windows were broken out on the second and third floor. The guy in the third floor window was leaning out to take a photo of the second floor apartment which was pretty much destroyed. Sidenote #2: Don't I have a nice view out of my bedroom window? This photo was taken out of the bathroom window. My window is about four feet to the right and half-obstructed by that metal laundromat ventilation duct. Sweet huh?

On my way to work this afternoon I took a photo of the front door of the second floor apartment where the fire was the worst. I didn't want to go inside just in case someone was there, but I got a feel for how bad it was just from looking into the doorway.
Fortunately nobody was injured and the fire was stopped before reaching our floor and before serious damage to the building occurred. A big thank-you is owed to the FDNY for their quick response!

Really, I'm unhappy with the building management at this point because I found out today that nine years ago there was a large fire that destroyed the seventh floor of the building. When they renovated the building they didn't upgrade the 100 year old wiring. Also, the building management had padlocked the door to the roof which is a no-no for fire safety. We have yet to have our gas turned back on and we still don't have hot water. I understand that there will need to be some checks here and there, but I seriously want to be able to cook and take a hot shower tomorrow. Hop to it guys. Chop-chop!

Fall's Coming! Yes!

2008-09-24T02:04:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day. I didn't have any castings and I didn't have to work which left me to roam around the city. This week has seen the first real inklings of fall and I really couldn't be more excited. The temperature has started to drop from the unbearable 90's I've had to endure the last couple months and the cool breeze is feeling great. I had to run an errand down in the West Village so after sleeping in to a ridiculous hour in the afternoon, I hopped on a train and went downtown.

I wandered around, stopping in little shops and high-end clothing boutiques. I wore a sweater today for the first time since I was in Fargo. I was talking with my friend today who lives in Phoenix about the weather and she was pretty jealous. Apparently Phoenix doesn't have seasons. She wanted to live vicariously through me, so she wanted a picture of me enjoying the fall. This is what I got:
That's the pumpkin spice latte Starbucks just got back again. Can't get much more 'fall' than that, huh? After finishing my latte I did a couple sudoku puzzles and called a couple friends back in Fargo to catch up.

A great day!

...now for a couple photos. I took these back on September 11th on the way to the train from work. This is Grace Church on Broadway. The church was built in 1843 in the Gothic Revival style and is open to the public for a while every day. Sometimes I'll duck in there on my way to work and say a little prayer or two. It's a nice place to relax and have some quiet in a busy city. It was cloudy that night and the moon looked pretty cool. I was really glad I had my camera!
This second photo was taken looking toward ground zero from Union Square. I had seen those lights on TV before, but it's such a different experience seeing them from within the city. It was strange to be standing somewhere I am all the time in the city, then realizing that pre-2001 there would have been those towers in the skyline. Whoever thought of those lights was a genius. For a person who had never been to NYC before 9-11-01 and had never seen the buildings in person, it brought a reality that I never felt seeing images on TV.
So, why are all of these photos blurry? I didn't use a flash. My bad.

Welcome to my Blog!

2008-09-20T08:09:00.001-04:00

Greetings, and welcome to my new blog. My name is Nathan. Have a seat and stay a while!

For the last year I wrote a blog documenting the process of purchasing, rehabbing, and ultimately selling an eighty year old house in Fargo, ND. As that blog comes to an end with the house's sale lurking in the distance (hopefully not too far) I decided to start a new blog about my life in New York. Just in case anyone is interested. If anything, this will force me to do more interesting things with my time!

Just as a little background to get the story started I'll try to wrap up the last 20ish years in one paragraph. Here we go! I was raised in a small town of about 9,000 people in Southeastern North Dakota. I have an amazing, loving family consisting of three sisters, one brother, and two of the most supportive parents I could imagine. Seriously, Dad and Mom were ok with me dropping everything to chase some wild dream halfway across the country. How cool are they? Back to the story... I graduated from high school, and was attending North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND for Architecture.

...this is where the story turns from the average North Dakota tale...

In March, on spring break, I flew on a whim to New York City. I met with a few modeling agencies, even though I had no experience modeling, and was offered a contract by one of the top agencies in New York! I flew back to Fargo to finish out the semester in school, then moved out to New York to pursue a fashion modeling career. Woah!

Since May, I've been trying to break into the modeling industry which has been more challenging then I had imagined it would be. I've booked a couple jobs so far, but my portfolio is still fairly empty. I've been working part time at a retail store and working as a waiter for a catering company just to make ends meet (or as close as I can at this point) and pay those bills. Things are moving in the right direction though and from the feedback I've been given I'm optimistic about finding my niche in the international fashion modeling industry.

I carry a camera with me every day and stop randomly to take photos. I'm going to force you to view my random 'kodak moments' because I think they're pretty cool. If you don't think so, feel free to scroll down or click that little red 'x' in the upper right hand corner.

New York truly is the city that never sleeps and something interesting or noteworthy is always going on. It is so different from North Dakota and I'm surprised or inspired by something new every day. The city is so dynamic that I'm sure there will always be something interesting for me to share. The people are from all walks of life, the buildings are an architectural addict's dream, and there are little quirks everywhere that make New York what it is. Lots of photos to be taken here!

Well, that should cover it. Past history, present circumstances, and premise for the blog.

Here's a photo just to get things going. The photo was taken in Bryant Park a couple weeks before the tents went up for Fashion Week. The grass is pretty much trashed now. The uber-bright building in the distance is the Empire State Building, my favorite building in the city. The building closest is the Bryant Park Hotel. In real life you can see the top of the Empire State Building flashing from the tourists at the top taking photos. It's pretty cool.