Meet Kevin Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Martin.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kevin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
So, my story goes all the way back to high school in South Carolina where I’m from. I always had a unique and different look that stood out from the rest. I was also very big in fashion but the way I dressed was different from everyone else. My first experience with modeling was a friend asking me to be in a hair show. That was the first time I ever experienced walking on a runway in front of people, lights and cameras. I immediately fell in love with the thrill and adrenaline it gave me. After high school, I signed with an agency and gained lots of experience through numerous photo shoots and runway shows. I moved here to AZ about eight years ago to build a better relationship with my father. I sacrificed modeling at the time and put it on hold to focus more on me and getting closer with my dad. Now, fast forward… I’ve been seriously modeling again for about a year and a half. In that time alone, I’ve learned and grown so much as a model.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road… NOT AT ALL! Being a plus size model is hard in general because plus-size modeling has just recently over the past couple of years become recognized and featured in major markets… and that’s for women. There are not that many known names for plus size male models so that makes the journey even more difficult. I’ve heard lots of NOs at castings due to my size. I’ve been told many times that I have a very unique look but I’m just too big. For the past three years, I’ve gone to every casting for Phoenix Fashion Week, which is the biggest staple for fashion in Arizona, and I’ve never been selected. More on that coming soon…

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
So, I identify myself as a plus size (big & tall) model because I am taller and bigger than the typical standards for a male model. So, that is one thing that I am known for in the creative community out here. Then, there is my hair… I am pretty recognizable and well known because of my hair. Honestly, my biggest accomplishments thus far have happened this year. I was featured on Plus Model Magazine and I just became the first plus-size male model to walk for Phoenix Fashion Week. As I previously stated, I’ve tried for three years to participate in PHXFW but just was never selected. I could have easily given up and even contemplated it at times but I persevered. I kept working hard, growing and evolving as a model and I finally got that YES! So, no matter how many NOs you get, if you believe in yourself and put the work in, there will be a YES right around the corner. Just don’t give up on yourself and your dreams, no matter what! One of my main goals is to help inspire and influence those who are different like myself. People who don’t fit the typical mold of what a model is “supposed” to look like.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
To be honest, I don’t really believe in luck. I truly believe everything happens for a reason and life is all about timing. We go through good and bad experiences to help us grow, learn about ourselves and become better human beings.

Contact Info:

• Email: imthagentleman@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthagentleman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Imthagentleman/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/imthagentleman?s=09

Image Credit:
Instagram Handles @_mjdphotography @focusfirstphotography, @nbmaphotography, @sharkfinstudios

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