TheGrapeModel

Nex Gen Art. Exploring Thematic Modeling. Discovering Passion.

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Hey this is a song I just finished writing on the deck tonight. Improvisation I used too. Hope you like it! #originalsongwriter #songwriterseries #kunle #kunleulysses #songquotes #improvisedmusic (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvyFEzeHPNO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7j5swz76g3xd

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Update 2018

So, Im sitting here in my room right now reading what I wrote 4 years ago. And now Im signed to a modeling agency in New York! So excited that this was the path that actualized for my life. Thank God.

This is month one. Everything in my life has changed. From the people I hang around, to the places I go.

Fall nyfw just ended, which I was a part of. My manager says Im more Ralph Lauren and Perry Ellis.

I really brought it with these test shoots recently for my Comp card. I tried to make sure I came in with #bde (big dick energy lol) meaning I wanted to come in with confidence in myself and my abilities.

In my view theres no reason this cant be a jump off point for me.

One of the things that I try to rely on right now is faith and belief in myself. I know my cause.... now the executions in Gods hands. I believe it HAS to work out in my favor.

So thankful that everything Ive ever wanted has come to fruition.

I dont want to make a story of how I got to this place yet.... but Im here.

So lets make moves!!

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Reflection

The Photoshoot is tomorrow and I'm actually excited. This has definetely been a journey. First I want to talk about the stuff I'm doing as a model. I was so fortunate to be able to talk with Eric about his life as a professional model and it was really eye-opening. I'm glad he is a model. The best thing I took away from that interview was one sentence he said " Models are like role models" . Thats the best, right? Eric's train of though as a model is so justifiable and... good intentions for the future of the industry. 

I'm a little disappointed that i didnt get to include my experience walking on the runway. It would have showed another side to the modeling business and the designers point of view of fashion. 

The thing I'm most happy about is my photoshoot. I'm really proud of it and it's making me very excited just thinking about it. Yes the process of putting it together is not the most exciting thing in the world but when we actually get there... when we're putting into action what we planned... it's satisfying. 

I would definetely say this was a success, and I am soo glad that I decided to do my project on this although this is a kind of awkward subject, believe it or not. I would do it again in a heartbeat. One thing I would do differently is make sure that my models know that when I set a date--- IT SHOULD BE A PRIORITY. I 've had to change the photoshoot date too much in my opinion (3-4 times) on account of conflicting schedules! We all set a date in the beginning we all knew so...

Anyway, thanks for those that followed me! Thank you Mrs. Smith and Mr. Yanes for putting this project together

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I PLAN TO INCORPORATE MAKEUP

Stage makeup. I really want Cody to have dark bags under his eyes, but I need to find someone to do it for me. I plan to draw simple golden +'s on Cody's cheekbones to make him look more like a cartoon character and I want put red X's over Austin's eyes. ... Not to mention Dawson has Vampire teeth. These are by far my favorite prop because it's representative and cool looking. It represents BITE ME, it's what a lot of victims said whilst revolting! I bought teeth that look REAL, because I thought glow-in-the-dark ones may be too much.

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Location and Honing

I've found so many new locations for my photoshoot! I've decided to separate all the models into divisions so that not all of us are in everything. Austin and Cody are together for most of the shoot, because I like how they almost look like brothers. They are the same height and they both have black hair and light skin. Adekunle and Dawson would be together because I like the contrast. Dawson has such an innocent look, he looks pure with his blonde hair. Kunle has a nice contrast-- darkness. Sharp black eyebrows and very dark skin, with a more rough skin tone. I've posted some of the locations, but The photographer and I are going out to Governors park for the last time to plan and scout. The shoot is this Thursday!

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Photo shoot locations and a few of the props. Includes one of the NERF guns and two teddy bears here

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Motif

I think one of the reasons I wanted to do my 20% project on this is because of how much art I see in this industry. A picture is worth a thousand words! If modeling is done right, it can tell a story. It can spark a revolution, it can be spark emotion I draw inspiration for my photo shoot from the various revolutions that have happened throughout the world. Mad I've researched, I've found that a lot of them, when they broke free, they created something new. One revolt in South America the slaves created a whole new entire city! The whole country of Haiti was based on a revolt against slavery. In my photo shoot. I'm incorporating red- the color of rage, because of the high tensions during revolutions. I plan to incorporate toys- I know it sounds weird but I feel like incorporating toys would show a new baby nation growing. They're not going to be random toys, no. They will be things like NERF GUNS (revolting weapons) teddy bears, toy memorabilia and such. I'm even bringing in some of those plastic glow in the dark vampire teeth you get at like chuck e cheese to show how provoking the slaves were. Vampire teeth= BITE ME. These "toys" coupled with faded, dank, natural clothes and setting will make a dramatic/stunning contrast. Stayed tuned for pictures!

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These are the models! Soon I will have clothes for all of them to wear. The theme is Deteriorating. I really want all of the models to come from a kind of high society. They've rebelled and have started to live on their own in nature. This means all of the clothes will be faded, some will have bandanas, suggestive props, etc. the modeling business is more than a conceited picture show, it's art! I told my sister this and she started laughing.

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Model of the Week: Jessey Stevens

Jessey Stevens (NEXT Management)

Most Versatile Model. He knows how to use his features- and well. I think that ever model should be able to express themselves through pictures like Mr. Stevens can. His work is exciting and creative and COMFORTABLE. being comfortable is something so simple, yet very hard to achieve in front of the camera.

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I had the privilege of interviewing Eric Weiss of Wilhelmina Models this past week! He's a really nice guy who plans to change the way models are looked at in society. Take a look! Adekunle Adejokun What made you want to get into modeling? I was taking a break from college and met a model scouter one day working out. He said I had a very strong look and if I was interested he wanted to have me in his model showcase competition in Orlando Florida. I went there and I ended up winning and getting contracts from top agencies in the states (Wilhelmina,IMG, next and ford) I ended up signing an exclusive contract with Wilhelmina. Before that I had never really thought about modeling but had always been told I should try it out just never really got that big break until I was scouted. What is the most challenging thing about modeling in your opinion? In my opinion there are few challenging things about modeling. First would be always having to stay in really good shape and watching how much you eat and drink. Also Leaving friends and family behind to travel for months. It can be lonely and not easy for everyone to deal with. Best experience on the runway? Where and for whom did you walk for? My best experience on a runway so far would be walking for Calvin Klein as an exclusive in Milan Italy. It was an honor to walk for them. They flew me in for a week. Gave me three meals a day and spending money to see sites around Milan. It was a great experience they are great people to work for. What qualities do you think male models need to have in order to succeed in this industry? I'd say to be a model you need to be a people person, easy going, and a hard worker. You need to be able to socialize with clients especially at casting they see many models but you want them to remember you. Easy going because you will live with other models you don't know and have to be able to adapt to living with strangers or you will be miserable. You also need to be a hard worker because if you don't give it your all you won't go far in this industry. It can be very disappointing when you don't get a job but you can't give up. You've got to be able to move on and give it your all at the next casting. Who is your favorite model and why? Sean O’Pry is probably my favorite male model. He not only was the top paid male model of 2012 but he's also a cool guy met him once and gave me some good advice seemed really humble. He's also from my home state Georgia and actually lived 30 minutes from where I grew up. What do you foresee happening in the male modeling industry within the next 5 years? Honestly I feel like super models will make a come back. Models are great role models and I think that one day society will get fed up with these immature celebrities getting arrested and making very poor decisions. Models are people you can look up too. For the most part we live healthy lives and work hard but also know how to have a good time. Currently Weiss is busy with castings for NY fashion week

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I had an idea to try anime poses for my next test shoot! It's gonna be super fun. I'm gonna change a little though so it won't look so spastic. So excited!

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Modeling rules. 1. It's always more dynamic for you to look away from the camera instead of directly at it. 2. Many times I find that models are not vulnerable enough in shoots. They put on fake faces that are not THEMSELVES. The best thing for a model to do is use THEIR best features. As you can see, Marlon uses himself the best way he can in the middle picture; It makes his pictures come come off very natural. 3. Make sure your body is asymmetric. What do I mean? I mean each part of your body should be doing something different. In picture three, Marlon isn't just standing- he shifts his weight to make a better picture. Marlon Teixeira Wilhelmina New York. MGM Paris http://www.malemodelscene.net/agencies/wilhelmina-models/marlon-teixeira-gaudi-fall-winter-2012-13/

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See any Similarities? This is a great pose that I want to integrate in my next shoot. From left to right: Daniel Bederov (Wilhelmina) Jessie Stevens (NEXT management) -My shoots going to consist of about 5 guys and they all have a boyish skinny look, poloroids coming soon! I've already started to put together the clothes and set for the photoshoot. It's going to be like a beach/ high class shoot. Its hard to explain. Some of the pieces I have (from goodwill and garage sales, of course) are flowery cups, pottery, and old vintage flower plates. I also got crochet flower blankets! The clothes are mostly brown but have flower designs on them. I'm still looking for locations, although I've found one. the first location is going to be in front of a bunch of huge dead bushes.