“Meet the Model”
Enrique Riveroll
**Personal & Career Journey**
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?
When one thinks of someone involved in modelling, the typical assumption would be an individual that comes from a central hub like Toronto, NYC, LA, Paris. The last person someone would expect is a Hispanic 24-year-old son of hard-working immigrants from a small Canadian province of less than 180,000 people. My foray into modelling is recent, only just beginning in the latter half of 2024 (in September to be specific). As a result, there is still a lot for me to learn and work through as I have been trying to understand the industry. I had been told for years by friends, family, even strangers online that I should attempt a modelling career, but I never pulled the trigger because I would constantly tell myself that maybe I just wasn’t the right look or body type. Overcoming those doubts was a challenge, but I eventually came to the conclusion that if I prevented myself from giving an honest try because of potential assumptions from others or because I wasn’t the “perfect look”, I was only causing detriment to myself and I would rather face rejection from others directly and push forward through it then to deny myself and live with the regret that I never even gave myself an opportunity. That’s
when I started taking things more seriously and started the process of creating my portfolio, networking with photographers and other models in the space, and attending networking events to meet agents and managers.
What inspired you to become a model?
Funny enough, it was my early influence to the Rap/Hip-Hop scene that initially inspired my interest into the world of modelling. Music Artists like A$AP Rocky and the A$AP Mob Collective inspired me with their bravado, confidence, and “take no prisoners” attitude with their approach to music, fashion, and lifestyle. Rocky specifically has been one of my biggest influences and it was amazing witnessing the kind of fashion trends both him and his fellow associates led and influenced during the 2010’s and it’s been even more exciting to watch Rocky’s recent work with Ray-Ban, Puma, and with his recent high fashion line American Sabotage. That kind of confidence and energy is something I try to vicariously exemplify as much as I can in my own shoots. The opportunity to work with him in some way, shape, or form in fashion would be an ultimate dream come true.
Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
Being a shorter man (173cm. or 5’8”) has presented a major challenge trying to break into the industry. Most agencies look for Men in the 5’10”-6’3” range, so as a result, that has disqualified me from many opportunities with a number of agencies, but I have never let this dissuade me. The reason I have my current agent is because I walked up to him, introduced myself, and sold him on why I should be a part of his agency. That experience made me realize that no one is coming to give me a hand-out or opportunity. I have to make the opportunities for myself and understand that it takes many rejections before getting that one yes. I’m in a career in sales, so these kinds of experiences I am incredibly familiar and comfortable with. It all comes with the territory. You either you sink or swim and if you sink the sharks in the water (Be that a sales prospect/lead, an agent/agency, or a brand/brand manager) will swallow you up for
lunch and spit you back out.
How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
I try to be as clean as possible in all facets leading up to a shoot. That includes, making sure my diet and fitness regimen are strictly dialed in and my time on Social Media is incredibly scaled back. You are the canvas in which the photographer, brand, or designer is portraying their work, so you need to make sure that you are prepared physically and psychologically to give it your best. Any small room for error results in the final shots coming out subpar and that can affect how wat you are modelling is being perceived by others. Putting your best foot forward allows the artists to demonstrate their work in the best possible format and setting and that gains you access to future work per their reference.
**Influences & Inspirations**
Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
As I mentioned before, Rocky has been a huge inspiration for my own journey, but I’ve also been inspired by individuals like Jeremy Meeks who went from rock bottom being locked up in prison to becoming a fashion model icon and actor. Hearing about his story inspires me that no
matter how difficult things can get and no matter how many curveballs life throws your way it’s all about being able to take those hits, getting right back up and to keep pushing forward. True failure only occurs when you decide to give up altogether, and seeing Jeremy’s ability to capitalize on the opportunity that was presented to him inspires me to continually chase my own goals and purpose no matter how hard it gets.
How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
Understanding that there is always an opportunity to improve. Whether it’s taking stricter care of my health, learning how to better pose, or experimenting with different styles and looks; I believe that it is paramount to continually learn and adapt in order to maintain motivation and drive and prevent burnout. This can be an incredibly challenging industry to gain your footing in, so I’ve always held this philosophy to control the things you can control and let the
circumstances you have no control over pass through and leave you unaffected. I try to make it as fun and engaging for myself. As soon as it starts to feel like a chore or work, that’s my cue to step back and consider whether I am prioritizing incorrectly. I believe it’s important to set big goals to strive for but it’s also important to not let your entire identify hinge on you achieving those goals. Learning to enjoy the ride is critical!
**Future Goals & Advice**
One of my biggest career goals is to have the ability to use the influence and resources from modelling in order to enact some form of positive change. With all the hurt and pain that is pervasive in the world, I truly believe the ultimate purpose is to leave this world better than when you first come into it. You face a major responsibility when you gain influence, and I would want to use this responsibility and influence to help where I can whether that’s being a part of humanitarian effort campaigns or even starting up my own charity. I’d also love to reach a position where I can help others achieve their own dreams in the modelling space. Modelling can be an incredibly difficult industry to break into, so I would want to use my influence to help fast-track others’ careers and give them the opportunities that I myself wasn’t given as easily.
One of my all-time dream collaborations would be to work with Uniqlo. I’ve been wearing their clothes for the last 4 years and love both the style and comfortability of a number of their clothing lines. I also align strongly to their core values of harmony and sustainability for our communities and the planet. If I’m able to collaborate with brands of similar mindset, I believe I’ve in a small way have helped contribute a net positive impact and benefit to the world.
What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?
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I’ll give 5 core pieces of advice:
1. Don’t just take a no at face value! A no only means “not yet”. Every single no you receive gets you one step closer to a yes with a major collaborator or brand. Use rejection as the jet fuel to push yourself harder and get yourself into the right network and spaces.
Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
Being invited to the Canadian Modelling and Talent Convention was far and a way one of the
most pivotal moments when I realized modelling is something I wanted to take more seriously.
While it was a competitive environment, it didn’t feel like I was
competing with anyone. We all wanAttending that convention and meeting so many talented models, actors, dancers, singers, and
multi-talented performers inspired me immensely. The amount of support, encouragement,
and drive that I met from the people there (Some as young as 3 years old and as old as 70+),
was incredible to witness. ted each other to succeed, whether that was securing a
talent agent and manager or the opportunity to gain valuable connections to further an
emerging career, and as a result it pushed me even harder to put my best foot forward. Being
engaged within that kind of environment and energy led me to this realization that I could do
this and that I wanted to do it properly instead of putting in minimal effort.
**Industry Experience & Challenges**
What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
Oh, definitely the opportunity to work with Coastal Culture. They’re a local clothing company
based out of my hometown Canadian province of Prince Edward Island with a wide selection of
clothing lines from shirts, to sweaters, to shorts, and everything in between. I remember
growing up and seeing their clothing and branding all over the province, so getting the
opportunity to model for their new clothing line this year brought up very nostalgic memories
from my childhood. While it may not be a major brand like a DIOR or CHANEL or HERMÈS, I see
it as one step/opportunity forward towards unlocking the ability to place myself in the eyes of
these larger brands. The sky is the limit and, in my mind, I haven’t even taken lift-off yet!
**Creative Process & Style**
How would you describe your modeling style?
My style is definitely very Old-Money Inspired. Suits, Ties, Plaid Pants, nice leather shoes, fancy
leather shoes, watches, and jewelry; they’re all elements I like to incorporate into my work and
are what I find myself most comfortable and myself in. If I could describe my style in a single
catchphrase I would say it’s where raw, unapologetic edge meet refined elegance – sharp
tailoring, bold accents, and presence that radiates fearlessness.
Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?
While they all exciting in their own way, I would say editorial personally for me takes the cake. From a young age I always loved to write, whether it was stories, non-fiction, or poetry. Editorial modelling truly feels like poetry and writing in motion. The model and photographer are painting a picture and writing a story much like a writer does. I love that editorials incorporate elements of writing, art, and design all in one, and at the end of the day the goal of art, in my opinion, is to tell a story that evokes interpretative discourse, and I find editorials allow for this is in an incredibly pure form.
What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?
Understanding what story, you want to tell is I believe critical, especially when it comes to the modelling space. Storytelling provides an immersive experience for individuals to be able to
align and connect with the values of a brand or designer via an engaging narrative. While these narratives can be decorous and direct or provocative and interpretative, I believe that a narrative should evoke conversation and a story that is compelling conveys vision and in turn action that can result in major positive impact. It’s the job of the model to take the tools and direction given by the designer, brand, and photographer, and through this paint a picture that guides viewers through a journey that can shift their perspective and gets them to visualize outside of themselves or motivate them to make a positive change.
2. Use caution and proper judgement when speaking with agencies! Ensure that the agency or management company you sign with is someone who aligns with your values. Don’t just take the first one that offers you interest or an opportunity. If you’re both aligned then they will provide you opportunities that you believe in pursuing and allow you to continue to stay true to yourself.
3. When given an opportunity from a brand trust your gut! If you feel like they aren’t valuing your worth, don’t be afraid to negotiate for more and be comfortable and prepared to walk away if you believe they aren’t providing you the right opportunity. There will be many more that will come and it is better to get into the habit early of understanding what your worth in the marketplace is versus getting taken advantage of for less.
4. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and look silly doing it! Brands are looking for authenticity and if you just follow the trend of being like everybody else, you just end up becoming a number. This is paramount, especially if you don’t have all the “stereotypical advantages/traits”.
5. Be delusional! You have forge in yourself that you are capable of accomplishing anything and everything you set your mind to, whether that’s working with a big brand or enacting major change through a major collaboration. Set your goals so incredibly high so that even if you don’t reach them right away, you’ll still find yourself in a place you would have never expected to find yourself and achieving goals you’ve only dreamed of. Then you use those accomplishments to catapult yourself back up to those incredibly lofty goals.