What inspired you to become a model?
There is an insatiable need for self-expression that we all possess, and having grown up as a well-rounded athlete, I was no stranger to training and expressing myself through my own personal physical medium: my body. Having been exposed to the creative industry in recent years, I became aware that not only could one get paid, but also make a career out of this expression. I made it my mission to pursue this craft.
“Meet Our Model”
Jovanni Romero
**Personal & Career Journey**
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?
I'm a first-generation American born to Mexican immigrants and grew up bouncing between living on ranches to small towns. I still have a fondness for the easy-going, idyllic, rural feeling of growing up where I did, but I knew I wanted more from life. When I moved to Los Angeles, I wanted to venture out of my comfort zone and try my hand at something I had been told would be a great fit, and I found my way in the acting/modeling world.
Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
**Industry Experience & Challenges**
What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
I'm still early on in my modeling career, and many of the opportunities I've had so far have been memorable in one way or another, but truly, the people I have worked with have made the work so much easier and memorable than I could've imagined before getting into the industry.
Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
I consider myself lucky that I have not encountered any major challenges so far, but I am still in the infancy of my modeling career. In my day-to-day life and having grown up a child to immigrant parents, I've adopted a strong work ethic that has centered around persistence and perseverance.
​The second I got behind a camera, I was hooked! It was like a new persona was born, and the self that had been repressed in favor of pragmatism was allowed to shine. After that moment, I knew I had to do more to get behind the camera again and shoot/act.
**Creative Process & Style**
How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
Mentally, I like to be centered and grounded for any major project, and that includes focusing on my mental and physical health so that I show up in the best form of myself every time. That is the best thing we can do for ourselves, given our busy lives and responsibilities, but we owe it to ourselves to nurture our soul and psyche.
How would you describe your modeling style?
Ephemeral and intense. The feelings I embody in the moment are fleeting from pose to pose, but the intensity is something I carry throughout my work.
Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?
I'd have to say editorial because of the looseness and ability to really express yourself in different circumstances/outfits. Like donning new personas.
What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?
I believe we all have a story to tell and express our pain and joy through our faces. I try to remember this when I do a photoshoot, as our stories are incredibly personal, and showcasing this to an audience gives them a window into our life story and serves as a medium to tell that life story.
**Influences & Inspirations**
Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
I recall an interview I listened to a while back with Tom Ford, in which he shared his personal design philosophy and offered some general nuggets of wisdom. One thing that stood out was the idea of resisting trend chasing and embracing aging gracefully. I fully support this as I have always gravitated towards a simpler, traditional aesthetic and have embraced my facial wrinkles and gray hairs over the past few years.
How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
I was never someone who liked complacency. If I feel too comfortable in a space, I know I'm doing something wrong or the work isn't deeply challenging me. I try to remind myself of this tenet whenever I'm on the job or in any other place in life; this philosophy extends to a wide array of circumstances we find ourselves in.
**Future Goals & Advice**
What are your biggest career goals for the future?
I would love to have modeling become my career and be able to showcase my talent/persona through this medium. That would be the biggest career goal for myself; everything else will follow after that.
Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?
I am inherently drawn towards old-world, traditional looks that can evolve with our ever-changing zeitgeist. Tom Ford, Valentino, and Giorgio Armani are a few of the brands I would consider at the pinnacle of my dream modeling prospects, as they blend these two ideas so beautifully.
What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?
Barring any real-world roadblocks, the hardest thing about starting in this industry is going out and starting. Once you do that, and once you realize you can, the momentum comes next.
