A photographer found his profile and asked if he'd be interested in doing some modeling; after determining it wasn't a scam, he leapt at the chance. Now, four years later, Monroe Stevens has participated in approximately 15 photo shoots and continues to build his brand. The offer from the photographer didn't take Stevens completely by surprise. Modeling had been something Stevens had considered in the past. He says people used to comment on his cheekbones and tell him he should pursue modeling.
Currently, he models for brands that sell underwear, swimwear and the like, and as his career blossoms, he hopes to partake in more photo shoots that involve telling a story rather than merely placing bodies on display. He wants his shoots to have messages, and one big message in particular. "My overall would be love, pretty much," he said. Of special importance to him, he explained to Windy City Times, is HIV/AIDS awareness because of the prevalence of the disease in both the Black and gay communities.
Modeling, however, is not Stevens' only gig. He's also a full-time student studying business accounting; he chose to pursue accounting because of its practicality. Stevens is also interested in graphic design and animation. He's a sketch artist who especially loves sketching anime. He began sketching Looney Tunes characters before beginning to create his own. "I need to get back into it because it makes me happy," he says, "That was my first love." Stevens is also interested in learning to paint.
While he has a diverse range of art-based interests, Stevens believes modeling is a great way to bring them all together. He says he has tons of ideas for the shoots he does and wants to help create the messages they send as well as draw the costumes and different concepts to incorporate.
Stevens emphasized that being a model doesn't necessarily mean having a ton of body confidence. He said, "When you become a model, that's when you become very insecure."
As if Stevens isn't busy enough, fitness is also a staple of his routine. He began lifting at 13 years old and has loved it ever since. His typical workout takes two hours, and his favorite time to be at the gym is late at night when he can have it all to himself. He can generally be found there around 11 p.m. "I can't imagine my life without fitness, because it'd be pretty boring," he said.
* Age
30
* Orientation
Gay
* Job title
Model/student
* Favorite singer
Brandy
* Favorite type of exercise
Bench press
* Favorite book
No Excuses: Power of Self Discipline, by Brian Tracy
* Favorite movie
Get Out
* Favorite food
Sushi
* Fun fact
I look athletic, but I'm not an athlete