The world of modeling these days has truly become a thriving, yet struggling industry all at once. Many models are finding themselves being replaced by hangers, as more designers are opting to use in-house exhibitions instead of runway shows. Today T.B.N Interviews male model Jordan Anthony Swain about his struggles in the industry, his inspirations, and what pushes him to continue in the cut throat world of fashion modeling.
T.B.N– So, Jordan, welcome to The Black Nouveau! We are so happy to interview you. So you’re a male model, where are you based?
Jordan Thanks for having me. Yes, I am a male model and National Educational Speaker to the Boys and Girls Clubs, and like organizations. I am based out of Los Angeles.
T.B.N- How long have you been modeling? What was your inspiration to make this type of career choice?
Jordan I’ve been modeling for almost a year now. I kind of fell into it unintentionally. The possibilities of being a model always interested me. When I got more serious about it, and more drawn to the industry as a whole, I recall friends telling me there was no way I could ever be a model, so it died there. Then, Senior year, I showed up to my Medical Careers class I was taking, and my teachers quickly told me to go to Commercial Design down the hall, and that I was requested to model for a student’s final project. The experience of a photo shoot was exhilarating. Ultimately those photos were used as a Campaign, across the state of Massachusetts for the Department of Public Health in coalition with the Department of Education.
T.B.N- Where are you from originally? Did you always feel that you had the “Modeling gene” ?
Jordan I was born and raised in the mega University City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, with Ivy League Schools such as Harvard and MIT. Cambridge borders Boston, and is separated only by the Charles River.Honestly, growing up, I was told I was handsome by my grandmother, and family friends, which I always thought was a gesture of kindness. Friends always looked at me as the nerdy popular tall kid, who was going to be a Doctor someday. I didn’t know girls found me attractive until my best friends girlfriend told me in 8th grade “You are very good-looking, Jordan”.
T.B.N- Being a model these days is very hard, especially in this economy when more designers are opting to use less and less of models, what do you think the hardest part of it all is for you?
Jordan Yes, the modeling industry is cut throat, and rigorous. My first manager always told me “There will always be someone out there, more better looking than you, more handsome than you, with a better body than you…”. In the world of Fashion, males were always paid less than their female counterparts, there are even less jobs for male models. For me, the hardest part is wanting to seize the best opportunity possible, that could lead to the next job. For instance, if I take a job for 2 weeks in Northern California, I could be limiting myself to the possibilities of more work, in Los Angeles or New York etc.
T.B.N- Any inspirational role models that you look up to?
Jordan– Yes, my role models are drawn from many backgrounds, experiences and professions. Some of my biggest role models are Michael Jackson, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Lauryn Hill, Bruce Hulse, and Janet Jackson to name a select few.
T.B.N- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time, what is your ultimate career goal?
Jordan- Within the next five years, I would love to see myself doing what I am now doing in the fashion/ entertainment industry, only on a much larger scale. I would also be very excited to continue to give back to the community, and continue speaking to youth on teen issues, and empowerment seminars. Ultimately, I would love to see myself doing what makes me happy.
The Black Nouveau would like to thank Jordan Anthony Swain for his time.
Check out Jordan on Facebook, and Twitter.
James Field
The Black Nouveau 
