An INTERVIEW with Model / Musician Justin Edwards

TRC: Hi Justin, and welcome to The Reading Café.

Justin: Hi. Thank you!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you pleasetell us something about yourself?

Follow Justin: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

Justin: Most of my life I have been a competitive athlete. I grew up as as gymnast and martial artist, also playing football, basketball, and playing baseball for a top collegiate program through college.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Justin: I wanted to be a professional baseball player, or an entertainer, from the time I can remember.

TRC: When not modeling what is your ‘day job’?

Justin: I’m a musician/entertainer, and a personal trainer.

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Justin: There’s probably not really that one moment that sparked an interest. I really just fell into fashion and commercial modeling through singing and playing music.

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Justin: There’s always plenty of bloopers and mishaps, especially with me because I’m a big goofball, but none that I recall going completely wrong.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Justin: My best advice would be to do only what you are personally comfortable with doing. There will always be critics, and those with different views. That’s life…but life is too short to worry about what everyone else thinks. Be happy.

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surrounded by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Justin: I have gotten to meet so many great people through modeling, and have gained a lot of new friends. It does get hard to keep up at times, but I have a great circle of close friends who are very supportive.

TRC: At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance story line has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Justin: I think it’s great! I have been able to see so many places, and meet so many people over the last couple years. Some will be lifelong friends with whom I will share lifelong memories. To some degree, it has become more like a brotherhood…a family.

TRC: What do you do to prepare yourself for a shoot?

Justin: I usually just cut out all junk food for a few days.lol I stay in pretty good shape being a personal trainer and athletic coach, so don’t have to do much to get my abs back. 😉

TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Justin: Hmm…I really don’t know. I’d say probably less than 100 novel covers.

TRC: Do you remember the first cover (book or magazine) on which you appeared?

Justin: My first book cover (Romance Novel) was ‘Wicked’ by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I don’t recall the first publication, or magazine. I’ve been in many more fashion and commercial publications than I have Romance novel covers.

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Justin: Usually goof off and joke around. Also, drink flavored water. *Some will understand that one.J

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

 

Justin:
#1- Record (writing or recording artist).
#2- Own 3 of my own gyms (currently working on my first).
#3- Complete my novel.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Justin: I’m a Sci-Fi Nerd!

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about modeling ?

Justin: Probably that most models aren’t intelligent. A lot of us are well educated, and some of us speak up to 5 languages. Some of the most intelligent, and uniquely diverse people I have met have been in the modeling and entertainment industry.

TRC: What type of music do you listen to? Perform? and what is on your playlist today?

Justin: I mostly listen to oldies, classic country, classic rock, and rockabilly. I perform all of those genres, as well as some good dance/pop tunes for certain venues.

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Justin: I’m currently working toward moving into entertainment full time, and growing my health & fitness business.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Justin: I’d just like to thank everyone who works hard to bring each cover to life! Aside from the novel itself, there’s a lot that goes into bringing these books to life. Also, a huge thank you to all of the readers and fans! Without y’all, this industry wouldn’t exist!!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits

Favorite Dessert: Banana Pudding

Favorite Movie: Major League or Lonesome Dove

Favorite TV Show: Supernatural

Last Movie that you saw: Wonder Woman

Secret Celebrity Crush: Kate Beckinsale

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Last Book that you Read: Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy

Pet Peeve: Unjustly being rude or unkind.

TRC:  Thank you Justin for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success and the amazing cover images. We
wish you all the best and many more covers !!

Justin: You’re very welcome! Thank you very much, and thank you for the opportunity to interview with The Reading Café!!