Joe Marvullo-Interview with the Cover Model at The Reading Cafe

TRC: Hi Joe and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

FOLLOW Joe: Facebook / Twitter

Joe:  I grew up in a small town called Glenwood Landing on Long Island NY. I am the youngest of 3. I have two older sisters. So I am the baby boy… And I have a feeling it will always be that way 🙂 I grew up with 2 great parents that did everything they could to give me and my sisters what they could. My entire life sports played a huge role in giving me some self confidence, and a sense of belonging. I was a great athlete and used sports as an outlet for myself.

 
TRC:  Would you please tell us about your first tattoo and what was the decision behind the design? Do all of your tattoos have some significance to your life and struggle?

Joe:  The first tattoo I got was 2 weeks after my mother had passed away. It was a Japanese symbol for “Good Memory”. My decision to get this was driven off of guilt. I was feeling very guilty after my mother had passed because of the events that led up to that day. But I wanted something where I could have a constant reminder to remember the good, not the bad. Every one of my tattoos has significance. They all signify different points in my life where there was struggle and success.

TRC:  Many people, once they get their first inked artwork, are more likely to get another tattoo (body modification some call it) and some do not stop at one or two. Do you believe that getting multiple tattoos is another form of addiction?

Joe:  I don’t know if it’s another form of addiction, but I do know that there aren’t many people that I have met that can just stop after they get one. Once you get the creative juices flowing it’s hard to stop. You get one and love it, then think of another great idea, or you just like the overall design and you want to add to it. It’s weird to say, but when I look at someone with just one tattoo to me it looks a bit strange. I know that I am going to continue to get more and more. I don’t think I would fill my entire body, but I definitely want to add to what I have.

TRC:  Would you please tell us how you were ‘discovered’ and what was the precipitating factor behind your modeling career?

Joe:  I moved down to FL in the fall of 2007. I was working at an amazing restaurant in Dunedin FL. It was called Kellys For Just About Anything. It was there that I became friendly with a lot of the locals. There were 2 gentleman that owned a store in town called “Q”. Ron and Mark were regulars at the restaurant and had told me about a VIP party they were having for their best customers. They had asked if I would want to serve drinks and mingle with the ladies. I agreed and went to the event where I walked around shirtless and had a blast. There I met a fellow model and photographer named Edsras. He asked if he could shoot me and I agreed. I then went to Tampa and shot with him and his friends Daniel. That was the first shoot I ever did. In the past I NEVER wanted to model, but for some reason I decided to finally say yes.

From there I decided to see where it went and I started to communicate with a Miami based photographer named Luis Rafael. I set up a date and made my way to Miami. We did a 2 day shoot and it was the first time I ever felt “Alive” in front of the camera. He was, and to this day still is the best photographer I ever shot with. Not just because of the finished product, but because he was such a great person as well. He made me feel important, comfortable, and coached me through the entire shoot. Once we got the final images back it was then that I did my research and realized who Luis really was. One of the most well-known male photographers in the world. I decided to take the photos and put them on an on-line portfolio called ModelMayhem. It was then that I realized that I might be able to do something with all of this modeling. I might be able to go somewhere with it. Because of the great images I produced with Esdras, and the amazing images I produced with Luis, along with Luis’ name. I started to get a lot of offers to do shoots in the local market. Before I knew it people were recognizing me and my work, and it all just took off!

In the beginning the driving force behind my modeling was purely to see where it went. I was proud that I had worked so hard on my insides that I looked healthy on the outside. I worked hard in the gym, not just to achieve a nice body, but it was a form of therapy for me. At one point in my life when I was active I was so unhealthy that I looked sick and really unhealthy. I felt if I took pictures that I could be proud of all the hard work that I had put into myself as a whole.

TRC:  How did you become involved in the romance cover industry and do you remember your first cover?

Joe:  I had been contacted by a few authors in my past about doing some covers but never really had any interest. I was contacted by an author named Bonnie, and we discussed the possibility of doing a cover. That was the first time I had put any real thought into it. From there I had one of my close friends Kris Adams contact me that she knew someone that was interested in using me for her covers. Kimberly Knight and I were in touch soon after where we worked together to do our first cover. We did a remake of “Where I need to Be”. That was my first cover I ever did.

TRC:  Do you know the number of ‘romance covers’ on which your image currently appears?

Joe:  As of right now I am on 2 covers for Kimberly Knight, “Where I Need to Be” & “Wanted” we are currently working on some more. I am on “Private Message” by Danielle Torella. And soon to be on a cover for author Maria DeSouza.

TRC:  There is a stigma in the cover model industry especially as it pertains to romance covers. The romance novel industry has dramatically increased in popularity over the past few years. Do you think the cover illustrations and ‘hero depictions’ have pushed the industry in such a way, that the reader’s imaginations can be fueled by the representation on the cover?

Joe:  I never was into reading in general, but I have noticed a huge increase in the popularity of romance novels. I think it is becoming more socially acceptable to share ones interest in that specific type of novel. I think that the ability to pick and choose someone that fits your character has given the ability for many authors to “brand” their novels. I think that if someone finds that a specific model has a certain type of following it can definitely help get more readers for the authors. To me it is still very strange that people think of me, and or fantasize in any way about my pictures coming to life.

TRC: Nudity in the modeling industry can be very controversial. Photographs can range from sensual and sexual to bordering on pornographic. What advice would you give to young and up and coming models in the industry about nude photography?

Joe:  Nudity is one of the biggest issues in the modeling industry. Male or female models all go through struggles with photographers and industry professionals trying to get them to take nude photos. My advice would be to stay away from anyone that wants to shoot you nude. It is not worth it whether it be lots of money, or promises of fame. Stay close to the people that treat you with respect.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you faced in the modeling industry?

Joe:  Most of the challenges I have faced in the industry is the fact that I started so late in life. So mainly my age, but also my tattoos. I have been stuck between two worlds in modeling. High fashion and fitness. Most of the time its either or, not both. My tattoos have stopped me from getting some jobs, but helped me with others.

TRC:  When you are not modeling, what do you do for excitement? Relaxation?

Joe:  Excitement, I love to travel, go out with friends to lounges, and definitely anything outdoors. I enjoy sporting events, concerts, and spending time with my family.

Relaxation, I love movies, cooking, playing with anything electronic. I would say I am def a computer nerd.

TRC:  Do you have a second career when you are not modeling?

Joe:  I have always, and always will have a full time “Professional” career while modeling. I recently have resigned from a job as a pharmaceutical rep for a skincare company. I am currently looking for a new job in Sales, Management, Business Development.

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

Joe:  A lot of people that first meet me think that I am going to be the complete opposite of who I really am. They think I am going to be vain, superficial, materialistic etc…. No one knows the struggles I have gone through and what my true purpose really is. Most would think I am selfish and egotistical, when I would say I am selfless, and humble.

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

Joe:
Start my own business again.
Get married.
Have kids
Start a foundation.
Most importantly travel the world and have my story be heard!

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Joe:  Currently I am working on a few project for some new magazines, I am working on a bunch of novel covers, editorials, fashion shows, music videos, TV commercials, and soon to be breaking into the Acting world some more.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food:
Soup!! I love any kind of Soups… My sister always makes it for me when I go to her house. But if I had to choose a “type” I would have to say Italian.

Favorite Dessert:
Cannolis!!!

Favorite TV Show:
Rediculousness/Fantasy Factory

Last Movie You Saw:
Mr. Nobody

Dark or Milk Chocolate:
Neither

Iron Man or Thor
Thor

Dream Car:
White 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo

Last Vacation Destination:
Puerto Rico

TRC:  Thank you Joe for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your recent cover appearances. We wish you all the best.