Interview with Cover Model-Nathan D. Weller

TRC: Hi Nathan and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

NOTE: Nathan Weller pass away in 2020

 

Nathan: I grew up in a small tourist beach town along Lake Michigan.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Nathan: I played hockey for fun but I was better at baseball. My first aspirations were to get college paid for with a scholarship then professional baseball player. I did end up playing professional baseball but it didn’t last long. My arm went and I had to get tommy john surgery. After that I never fully came back 100%.

TRC: Will you please tell us about how you got started in the modeling business? How were you ‘discovered’?

Nathan: K Keeton Designs discovered me. Kelsey messaged me on Facebook asking to take some pictures. I was bartending at the time and remember showing up to the photo shoot that morning on a couple hours sleep. She snapped a few pictures and posted them. Ever since then the authors have loved me and welcomed me with open arms.

TRC: What have been some of the challenges you have faced in your modeling career?

Nathan: A constant challenge is staying in shape. I’m still fairly new to modeling. I didn’t really see the opportunity at first. When I decided to start taking it seriously I started working out again. Injuries can also be a challenge. It’s hard to get in shape when you’re battling an injury. Food has been a challenge for me as well when it comes to staying in shape. I tend not to have portion control or will power to resist all the delicious foods. You put a large pizza in front of me I will eat it.

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

Nathan: Haha, well some authors can be picky as to what they want on a cover. I’ve had to redo shoots before. When you pour your heart and soul into a book you tend to have a certain vision of how you want your cover as well.Sometimes outfits don’t align (hair color, nails, etc.) to the author’s vision. Other than that if something goes wrong it’s usually caught on camera. The outtakes of a shoot are my favorite part.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography. You have posed nude for several photographers. What would you tell young models just entering the business about nude modeling?

Nathan: I’ve never technically done nude modeling. Sure I’ve taken my clothes off under hotel bed sheets but the photos are more seductive and don’t focus on the nudity. You also have to be careful of who you work with as well. Make sure the photographer is reputable, especially for you young ladies out there. If you’re not comfortable with something don’t do it.

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

Nathan: The stress that I deal with is the imperfection of my body. I’m constantly comparing myself to other fitness models and see areas I can improve. Sometimes I wish I could just drop this modeling stuff and be a fat kid lol.

TRC: Is modeling your full –time career or do you have a ‘day job’?

Nathan: Modeling is not my full time career but I wouldn’t mind making it. I would love to spend more time in the gym and posing with beautiful woman. Right now I’m in between jobs. I try to live a simple life. Go to the gym, take care of my animals. I have 30 acres north of town with a few goats.

TRC: At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry. But the popularity of the paranormal romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years with the many vampire, werewolf and fantasy storylines. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Nathan:  The popularity of the romance industry is very exciting for me. Regardless of the general theme behind the book it’s just great to see the industry grow, not only the industry but the personal friends success along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to watch careers blossom.

That being said, sex sells and covers are very important. As an author you need something that is unique and flashy, but yet portrays your story. Covers that will make a reader pick up a book and open it.

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

Nathan: I’ve done about 20 covers now. Half of those books are out now, others are still in print.

TRC: Do you remember the first ‘romance cover’ on which you appeared?

Nathan: When You’re Ready by J.L. Berg was my first cover. I think that’s when I realized that this was kind of a big deal. I was on the cover of a bestselling author.

TRC: Do you have a favorite cover?

Nathan: It’s hard to pic a favorite cover. They are all unique and special in their own way to me.

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

Nathan: Throw on some pj’s, pop in a movie, grab some snacks, and light one up.

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Nathan: I’ve debated writing a book of my own, although I don’t know that I could. As of now I’m just jotting down a few ideas. Being around the book industry has been very inspiring. A romance book that comes from the raw male perspective seems like something readers would be interested in.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Nathan: Thank you for everyone at The Reading Café to give me this opportunity!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
French toast

Favorite Dessert
Chocolate chip cookie dough

Favorite Movie
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Favorite TV Show
The Walking Dead

Last Movie that you Saw
Pain and Gain

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk

Last Book that you Read
The 12th Planet by Zecharia Sitchin

TRC: Thank you Nathan for taking the time to answer out questions. Congratulations on all of your success.