OutRAGEous Model/Talent

Rage – David, you are still a newlywed as you just got married this past January! When and how did you meet your wife?

Yes, my wife, Amanda, and I got married on January 19th, and it was the best day ever! Honestly, Amanda tells the story best, but here I go. Amanda and I met in February 2017, but didn’t start dating until July of that year. We met through mutual friends at a church. Amanda was impatient, and wanted to start dating pretty quickly, but I had just moved to LA at the time, and felt like I needed to get acquainted with work and the city. But, after being her friend for six months, I realized this girl was one-in-a-million, and we started dating on July 7th, 2017.

Rage – What age did you first start thinking about getting into the modeling/entertainment industry?

Growing up, entertainment was a huge part of my life. I started playing the piano when I was eight years old, and then started acting in plays when I was about ten. It’s funny looking back, because I knew that entertainment was my passion, but growing up in North Dakota, “entertainment” wasn’t considered a viable or realistic career. I acted, sang, and played in performances until I graduated high school. During high school, I auditioned for a talent showcase program. To my family’s surprise, I was accepted into the program for acting, singing, and…. Wait what?? MODELING? It was at that time that modeling popped into my head!

Rage – What steps did you take to pursue your dream?

Upon moving to LA, I quickly signed with Rage—THAT was definitely one of the best steps I could’ve taken to pursue my dreams in the entertainment industry. Starting out as a model, I knew that I needed a portfolio, so I reached out to photographers, submitted for smaller modeling opportunities, practiced poses, and did my best to always be consistent and up to date on my casting profiles for my reps. I also always communicate with my reps, sending them photos, or ideas, or skills, or clips that may be useful to specific castings, or diversifying my portfolio. On top of that, I am diligent in maintaining a consistent workout schedule, measuring my body regularly, and eating cleanly.

Rage – What do you think is the most positive thing you have taken away from your working experience?

I think that one of the best parts and most positive takeaways from modeling is simply learning and loving being a part of a vision. The more I model, the more I really realize it’s less about me, and more about the group of people, company, agency, or marketing team that I am contributing to. Whenever I get into a “me” mentality, I don’t find myself enjoying the product. Working in entertainment has taught me to work hard and humble myself into a teamwork mentality.

Rage – That being said, what do you view as some of the biggest difficulties in this industry?

Modeling is such a rewarding industry, but also has its moments. For me, the biggest difficulty is separating myself from my body. It’s easy for me to get into a “work, work, work” mentality, and since my body is technically my “work,” I can put too much pressure on myself to workout or look good. This career places a high expectation on healthy standards, and I desire to do my best to uphold them in a mentally healthy way.

Rage – What advice would you give to new talent pursuing this industry?

First, I would say just do what you love! If you truly love being in front of the camera, do it, and don’t let a lack of “opportunities” stop you. Find a way to practice and hone your craft, whether you get paid or not. Also, be kind. I have found that the models who think they are “all that and more” create an abrasive feeling on set, and don’t get cast. I truly believe that being genuine, honest, and kind in castings plays a role in your cast-ability. Finally, be diligent. You’re always on the clock with this industry. Being diligent entails watching your measurements, communicating your measurements, updating your portfolio, staying fit, and staying happy!

Rage – What do you see yourself doing in 10 years from now?

I see myself still living with who I love, Amanda, and doing what I love: acting, modeling, and making music!

Rage – When not pursuing work, what do you do for fun/hobbies?

I love my family and friends—so being with them is something I always try to make time for. I briefly mentioned it before, but I play piano and just love it. I enjoy composing, improvising, and arranging music on that magical instrument. I also love cooking, hiking, and camping. Recently my wife and I went camping outside of Santa Barbara, and I was amazing! I am also obsessed with coffee, and I love to dance (specifically swing dance).

Rage – Thank you David for some insight into your career and family! We love you!