Model Behavior: Jonathan Zakus from Red

November 15, 2009 by Kathryn Wirsing
Filed under Agencies, Models, New Faces, Parties & People

Jonathan Zakus came into our casting and captured our hearts right away with his kind eyes and strong face. When shooting Here comes the Sun, Jonathan was up for anything. He was great at taking an idea creating a real moment for me to capture. Jonathan Zakus from Red Model Management has been heating up the industry for some time. His looks and charm book him tons of great work. Read on below for some of his insights on the modeling biz:

KW: How did you start modeling?

JZ: I was approached by the mysterious Stephen K. First the opportunity, then the choice between New York or Calculus. Finally the decision was New York.

KW: Well we’re glad you’ve chosen New York! Tell me about your magazine that you’ve had in the works?

JZ: Umm…Still in the beginning stages. Shhhhhhhh.

KW: I couldn’t resist asking after you hinted towards it when we met. Give me the best piece of advice for models in this industry now.

JZ: Either treat it as a form of employment with colleagues and acquaintances or don’t. Either way it’s just a game of luck and timing. Be true to yourself and proud of your decisions.

KW: What was it like shooting with the crew on the hippie shoot?

JZ: Funtastically, amazingly, gnarly! It was a great group of gals. It was fun, would work with them again.

KW: Was it hard to pretend you were in love with the female model?

JZ: No because I didn’t pretend. I was simply having fun with playing the part of a hippie.

KW: Which outfit was your favorite from the set that day?

JZ: The black faux vest and friends.

KW: What’s the most fun you’ve had on a photo shoot?

JZ: Shooting during Carnival in Port-au-Spain, Trinidad with the infamous Calvin French.

KW: And the craziest thing you’ve had to do for a shoot or casting?

JZ: For castings, there are too many to recount. But for shoots, it’s probably working in foreign countries not understanding the languages.

KW: Tell me a fall or winter fashion piece that you can’t live without…

JZ: Mon Toque. Ces’t francais pour beanie.

KW: That’s right you speak French! Love it. Tell me a designer or photographer you’d want to be a muse for and why?

JZ: Ralph Lauren and Mario Testino. Also Tupac, but that will have to wait until A.D. Who wouldn’t wanna work with their favorites?

KW: What does it take to be a successful model in this industry? I know it can be hard on your emotional state sometimes, what do you tell yourself to keep on doing it?

JZ: Being aware that this is a business of rejection and not to take it personally is key. Either they like your look or they don’t but you can’t change your look. Success can vary but financially it is like any other business. It is an uphill struggle with the few working kicking you back down the ladder while you are scraping to hang on.

KW: Jonathan it was such a pleasure working with you that day. You’re so much fun to be around and your work is amazing! Thank you John W. Babin for all your help at Red Models.