Durban male model Dane Griffiths shares his story

When did you first discover you had a passion for modeling, and why do you have this passion?

I really do enjoy being in the public eye and having a positive effect on people. “If I can do it they can do it”. I knew from the first time I stepped onto the ramp, that it is what I was meant to do. I feel alive when I’m modeling. I feel ME!

How would you compare Durban models to Johannesburg and International models, are there a huge difference?

The scope for Durban based models unfortunately isn’t as broad as JHB and internationally based models. In terms of talent and potential we definitely have what it takes to compete at an international level and I intend doing just that!

Are there any stereotypes for male models in today’s day and age?

Yes; there are a lot of people who assume that because you’re a model you’re living this “glamorous lifestyle” and that all you do is “pose” in front of a camera which isn’t the case. A lot of hard hours at the gym, discipline and healthy eating habits have to be maintained in order to always look your best, which is exactly what the clients expect. It’s difficult but oh so worth it in the end.

What’s the best part of being a male model?

I’d probably be expected to say “all the girls that come with it” but NO! It would definitely have to be the rewards that come with it and I’m not just talking about remuneration, but the feeling of success and accomplishment every time you see yourself in catalogues, magazines, newspapers, billboards etc. and knowing that your hard work and determination got you there.

What has been your best model experience?

I’ve had many memorable experiences in my career thus far. It’s really hard to choose because I treasure each and every one. Ranging from photo shoots, fashion shows and pageants, they’ve all required a substantial amount of hard work.

What has been your favourite photo-shoot and what made it different from other photo-shoots?

It would have to be all my Hub shoots I’ve done thus far. The photographer was Jono Nienaber. The reason they’re my favorite is because it involved a lot of laughing and having fun which is what I’m all about. I could just be myself.

What advice can you give young models that would like to enter the industry?

The key bit of advice I can give is to “BE PATIENT”, Learn and absorb every fashion show and shoot that you do as this will only carry you from strength to strength and bigger jobs! The experience is vital! The money will follow.

Please share a few of your successes with us?

I’m really proud of all my achievements so far. In my 1st year of modeling I won MR CAFE VACCA MATA 2010, MR PHOTOGENIC (Cafe Vacca Mata) 2010 and MODEL OF THE YEAR 2010 for my previous agency.
MR USHAKA MARINE WORLD 2011
SHARKS FLASHER 2012, THE JOCKEY SHOW 2012 to name a few.

What’s your favourite quote of all time?

My favorite quote is actually something I thought of and I absolutely live by this. My philosophy is what you put in is what you get out – when you think good you look good, when you eat good you train good, when you train good you look good, when you look good you feel good, when you feel good you do good. When you do good ITS ALL GOOD!

The modeling industry is known to be brutal at times, and tend to bruise ones ego. What steps do you take in order for you to rise above harsh comments and remarks?

The three most important things I do is not to not take any comments personally, some designer/clients might absolutely adore you and some might not, at the end of the day it’s their opinion and they’re entitled to it. You can’t please everyone unfortunately.

What are your plans for the future as a model?

I intend to model on an international level by the time I’m 25, The way things are going I can confidently say that I’m well on my way and that’s all thanks to my “ALMIGHTY GOD”.

Information provided by  Dane Griffiths

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