Interview With Male Model Michael Hanke

We had the pleasure of interviewing fabulous male model Michael Hanke. Michael talks about his most memorable photo shoots and the pros of modeling in this new exclusive interview.

Thank you so much for doing this with us!

Tell us about your career as a model.

How was he discovered?
Hanke was studying fashion and acting when he was discovered by a traveling photographer. Hanke later signed with modeling agencies EWH Management in Pennsylvania and Donna Baldwin in Denver, Colorado.

What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
To date it would have to be my first photo shoot ever which really opened the door for me. I had no clue what it was like in front of the camera or what I was going into. It was interesting and I knew I needed to practice, practice and practice if I wanted to pursue it any further… so that is exactly what I have done.

What are the main challenges in modeling today?
The modeling industry is notoriously cutthroat but it should not stop someone who is passionate about it. With the introduction of social media, modeling has become a lot more difficult and more people want quantity over quality work. Where most people care more about following and likes instead of the work they are producing and a lot of brands don’t pay for work but instead give out free product in return. Being a male model it is a lot more difficult to find people to work with in the industry. Female models definitely have it a lot harder and I give major props to them in what they go through from stories I have been told.

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How would you describe a model life?
What most people don’t know is that final image you look at in the store, on a magazine or online… behind the scenes, what you are looking at is pure hustle and bustle. A model doesn’t simply wake up, show up to a shoot or event and go home. It takes a lot of effort and work from a whole entire team to produce those images you see. It’s really not glitz and glam. A model needs to be prepared for the long, lonely road ahead and be ready to put in a lot of work.

What magazines would you like to be on the cover of?
My main goal is Vogue and GQ. I really want to work my way up to that level of quality in my career.

Who are your favorite designers?
Gucci, DKNY, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stella McCartney, Fendi, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Balmain, Balenciaga, Kenzo, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, Berluti, Burberry, Dior, Calvin Klein, Brioni, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Hugo Boss, DSquared2, Hermes and so many more. Sorry if I forgot any off the top of my head!

What advice would you give someone starting out?
My advice would be to not take anything personally, ever. No matter what the industry throws at you, keep a positive mindset. It is not an easy industry, but it’s an industry full of unique experiences and can bring you many amazing times that you will never forget.

You can check out Michael’s Instagram, where he gives you a peek into his life.

photo: Ayvin Arthur