Fashion.ie’s Kevin O’Brien chats to Irish male model, James Murphy from Meath who currently is on the books of one of Ireland’s leading agencies, André Roache Modelling Agency

James works as a personal trainer and in insurance and enjoys different fashion styles especially those of fashion designer John Galliano. He finds his modelling work both inspiring and creative. A big fan of Irish designers he thinks they are amazing and are amongst the best in the world.

NAME

James Murphy.

AGE

27.

COUNTY

County Meath.

HEIGHT

6.2

WEIGHT

90kg.

EYE COLOUR

Blue.

WAIST

32

MARRIED/SINGLE

Girlfriend, Teodora Sutra from 1^st Options Models.

HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY MODELLING SCHOOLS/COURSES, EXPLAIN?

No I have not attended any courses, self-taught.

DO YOU MODEL ON A PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME BASIS?

Part-time basis.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A MODEL

To be the top male fashion model in the country. To be recognised for being a talented model by my peers.

IF YOU MODEL PART-TIME, WHAT JOB DO YOU WORK AT TO SUPPORT YOURSELF?

Insurance and personal training.

ARE YOU REPRESENTED BY ANY MODELLING AGENCY, IF SO WHO?

Andrea Roche Modelling agency.

IS THERE MUCH COMPETITION BETWEEN MALES FOR WORK WITHIN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

Yes, it is competitive. Especially for guys, there are such few jobs, it is important to be on top of your game.

WHAT IS YOUR MODELLING EXPEREINCE/ACHIEVEMNTS TO DATE?

I have worked with Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister and have travelled to the UK and Europe with Abercrombie. I have been modelling less than a year so I am working on gaining experience.

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN A MODELLING CAREER?

I was approached on Facebook and was asked if I was interested in joining an agency.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST FEATURES?

I’m told my big smile, height, bubbly personality plus I’m hard working, reliable.

BEST MODELLING ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Be thick skinned. Don’t take criticism personally. If you don’t get a job, there is always the next one! (From my girlfriend)

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART OF WORKING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

Whether you get booked is based (most of the time) solely on your look. Sometimes it can be hurtful if you get negative criticism but you need to learn from the criticism.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A MALE MODEL?

Creating amazing photographs, meeting amazing stylists and photographers, wearing lovely clothes, inspiring others.

IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC TYPES OF CLOTHING YOU PREFER TO MODEL?

I don’t have a preference. I love wearing different types of clothes.

HAVE YOU MODELLED FOR ANY BIG FASHION DESIGNERS OR LABELS ?

The biggest I have worked with is Abercrombie and Fitch.

HOW DO YOU KEEP IN SHAPE?

I train daily. The gym is near my house. Being a personal trainer helps too and also having a girlfriend that enjoys and the gym also motivates me.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

 Charity work/ fundraising, Weight training, salsa dancing, outdoor sports. I am currently working on a fundraising project for Crumlin children’s hospital.

MOST UNUSAL THING YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO MODEL?

A pair of green trousers and body paint upper body. It was out of my comfort zone but it looked truly amazing in the end.

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE, ARE YOU PAITENT, FRIENDLY?

 I am a very patient person. I have a lot of time and respect for people. I am a very motivated person and I always expect the same of others. Sometimes I need to be more empathetic towards others situations and understand that everyone is not like me.

ARE YOU OPEN TO CLIENTS REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTED IN WHAT YOU WILL MODEL?

I would model anything; a good model can wear anything with ease and make it look good!

WHICH FASHION MODELS WOULD YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?

I admire David Gandy. He has a larger than normal male fashion physique. He is inspirational. I met him when I was in London a few weeks ago. He is a very handsome man and also a genuinely nice guy.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN THREE WISHES WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

First of all to be healthy, second is wealth and happiness of my family very hardworking girlfriend. Finally, I don’t think I need a 3^rd wish really. I am working towards my dreams everyday, Well maybe winning the euro millions couldn’t hurt!!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE LOOKING TO GET INTO MODELLING?

Be thick skinned, welcome constructive criticism, learn at every opportunity, be polite and respectful of everyone and most importantly, never give up.

DO YOU HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE OR WEBISTE SO PEOPLE CAN CONTACT YOU?

I certainly do. MyFacebook is Jameszoolandermurphy. My twitter is @jamesbigjmurphy. My website for my personal training page is under construction but the company is called Spartan Fitness Ireland.