It took US some time to get here and to get this done, but in the end it was absolutely worth the wait. Once again WE present to you, the incredibly-hot, model Seth Mitchell, for this ISLAND EXCLUSIVE Interview. From the 'alpha-male' persona to his raw sensual vibe, Seth takes us on the journey to his self awareness as a student of discipline, through this themed edit captured by LA-based photographer David Wagner.
ISLAND Q: Seth, how did you get into modeling? Seth M: Well it was almost completely by accident. I was thirty-eight at the time and doing marketing consulting, personal training, and writing on fitness & nutrition. A men's fitness magazine had started a readership model contest and on a whim I decided to enter. I did a photo shoot with a photographer friend and submitted my pictures. I didn’t win…I didn’t even place 2nd or 3rd, but I had these images left over from the shoot so I posted them on a modeling community website. Three days later I was hired for my first modeling job.
ISLAND Q: It's always inspiring when you see guys either well into, or pass their 40's in incredible shape. Tell us more about how you maintain that. Seth M: I vary my training routine a lot. For a month or two I may focus on doing moderate to heavy lifting in the gym focusing on compound movements that work large muscle groups. Then I may switch the order of the exercises, the exercises themselves, and/or the tempo at which I do the movements. I like doing super-sets (working two opposing muscles without any rest in between sets). ISLAND S: It totally shows. Seth A: Thank you; during the Summer I really try to get outside more and focus on long-distance cardio (usually cycling) and pull-ups, push-ups, & core work to keep my strength up.
ISLAND Q: Okay, tell me a bit about your childhood and how did influence the person you have become? Seth A: My parents were big believers in education and so I was afforded the opportunity to attend a private, college prepatory high school. The environment was very competitive with classes six days a week, but it taught me a lot about discipline and focus. That was probably the first time I was ever really pushed, and it got me to see that my potential was far greater than I had ever dreamed it was. Once you have an experience like that it gives you something to look back on when you face new challenges and say to yourself, “OK, I can do this.”
ISLAND Q: You are the owner of a Marketing company, tell us about that, in addition does your day job conflict with out modeling career? Seth M: In my day job I run a marketing consulting company. We deal with different businesses and help guide them through brand strategy, marketing campaign development, website design, public relations, etc. The modeling work doesn’t really conflict with my consulting work, with the exception of limiting my time and availability. It’s a bit funny as a few times I have seen things on a shoot that as marketer I might question, but they are not paying me for that (and probably aren’t expecting to hear any marketing strategy from me) so...I stay quiet and do the job I am there for.
ISLAND Q: So does being a model ever help you with girls? Seth M: It can, but frankly I am a little wary of initially presenting myself as “a model.” Usually, when I meet someone I don’t mention the modeling until later. I don’t hide it, but I think people have a perception of how models are or the lifestyle and so I prefer to let them get to know me a bit and then I mention the work.
ISLAND Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Seth M: I have a lot of interests, personally and professionally, so I see myself farther along in those areas. I see the modeling growing; I am in the right place at the right time in terms of demand for 40+ models (yes, having a little gray hair can pay off) so I have not given up hope of landing a few more big campaigns – and maybe a cover. I see my marketing/business career growing; whether as a consultant or working in-house for a certain corporation. I enjoy the marketing and some of the creative aspects of bringing a product to market. Finally; I would like to continue my pro bono work. Right now I am involved with the local animal shelter, but I can also see that growing to working with other charities –some animal focused and some more human focused.
ISLAND Q: Who or what currently inspires you with their work? Seth M: In the world of business I would say Seth Godin, who inspires me to be “remarkable” in my work, in my personal development it would be Eckhart Tolle and Spencer Johnson who remind me to stay in the present, and philosophically it would be Edmund Burke who tasks me with the moral obligation as a good man to do something
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” -– Burke
ISLAND Q: In closing, tell me about your site... I have a Facebook fan page as well as an online modeling community page that I stay active on. At first, I resisted doing any type of “Fan” page because I didn’t want to put up just another ‘look at me’ page on the internet to serve my own ego. I was talking with a photographer friend who had been encouraging my work and when I mentioned my concerns he simply smiled and said “then don’t make it just about you.” So, I started the fan page and while I do post updates on new images from shoots I also try put up nutrition tips, links to interesting articles, and yes, information on the occasional pet adoption (lots of puppies need homes people).
Well there you have it folks, and with special thanks going out to David Wagner for always being an inspiration and to Seth for his openness!
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THIS IS AN EXCLUSIVE FEATURE FOR ISLAND. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE MORE THAN TWO IMAGES FROM THIS POST. WHEN YOU DO HOWEVER, IMAGES MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WORKING LINK TO THIS POST AND PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT.
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