Ian
Agencies
Mother Agency (MA): Massardo Model Management
Toronto: Sutherland Models
Montreal: Specs Models
New York: TRUE Models
Copenhagen: Diva Models
Zurich: Visage International Management
Hamburg: MEGA Models
Answers to Q&A
Why did you want to become a model?
It’s not that I wanted to become a model per say, but recognized that I needed to develop self-confidence and learn how to communicate with people outside my family and small circle of friends. Living within the boundaries of studying and introversion may suffice in the confines of academia but proves near worthless upon entering the “real world”. Being a model helps quiet down the self-censorship and give the confidence to share my voice in the community. I also wanted to become a ladies’ man. That has yet to happen.
What makes you special?
Frankly, I don’t think there’s much special about me. At least one of my patients (I’m looking at you, Don) is surprised that anyone would pay actual money to photograph my face. But if you ask my students, they think it’s pretty rad whenever their instructor shows up on TV or is found perpetually posing in Walmart. Oh – my mom thinks I’m special. That should count for a lot.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about spending time with other crazy-passionate individuals and learning what gets them to jump out of bed every morning. Passion attracts passion, naturally.
For example: Setting up a sanctuary to rehabilitate diabetic emperor penguins? Tell me everything! Inventing a suppository to cure drunk donkeys? Pass me another beer! Training to win the Guinness World Record for most walnuts crushed with your left elbow? Putting on my safety goggles!
I already hear enough of my own thoughts in one day. Life is too short to not be surrounded by interesting people.
Your most embarrassing moment.
I was having trouble pulling out this very kind lady’s upper right molar. Her being wheelchair bound and unable to lean back, I had to contort myself in ways that would make Cirque du Soleil proud. While making a final push to extract this tooth... I squeeze out a most frightening fart. Thankfully it was one of those loud ones that don’t stink.
If you could give an aspiring model any advice, what would it be?
See the humour in everything. Look for the silver lining. Failure is just another learning opportunity. Fulfillment in life comes from experiencing the full spectrum of our highest highs to the lowest lows. How we see the world will shape the quality in which we live it.
In a quote that most certainly doesn’t originate from the 1995 Best Picture winner, Forrest Gump: “Shit happens.”