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How were you discovered?
I used to teach Tae Kwon Do classes with a friend who works as a casting director. She thought I would be a good fit for a Microsoft commercial she was working on, so I happily gave it a shot. As a lifelong visual artist, it was thrilling to work in a performative field, and I'm excited to explore it further!
What were you doing prior to modeling?
I have worked as a freelance and in-house Art Director for the last 15 years or so. I currently live and work in Chicago as a fine artist.
People would be surprised to know?
I've cooked in two Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago – Spiaggia (2015–16) and Parachute (2016–17).
What is your latest obsession?
Bread. Baking bread used to feel prohibitively intimidating to me, but I started practicing anyway because I love it. Now that I've gotten the hang of it, I'm regularly making baguettes, boules, and bâtards. The process is so satisfying!
What is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession is a fitted black linen Oxford shirt that my wife, Claire, made for me. She is an incredible sewist! Every time I wear it, I think about how lucky I am to dress myself in a gorgeous expression of my partner's love.
Growing up, who did you look up to as your hero?
I grew up in a big multigenerational family home and had a lot of positive male role models. I think the people I really idolized, though, were the French Impressionist painters. I admired their commitment to innovation and their courage to persist in the face of largely negative criticism.
When was the last time you said “I love you” to someone?
The last time I said "I love you" was to my wife earlier today! I try my best to show warmth to those close to me freely and often.
List 3 adjectives that best describe you:
Grateful, curious, persistent
Describe your personal style:
My friends joke that my style is "spooky art director on vacation," but I think it could be summed up as "goth Ivy." Think everything in the black, white, and gray colorways at Brooks Brothers, and you're there!
Your favorite place you have traveled to?
My favorite travel destination might be Hong Kong. The juxtaposition of an extremely dense city and breathtaking natural scenery is incredible. The food culture there is so varied and beautiful. There's also a thriving fine art scene!
Your favorite film?
My favorite film right now is After Hours by Martin Scorsese. The cyclical storytelling makes the movie feel dreamy, funny, and dreadful in perfect balance.
Your favorite sport or sports figure?
My favorite sport is mixed martial arts. I used to photograph fights cageside for MMA news outlets—it was exhilarating to be so close to the action. While the sport is deeply problematic on many levels, the artistry and humanity on display during a bout are undeniably moving.
If there's a destination or item you would recommend us to check out, what would you recommend?
I would recommend eating at the Chinese restaurant Golden Bull. They have been making some of the best Cantonese food in Chicago for over 30 years. Their fried smelts are, for sure, one of the most addictive dishes in the city.
What is your wish for 2026?
My wish is to continue to pursue fulfillment, peace, and well-being. Every year teaches me to release my expectations for what will happen in the next year, but I generally fail to digest the lesson. So my wish for 2026 is to make fewer plans and react to life in a way that reaffirms fulfillment, peace, and well-being for myself and those around me.
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