Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Smith.
Hi Keith, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began modeling in 2018 in Charlotte, NC. I did a random photoshoot for my instagram, and after posting the shots online, I received a flood of inquiries from a bunch of local photographers asking to do photoshoots with them. Eventually I had to ask myself, why do I keep getting contacted to model? It was never something that I was seeking out to do; however, I ended up falling in love with art and fashion involved in modeling. After doing many photoshoots with a variety of different photographers located on the city and studying the reason why I might be marketable, I decided to do my research on the industry, posing, and fashion. I then began applying for agencies in early 2019. I ended up getting signed to my first agency in September of 2019. Less than a year later, I found myself modeling for Express Men. I started to receive lots of inquiries at the agency and through social media to help promote and represent brands through photoshoots after that, and later found myself store-front in every mall across the U.S. in the Express Men stores, inside of the stores on signage, and all over their website. I have since been posted on/shot for Express, Bojangles, Calvin Klein, and many more. I continued to work hard and grow at the craft, and I signed with an agency in ATL earlier this year, where I am now looking to expand my market and become the greatest I can possibly be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a pretty smooth road in my journey, only plagued by the slow-down of inquiries via the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the business has bounced back in full effect and more.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main job is to give brands and companies marketable material for their promotional purposes whether that be photoshoots to with the ultimate goal of selling clothes, selling a product, or a commercial. I also do promotional work that may be displayed in magazines, brochures, or email-blasts and other online marketing channels. I am now known for modeling and most proud of my success in the field. The amount of work and level of success that I have acquired has been very high given the fact that I have only been a professional model for just under three years. It is absolutely incredible and humbling to have taken off so quickly in an extremely competitive field where so many talented people exist and are highly motivated. Some may not know, but I went to college and received a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Despite my success in modeling, I still partake in a successful career in accounting for one of the largest banks in the U.S., but since my true passion is modeling and acting, I will soon leave the banking/accounting world. While maintaining a full-time job, I am still able to complete a lot of work and remain extremely hungry and ambitious in terms of my modeling career. I am always hyper-focused on doing my best and paving my way to the modeling career that I want to obtain. I believe my determination and drive to be the best whilst still juggling multiple careers is a factor that sets me apart in this field.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I have learned is never to allow yourself to become discouraged. It is to always keep fighting for your dreams and yourself. A lot of the time, it seems like many people are looking to see you fail, but there are always people watching that would love to see you become the best you could be. In a field where the word “no” is almost as common as “the,” it can be easy to doubt yourself and be discouraged by the industry. When you are mentally tough and not discouraged, you will always have a forward-pushing mindset and focus on how you can make things happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milesmodels.com/keith-smith
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modelkeith
Image Credits
Gilbert Kolosieke Olly Yung Drew Somerville Photography BlackPrint Photography
