Interview| Patxi Areitio Is The Star of OTS Magazine July 2023 Cover Story Lensed By Daria Valiguras
Model and Actor Patxi Areitio is the face of OTS Magazine's July 2023 Fashion digital cover issue. The cover is photographed by our recently featured photographer Daria Valiguras.
Photographer @valiguras, Model @patxi8825, Modeling Agency @elitemiami |
Please fully tell us about yourself and your background
I am Patxi Areitio, and I was born in Madrid. I am from a "mixed" family with parents and grandparents from Spain, Chile, the United States, and Uruguay! I was born and raised in Madrid, but I moved away to study and work in England, Chile, China, and now the USA. I'm an extremely active individual who played semi-pro football in Spain's third division.
How and when did you discover you had a passion for modeling?
I was Discovered through soccer. I started doing soccer commercials and transitioned more into fashion
In your own words please describe your style as a model?
Haha!! I am pretty much old school.
Do you remember your first experience in front of the Camera?
Yes!! Haha, you're always afraid and have doubts when you first get started, but you get over it with confidence!
How big a role does modeling play in your life?
It has played a significant economic role in my life and has enabled me to travel extensively for jobs and/or leisure.
How do you prep for a shoot from an exercise and nutrition perspective? Any tricks of the trade? For how long?
I don't have a magic formula and am not particularly "Tech" in that field of science. I exercise frequently and consume a lot of nutritious food, including eggs, as protein.
What advice would you offer to other aspiring models who wish to set their own style and not be like everyone else?
Be YOURSELF. Maybe that’s just what they are looking for.
Do you have an essential philosophy that guides you in your creative expression?
Well being MYSELF. There are no mistakes. Try the most extreme/exaggerated/ random ideas. From there you can always move back.
There’s so much talk these days about inclusivity and diversity but is enough really being done?
I actually think there is.
What Would You Consider the Most Important Components of Your Style? And Do You Feel You Have A Signature Style as a Model?
Everyone needs to feel unique. And I naturally think so. How can I persuade you if I don't think it's true? For me, I think my style is unique.
What are some of your favorite creators/designers or brands and why?
There are so many. From very large Dolce and Gabbana Brands to smaller non-famous boutique brands. I actually prefer these last ones.
We noticed most brands and potential agents hesitate to contact or collaborate with a model lately especially if the person has less than 5000 followers. Do you think it’s fair that social media is a big part of these models’ jobs today?
Businesses "Evolve". It's how businesses operate today. We don't moan about the price of cell phone calls today compared to 20 years ago. Businesses must adapt, social media sells, and you either stick to the trend or you will be left behind. That decision is up to you.
If you could change one thing about the fashion and modeling industry, what would it be? What would you improve?
Be creative. Design, Choose what YOU Love. There is no “politically” correct in my opinion…
What is the most challenging part of being a model?
There are moments when you have nonstop shooting, and other times when things move more slowly. You must have the fortitude and patience to recall your value and your strengths.
What are some of the biggest hurdles you have been faced with as a model and how did you overcome them?
Things moved extremely slowly after COVID, and the industry transformed. Just keep moving forward. Trying newer things, evolving, or making an effort to improve and provide something fresh
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
Sometimes overwork and not enjoying life. Balance is the key. I chase this balance.
What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?
I Never Give Up in all aspects of my life and I always try to improve every day. Like the saying goes "Better than yesterday, not as good as tomorrow"
What’s your most memorable shoot?
Well, a shoot more related to “Acting” for the Hilton Hotel in Spain as I had NEVER done anything similar and had to learn and remember so many lines on the spot. They Could have given me a heads-up!! Haha, It actually turned out great!! I also loved a French clothing brand shoot in Mykonos. That Place is AMAZING.
What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
Old Spice Shoot commercially. Really “success” for the great team I managed to work with. I learned the most. And I consider that a success. A Cologne Campaign shoot also was Very Top!!
Becoming a model really introduces one major condition into your life which is “Consistency”, Do you think this theory is accurate or not?
Completely but in every aspect of life. Discipline and consistency beat motivation every day.
Is there any brand you would love to model for?
Dolce Gabbana and Dsqaured !! Haha -Definitely these two.
What are your latest and upcoming projects?
Actually, I am planning to go into acting again so stay tuned.
What was the most surreal moment you ever experienced during a photo shoot?
It was something that happened at a 2-Day Shoot and on the second day, the photographer was nowhere to be found!! He never appeared again and the next day a new photographer was on set.
What are you doing when you are not modeling?
I enjoy sports and play padel tennis frequently. I also love to travel and explore with my family and spend most of my time with them.
Any last words you’d like to add?
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, SKY IS THE LIMIT.
------
Team Credit|Social Media Links:
------
0 comments