Craig Galloway: Model Scholar

The ModelWatch Interview By Aimee Harrison

- Craig on the runways for Iceberg, photo taken from firstview.com

Oh Lucky me. I had the opportunity to interview a model whose career I have been following for years now, practically since he began. And. He was just as I’d hoped he’d be. Intelligent, eloquent, thoughtful and cerebral, in effect…and at the risk of sounding like a grown woman with a girlish crush…he…oh, I shant risk it after all.

How does one interview Mode Models Craig Galloway? Heavens. Well, for starters, you square your shoulders, close your eyes and pray that you do not make a fool of yourself because those gorgeous brown eyes of his make your knees go weak.

And so I began at the beginning.

Aimee: How was your first modeling experience?

Craig: My first trip was to Milan - a trip to build my book and meet clients. I left with low expectations but excited to see Italy. The trip exceeded my expectations on all fronts. As a travel experience and my first time overseas, it was an eye-opening experience. In terms of modeling, the trip also proved successful. I spent most of May and June in the Prada showroom as Muccia and her crew prepared for the summer’s show. An educational experience to say the least.

Aimee: What was it like, your first turn down the runway in Milan? Who was it for?

Craig: My first runway show was for Prada. It was certainly nerve-racking to walk down the runway for the first time, for Prada no less. However, it’s only a few steps before you realize how ridiculous it is to be nervous about walking.

Aimee: How were you discovered? What was your family's reaction to your sudden modeling career?

Craig: I was discovered at 21. I was working in a store in Calgary when Heather Mitchell, a Canadian stylist that works closely with Mode Models, gave me Kelly’s card. I met with Kelly and things moved quickly from there. My family has the same misconceptions about the industry that many people hold and are, therefore, understandably skeptical. At the same time, they see the rewards provided by the industry are significant.

- Craig for Massimo Dutti, photo courtesy of modelhommes.com

Aimee: Canada's leading agency, Mode, has managed your career from day one. How has your experiences been with Mode in particular?

Craig: Agencies are hit and miss. There are a lot of terrible agencies around but there are a few great ones as well. The agencies that I now associate myself with are passionate, knowledgeable, and hard-working. Mode Models, in particular, is a useful guide and an effective means of communicating with international agencies and managing my career. Mode got me started quickly and have kept my career moving forward for 3 years now.

Craig is also represented by Wilhelmina in NY, Why Not in Milan and Storm in London.

- Craig Galloway with Kate Moss for Burberry. Photo courtesy of Mode Models

His favorite modeling assignments read like a who's who of the modeling industry with runway favorites being Hugo Boss, Gucci, Prada and Ralph Lauren. As for campaigns, he lists my favorite campaigns – imagine that – as his favorite to shoot and/or participate in. Massimo Dutti topped the list in addition to Burberry as his favorites overall and he mentioned beautiful locations such as the shoot for Nautica in Lake Tahoe, SUPER in Bangkok and Massimo Dutti – again – in Cartagena.

Aimee: What would your dream modeling assignment comprise of? Who would you like to work with?

Craig: My dream modeling shoot has already happened. Shooting Massimo Dutti in DR and again in Cartagena was as good as it gets. The people were amazing and the locations unbelievable. I couldn’t dream up a better experience.

Aimee: Do you have any particular friends in the industry that you hang out with?

- Craig on a rather pensive mood. photo courtesy of modelhommes.com

Craig: I hate to disappoint but I spend most my hours on my own and when I am out, it is usually with locals as opposed to models.

Aimee: How does it feel to find out that you have fans that follow your career and want to know more about you?

Craig: Dumbfounded. Flabbergasted. Stupefied. But flattered. Truly flattered.

Aimee: Are there any difficulties in being a model? And, in turn, what do you like best about it?

Craig: There is no difficult part of being a model. The best parts are the travel, money, and free time. The freedom to work in locations of your choice is also a valued luxury.

Aimee: You’ve been modeling for a few years now. What words of wisdom would you give to a kid just starting out?

Craig: I enjoy talking to kids just starting. There’s so much to know and usually you learn it the hard way. Again, to narrow it down to a few words is difficult – I’d share all the ugly truths I could.

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