Welcome to Answerland, the Chubstr reader Q+A feature. Send in your questions on style, finding clothes in your size, body confidence and more and we might answer them in a future video. This week, we’re taking on another of your biggest questions: How do I become a big and tall male model?
To get an answer, we went straight to the source. Meet Josh Dye, the first model DXL hired to an exclusive contract. If you’ve looked at the DXL site lately or received one of their catalogs, you’ve certainly seen Josh. We asked him how he got the gig and he shares his story in the video above.
You’ve heard Josh’s story, but how do you become a big & tall model? Everyone approaches it in different ways. Zach Miko became the first plus size male model signed to a major label after an interview with Chubstr sparked mainstream attention. Kelvin Davis is blazing his own path and making his way in the industry, appearing in campaigns with DXL, Gap and Target’s Goodfellow & Co, among others.
BONUS: Read our interviews with plus size male models here
What do they have in common? Hard work, focus and tenacity. All of these guys put themselves out there in different ways. For example, Zach was an actor and performer before becoming a model. Kelvin started Notoriously Dapper and has been advocating for bigger folks for years before jumping into modeling. They created a presence for themselves and contributed to the community, getting themselves out in front of the right people.
You can do the same thing. Create an online presence and make yourself seen. Get your photos out there. Do something you love and get to know the community you want to become part of. Don’t just focus on trying to get signed – forge your own path and establish yourself. When you see opportunities come up, go for them, and most of all – don’t quit if it doesn’t work out the first (or second, third or 30th) time.
See what’s new in your size at DXL – Shop Now!
The industry is beginning to come around to the idea that bigger models can sell product, a trend that isn’t going to stop anytime soon. Position yourself and take every opportunity that comes your way and you might just be the next big & tall male model on the scene.
