By Ashley M. Casey
Associate Editor
In his own estimation, Jeremy Cook has the best job in the world. He has traveled the world, walked runways and red carpets, and modeled for clients such as Louis Vuitton, Wrangler Jeans and the NHL.
“It is very, very lucrative for your time. I’ve done some outstanding things — going to places most people would never get the chance to,” said Cook, 23, a 2015 graduate of Baker High School. “I’m getting paid a lot of money to be on a beach with my friends all day.”
Now, Cook is sharing what he has learned about the modeling industry in a 15-chapter online course called Learn to Model, which launched earlier this month. Cook is joined by other industry professionals — fellow models, photographers, casting directors and agents — sharing their secrets for success.
A lifelong fitness buff — Cook played junior hockey while growing up in B’ville — Cook was scouted on social media when he was 19. He signed with Wilhelmina Models and Next Models. By the time he was 22, Cook had lived in Miami, New York City and Los Angeles.
“I’m represented all over the United States with some pretty great agencies,” he said. “I’ve done everything from commercial work to swim work to runway.”
Part of Cook’s course deals with leveraging social media to one’s advantage. He has over 54,000 followers on Instagram.
“The No. 1 question I get asked is, ‘How do you get started?’” Cook said. “This [course] is way more specific and detailed than any Google search would give you. I give you tips on what you need to succeed in that industry.”
The pandemic has given many people time to reflect on their career opportunities, Cook said, so he created his online course to help aspiring models find their way in the highly competitive industry.
While the word “model” might bring to mind willowy beauties of the runway like Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Campbell or Karlie Kloss, modeling opportunities are beginning to reflect the diverse bodies and interests of the world at large.
Curve or plus-size models such as Ashley Graham and Tabria Majors have achieved mainstream success. Graham was the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s 2016 Swimsuit Issue and now has her own collaborative line with Swimsuits for All, while Majors has modeled Rihanna’s lingerie line Savage X Fenty. Fitness models showcase toned, athletic physiques. Body part models focus on particular body parts; hand models, for instance, pose for jewelry or nail polish campaigns.
“Right now the industry is very, very diverse,” Cook said. “It’s just finding your niche and capitalizing on it.”
The Learn to Model course is $249 and is available at learntomodel.com. One-on-one fitness and nutrition training sessions are also available for $177. Follow Jeremy Cook on Instagram @jeremycook4.
