sitting down for an interview for my third model feature is leon morenos. the ‘male models by name’ post i did on him a few weeks ago was popular & though he is not yet officially signed to any one specific agency; his plans to relocate to new york very soon will most likely follow, his long awaited, agency representation. if you google his name & photos of him will pop up. he even appeared as a ‘eye candy du jour’ on the popular image driven blog, the imagist as well as ooh lala mag. leon takes a moment to answer a few questions about the industry, his challenges & aspirations as well his feelings toward what makes an icon an icon.

1. what is your biggest modeling career aspiration?
My biggest modeling aspiration is to sign a Calvin Klein Underwear campaign. I think that it’s the equilvalent a female model signing a Victoria Secret Ad campaign. Once you sign one of those, you know your at the top of your game.

2. what has been your biggest challenge thus far?
The biggest challenges so far is getting signed. Period. I think that’s the biggest challenge for any model starting out. You have to be at your peak physically and mentally. Once you sign with an agency things tend to fall into place.

3. what are your feelings toward the lack of colored models on runways?
I think that its unfortunate. There are tons of beautiful models of color in the industry just waiting to get an opportunity, but I do see it changing drastically now. You can see that we are finally getting those major jobs with fashion designers and gracing more and more magazine covers. This year is definitely going to be a great year for models of color.

4. has modeling  been what you had expected? more? less?
It definitely isn’t what I expected or thought. In my head I had this picture perfect image of this industry and its completely opposite! There are things that you have to learn to accept and deal with. You can’t come into it not knowing who you are because you will get lost with everything going on. Its something that I accept for what it is, but it also has its perks just like anything else that you do. But I can definitely say its not for everybody!

5. what initially sparked your interest in modeling?
Ever since I was 13 I was 6’0 and really skinny and people would ask me. Of course I said no, but just the thought sparked an interest. As I grew I began to become infatuated with that idea and I became more and more enthusiastic about it. So now Im here making one of my dreams come true, and it seems like it’s going in the right direction!

6. what are some of your other aspirations, outside of modeling?
Outside of Modeling I want to act. It sounds very cliché, but Acting was always my first love and is something that Im definitely going to go after! Im going to Pratt Institute in the fall for Interactive Media and Graphic Design, so love to draw and would like to make video games down the road.

7. what are your feelings towards female modeling being more profitable?
I think it’s a great thing! The fact that women have a place where they are embraced and appreciated is great in my eyes. Im all for it, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like it if male models were profitable either!

8. who is the top male model in your opinion?
In my opinion I think the top male model at the moment is Travone Hill. I think that he is definitely doing his thing right now.

9. who is the top female model in your opinion?
I think the top female model is Chanel Iman. She is also another model who is doing a lot of things at the moment. I’m happy black models who are making names for themselves.

10. in your opinion, what seperates a model from an industry icon?
I think drive, hard work, unique look, and who you know is what separates a “model” from a “supermodel”. You have to be something new and different that will get people attracted to you in every way.

RELATED: male models by name feature