Often a model comes along that is different from other models, not because of their looks, but because they carry with them a free spirit that manifests themselves on a canvas or in some form of their artwork. Martin Rogal from Poland is that type of model who has an interest with the world around him and seeks to interpret it through his artwork which he proudly shows as his own. He took time out from his busy schedule to speak to Style Alternative about his life, dreams, and future of his career.
+StyleAlternative: So, can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from, family, education, etc?
Martin Rogal: I’m 22 years old and an immense dreamer. I am always walking on my own path-using my heart as a GPS. I’m from a small town in south-east Poland, close to the border with Ukraine, my beautiful town is called Lubaczow. My parents are traditional Polish people. I grew up with my 2 older brothers, who are engineers now. Coming to United States 3 years ago, I didn’t plan to stay here because of school – I got accepted to two the best universities for construction engineering in Poland, but that time I was so in love with one girl so I decided to stay for her. We are not together anymore.
+SA: Where were you discovered and who discovered you?
Martin: It’s really funny, but after my long term relationship ended, I went to a hair stylist who made me over, at least hairstyle wise. After the haircut, many people started telling me that I should try modeling. I wanted to do my best before I approached the agencies - it took me 2 months of hardcore working and dieting to lose 20 pounds. Then one day I decided to visit few agencies in person, and luckily I got signed the same day!
+SA: How does the opportunities in New York compare to those in Poland?
Martin: I think people make their own opportunities, nothing happens by itself. Since Poland has been through many tough times, more things have been established in New York much more than in Poland. I’m pleased to be watching my friends in Poland creating new opportunities for themselves as we speak today.
+SA: What passion(s) do you pursue in addition to modeling?
Martin: I love art, painting, drawing, doing sculptures. Anything that leads to creating something new makes me very happy!
+SA: Where did your love for making art begin? Who is your favorite artist?
Martin: Through my entire life I always excellent at art, but I had never paid that much attention to it. Since I came to New York I began doing drawings as a relief for everyday stress. I was getting a lot of good responses which made me consider it more seriously. I began working on it more, putting more effort and passion into it. Every day I’m trying to learn and explore something new [with my art]. I also study art history [on my own].
+SA: Where do you pull inspiration for your art?
Martin: From my life and situations I’ve been through, It’s based on my feelings associated with the situations of people I have been facing. My art is about life: love, passion, being hurt, happiness, satisfaction, disappointment, sadness. I consider art as a best friend that I can tell everything and share my experiences with.
+SA: Do you think being Polish in this industry has helped you or closed some doors?
Martin: I’ve never experienced any bad situations because of my nationality. Usually people say they really like my accent.
+SA: It seems as though you have a pretty unique style, where did you love for fashion start?
Martin: It starts with passion of creating new things. I’m always willing to be a part of new ambitious projects. I like to experiment with clothes by customizing them. I’m thinking about making few pieces myself this year, I already did a few sketches for them.
+SA: Who is your favorite designer and who are some designers you would love to work with?
Martin: In general I love every single photo shoot, there is always fun with the photo team, even if it is only a test shoot. I admire all designers for their unique work and passion of creating new styles. My favorite one – probably not original of a choice is Alexander McQueen (R.I.P). My goal as a model is to work with high fashion brands, like Hugo Boss or Giorgio Armani.
+SA: Have you done any spreads in the past wearing women’s clothes? Do you think the androgynous look plays a part in male models portfolio to this day?
Martin: I haven’t done it yet, I’m more of a “classic look” of a male model and most of the cases I’m shown this way on images. I think the androgynous look is really interesting. Models who have pictures like that in their portfolios can show the clients a wider variety of jobs they could be doing.
+SA: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still modeling, going to school/graduating, etc?
Martin: Hopefully still modeling! Meanwhile I’ll be working on my artwork and on my design/construction business. Definitely one of my main goals for the near future is to have my own exhibition in galleries, and keep growing with my design projects.
+SA: What was the last book you read?
Martin: I’m currently reading many books about art, design, engineering and construction, but I’m also reading many self motivating books. The last one I read was “Awaken the Giant Within” by Anthony Robbins – I highly recommend!
+SA: What quote(s) do you live by?
Martin: There are many of them, but definitely my favorite comes from Pablo Picasso: “Everything you can imagine is real.”
+SA: Anything you would like to add that wasn’t covered during the interview? i.e. favorite food, designer, sport, etc.?
Martin: I love extreme sports! As a teenager I was riding my bicycle on the streets in the dirt jumping style. I also used to practice kick boxing. I used to act in our local theater in Poland – we even had shows in NYC back in 2006! I love to have interesting discussions with people. I love people in general. Sex, age, sexual orientation, financial standing – it really doesn’t matter to me, we are all the same! I think that’s the interesting fact of life, both homeless individuals and the successful seek the same thing – a little bit of love and attention.
We want to thank Martin Rogal once again for taking time to answer these questions about him, and hope that you like the picture that has been painted of him from his answers. For more information on bookings, please contact his agency, Red Model Management at www.rednyc.com.
