Nick Hissom by Kai Z Feng | Exclusive

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Meet 17-year old model Nick Hissom. Signed to Ford Models, the London-born youth is two weeks shy of graduation and then he will be off to New York to begin his modeling career. Quickly establishing a loyal following, having already shot with Kai Z Feng, being groomed for a successful entry into the industry, while possessing role models like fellow Ford model Francisco Lachowski, there should be a lot more to see of Nick in the next year.

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Where do you currently live?

Nick: That’s actually a very good question! My parents are recently divorced so I bounce between my Dad’s home in London and wherever my Mom is, which is apparently Aspen as of last week…On top of that, I’m going to be living between New York and my apartment on campus at the University of Pennsylvania as of September and will be traveling all over the world this summer on a full-time contract with FORD. Long story short, I live out of my suitcase!

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How did you get signed?

Nick Hissom: In April of 2009, my brother was approached by a model scout on set at the E! News Network studios while we were on holiday in LA. Though I wasn’t present at the time, because me and my brother look so similar I knew that I could probably get signed to an agency too. Two months later in early June I asked my friend Ivette to take some pictures of me just to experiment. The pictures went viral throughout my school and about three days later my friend Katie e-mailed FORD NYC my measurements and a few sample pictures without me knowing! A week later my agent Emily called me and one of the first things she said was, “I couldn’t get back to you because I had a feeling your e-mail wasn’t blondeandsexy12@hotmail.com!”

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How long have you wanted to be a model?

Nick: Though modeling is now a big part of my life, I never aspired to be, or dreamt of being a model. In my opinion, it’s difficult to ‘pursue’ modeling because something as simple as not growing tall enough might ruin everything for you…In my case, everything just happened so fast and seemingly by accident and I’m so thankful for having this opportunity present itself. It has opened a new world to me and I can’t wait to discover more of it!

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What do your friends and family think?

Nick: My family has and will always be my biggest support base. My friends have all reacted in different ways and I just live with it day by day. Some days are absolute madness and other days are totally normal…I like to maintain a balance and keep grounded. Sometimes it does get a little crazy though…When I was having my school photo taken in addition to the school photographer, half the grade was taking pictures like an army of shameless paparazzi! All jokes aside though, my friends and my family will support me in whatever I do and I’m blessed to be surrounded by such incredible people who inspire me everyday.

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Are you familiar with the work of other models…have any favorites?

Nick: Until very recently, I have not been following the work of many models. However, I greatly admire Kate Moss for persevering through all of the negativity she received for her cocaine scandal. Don’t get me wrong, I think that all drugs are awful and lead people nowhere, but I respect how she rose from the ashes stronger than ever–that takes real character. In terms of who my favorite male model is, it would be Francisco Lachowski because he’s also skinny and young like me and he seems really funny, plus he’s with FORD NY too so that’s cool.

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What was it like to shoot with Kai Z Feng? He has a reputation for having a great repertoire with his models.

Nick: My shoot with Kai was one of my most fun to date. Kai is full of energy, a true professional and very likable as a person. I think that he really captured my personality in the pictures we shot together. Our shoot was very simple and very relaxed and full of movement, and through all of the chaos me and Kai became great friends, so I try to see him whenever I go back to London!

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In this short time, has your life changed?

Nick: My life has changed because I have learnt so much about myself and what my goals are by experimenting with modeling. I have met so many life-changing people who have not only become some of my closest friends, but have opened up a new world of creativity and discovery to me which I would never have known about before! Of course my life will continue to change in the future as I move to a new city, enter a new industry, meet new people and finish school, but I am ready for a change of pace. In my opinion, change is what enables us to grow into something more than what we already are by adapting to new environments.

What are your plans in the next couple months?

Nick: In two weeks, I finish school and I’ll be in London for a week to catch up with some friends and organize myself before I head to New York on June 1st. I may shoot a few editorials but it’s all up to my agents as always. Once I get to New York I’ll be working full time doing whatever I need to be doing and then I’ll be back in Europe for my 18th! I’m looking into party ideas now, but I’m not 100% sure on what I want out of the party. One side of me is calling for a blowout night in Tower Bridge, 42m above the Thames, and the other side is telling me to keep the cash! Other than that and the odd trip somewhere, I’m planning on working because to me modeling hardly feels like work!