An Interview with Cover Model CJ Hollenbach:
Hi CJ. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview. I think most folks know the basics, you model for romance magazine and novel covers as well as promos, so why don't we attack this from another point of view. *bg* I know my readers truly are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so let's get started...
-RaH: Tell us about your break into the world of modeling. Where were you? How did you feel? Were you nervous?
CJ: If you are asking about my romance novel cover modeling, it took me 8 years to become a "overnight success". I had been modeling for years doing mainstream modeling before that. Nobody ever pulled me off the sidewalk and made me a star. I knocked on a lot of doors and pounded the pavement before I got a break. I was in the right place at the right time and was prepared.
Nervous? Hell, NO! I wasn't going to let nerves screw up my big break. I worked too hard and too long for that. I've been in the business too long. I know what I'm doing. "The Stone Maiden" was my first cover shot in NYC.
-RaH: Was modeling a goal? If not, when did you realize that you would like to be a model?
CJ: It was never a goal. People always suggested/told me to give it a try. I went on a lot of job interviews at ad agencies as a designer and they just assumed I was there for a modeling job. It was flattering, but was never a goal. It's a very tough business.
-RaH: Did you always have an interest in developing a fabulous body, or did you have a previous or current career for which you had to be in great shape?
CJ: I'd been working out for years and being in great shape is a good tool in the bag to have. A big modeling agent told me once, "You should have a good body under your clothes even if you never take your shirt off. The clothes just hang better on you." Some guys and girls too think you just have to be thin to model. My pecs always seemed to get me a lot of attention. I just made them pay off.
-RaH: What was your biggest surprise about the life of a cover model/model? (Good or Bad)
CJ: It's amazing how many people recognize me from something you've done. I usually don't walk around shirtless with a 3 foot sword with my hair blowing in the wind. Can be fun at times....
-RaH: I know some covers feature couples, do you have any favourites among the models when couples are needed?
CJ: I usually haven’t and don't work with a woman more than once. I did 2 in a row with an incredibly beautiful model named Ewe, pronounced "AVA" for a series of covers, though. She was as sweet as she was beautiful. A dirty job, but somebody has to do it...
-RaH: Do you like/enjoy your work?
CJ: I do like it, but it is a job. It's just one that not many people get to do and I know that. I appreciate every opportunity I get to do it.
-RaH: What do you like best/least about being a successful model?
CJ: There is no down side to being successful in any field you may work in. Although, I have found that others have benefitted from my success with my help without paying their dues and don't appreciate it. That saddens me...
-RaH: Can you share a favourite story or two from your experiences?
CJ: My favorite story was when I left the photo studio after shooting my first cover that took me so many years to achieve. A woman on the street stopped me and said "You look like one of those guys that's on the cover of a romance novel!" I could honestly and proudly say, "I AM one of those guys!" A great moment in my life...
-RaH: What sort of hours does a cover model/model normally work? What sort of locations?
CJ: It's not a 9 to 5 thing. Covers usually only take an hour. Period. The photographers have that down. Calendars take longer and can take several days. I've shot all over the country. The ocean, the Gulf Of Mexico, you name it. Weirdest location was in my hotel room in my bed. One of the hottest photos I've ever shot and it wasn't porn! I was told it was the best pic on the calendar. Even the other guys on the calendar told me that!
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General Stats:
Birthday: Dec. 6
Height: 6'
Weight: 194 pounds
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite cover: I love them all for different reasons. I do favor "Her Master And Commander" I got the cover and the stepback.
Latest cover: Enchanted Castle by Kate Hofman
Fan info: www.cjcovermodel.com
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-RaH: Do you work outside of modeling? If so...How do your two careers fit? Do your coworkers and friends know you are a cover model?
CJ: Lately, I have been doing more personal appearances and book signings. I'm still writing too. I'm really good at meeting people and promoting the romance industry. I can honestly say I don't know any others guys in the business who know it better and can talk about it to the fans better than I do. (He said modestly!) My friends love it now because they think I'm a "celebrity" of sorts. Everybody always want to meet the cover model at a party and ask if I know Fabio.
-RaH: Does your modeling affect how your friends/colleagues/clients look at you? If not, what did you say when you quit, and how did your former colleagues react?
CJ: Most of my old friends have fallen by the wayside. They couldn't deal with all the notoriety I was getting when my career started to take off. That makes me sad. I used to downplay it, but now I don't. I never even told people what I did for the longest time. I had a former boss who didn't deal with my modeling too well. I eventually quit after a few explicatives, but we are still friends. You have to do what's best for you...
-RaH: What do your friends and family think about your choice in pursuing a modeling career?
CJ: My family never did get it until they started seeing me on TV. Then, it was OK. My current friends are supportive and think it's cool.
-RaH: I've heard that you are a person of many talents and interests. Can you tell me what some of your other interests are?
CJ: I have been writing since I was in high school when I wrote for the local newspaper. I've written for several magazines and eventually I hope to write a book..or 4.
-RaH: Do you have any opportunities in your career to make use of them?
CJ: I am writing all the time and use many of my modeling experiences as the basis of my stories/articles.
-RaH: Being popular and famous can have its rewards and drawbacks, what to you like best about the attention? The least?
CJ: I can handle the attention and won't ever complain about getting it. I know guys who don't deal with it that well. I've worked really hard to get where I am, so I always try to be gracious with people. Sometimes people can be rude. I always try to look my best when I'm meeting the fans. I always say "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!" It's hard to look your best 24/7. The downside is sometimes fans want to talk to you for an hour when there are other people waiting.
-RaH: I know some people prefer photo shoots to videos. Do you have any favourite people to work with i.e. photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and why?
CJ: I love to work with talented, professional people in whatever field I am working, video, photos, personal appearances. They make me look better and my work look better. It really is a collaborative effort. I learn so much from them too.
-RaH: Where do you call home, and do you mind the traveling you must have to do?
CJ: I live in a small town in Ohio. I'm not a big fan of traveling, especially with the airlines these days. I usually fly in and out in the same day. If I lived in NYC I'd be working more.
-RaH: If you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
CJ: As corny and trite as it may sound, peace. If everyone in the world could just worry about themselves instead of killing their neighbors things might fall into place.
-RaH: Is there anything else you would like my readers to know about you, or about where they might be able to see you in person in the future?
CJ: They can always check out my website www.cjcovermodel.com and get on my newsletter list to keep up with what I'm up to and where I'll be.
Thank you very much for taking the time with me and answering my questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule, and I hope my readers will appreciate it as well. Good Luck, CJ! And those of you who love great covers, here is his cover for Kate Hofman's July 2009 release from Dark Castle Lords called Golden Adonis. It suits him, doesn't it?
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Visit CJ's Web Site Fan Club Photo Gallery
Email CJ