How did you get started modeling?
I went to school at Norfolk State University, and that’s where I started modeling. After that, I spent five years in New York doing more fashion stuff and then I moved to Atlanta. I was with my ex-girl at an expo and walked past [Atlanta-based photographer and calendar publisher] Rundu’s table, and she wanted to work together. This is my second year with Rundu’s calendar. Now, I’m on the cover.
Do people recognize you often?
It’s kind of amazing. I get more recognition from calendar work than any other media.
As a model, have you ever been asked to do something that made you uncomfortable?
It took me a while to get comfortable within the modeling realm because I’m a little shy. Some of the models are exotic dancers, so I think it’s a little easier for them to do certain things. But Rundu made it easy for me. It’s not forced, and you can see that in the images.
Do you use the “I’m a model” pick-up line?
No. Actually I don’t like to say that. I’ve noticed that when I say that, the whole energy of the conversation changes, usually for the worse. They think you feel a certain way about yourself. I don’t like to tell people that I’m a model, I like my work to talk for me. If people notice me, then I appreciate it, but I don’t throw it around. I’ve been blessed that women have responded well to me.
Do you date female models?
No. WIth modeling, I always felt like an outside because I come from a small town. I’m from Hampton, Virginia, the same town as Allen Iverson. To go from there to a big city is a different experience.
What attracts you to a woman?
I like sincere women. I like the progressiveness of Northern women, I think their savvy is sexy. At the same time, I like some of the traditions of Southern women. I’m big on energy and vibes. I like to connect in many different ways other than just the physical. My ex didn’t really understand what I was doing. She tried, but with modeling, if you’re not in the industry yourself it’s hard to understand. She was very jealous. I was very patient and compromised so much. A lot of times when I went to shoot in the islands, she was right there with me, and I don’t think the staff was feeling that because I was there to work. WIth women, for me it’s about the vibe and the connection. If she’s attractive too, that’s beautiful. Everybody wants something nice to look at now and then.
How do you stay in shape?
Actually, I think I’m fat in Rundu’s calendar. I have two roles that I’m [auditioning for], and she caught me when I was preparing for the role. The guy is big and ripped, so I was getting ready to bulk up and then chisel down. I only had about two weeks notice to get ready for the shoot, which was cool, but I wasn’t in the best shape. She put me on the cover, though, so I guess it was good enough. Right now I’m eating a lot and lifting heavy. When it’s time for me to get lean, I’ll start running in the morning and drinking two or three gallons of water a day.
To order the Rundu Men 2005 calendar, visit www.rundu.com. You can also find more photos of Jasun at www.ethnicitymodels.com.
- Jessica Koslow (Photo: Rundu)
