Embracing my inner model!

I can't believe that I am making an announcement that I'm being part of a photo book that is being released. I worked with a photographer last year while doing some wrestling work in Florida. The shoot was fantastic and he was one of the easiest photographers to work with. The book is called MASCULINE BEAUTY and can be purchased online. There is also going to be an exhibit taking place in the Fort Lauderdale area in April. I am looking into the details. I won't be able to attend the exhibit on such short notice, but if any of you are in that area I suggest going. This blog is going to basically be about why I enjoy doing photo shoots and why I like doing things on my own.

I never really ever wanted to get into modeling as any type of a career. To be 100% I think that is the biggest mistake anyone could make. It is really a lot of stress and by the time you reach 30 your career is pretty much over. That being said I do enjoy going on photo shoots and becoming a part of art. I think that is what separates a model from an artist. I am very picky about the type of shoots I will do and who I will work with. I have decided to do any type of modeling work freelance. I have had an opportunity with an agency in the past and that just wasn't for me. I had this one agency signed model try to discredit me and some of the photographers I've worked with. I've worked with some amazing photographers and all the shoots. I mean really their work speaks for itself.  I've gotten by using my networking skills. Hence I don't need an agency to find my version of success. The guy that was trash talking me I'm thrilled that douchebag got signed to an agency. He's been quite successful with his agency and that's great. However I don't want the lifestyle he has. I'm beyond fine doing stuff on my own and making my own successes, because I have wrestling and other things to fall back on. Where as he doesn't have anything else to fall back on. The guy has no talent outside of his looks and isn't capable of having a real job and depends on his husband.

I am probably sounding hypocritical in some ways. I assure you that is not the intention of this blog. Why would I want to make myself look stupid? I never got into doing photo shoots to become the next big thing. I know I have an interesting look and it will appeal to certain people and some photographers will want that uniqueness for their portfolios. That is the great thing about my look. I don't really fit into a niche. That's great for freelance work and quite horrible for agency standards.

This is where it is really going to sound hypocritical. I got into doing photo shoots to just feel good about myself. It was never about making money. I have been lucky to make money along the way but a few years ago I put on quite a bit of weight. I was just so disgusted with myself and wanted to make a change. I worked hard to make a change and I lost a good 40 pounds. I loved the way my body looked and for the first time in my life I was just happy with myself.  I was working my day job and got approached to do a photo shoot. That shoot was free but after that I was able to start landing some paid work and get other photographers interested in me. All of this eventually led to me landing a photo shoot while I was down in Florida for wrestling. Having one of those photos used for the book came as a surprise. Enough of my babbling. This blog wasn't my most exciting but let's be real. Would you waste the time reading it if I just linked the book?

http://www.blurb.com/b/5170440-masculine-beauty

Ask Grayden Damien!

I love answering your questions! I figure now that I have this blog this would be the perfect place to do it. At the start of the year I asked you guys to send me some questions. These are some of the questions that I got and I am looking to answer more. Make sure you read through to the end to see how you can submit more questions to me. The last few segments were strictly about UCW! Now as I am expanding my horizons I am taking more types of questions.

Q: Damien comes across as flamboyant and wild, are you like that off camera?
A: That is part of the mystery man! There is a reason I call myself the image of deception. Part of the reason I come across that way is so people under estimate me and I stand out. There isn't another UCW wrestler who can touch my personality. You gotta do what you gotta do to get ahead. It works for me and people mistake my hyper personality for a weakness. That is why I also do a lot of dirty moves and tactics in my match. I'm not a full blown heel and I'm not a total face. So playing up to camp allows me to really do whatever the hell I want in my matches. I can grind my crotch in your face or give you a swift kick to the nuts. Take your pick? Off screen I'm not quite that gay. That's all part of my image and my manipulation tactics.




Q: Are you done with UCW?
A: I addressed this in a previous blog! As long as fans wanna see me I'll continue to wrestle for UCW. You'll see more of me in 2014!


Q: What are your 2014 goals in UCW?
A: One of my main goals is to be the best wrestler I can be. To keep myself evolving and keep myself appealing to the fans. I think this year you'll see some improvements and I'll keep things fresh. I'm also planning on becoming champion at some point. So look out!

Q: Will you be appearing on any other wrestling sites?A: Not really! Aside from what I do with Devin for our own videos. I am not interested in many of the other sites right now. I touched upon this in a previous blog. Fans are interested in seeing me on other sites and there have been talks but nothing really set in stone. If the right opportunity comes along with the right wrestling promotion then of course I'd consider it.



Q: Has your life changed since becoming a famous wrestler?
A: HA HA If only I was a famous wrestler! I get what you mean though! The only thing that has really changed is I have had more opportunity and more exposure because of UCW. It has opened some doors and also gave me a fanbase.


Q: Favorite Wrestler?
A: UCW It is my enemy turned best friend Michael Hannigan! WWE It is Cody Rhodes! On the Indy Scene it's really too hard to pick. There is some great talent out there and also a lot of generic similar talent. As far as other gay wrestling sites I have no idea. I can tell you more who I dislike on gay wrestling sites, but I don't wanna start shit here!

Q: Top, Bottom, or Vers?
A: That is for me and my fiance to know and nobody else!

Q: Do you do private matches?
A: This question is becoming too common! I've answered it before and discussed it in heavy detail. Not at this time!





This has been fun! I am sure we will do many more of these. So if you'd like to ask me some questions here is how.. You can either comment here, hit me up on facebook, twitter, AskFm, or email! Thanks again guys!


Grayden Damien!