BRODERICK HUNTER
Photography: IRVIN RIVERA
Styling: DARRYL ANDERSON
Grooming: SIFA SITANI
Photo Asst: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG
Instagram: @broderickhunter
Twitter: @broderickhunter
Facebook: @broderickhunter
Agency/Agencies: NTA, Soul Artist Management, D' Men
Hometown: Fontana, Cali
Who is Broderick Hunter in the eyes of his family and friends?
You'd have to ask them but I would assume they say he's an over sensitive, hardworking, old soul.
When did modeling start for you?
I was 19 when my first opportunity was presented. I was on Facebook, and A photographer known as Tyren Redd, who's still around to this day, asked me if I'd like shoot with him. Thought it over… said yes, and everything went from there.
Did you initially intended to become a model?
No, not at all. It never crossed my mind once. I was a basketball player. I had intentions to go to college and eventually play overseas or at least semi-professionally. This all happened by accident but at the same time I guess it was fate lol.
Do you remember your first paid modeling gig?
Yes. It was for Lisa Raye's white denim collection she was releasing. She hand picked me. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. She laid topless on my back as I held a plank. What 20 year old wouldn't appreciate that?
What’s your most memorable experience in modeling so far?
I've been blessed with so many experiences. Whether it's meeting people or going places, it's hard to decide just one.
But I'd say shooting my first GQ spread was a memorable experience and playing Ciara's lead love interest in her "Sorry" music video was fun too. Walking in Milan for Dsquared was also a dream come true as well.
How would you describe your style?
Overall, my style is very simplistic. I don't try to do a lot. Fitted T shirt and jeans with a jacket if need be is all I need. I'm very comfortable. Although I have been styling it up lately with kind of a chic vibe for the summer. Open button up shirt, light jewelry. So... "simplistic chic" myself or some would say lol.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by my circle. I hang out with people that are doing really well in life. So I have to stay on top of my stuff. Life's not a competition but I always strive to be better and do the best in whatever I do.
What do you think is your proudest moment in your career so far?
My proudest moment… What's funny is, I don't have just one moment that has made me proud. When I first started, I sat down with my girlfriend at the time and said "these are the things I want to accomplish on this career path. I can't stop until I do all these things." I'm happy to say over the course of 5 years, all my boxes are checked. A few things on that list included "Ralph Lauren (RL 2013 Campaign), Star in a hit music video(Ciara - Sorry") , walk a high end fashion show (Dsquared, Givenchy, and others), and do a major magazine spread (GQ, Maxim, Cosmo, Essence). I'm overly proud and satisfied at this point.
Aside from modeling, what keeps you busy?
Aside from modeling, I love cutting hair. Barbering is my second passion. I'd actually like to own my shop by the time I'm 30. I'm always studying and learning new things like a language or opening new books; so free time is always good for me.
How do you balance your time?
I balance my time by based on what's important to me. What I mean by that is, if I ask myself "can this be done now or can it wait?"
For example, family is important to me. If a loved one calls me while I'm not overly preoccupied with something, I'm picking up the phone because we are living in times where tomorrow isn't promised. I also don't like to waste my days on things that aren't going to benefit me long term. My mind is always on what's ahead. The present takes care of itself, but my future is depended by what I'm doing in the present. I love to chill don't get me wrong, but it's important to be aware of having balance and not getting caught into old routines that won't help me go further in my journey.
How do you think you can stay relevant in the current industry?
Relevancy these days are based on a few things, "Branding" being one and social media being another heavy one. 3 or 4 years ago, my modeling book was being developed and I had tear sheets, campaigns, some of the best test shoots.
That mattered 3 years ago. But today, in 2017, my accomplishments don't outweigh my popularity scale unfortunately. I've been blessed with very loyal supporters. Having a good following has opened up other doors for me. Branding is a whole different argument. Learning how to market and balance yourself within the industry to where you become a "NAME" and not just a "FACE" is tough.
That takes time and learning to find what it is that makes you different. That goes with anything marketing wise. I can go into that topic for hours, days and weeks lol. So proper branding and use of social media keeps me relevant.
Dream project?
My dream project would be to play a super hero in a movie.
Any actor / interesting personality that you wanna work with?
I'd love to work with Idris Elba, Don Cheadle, Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrel... to name a few.
Are you gonna come up with more Youtube Vlogs about grooming at your youtube channel?
Yes, I do plan on doing more male grooming YouTube videos in the upcoming future. There are a lot of great new things happening on that medium. Really excited to share soon.
Tell us more about your program SELL YOUR LOOK.
I developed my program Sell Your Look that helps aspiring models learn the proper way to photograph. Before I started getting going with my acting career wanted to do something different and give knowledge back. We're in an age where people assume a nice selfie means they can be a super model lol (the unfortunate truth is, it's kind of true). But I've put so much effort into the craft that I wanted to share my knowledge. My first one that just passed was a success and I partnered with a few charities that a portion of proceeds went to. Looking forward to growing it in the future.
Top 3 music in your playlist right now.
My playlist is in shambles because it changes so rapidly. Right now, Jay Z 4:44 album has been in rotation. J Cole and other random stuff.
Book you’re currently reading.
"Transitions: Making Sense Of Life's Changes" - William Bridges
Currently binge watching ________
Game of thrones
Aside from sports, being on a healthy and proper diet, and living an active and healthy lifestyle, what else can you advise people who aspires to be a successful model like you?
I'd say stay true to yourself. Don't feel obligated to do what everyone else is doing. Everyone is different. The ultimate key is not to compare yourself. For example, some of the opportunities that I DIDN'T get, got me where I am. The few times I got on a project that was for me, it'd have a spring board effect and it took my career higher. If I was to chase and say "I want to do what that person is doing." Who's to say I'd work out just as well for me? So I always tell people to stay in your lane and focus on what makes you special as an individual. You are you, be the best at that.
If you’re going to have a book what title would it be?
if I had a book, a few title options would be "Crumbled Dollars", "Pocket Change" or "The Long Route".
If you will be given the chance and opportunity to help a specific charity, what would it be and why?
I can't think of any specific charity but I'd love to have an opportunity to join a charity or even make one (light bulb) where we re-groom homeless people and make them feel good again. Nothing brings back a man’s confidence like a good haircut.