Today I get to introduce you to a wonderful guy who has become a good friend and great source of inspiration. I stumbled upon Eric EC Claussen as a follower of FuriousFotog's Facebook page. Seeing Eric's pics, I clicked on his model page and found a gorgeous guy with a heart of gold. I hope that you enjoy looking at his pictures and getting a glimpse into his life as much as I did.
As with all the wonderful models I interview for my blog, their photos help support their livelihood. As such, they are providing their photos for the use on my blog with permission. Please do not copy, use, alter, or otherwise steal these photos. I do not condone photo piracy of models or book piracy of authors in any shape, form, or fashion.
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My Interview with Eric
Eric: I kinda did but never really pursued it. I’m a recovered alcoholic/drug addict and just celebrated 3 years of continued sobriety on October 17, 2014. I replaced my negative addictions of drinking and doing drugs with positive addictions of working out and personal development. I got in the best shape of my life and posted my transformation on facebook. A photographer reached out to me saying I had a great look and he would like to shoot me. I went with it and the photos came out amazing. I fell in love with modeling. The rest is history. I keep working on improving myself and helping others seizing new opportunities as they arise.
Me: Congratulations on 3 years Eric, that's awesome! What has been your favorite modeling shoot so far?
Eric: I traveled to Knoxville, TN to do a shoot for Knoxville’s fashion week with my friend Eric McKinney. The shoot was so unique and just off the wall, seriously way outside the box. I absolutely loved it and I got to meet and work with some cool new people.
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Me: What are your aspirations for your modeling career?
Eric: I love traveling and making a positive difference in people’s lives. I’m always open to new opportunities to learn and grow. I lose myself in modeling shoots. It could go on for 12 hours and it feels like a minute to me. I just love it and make the absolute best of whatever comes my way.
Me: Several pictures on your Facebook page show a comparison of you at larger weight to your now toned, muscled body; what motivated you to lose the weight and how did you keep the momentum to reach your goals?
Eric: Yes, I lost 50 pounds. I was an out of control alcoholic/drug addict. When I finally hit rock bottom I decided to never go back to my old ways because it was just too painful. I replaced my old negative behaviors of drinking and doing drugs with positive behaviors of working out and personal development. It’s a never ending process and I’m hooked for life.
Me: 50 pounds! Wow! This is definitely one of the reasons I believe you are an inspiration to others. What about you, who is your biggest inspiration?
Eric: My ultimate mentor/idol is Tony Robbins. I immerse myself in his material every single day and it has made a world of a difference as I apply what he teaches to my life.
Me: Where is your favorite vacation spot? What two people would you bring with you and why?
Eric: I want to travel the world. I don’t have a favorite vacation spot yet. How about one person, my soul mate. I believe in my heart I will cross paths with her soon.
Me: Do you enjoy reading and if so, what kinds of books do you really enjoy?
Eric: Yes, I love reading and read for at least 30 minutes to an hour every single day. I love personal development books. Books on how to improve the quality of your life and those around you. I’m currently reading Tony Robbins newest book, “Money Master The Game”.
Me: What is your favorite junk food?
Eric: Cold Stone!! I’m a health nut but every once in a while I absolutely must hit up the Cold Stone for a wonderful treat.
Me: If you could work with another model, male or female, who would it be and why?
Eric: Tyrese Gibson. He’s very inspirational and I love his style. He would be a cool dude just to kick it with.
Me: What is something people would never guess about you?
Eric: I’m a recovered alcoholic/drug addict.
Me: You post great inspirational videos occasionally and always end with your tag line. I’m curious, where did this awesome line come from?
Eric: I incorporated it from Tony Robbins. He says, “Love your life, live with passion and God bless.” I used that for a while but my intuition guided me to make my own and I came up with, “Love your life and those around you, follow your creativity and God bless.”
Me: Which do you prefer: sandy beach on the ocean or rustic cabin in the mountains?
Eric: Both actually. I enjoy the beach but also love a cabin in the mountains so this is a toss up on preference.
Eric: Both actually. I enjoy the beach but also love a cabin in the mountains so this is a toss up on preference.
Me: If you were not modeling, what is your dream job or is this your ultimate dream job?
Eric: Motivational speaking, life coach, actor, best selling author.
Me: Thanks so much, Eric, for taking time out to talk with me and for sharing some very personal and inspirational stories with us.
Facebook Model Page
Twitter @EricClaussen1
Instagram eric_claussen
And don't forget to reach out to Eric if you are interested in any of his work!
Special thanks goes out to all the photographers and Jacqueline Anne for her book cover (click here to be taken to the book's Amazon page).
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Eric EC Claussen,
Model Interview
