Untamed Magazine
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EXCLUSIVE
INTERVIEW
UNTAMED
UNTAMED
ALEX SMITH
MODEL | ACTOR
Behind the camera, beyond the scene.
From the open road to the big screen, Alex Smith brings a raw, authentic energy to everything he does. In this exclusive interview, he talks about his journey, creative freedom, and what drives him to keep pushing forward.
"I actually wanted to keep creating."
Personal & Career Journey
01
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?
I’m Alex Smith, a Model and Actor from St. Louis, Missouri. I’ve always had an interest in modeling, being creative, and being in front of a camera. Even before I seriously considered modeling, I was the kind of person who enjoyed creating little movies and putting myself into different characters. Growing up with a creative mindset, I always remembered that you can be anything if you put your mind and heart into it.
So, what started as something I wanted to try has opened the door to photo shoots, publications, automotive projects, and opportunities I honestly didn't expect when I first started.
Industry Experience & Challenges
04
What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
The automotive-related work has definitely been memorable because it combines two things that I genuinely enjoy: being around the automotive culture and being around a camera. It also showed me that modeling doesn't necessarily have to mean standing in front of a plain backdrop wearing designer clothes. There are so many different worlds where modeling and photography can fit, and automotive lifestyle work is one that feels very natural to me.
05
02
What inspired you to become a model?
I think a big part of it was wanting to see what I was actually capable of. For a long time, modeling and acting were things I thought about but didn't necessarily pursue. Eventually, I reached a point where I decided that wondering, “What if?” wasn't good enough anymore. I wanted to actually step in front of the camera and give myself the opportunity to find out. There’s also something I really enjoy about transforming for a shoot. A different outfit, location, expression, or concept can completely change how you present yourself.
03
Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
For me, it wasn't one particular photograph or one particular shoot. It was the feeling after I started doing them. I'd leave a shoot thinking about what I could have done differently, what I wanted to try next, and what kind of concept I wanted to do after that. That's when I realized this wasn't just something I was doing for a few pictures. I actually wanted to keep creating.
Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
The hardest part has probably been learning the industry while actually being in it. There are a lot of opportunities out there, but not every opportunity is necessarily the right one. When you're new, it can be difficult to tell the difference between something that will genuinely help your career and something that simply sounds impressive. I've learned to slow down, ask questions, look at what I'm actually getting out of an opportunity, and not feel like I have to say yes to everything. I'm still learning, but I'm much more comfortable trusting my judgment than I was when I started.
06
How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
I try not to overcomplicate it. I make sure I know exactly what I'm walking into, what I'm supposed to wear, where I need to be, and what the photographer or creative team is looking for. Then I focus on the basics: getting enough sleep, taking care of myself, making sure my hair and grooming are right, and showing up early. Once I'm there, I try to relax. If I'm too focused on trying to look perfect, it can actually make me look less natural. I would rather listen to direction and let the shoot develop.
Creative Process & Style
07
How would you describe your modeling style?
I'd say my style depends heavily on the story we're trying to tell. I can clean up and do a formal or professional look, but I also enjoy rougher, more masculine styles like automotive, workwear, or action-inspired concepts. I don't want to be limited to one image of what I look like. If the concept calls for confidence, intensity, sophistication, or something more relaxed, I want to be able to step into it.
08
Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?
Editorial probably interests me the most because there is more room for creativity. I like photographs that make you stop for a second instead of immediately scrolling past them. Editorial work gives the photographer and model an opportunity to create a mood, a character, or an entire story. That said, I wouldn't want to limit myself. Commercial work, runway, lifestyle, and automotive modeling all interest me. I'd rather experience different sides of the industry and figure out where I fit best through experience.
09
What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?
A huge role.
A photograph can tell you whether someone is confident, angry, mysterious, relaxed, powerful, vulnerable, or completely in their own world without the person ever saying anything. That's one of the things that connects modeling to acting for me. You're communicating something without dialogue. The pose is only part of it. Your eyes, posture, expression, and even the way you hold your hands can change the entire story.
Influences & Inspirations
10
Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
I'm probably more inspired by the work itself than by one particular person. I like seeing somebody take an idea that sounds simple and turn it into an image that actually makes people feel something. I'm also inspired by people who have developed their own identity instead of trying to look like everybody else. That's something I'm trying to do myself. I want people to eventually see one of my images and recognize that it feels like me.
11
How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
I keep giving myself new things to work toward If I only measured success by getting a major magazine cover or landing a huge campaign, I'd probably get discouraged pretty quickly. Instead, I look at the smaller milestones too: getting published, having a good shoot, making a new connection, improving a pose, getting more comfortable with direction, or simply creating an image I'm proud of. There is always something I can improve, and honestly, that's part of what keeps it interesting.
Future Goals & Advice
12
What are your biggest career goals for the future?
I want to work on larger productions, build relationships with major photographers and creative teams, appear in bigger publications, work with recognizable brands, and eventually land meaningful acting roles.
13
Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?
I'd love to work with brands that have a strong identity and aren't afraid to do something different. Because of my automotive background, I'd especially enjoy working with automotive brands, lifestyle companies, clothing brands, and photographers who are willing to combine those worlds. I'd also love to eventually work on a major fashion editorial or campaign where I can look back at it and think, “I remember when I was just starting out and hoping I'd get here.”
14
What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?
EXCLUSIVE
INTERVIEW
UNTAMED
CULTURE / STYLE / PERFORMANCE
Don't wait until you think you're ready. I spent enough time thinking about modeling and acting before actually doing something about it. Looking back, I wish I'd started sooner. You’re going to have awkward shoots. You're going to take pictures you don't like. You're going to hear no. Sometimes you'll put yourself out there and nothing will happen. That's normal. The important thing is to keep moving. Find good people to work with, learn how to recognize legitimate opportunities, take care of your image and reputation, and don't let one person's opinion determine how you see yourself. And don't try so hard to become somebody else's version of a model. The thing that makes you different might eventually become the thing people remember you for.