John Tan Casting/Styling: INTRODUCING: Justin/Erik/Clinton/Kenny/Matt

Justin Gray Barnhill/Adam

Homebase: Maple Hill, North Carolina

Age: 17
Could you tell us a little bit about Maple Hill?
Maple Hill is a farming area. As country-style as you could get.
How did you get into modeling?
Through www.models.com. My dream was to become a professional model for Abercrombie and Fitch. I was surfing the internet and I came across www.models.com. I built my portfolio and I send in my pics. Adam models contacted me and I came to NYC because they were interested in seeing me. I did a few tests while I was here and my book took shape. As soon as I graduated from school, I decide to come back to NYC to pursue my dream.
Could you tell us about your jewelry?
I like to have my own style and flavor. I was 15 when I got this ring I am wearing. The most meaningful jewelry I am wearing is my class ring. I worked really hard to graduate and the ring is a constant reminder of the work I put into it. I am not really an academic; I am more a people kind of person. My favorite subject in school was English.
What are your plans besides modeling?
Modeling! I want to stay in NYC and make my dream come true!
What does your family think about your getting into a modeling career?
They are supportive. They cannot support me financially but they want me to pursue my dream. They help me when they can.

Erik Brooman/Empire

Homebase: Ottawa, Canada

Age: 18

Discovery: I got scouted in a shopping center back home in Ottawa.

What's your home town like?

A little residential area, starting to get big now...It's a nice place.

How did you get into modeling?

I started modeling four years ago in Canada. My agency in Canada send me to NYC and placed me with Empire Models. I have been here for about two months now. I love NYC for the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is quite a dramatic change from where I am from.

Could you tell us about the tee shirt and sunglasses you are wearing in the photo?

I went to check out the Ska band Mustard Plug when they performed in Ottawa. I bought the tee shirt at the show. I got these rainbow sunglasses down on Canal Street; I bargained them down from $10 to $1. I told them I was desperately in need of these shades for a photo shoot and I only had a dollar on me.

What are your plans besides modeling?

I am going to keep modeling as long as I can. I'm planning to go to college afterwards.

Clinton Jorgensen/DNA

Homebase: Salt Lake City, Utah

Age: 21

Ethnicity: Swedish, Norwegian and Irish.

Discovery: Modeling was never in my plans at all. My friend sent a picture to Ryan McGinley from an iPhone. I did a photo shoot with Ryan. My friend just knew about one agency, DNA Models. He said, I am gonna try to turn you into a model and I said, good luck. After he sent the picture to DNA, they contacted me and told me to move to NYC. I have been modeling for about three months.

What was the experience like working with Ryan McGinley?

Completely naked for about an hour! I knew what I was getting myself into so it was cool.

It was awkward for about half of a second but after that, I said to myself...whatever. I never got to see the final images though. His assistant told me he is planning to use it for something else...I don't really know.

Did you always want to be a model?

(Laughs) No! It was totally by accident.

What did you want to do prior to modeling?

Skateboarding and be outdoors all the time. I cannot do it anymore; I injured my knees too many times unfortunately.

What are your plans besides modeling?

Be happy, live life! Spend a lot of times in the woods. Have bonfires with friends. I lived in Boston for about six years. Wakefield, Massachusetts, has the best forests and woods for hiking. Love it!

Could you tell us about the boots you are wearing?

I bought them vintage and they continue to be very, very vintage. These are my only shoes I own. These boots are made for walking. There's a big hole by the toe.

Kenny Wayne Hugenell/RED

Homebase: Detroit, Michigan

Age: 20

Discovery: I was walking down the streets one day. A scout scouted me and asked me to get into it. I said sure...

What did you do prior to modeling?

I am in a band and just playing my music. I play lead guitar.

Can you tell me about your jeans?

Levi's from Walmart. I customized them.

Matt Masterson/ReQuest

Homebase: San Diego, California

Age: 19

Discovery: I had a few friends that came out to NY for design and fashion-type things. My friends suggested that I should consider modeling. I went to see ReQuest and they signed me.

Could you tell us about the necklace you are wearing?

It's a St. Christopher Medal that I got from my mom. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and surfers. It's my lucky charm for my trip to NYC.

What are your favorite hobbies: Sports! From water polo and surfing to hockey and skating.

What are your plans besides modeling?

I go to school at UCLA. I hope to finish school and perhaps seek a career in business. Still trying to figure things out. Let's see where modeling might take me.