From Athlete to Having an Agent

“Of course I thought about being a model, who hasn't?” Michael Fulfree was just a talented athlete in Long Island when approached by a Nijah / New Faces Development scout at the Roosevelt Field mall. Only attending high school at the time, “football was my passion.” Now he is an international model, having learned from and walked for the late legend, Alexander McQueen. “Everyone has their insecurities. It's natural, especially in this industry. I grew up. I changed, my body developed and while at times, it can be a superficial profession, I learned it's not just about your looks,” said Fulfree.

As he learned more about the profession and grew with Nijah / New Faces Development, he was given the opportunity to attend a major modeling event. He admits he didn't quite understand the magnitude of the event. “I thought, let's have fun and see what happens... Then I stepped on the runway and discovered how good this can feel. I got over thirty callbacks from interested agents and it became real.” With the placement of Nijah / New Faces Development, his new passion became a career as he signed with Next in New York and Major in Milan. He went on to walk in 12 shows during his first year as a model.

When he isn't modeling or working out, he stays active and continues learning. He watches other models, reviews campaigns he would like to get involved in and familiarizes himself with designers. “I love McQueen. He taught me so much about the industry. I love Westwood, and Rare, an organic international designer,” said Fulfree. “Right now, I'm up for the Armani campaign, and I'd love to do some more print work.” Michael has recently been seen in GQ, French Vogue (alongside Brooke Shields and shot by Bruce Weber) and Esquire, just to name a few of the magazines he's been featured in.

“I have a good support system at home and with Nijah/New Faces Development. It's important to continue developing and educating yourself no matter what level you're at.”