ABOUT ME

I am kind of a renaissance type of guy. - I like to create new things. I recently became a male clothing model with the idea that I could learn more about the fashion industry by participating then by just reading books about it. That's how I do a lot of things. I just don't see obsticals the same way others do and I just get out there and make stuff happen. My purpose for modeling was to learn more about how to create compelling fashion images for selling clothes. - Great imagery is crucial in communicating fashion ideas in catalogs and editorial venues. I am also a industrial design engineer and inventor turned fashion designer. Many of the shots in this portfolio are my designs, which are sold throughout the world. (You can see more of them at jdez.com).

My background has mostly been centered around entrepreneurial endeavors. I started off as an "inventor-for-hire" providing creative services to manufacturers for many years. I always loved technology and science. - Especially when new businesses could be built around it. I also have a passion for photography. One of the many business ventures I had founded gave me the opportunity to travel the world shooting location background imagery for the catalog industry. I filed several patents on technologies for matching lighting between blue-screen studios and remote locations. I sold my work to large retailers like Sears, Eddie Bauer, Nordstrom and Spiegel for use in their catalogs. - Saving them thousands in location photography costs.

I am now involved with anew kind of clothing manufacturing company that specializes in providing innovative designs like men's skirts, kilts and urban utility sarongs. - And lots of other very comfortable things that people can wear as alternatives to their typical "jeans and T-shirt" uniforms. I have created more than 200 designs so far for both men and women. What I like about the clothing business is that you can bring new ideas to market very rapidly.

I am an advocate of utilizing renewable, low impact resources in manufacturing. I design with a lot of organic cotton because it's the responsible thing to do. I have been a vegetarian for more than twenty-five years and stay fit with daily yoga stretches. I am an advocate of healthy and sustainable living practices. I love to travel to offbeat and exotic places and like to always be busy creating something. - Even while vacation.

One of the purposes for my online portfolio is to get feedback from people about the development of my unique styles. I am always seeking photographers to work with on a TFP basis that are up for the challenge of creating some compelling and interesting imagery for fashion editorial or art. Contact me if you have some ideas and wish to arrange a photoshoot.