interview

Name:
Morten Nielsen

Agency:
PMA (Hamburg)
Also: IMG (New York) / IMG London (London) / IMG Australia (Sydney) / New Madison (Paris) / I LOVE Models Management (Milan) / Bravo Models (Tokyo)

Age:
24

Height:
1.88 (6’2″)

Instagram:
@mortennielsen_official

Place of Origin:
Silkeborg, Denmark

Ethnic Origin:
Danish

Birthsign:
I’m an Aries

How discovered:
I was on a holiday with my family in Berlin in 2011, where a man in the metro asked if I was a model. First I thought it was a joke, course I’ve never seen myself as a modeling-type-of-person. But apparently it was true, and that’s where it all started.

What was your first modeling job?
My first job ever was a shoot for ELECTRIC YOUTH MAGAZINE POWERED BY DIESEL. The photographer was Steven Klein. First I had no idea who Steven Klein was, until someone told me that he’s actually a really famous photographer, and then I was a little proud and really nervous!!! :)

Favorite things:
I love playing football. First because I love to win and also I love to exercise. And of course I enjoy hanging out with my friends when I’m home. I couldn’t live without my special pillow. It makes me feel at home, and makes my sleep better. I bring it everywhere I go.

What are you listening to at the moment?
Lukas Graham – Christopher – The weeknd – Rag´n Bone Man – Volbeat – Rihanna – Martin Jensen – Nik & Jay.

Favorite movie, tv show:
12 Years A Slave

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
I love pretty much everything from Emporio Armani, clothes, shoes, bags etc. Also I could spend a lot of my money on clothes from Superdry, I like the sporty look. I’m switching between the fragrance “one million” from PACO RABANNE and “Gaultier LeMale” from Jean Paul Gaultier.

What were you doing before modeling?
I’ve never loved school, I would rather study something where I could use my hands and muscles. In march 2013 I finished my education as a bricklayer, and worked as a bricklayer till December 2016 where I stopped, and started working full time as a model.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
I would probably still be working as a bricklayer. My dream is to start my own company, which I would probably do after modelling.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
Well, I have a funny habit about my pillow. As mentioned before, I LOVE my pillow, and almost can’t sleep without it, so I bring it wherever I go.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
My campaign shooting for Bottega Veneta with Todd Hido.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
I grew up in Jutland (a part of Denmark) where people are known for being really polite and nice to each other. Silkeborg, where I live now, is a really cozy town, where there isn’t a lot of stress, that’s something I miss when I visit the big cities. The things I really miss when I’m traveling is the Danish food item “rugbrød” (rye bread).

Which brand would you really love to model for?
I’ve always dreamt of working for Calvin Klein. I love their clothes and the brand. Also Givenchy could be really nice working for. And of course Nike and Adidas, because I love wearing sports clothes, and I would love to represent them.

Place you would love to visit:
If I could, I would LOVE to visit the entire world! I love traveling, and experience different cultures and different people. I’ve already visited many exiting places so as Bali, most of eastern Europe, New York, Florida, Greece etc. But I would love the opportunity to go somewhere unique, where not a lot of people get to experience ex. Galapagos.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
I’m still trying to understand that I’m actually working full time as a model. 6 months ago I didn’t think I could actually be a full time model. My dreams back then were more about buying a house, making a family, settling down and founding my own company. Now I spend a lot of time thinking about adjusting my dreams. What do I want now, should I move to another country, how long can I keep working as a model and so on. I love my “new” life, and I can’t wait to explore more of the nice and exciting model-life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Sometimes I wonder, if I’ve ever bought milk from the same cow twice” / “I’d much rather look back at my life and say ‘I can’t believe I did that” instead of saying “I wish I did that’”.