At the early age of 17, Jerry East had the idea to open a gym studio. Ambitious? Maybe. But with hard work and creating his own chances, he found himself a job as professional trainer at age 19 while simultaneously creating a business plan for his future venture. Which eventually resulted in opening the doors of his own gym on April 1, 2009. His inspiration came from working at a gym that was far too commercial and corporate to his liking. Jerry wanted something else, and he got it all at 22. Jerry East is a motivated and driven young man in everything he does. The kind of man who triggers our curiosity. So when we received the sneak peak of Dylan Rosser's latest set which he shot with – yes – Jerry East, we had no reason to hold back anymore. Instead, we decided to go East.
Jerry, you work both as model and personal trainer. At first glance, one might say you choose an easy career path for yourself…
Jerry: At a glance it would look this way, however I now own a commercial gym, protein range as well as a topless butler company. I set out to work in an industry I was passionate about with success as the goal, not pound signs. Modeling was always a dream that I was lucky enough to make a reality.
We know you used to be quite promising playing rugby, but had to give it up because of a medical mistake. Looking back on how your life turned out, do you regret stepping away from professional rugby?
Jerry: My rugby career is far from over, I plan to make a come back in a year or so. However playing at the high standards I would like to will have to stay a dream. The time and dedication I had for the sport before opening up my businesses just isn't available anymore. As far as regret is concerned, never, I am happier than I have ever been.
How did you get involved in modeling and is this something you consider pursuing as a career?
Jerry: It all started with fitness modeling, I wanted to get on the cover of a well known male fitness mag and just networked from there using modeling network sites. I found the harder I worked, the luckier I got.
Jerry: I think for the kind of modeling I do with fitness, underwear and glamour, height isn't to much of a problem. I'm never going to be on the catwalk. I think confidence is my biggest advantage and being comfortable in my own skin.
Jerry: I got a great response, even though I wasn’t really mentioned I used the shot for exposure and the feedback was a great confidence boost.
Jerry, you recently shot with Dylan Rosser. A stunning set of photos. Tell us about your experience working with Dylan…
Jerry: Working with Dylan was brilliant. He had everything planned out with a specific look in mind. The shoot had a continuous flow and constant feedback. Over all he was extremely professional and clearly passionate about what he does. He was a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with him again.
Jerry: This is a hard question to answer, I have shot nude before on an implied basis like most models. But I felt Dylan had a tasteful way of helping move towards the next step. Meaning full frontal. The result is very tasteful and classy I think.
Besides all the great artists you already worked with, is there any photographer you wish to work with or work with again?
Jerry: I’d quite like to head to the States and work with Paul Reitz and Sandro Bross in Europe. Some of my most enjoyable shoots have been with Simon Barnes AKA 'Hotsnapz'. We end up having a great laugh whilst coming up with wacky concepts and get some awesome stuff.
Tell us about your personal life Jerry. Is there anyone special?
Jerry: There is indeed, I don’t like to name drop so I wont..... all I will say is that they make me who I am today.
Pets?
Jerry: No No and again no.... I don’t mind fish as long as they are interesting, do stuff and don’t need to much looking after.... as for dogs, cats, snakes etc.... I just don’t get it!
What do you do when you are not practicing sport or modeling?
Jerry: I mainly work, but I try to take off a few days a month to chill over in the med. Perfect place to sit, think and relax.
Finally, any advice for a) anyone who would like to try a modeling career and b) anyone who would like to have such a great body such as yourself?
Jerry: Just be yourself, stick to the type of work you want and be confident within your own skin. No matter who you are, there will be someone who wants to shoot you, any shape any size. Eat well, work hard and stay away from drink and drugs. Last but not least, get advice from a good fitness professional, after all you wouldn’t let somebody unqualified to do your electrics or plumbing, so why do the same with your body. Im always available for fitness advice through my website. –B-
DYLAN ROSSER | BEAUTIFULMAG
JERRY EAST | BEAUTIFULMAG
Jerry's eyes look a bit cruel - I like that in a man !
Posted by: lucien | September 10, 2010 at 05:29 AM
Being here in the USA, I would prefer that Jerry go west! Beautiful work by Jerry and Dylan, as always.
Posted by: Steve | September 10, 2010 at 06:04 AM
Beautiful pix - I actually like best the ones that show the bathing suit, and the beautiful curve of Jerry's hips. The face photo is unusually compelling, too.
Posted by: Brad | September 11, 2010 at 02:06 PM
He is a very striking model. With beautiful masculine features. Dylan seems to only find the best to photograph!!
Posted by: calvin | September 11, 2010 at 02:41 PM
Nice VERY nice!
Posted by: thegayte-keeper | October 04, 2010 at 01:43 AM