BeautifulMag Cover Story | Simon Howard, More than Smoke and Mirrors

SIMON HOWARD IS ONLY 30 YEARS OLD AND HAS DONE IT ALL. WELL MAYBE NOT ALL, BUT HE IS MOST CERTAINLY A BUSY MAN. IN FACT, IF YOU NEED A TRAINER WHO CAN ALSO GIVE YOU VALID NUTRICION ADVISE, WHO IS WILLING TO POSE FOR ARTISTIC PHOTOS AND CAN DIRECT YOU IN GETTING THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC RESULT AS WELL, HE IS THE MAN. SOUNDS LIKE SMOKE AND MIRRORS? THINK AGAIN. SIMON COMES AS A COMPLETE PACKAGE. AND WHAT A PACKAGE THAT IS. REASON ENOUGH FOR US TO TAKE A SHOT AT SIMON HOWARD.

Simon… athlete, trainer, TV host, model and now also photographer. You’re a man with many interests. How did it all begin?
Simon: I’ve always had a keen interest in sports. I started at the age of five in various sports, I played rugby for over 20 years and competed at a national level in various martial arts. In my teens I became interested in bodybuilding. And it was my interest in bodybuilding that led to everything else. It was that and my background in art and design opened many doors for me. I have also dabbled in acting work this last year too. 

Out of your four career paths, which one is the most likely for you to continue on?
Simon: I am hugely fortunate to have experienced success in a number of different areas. I feel each career has been a progression from the last, and they all complement each other. I will continue to do as much as possible in each area, until I’ve done as much as I can or people are fed up with seeing me. It’s a major accomplishment for me to be the first photographer to shoot BeautifulMag’s first ever self-shot cover and can’t thank you guys and your readers enough.

You are 30 years old, straight with a girlfriend, but – and this is probably not a surprise – a large gay fan base. How do you deal with the male attention?
Simon: I am extremely grateful of my fan base, as they give me the opportunity to do what I do today. I have always been aware of my appeal, and have always had positive comments from admirers. The girlfriend always finds it amusing if she over hears any comments from guys. So with the exception of the odd email asking if I sell my used underwear, it’s all positive.

You have a body that is close to perfection. Obviously your own training and nutrition programs are working well for you. And your job as model is your best advertisement. You are currently in process of releasing two e-books: one on modeling and one on nutrition. Can you tell us more about this project?
Simon: Believe it or not in the last 10 years I have lost and gained a total of 24 stone trying to get my ideal body. Obviously this isn’t healthy, but I have learnt a huge amount about what to do and what not to do to achieve your dream body. Based on the amount of mail I receive about how to get in shape or get into modeling, people obviously want my advice. The easiest way to do this seems to be a series of eBooks.

Will there be more book projects by Simon Howard in the future?
Simon: I have a huge number of projects on paper and in my head.  The eBooks should hopefully be the first of many, I also contribute on a regular basis to fitness publications. I am also working on producing a series of fitness DVD’s. Again everything depends on the demand out there, if people want things I’ll keep doing them. 

From being a successful model, going to become a successful photographer. It seems like an easy step to take…
Simon: Not necessarily an easy step, but definitely a logical progression. A lot of people don’t relies I have a bachelor’s degree in art, so I have always been a creative individual. Photography is definitely different to modeling. I think having done both gives me a unique approach as a model or a photographer. I look forward to doing plenty more of both, as they say “watch this space.”

How do the photographers you work or have worked with respond to your new career choice?
Simon: Really well, it was Simon Barnes “Hotsnapz” who first encouraged me to pick up a camera and have a go. I wouldn’t have been so successful without his continued support and advice. All the photographers I have worked with as a model have been positive about my photography, it’s great to be able to go to people for encouragment and advice. We all need to keep on learning. 

You shot a self-portrait series Smoke and Mirrors specially for BeautifulMag. Can you tell us about the concept of this set?
Simon: Firstly it’s fantastic fun doing self-portraits as you have total creative freedom. Smoke and mirrors is basically a play on the idea that photography is the art of illusion all “smoke and mirrors” as they say. So armed with minimal props I thought it would be a good challenge to try and create some interesting and original images. I hope you guys like the results.

What is next for Simon Howard. What should we keep our eyes and ears open for?
Simon: This is so hard to predict as a few years ago I wouldn’t imagine I would be doing all the things I’ve been able to do. The photography is going extremely well, and I still get modeling work. I enjoy the challenge of TV work, and the bits and pieces of acting I have done. I am looking forward to completing my books and getting to work on my DVD project. Basically I am happy to work with whatever opportunities present themselves and who knows where I will be or what I will doing in a few years.

Thanks again to everyone and beautiful mag and all their readers. –BM-

SIMON HOWARD | BEAUTIFULMAG

Comments

[Tom]

wow what great use of smoke and lighting Very impressive

[Therouxlover]

Simon Howard is a whole package of talent, sexiness, self-confidence, and just plain coolness! That makes him SEXY!

[John Burke]

Jeffery Brewster THE VERY BEST OF THE BEST! Shoot Fur "Beautiful" Mag is FreakinfandamntasticShoot Dude! This Cowboy is Totally Blown Away!!!!!! Thanks...
John.....TEX

[Mackenzie Amateur]

I am not young enough to know everything.