#MODELLOG || Chay Morris

He is best known for his impeccably elegant style and perfectly chiseled cheekbones, often spotted gracing high-end men's publications from all over the world. But soon after we got into interviewing the London-born Chay Morris, not only did we find out that he was a professional football player playing for Watford and Wimbledon FC, but that Chay is also an incredibly gifted illustrator and artist, and held an exhibition showcasing his amazing artwork that we simply couldn't resist sharing with you! (See below)

Elite: Happy New Year Chay! We know so much about you from your modelling work since you became a model with us and completely taking over the men's fashion scene by a storm! But why don't you tell us a little about the life of Chay Morris pre-modelling?

Chay: I grew up in East Barnet, North London. It was Myself, Mum, Dad, my younger sister and a couple of cats in a maisonette! I was constantly drawing. It was the only thing that would keep me quiet as a youngster!  My Dad has a massive passion for football and after he got back from work each day he would take me out for a kick about. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t use my hands! Which inevitably lead me to a career in goalkeeping, playing for Watford and Wimbledon FC. I still pursued my hobby in art taking a degree in Illustration by the time I was 18.   

E: Awesome! How come you stopped playing football?

C: I only just came out of football in October (2012). I was playing in the conference but decided that I had to fully commit myself to modelling. Modelling and Goalkeeping do not really go hand in hand! As a goalkeeper you have to put your face where most wouldn't put their feet, so it was only right to come away from it when the injures started getting serious.

E: When were you scouted and how did you feel about becoming a model?

C: I walked into Elite London’s agency after encouragement from my wife and mother, so I was mentally prepared on becoming a model. At 24 years old, I thought it would be too late! I think Charlie and Michelangelo could tell I was nervous when I walked in. Luckily they saw something in me, so I am very grateful to them both.

E: How do you balance your personal life and modelling career?

C: Drawing and football are my releases. I try to be myself in everything I do whether it’s talking with friends or meeting casting directors and designers.

E: Were there any things you had to sacrifice in order to be a successful model?

C: Playing football Professionally / Semi- Professionally

E: We recently saw your artwork, and we have to say it is absolutely incredible! And we hear that you have even received awards for it - is this something you plan on carrying on with?

C: Yes I will always keep creating artwork. It is a massive part of me. To have your work up in an exhibition is good, but the process of creation is what it’s all about!

E: What kind art were you doing? What was the inspiration behind your work?

C: I was using acrylics to meet tight deadlines, as other mediums do not dry as quick.  I later became immersed in printmaking, constantly experimenting with the Etching and Aquatint process.  I always draw from life but artists such as William Hogarth, Paula Rego and Canaletto helped me channel my thoughts.  

E: What has been your most memorable modelling experience to date?

C: The most memorable experience would have to be when I went to meet Tom Ford at his office in London. He just appeared from a secret door!  He is a very interesting character, with great concepts within his work.

E: What has been your favourite shoot to date?

C: There have been some funny ones! Harvey Nichols ‘Contain your Excitement’ campaign shoot was amusing and GQ Le Mans was great, as I got to be a racing driver for the day!

E: If you weren't modelling, what do you think you'd be doing now?

C: A struggling Illustrator or working on a building site!

E: What do your friends and family think about you being a male model?

C: They are all very supportive!  Especially Natalie, (my wife). It took my Dad a while to get his head around it. He thought it was a shame I gave up football but he is glad to see me happy. The lads at football gave me stick and my mates think I’m ‘having myself massively’! [laughing]

E: Your modelling has taken you all around the world... Which has been your favourite city so far?

C: As a model - Dublin has been the best place so far, but there are still many places I intend to go to!!!

E: What has been the biggest surprise for you since you started modelling?

C: How nice the people are! You assume the Fashion Industry is full of stuck up Fashionista’s and Primadonna’s (some of them are) but the majority are hard working kind people who want the best results.

E: What is your guilty pleasure?

C: There are so many! Watching trash TV like X Factor and Dog the Bounty Hunter, listening to shocking music and taking soaps and shampoo’s from hotel rooms are just a few from a long list!

E: Being a professional footballer, artist and a model is a very unusual combination. Do you feel like each one of those things helped the other, or was it quite the opposite?

C: It was quite the opposite!  Playing football I was picking up injuries to the face and hands (amongst other areas)!  Nobody wants a model with black eyes and an ear hanging off, whilst an artist struggles with broken fingers. I feel Art has helped me understand the Fashion Industry. You begin to admire the thought process of a designer, realising that they also studied Art at some point in their lives.  

E: One last thing - aside from modelling, what is your biggest ambition in life?

C: To make my parents proud and start a family with Nat.

Amazing stuff Chay, we are super-mega pleased for you and all your achievement so far! Thanks so much for taking time for this interview and we hope 2013 brings you plenty of joys, successes & everything you ever wished for!


Below is some of Chay's incredible artwork:

'Paddy's Bookmakers' etching and aquatint 10.5x16cm

 'Pinkie & Cubitt' etching and aquatint 12x18cm 

   'My Place' etching and aquatint 10.5x16cm 

'Stop That Buer's Mouth' etching and aquatint 10.5 x16cm