Growing up in the Bay Area playing sports and doing musical theater, Nate Gill never expected to become a model at the age of 19. Now 26, Nate is no stranger to success, working with some of industry’s top brands - Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, as well as runway for Versace, Dolce and Gabbana and many others. As he continues to accomplish his goals, the adventures that await him are even more exciting.
Q: How were you discovered, and how old were you?
A: I actually walked into an open call at a small agency in San Francisco with blind faith that I could make this my life. Two months after signing with City Model I was off to NYC with 7 dollars in my pocket and now have 9 agencies around the world.
Q: What was your first gig?
A: An underwear campaign for Ralph Lauren. I was so nervous! I was thick back then and had just spent all summer running obsessively to get my body into modeling shape after years of water polo.
Q: Tell us a little about your family and the values that they instilled in you.
A: Honestly, my childhood was really hard. My brothers and I had to fend for ourselves most of the time. But I come from a big Christian family, and we were those, “it takes a village” kids. Now that I’m an adult, my parents and I have worked through our issues. I see that they did the best they could - being so young, and I’m inspired. They both worked 2 jobs while raising us. And my dad is gay so we were always open minded and more accepting of unconventional ways of life. I’m so grateful for that, especially in this industry.
Q: Who are some of your idols and where do you find inspiration?
A: My Uncle Robin has always been my idol. He was like a super hero to me growing up. He can hold a conversation with anyone and is never afraid to be himself. I find myself constantly getting new inspiration when I think of my humble beginnings.
Q: Is there a particular client that you are always happy to work with or any designer that you like walking for in particular?
A: I love the freedom of shooting with GQ magazine and of course whatever designer we are featuring is always on point. I’ve been working with Tommy Hilfiger a long time and always enjoy myself.
Q: You’ve traveled quite a bit. What places have you been to?
A: I have! Such a dream come true for a kid who had barely left Northern California! I’ve been all over Europe, most recently took a trip to Kenya and wow, it was a very humbling experience. I got to put on a football charity match for a bunch of village kids who were so touched and excited by something so simple, yet Americans take advantage of it. I loved it.
Q: Have you picked up any skills in your travels?
A: Oh ya, everywhere I go I make new friends and pick up little bits of language. I’m pretty good with a map now, after much trial and error navigating new countries. I just try to absorb as much of the culture as I can when I’m somewhere new, and take a part of it back home with me.
Q: What does the fashion world need most?
A: I love when designers use models that don’t fit the norm. I think breaking out of what people have been used to for years would be really cool. Kate Upton is a great example. She’s curvy, a real woman, and she’s breaking down the walls between what people want to see/can relate to, and how fashion brands want to portray themselves.
Q: Are you working on any other projects right now besides modeling?
A: My most rewarding side project was coaching basketball in LA for the YMCA. Sports were my life before my career began. I miss those kids being back in New York! I’ve also been blessed to have success in my acting career, appearing in shows like “Revenge” a few times.
Q: What can we expect from you in the future?
A: I have so many ideas floating around in my wild imagination at any given moment; a non-profit to redistribute excess food from photo shoots, continuing with my coaching.. but as far as the audience is concerned, I’m close to breaking into acting more significantly. I believe my opportunity is right around the corner.
