Ramon Dodson is a family man and loves hanging out with his wife and two kids. But he has his hands full with other interests. He has been a “flinger” (Flowing and Singing in bajan dialect) in the band AzMan for the past eight years; the band was formed with three other friends during their days at Combermere School. He also plays the guitar and is a personal trainer and fitness instructor for the past three years.
Ramon, at 6 feet and a half inche tall, is keen on keeping fit and this has helped him in the modelling industry.
Even though Ramon professes a weakness for food, he can basically eat whatever he wants “by striking a balance”. He tries to work out four to six days a week so that whenever he has to pack up and travel overseas for assignments he is body ready.
And his recreational love of football does his body good too.
An historic moment for Ramon was when he was flown to New York for the Vibe 2008 photoshoot – the Obama issue. At the time he was a management student at the University of the West Indies.
We asked him a few questions:
Was it hard to break into the male model business?
Physically, it was not that difficult because my dimensions fit the international standard and my involvement in fitness has provided me with a physique that is aesthetically acceptable. Mentally, however, I found it quite challenging to adopt a mindset that was forgiving to an industry which has a tendency to be highly superficial and often very fickle.
What was your first big gig?
My first big gig was a feature in VIBE Magazine. It was the commemorative issue just before the inauguration of Barack Obama so they did a ‘Civil Rights Movement’ theme with clothing and styling from that period. I shot with a group of top models, including one of the biggest black male models, David Agbodji, and Stacey McKenzie.
How would you define your personal style?
Classic.
Do you find that you follow fashion trends or do you play by your own rules?
I am definitely not a follower.
Are there any colours that you tend to shy away from?
Not too fond of pink or purple.
How does your day-to-day life factor into your wardrobe choices?
My involvement in fitness has caused me to favour breathable clothing and shorts.
Are there any designers that you like to wear or whose clothing stands out with you?
For International Designers I’d say Oswald Boateng and Armani and for local designers my favourites are Avark and Rojoe.
What are five things that every man should have in his closet?
A suit, tailored pants, a shirt (both dress and T-shirt), shoes, flip-flops and a football (smile).
What is the weirdest thing you have ever worn in a fashion show?
I’ve never worn anything weird.
Which of your achievements are you most proud of?
My family [wife and two kids], and getting signed to an agency in London.
What do you wish people would understand about working in the modelling industry?
A successful model requires more than the ability to take sublime photos; a model is a marketer and must possess the ability to generate sales in whatever product or service he is representing. They also have to be dedicated to their own preparation. You can’t lead an unhealthy lifestyle and eat unhealthily and then blame the client or your agent for not getting jobs. Modelling also requires loyalty and good relationships. Family is first for me, so my agency here [Gadal Model Management] was able to work around that and negotiate with the three agencies I’m signed with worldwide to allow me to take time off for my family – and now, after the birth of my second child, get me back into the game so I can again work with them.
