New York State Of Mind: Derek Allen Watson

On August 11 of this year actor and model Derek Allen Watson will have been living in New York for one year. In Ohio Derek had worked steadily on stage where he appeared in numerous productions such as 'Witness for the Prosecution', 'Rumors', 'Guys and Dolls', 'The Diary of Anne Frank', and 'Romeo and Juliet'.

This time last year Derek was working like mad in Cleveland Ohio to raise enough money for his trip and getting ready to take the leap of faith required to make the move to the big apple. Derek had just turned 21 and his small birthday party turned into a huge birthday/going away party with his friends and family.

I asked Derek if his family was supportive of his move. I think they always knew the day would come. I had been talking about it since I was 10. They were really sad and sometimes scared for my safety. But I'm a big boy and I have proven that I can hold my ground." Derek says he was mugged his first week in the city. Derek fought back and the guy ran away without getting anything. "He thought this boy in a tank top and short shorts wasn't gonna fight back. Wrong."

Below: Derek by Todd Eko.


I know when I visit New York I need at least a couple of thousand dollars just for a week. For some reason however I have an image of people arriving to make their mark in New York traveling by bus, with only a few hundred bucks in their pocket. Derek flew to NY from Ohio and says, "I brought exactly 7,000.00 and planned on it lasting 6 months, but it lasted only 2 and a half"

"My first night I threw my things down and went out to this club I heard was fun. But it was so lame and I got so lost going there. I just wanted to put on some music from "Sex and the City" and walk around."

Derek says the only person he knew in the city was an old manager from 2 years prior but there were not really friends.

Below: Derek by Work of Art Photography.


Derek's first job was for Fashion Illustration classes at FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology). "I would wear high fashion clothes and pose from anywhere between 1-20 minutes."

Derek has continued to work steadily since his arrival in the city with modeling jobs, on stage, most notably as Draces in 'Lysistrata' and on tv. Derek spent some time as a day player on 'Gossip Girl'. One of his biggest breaks was getting the role of Todd in the film 'Tomorrow for a Dollar'written and directed by Don Crislip. Derek's second film offer came via an interesting way. He was working in the 21 Hour Play Festival, a director of a small film contacted him on facebook. "He said I was perfect for this project they were right about to shoot. So I met with them, and got the part." The film, entitled "The In-Between" is the second film in a trilogy. "I play the home wrecker. It was such a great experience. The film is doing amazing!" The film, by "Fine Young Productions" premiered recently at The Palm springs shortfest, one of the largest shot film festivals in the country.

Below: Derek by TDL


Last year one of the biggest events on television was Betty Whites appearance on Saturday Night Live. Betty's night on the show was electric and Derek was fortunate enough to play a small role. I asked Derek a little about the day 'Betty White' kicked him in the nads.



"It was a dream come true. I have no idea how the casting director got my stuff!! I was at work and they called and said "Derek we want you for this skit. Be in all black and be here in 45 minutes." I thankfully was wearing black and just ran back to work and said I had to go. And they let me. When I walked in the dressing room, Molly Shannon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph were all in there and I just froze. It felt like a dream because I didn't expect it. I literally woke up the next day and pinched myself because i was still confused as to what had just happened. It's proof that people are watching your work even if you have no idea."



Of course as many ups as there are, there are usually more downs. I was curious as to how Derek handles the rejection and frustration that comes from trying to make it in one of the toughest of businesses.

"If I get down, I turn it into a positive. I schedule a shoot or do something productive online. I get down a lot because you hear "no" so much for things you can't control. And it just gets frustrating. Also having to juggle a real job to pay rent and missing opportunity really frustrates me. But my friends and family are my biggest fans. They support me soooo much. It's amazing. If I ever get sad, I read letters from people who have said I inspire them."

Below: My Favorite of Derek's shots by Rick Day.


Derek says he will start the hunt of an agency in July. When he first arrived in the city he had an agency wanting to sign him, but he did not get a good vibe. He decided to try it on his own first. Derek says being a Leo, he likes to maintain control. When he first arrived he was told he did not have enough experience, but after working steadily the past year, he is ready to make it his #1 priority again. Over the past year Derek has shot with many of New York's top photographers including Rick Day and Richard Gerst. Derek has more shoots planned to ensure his portfolio is taken seriously.

Below: Derek by the wonderful Richard Gerst.


I was curious as how the reality of living in New York city lived up to his expectations.

"It really is the greatest city in the world. I'm still a small town boy and miss the open air. I get overwhelmed here easily because the environment is stressful in general. But I find ways to get away. And when I go home to Ohio, after like 2 days I miss it. I miss the energy."

Below: Derek by Amin Roozitalab.


"I know that one day I will be going to a movie premier with my name in the beginning credits. It's not cocky. Its more of confidence in myself."

So many people get up each morning and head to a job they have no passion for. Derek is following his passion. Derek says if you don't believe your going to be successful at something, why bother putting so much energy and time into it. No truer words!

Not everyone who heads to the big city makes it, in fact most don't. But... within a year Derek has added to his resume; several plays, tv appearances, a movie role, modeling gigs and a moment with Betty White. Not a bad first year and a great foundation for the beginning of an amazing career!
Thanks Derek for sharing your first year with FH!

Below: Derek by Liem Pham.



You Can Join Derek Allen Watson on Facebook HERE:
You can also check out his MM page HERE:
& see his complete resume at NY Castings HERE:

Below: Derek by Mckenzie James.

Pic Series Of The Day: Derek Allen Watson by Zeke Photographpy

Zeke Photography has photographed some of my favorite men who I have profiled on FH, and now Derek Allen Watson. When I profiled Zeke's work earlier this year I described it this way:

When I was researching more of Zeke's work I could think of no better word to describe it than classy. For some reason I did not like this word and did not feel it did Zeke's work justice. Then, the more I thought about what classy actually means, the adjective began to fit. Classy: Stylish, admirably smart, elegant and superior. These words fit the men and women shot by Zeke. Zeke's use of lighting as well as both simple interior backgrounds and elaborate interior and exterior locations, Zeke's images show great respect for his subjects. Zeke shoots many models for modeling agencies throughout New York he also skillfully uses fashion in his work.

Certainly this applies to Zeke's work with Derek and I love Derek in front of the architecture and brick in New York City.

Check out Zeke Photography on Facebook:
Check out Zeke Photography's Blog HERE:



I have featured Actor and model Derek Allen Watson many times on FH. Derek is one of those guys who I truly admire and respect. Derek has no pretense which I love. He knows the road to success in the business has ups and downs. Whether it be modeling underwear for the Fearless Project or getting kicked in the balls by Betty White on SNL, Derek is in it for the long haul. One of Derek's latest roles was in 'The In Between' which got a lot of buzz over the summer at festivals and screenings. If you did not check out my more in depth profile of Derek earlier this year, please check it out HERE:



Check out Derek on Facebook HERE:
Check out Derek on Twitter HERE:

Derek tells me if he reaches a certain number of twitter followers he just might get naked!

Last Saturday Night: Derek Allen Watson

Last Saturday Night over 400 people packed SPLASH in NY to help Derek Allen Watson celebrate! Derek has more than a few reasons to party. Since arriving in NY about a year and a half ago (see full story HERE:)Derek's life has been on fast forward. In the past couple of months Derek has been on the cover of NEXT Magazine, been featured in Fab Four on Lexevan Magazine and for the second time stood in front of the lens of renowned photographer Rick Day.



'My modeling work and the style of photography that I shoot represent my life. They represent where I am at in my life. They represent my view of myself. Its how I show the world where I am at and what I'm thinking.'
Derek Allen Watson



Although Derek doffs his clothes to showcase his great bod in some of Day's signature sportswear, my favorite shots from this shoot are shots with Derek in the denim shirt and formal attire. There is a new elegance, a sophistication and maturity expressed in these shots reflecting both the hard work and success' experienced over the last 18 months.



Follow Derek on Twitter HERE:
Derek on MM HERE:
Rick Day's Official Site:

Derek Allen Watson By Rick Day

In one of my recent posts about Rick Day I wrote:

'Rick Day is one of the best in the business, but not every model should step in front of his talented lens. I have seen Rick's lens eat up models who do not have goods. I cannot exactly put my finger on what it is, a truth serum, a strength, something that Rick's lens is able to capture.'

Derek Allen Watson has that strength, even though he did not always believe it.

Derek grew up being told by some around him that he was too small and too thin to be a successful model. He proved them wrong. Derek used to dream of standing in front of the lens of someone like Rick Day. He never gave up hope.

Derek says:

'I can vividly remember three years ago being awkward and ugly in college. and looking at his stuff and saying that I would kill to be one of those guys.'

With persistence he IS one of those guys.



I profiled Derek last October (Check out that post HERE). I loved Derek's look in his early work. At that time I described it as erotic yet lonely. Looking at these shots by Rick you can see the growth, not only in Derek's work but in his confidence and strength.

If your like me, and are drawn to Derek's tattoo, it is his name in one of the first forms of written language. "kanji".




Derek, who hails from Ohio is also an actor and has appeared on stage in productions of Witness for the Prosecution, Rumors, Guys and Dolls, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Romeo and Juliet. He also appeared as a lead in the feature film Tomorrow for a Dollar directed by Don Crislip which debuted in New York City in August 2008. Derek is set to make his New York stage debut this week in Lysistrata at the Wings Theatre. The play runs from December 9th through the 20th. You can find out more HERE:

Derek's journey is just beginning. If you want to follow along with him, be sure to join his Facebook Fan Page HERE: or follow him on Twitter HERE: As always check out Ricks site HERE:

Pic Series Of The Day: Derek Allen Watson by David Urbanke

I have profiled actor and model Derek Allen Watson a couple of times on FH (Check those posts out HERE: and HERE:) There is something special about Derek. Derek is sexy as hell, that is a given. I think however it is his drive that I find most attractive. Derek is crazy fun but when it comes to his work he is intensely serious. It is big risk moving to New York, many have tried, few succeed. After a slow start Derek has been working steadily the past year both as a model and on stage.



Derek's latest collaboration was with photographer David Urbanke. If you haven't heard of David, believe me it is just a matter of time. David is just 15 years old but already has an impressive resume of work. The is a maturity in David's work well beyond his years. When researching David's portfolio, elegance is the word that sprang to mind.




Here are some of the spectacular results, recently published in Ink Magazine of David's recent shoot with Derek in various locations around New York.

Be sure to Check out both Derek and David's fan pages on Facebook. You can find Derek HERE: and David HERE: You can also see more of David's work at his official site HERE:

Derek Allen Watson by Michael McCloud

If your a regular reader of FH you know I have featured model and actor Derek Allen Watson many times before. I love posting Derek's work for a couple of reasons. Firstly he is one of the sweetest guys out there. Secondly and most importantly, he is one of the most creative guys out there.

Derek's work is never boring. Derek has one of the most expressive faces I have seen, and his shots are always full of a multitude of emotions.

This shoot by model and photographer Michael McCloud does not disappoint. I was curious to know the inspiration for the shoot. The inspirations could be a clown, the rock giant Kiss with a dash of David Bowie.

Make-up artist Sheena Zargari says ''The idea for the makeup came when I was told the concept behind the shoot was going to be futuristic and the ensemble consisted of black, white, and grey. I wanted something that really stood out in the photos, and being that it was a male shoot I could only do so much. It is kind of a cross between Lady Gaga and KISS!''



The results are beautiful and haunting. Derek's work, unlike Derek himself, often has a haunting, lonely feel to it. Photographer Michael McCloud calls this series, styled was Benjamin Neher, The "Coming Out". Michael McCloud says:

"I live the life I love, and I love the life I live. I have so many dreams, so many aspirations, and I will accomplish every last one of them."

Michael has a wonderful blog I just spent the last while at and he says he created it "to show you my perception of life. See what I do, and why I do it." Michael uses his skill and lighting to create a sense of 'past' with a muted feeling that, when looking at his work had me feeling the way I do when I am looking back nostalgically at some significant time in my past. In the case of Michael's work they are not memories of the past, but instead something far more interesting,these memories seem of the present.

You can check out more at Michael's blog HERE:

Pic Series Of The Day: Derek Allen Watson

Above: Derek by Robert Andy Coombs.

Awhile ago I saw some great shots of Derek Allen Watson by photographer Liem Pham and had to find out more. Derek is new to modeling and looking to find representation, but I found something fascinating about his work. Erotic, sexy, lonely and artistic are all words that come to mind when viewing Derek's portfolio. There is a consistent theme weaved throughout Derek's work with each of the photographers he sits in front of I really love. Beautiful work!


Next 4 great shots by Gabe Toth.








Next two shots by Jerrad Matthew Photography





Next two shots by McKenzie James.





Last three shots by Liem Pham.