INTERVIEW: U.S. Born Actor, Model & Blogger, Derek Flint Talks Son, Podcast, Power, Gabrielle Union, 50 Cent, Chris Robinson, Nudes, and More…

Meet New York based Actor, Model and Blogger, Derek Flint.

Derek has worked with various music artists including Joey Bad Ass, Charles Hamilton, J Ballin and Designer, plus also had the pleasure of meeting Omari Hardwick and 50 cent while working on Power.

Check out my exclusive interview with Derek below:

Hey Derek! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Derek Flint and I am an actor, model and blogger. I do my best to keep myself relevant and to try and keep everyone on the latest news as it happens.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
My average day includes working a regular job in the finance/insurance field from 9-5 most days. My free time is filled with photoshoots or TV work for my personal grind and to make sure I keep pursuing my personal dreams. I am also a personal trainer and train clients in my free time in between everything else I have going on.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?
I went to New Rochelle High School and I attended WCC in Westchester county, but did not complete a 4 year degree. I am somewhat self-educated as I am an avid reader and researcher of history and other topics.

How were you discovered and what inspired you to go into modelling and acting?
I was doing some TV work and was asked about modelling which I had done prior to being employed full time. I pursued both Modeling & Acting as it is something I personally like and feel like I was meant to do. Modelling let to more acting, and the acting gave me more modelling opportunities and I am truly grateful.

Tell me more about your love for fitness/modelling and how you use it to communicate through your everyday life?
I am a workout enthusiast and was a regular in the gym prior to me doing any TV/Modeling work. Working out is a great stress reliever and has great health benefits. My goal is to be a fitness model and somewhat of a sex symbol if I can make it that far. Me being a model has helped to persuade my friends, family and people I don’t know to work out as well.

What’s your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to being a personal trainer?
DOs:
1. Do start eating better before you start working out.
2. Do develop a basic simplified routine just to sustain lifetime body movement.
3. Make sure you hydrate yourself properly while exercising.
4. Make sure to take care of your feet because they are a very intricate part of your life/workout.
5. Try and find a workout partner to encourage your workouts and achieve goals.

DON’Ts:
1. Don’t follow the latest workout trends that you see on TV.
2. Don’t try and outdo yourself trying to keep up with others progress and hurt yourself.
3. Don’t overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion just to feel you achieved results.
4. Don’t jump into crossfit or bodybuilding as a regular form of exercise without developing a basic routine first.
5. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and don’t put time frames on your goals.

I noticed you do semi-nude modeling. How comfortable were you at first doing it and what was the reaction you got when you released the photos?
Surprisingly, I am somewhat more comfortable nude than I am trying to dress up and look like a model. My one big suggestion to anyone stepping into semi-nude modeling is to know yourself first, and don’t compromise yourself for anyone or anything.

What do you do to stay in shape, do you go to the gym?
I try and keep my workout schedule at least 6 days a week, but eating right is more important than anything in the fitness lifestyle.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Its a tough balance between work, TV/Modeling, Personal training and the most important thing which is being a Father which comes first before anything. It’s a tough balance and I always feel like I should be doing more, especially in the realms of being a better father. Accomplishing my goals and making TV/Modeling lucrative will help me be a better father and provide a better life for my son.

What will you say motivates/inspires you to stay dedicated to what you do?
More than anything my Son is my motivation. I just want to be able to provide a better life for him more than anything I always joke and say “daddy is half naked on the internet, so you never have to be. Hopefully I can find a good niche in the market so all my son has to do is go to school.

How would you describe the modelling scene in America, when it comes to encouraging new talents?
The Modeling scene is very grueling and a tough industry to figure out The best advice I could give is stay independent and always stay on your personal grind. It’s up to you to stay relevant and create your own lane and build your own following.

What do you consider the most common stereotype about the being a fitness trainer?
The most common stereotype is that we are all meatheads and all we do is workout and eat right and don’t do anything else.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started as an actor?
The amount of people who are actually trying to get into the industry honestly surprised me. The competition is very fierce and there are millions of people with Hollywood dreams.

Looking back to when you started as an actor, is there anything you would like to change about the industry?
If anything, I would change the way casting is done. Right now, you already have to have a following and be someone to have a better opportunity to land the right role.

Which brands, clients, designers, models, actors, directors, producers, etc, have you worked with?
I’ve worked with various music artists including Joey Bad Ass, Charles Hamilton, J Ballin and Designer. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Omari Hardwick and 50 cent while working on Power. I’ve had the chance to See Lala Vasquez while working on a VH1 promo. Working with Director Chris Robinson was one of my most fun shoots ever and I felt blessed to work with him. I’m just looking for more chances and more opportunities to keep getting chances to work with great people.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
My biggest personal success is me actually being considered as a Model/Actor, because in my head I’m just a regular guy who wants to make sure my son has a great life.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
If I had the chance, I’d be Gabrielle Unions boyfriend on “Being Mary Jane” and actually land a good role on any 50 Curtis Jackson series that is out now or currently in the works.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Making sure I spend enough time with my son while pursuing my goals and trying to make things happen.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?
I am an avid reader and enjoy sitting and reading more than I like partying or doing anything else. Secondly, I am trying to run a clothing drive to give back to people and try to build a network of support for people in need.

You are very active on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why?
I was off of social media prior to me starting the Modeling & TV work. Its important to be active on social media seeing as those are the platforms that the new generation uses and selects their entertainers.

You are currently based in New York City. How is that working out for you?
I was actually born and raised in NY so it’s nothing different to me. I know the hustle and bustle, and right now I’m hustling to make it out or to be able to afford to live in this expensive state.

What will you say are your must visit travel destinations?
I would say everyone should go to Europe and try and see the whole country, and definitely get to Cuba before technology takes over and ruins the culture/vibe of the people.

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?
1. Shoes are very important
2. Dress comfortably and don’t try and follow trends
3. Be comfortable in yourself and your style choices
4. Expensive sneakers don’t make an outfit
5. Wear some looser pants men, it’s getting out of hand.

How would you describe your style?
In my personal time, I wear more gym clothes than anything so if there are any fitness wear makers reading this, you can def sponsor me. Other than that I try to dress as a respectable man and set a good example for my son.

What style genre appeals to you the most?
If anything, well fitted suits are my thing, or simply stylish outfits that doesn’t make it appear as if I’m trying to look as if I’m someone.

Name your 5 must have accessories/essentials?
1. Comfortable shoes
2. A well fitted shirt
3. A nice belt that accentuates the outfit
4. A pocket square that sets colors in your outfit off
5. A nice overcoat that keeps you warm and looks stylish.

What are your favourite fashion trends?
My favorite fashion trends are bowties and pocket squares with the classy man look coming back in style.

What is your favourite dish?
My favorite dish is Fettucine Alfredo with chicken or a nice fruit salad more than anything.

What songs are currently on your music playlist?
My playlist is very Diverse. Right now my playlist is Bryson Tiller, Jeremiah, Bad Bunny, Tekno, Drake is my top artist, and Lil Wayne is the artists I grew up on. My wish is to see Jon Mayer perform live before my life is over.

Apart from fitness, modelling, acting, what other projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on getting this clothing drive together, and before the year is over I would like to at least be started on my news podcast just to get my voice out there as well as my face.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
Don’t ever give up on yourself, and if you dream it, you can do it. Don’t get trapped in a job and forget about pursuing something that makes you happy.

Any specific plans for the future?
My main plan is to be a better father, get my face and voice seen more on TV and radio so I can build a broader platform of support and create more opportunities for myself.

Any final words?
I just would like to thank you for reaching out and allowing me to do this interview. I’d also like to thank all my supporters and the people I’ve worked with who helped get me to where I am today.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?
Instagram: @DerekHflint
Twitter: @dhf818
Facebook: Derek Flint

And I will work on a Website and other platforms to broaden my fan base.