Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeramy Roberts.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeramy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, I always wanted to model ever since high school. Family and friends would tell me I should model, and I’d be good at it. So I decided to give it a shot. It wasn’t until after college I would pursue it since the college student and athlete lifestyle kept me very busy.
Fortunately, I knew a friend who knew somebody that was involved in that industry. I joined this model management group, and they taught me essential skills, such as how to walk. It sure did help because I’d say I am much better in walking than what I used to. From there, I started to do runway shows, and the experience on the runway really improved my walk and confidence. I also started doing photo shoots with photographers, learning how to pose behind the camera. I enjoy all of it.
To be honest, I took a break from modeling due to personal reasons, but I eventually started to pursue it again. I never imagined my photos would be published in magazines, or I’d get the opportunity to walk in NYFW. The people around me, who work behind the scenes, are the ones who helped me get the published gigs and to New York. None of that would’ve been possible without them, so I appreciate all they’ve done. I’m still moving forward in my career. There are ups and downs, but you have to move forward. I have ideas for photo shoots that I want to do in the future, and I hope to join a legit, prestigious agency who can get me to another level. There’s no limit to what I want to do in my career. From walking in shows, not just in New York, but internationally, to working with some of the most prominent brands/names in the industry. I want to do it all, as long as it doesn’t involve doing something immoral, I’ll accept the opportunity.
As for my engineering career goes, I graduated with my Bachelor in Engineering (Mechanical) back in 2013. Reason why I selected that major was because math and science were my favorite subjects in school. So I decided to pursue a degree that involves both. Surprising as it may sound, even though they were my favorite subjects, I always had to put in so much effort just to get B. For a lot of my classmates, it came easy. They didn’t have to study much to pass test or put in much effort on homework. That wasn’t the case for me. Even though I didn’t like the fact I had to try hard just to get by, I can say over time, it developed a work ethic that would get me through college. I’m not going to lie, college was an arduous and a hectic five years. I was a track athlete (D1), so that made it so much tougher. If I wasn’t at practice or a competition, I was either studying or in class. It always felt like I never got a break, but I am glad I persevered and finished. Engineering is a broad field, especially if you’re a mechanical or electrical discipline. I look forward to see where it will also take me in life.
I am a poet and started to write my own poems while in college. I wouldn’t do it too much, just every now and then. When I think about what ignited this hobby, it was hip hop music. I remember when I was younger, I used to freestyle, either in my head or out loud when nobody was around me. It was something I enjoyed doing. What always fascinated me was listening to artist who I thought were lyrically gifted and had a way with words, such as Kanye West (older music like Graduation, Late Registration), T.I, Z-Ro, Ludacris, Cassidy (freestyles), etc. When I got to college, I discovered artist who would rap about Jesus, and they were lyrically good. I never heard anyone rap about Christ like they did, and still keep it sound and enjoyable. Swoope, Sho Baraka, Eshon Burgundy, Andy Mineo and Lecrae were some of my favorites.
That’s when I started to write. I always tried to add a message to every single poem. I would perform for the first time in front of an audience my senior year (2011-2012). I told my track teammates I was going to do a poem I wrote. Some of them came out to hear for themselves. I didn’t know what to expect, but to my surprise, I wow’d the crowd! People were coming up to me saying, “you have a gift.” I knew my teammates weren’t going to lie to me; they told me the same thing. So I continued to write here and there, but only did one more performance the following year (2012-2013). Believe it or not, I stopped writing once I graduated college. My primary focus was landing a job and excelling in my engineering career. I didn’t pick up the pencil for over two years, and the only reason why I started back writing was because I got laid off my first job.
Eventually, I got bored of job hunting all day and watching TV, so it was time to do something different. The writing skills eventually came back. Even though I was writing, I still didn’t do any performances until earlier this year (2019). Yes I know I should’ve been way more consistent with it, but it’s never too late to start. When I look back, I’m glad I got laid off. I started to get fresh, new and creative ideas/projects I want to implement in the future with my poetry, and I plan to do just that. I forgot to mention this earlier, but my stage name is “Symbol” because I noticed I sometimes use symbolism in my poetry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s never a smooth road. Anything that’s worth attaining will never be a walk in the park. Acquiring my engineering degree was not easy; I had to make a lot of sacrifices to not go out when everybody else was doing so. I wasn’t an overachiever, always did just enough to just get by. Unfortunately it took up most of my time, but in the end, I got my degree.
As a model, I do face defeat, such as not getting the gigs I want. At times they do select another model over me. I’m a competitive person, so I hate losing. Regardless you still have to move forward, pray and hope things turn out differently next time.
When it comes to poetry, my struggle is getting my name out so people will know who I am. Nobody will listen to your craft if they don’t know you, so it’s imperative to market yourself. I’ve released 5, and I would say awesome, YouTube videos of me doing a poem over a superhero. Those who have listened to the entire videos tell me it’s great material, but it’s still difficult to get the views you want because nobody knows me and therefore won’t take the time out to go listen to them. Another struggle I’ve faced is being fearless, despite of what other people may say, think or label you as. Authenticity is important, and I have to learn my craft may sometimes different, and that is okay because it’s original. Somebody out there will relate to and appreciate it. Not everybody may not like your product, and that’s okay.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
People have told me I am different. Not mainly because I am an engineer and a model, but also due to the fact that I have a fervent geek side. I’ve been told nobody really sees that, so it may come across as “weird”, but if it does, then it is what it is. I enjoy being weird and out the box. I’m a collector of comic books (especially ones from the 40’s to early 90’s), original comic art collector from legendary artist who were doing comic during those time periods and enjoy going to comic cons. Also, I have cosplayed, or dressed up as a character, several times I went. I love it, and it’s great to see you’re not the only one in your age bracket attending these shows and doing this hobby. I’d say 95% of people I see in comic book stores, at comic cons and cosplaying are grown men and women collecting for themselves because they enjoy the hobby. So it’s good to know I’m not the only one. There are a lot of us out there.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I won’t divulge all of my future plans, but one project I am going to get back working on is a mini-series. This series will be called “Sex Chronicles”, and it will be about 5 to 6 poems. I’ve already written three but need to do some tweaking on 1 or 2 of them. I want to do photo shoots pertaining to the topic of each poem to help promote it. Also, I want a video shot for each one and will upload to my YouTube Channel (Symbol_GEEK the Poet). I’m excited for it, and if I do it correctly, it’ll be immensely impactful. As far as modeling goes, first move is to get on with an agency that’ll get me to the next level. I want to be traveling the nation and world as a model.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-541-6190
- Email: robertsjeramy89@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Buck Sanchez, Whitney Ray, Ronald Thomas, Wolfsink and Sir Christopher Visuals
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