I am bringing to you today a very handsome man that we all know and love. I had the pleasure of meeting him this April at the RT Convention in Chicago and I have to tell you he is such a gentleman. He was easy to carry a conversation with and always smiled. Please help me welcome him here today.
May I introduce to you.....CJ HOLLENBACH!
Thank you for visiting us at Heart of Romance, CJ! We are very excited to speak to you today and get to know you a little bit.
SARAH- I have to start by asking to most popular question, and that is how did you get started in the modeling industry?
CJ- I started in mainstream modeling after college. As a graphic designer, when I went to ad agencies looking for work with my portfolio they thought I was a model. The art director from a large department store told me to have pictures taken and come back. So, I did. The rest is history(?) I entered the "Mr. Romance Novel Cover Model Pageant" 20 years ago at an RT convention. I didn't do my first cover until 8 years later. It's much easier these days to do cover work. There are many stock photo companies out there that shoot in many cities in the country. When I started it was NYC. Period! It was much harder to do back in the day....
SARAH- Can you tell us some of things you have modeled? Book covers, magazines, etc.
CJ- I have run the gamut. Magazines, newspapers, runway, book covers, of course. I had to turn down a Meatloaf album cover years ago. Huge mistake on my part. There isn't much in the industry I haven't done. I have done hand and hair modeling too. So, far no feet, though!
SARAH- How many book covers have you graced?
CJ- I get asked that question a lot. I REALLY should know. Shouldn't I? Dozens and dozens. I've lost count. There are covers out there that I haven't even seen. Somebody is always sending one they've found. These days you do a day's shooting and they take a thousand photos. You get paid for the day and NOT per cover. It never used to be that way. In NYC you'd shoot for 1 hour for 1 cover. You were in and out. These days you can be on 20 covers from day's shoot and I have been. There have been a few covers I really detest and don't even count them. They're not even on my website.
SARAH- Would you please tell us where you are from? Do you still live there?
CJ- I was born in Pennsylvania, but live in Ohio. I have lived elsewhere, but presently back in Ohio.....
SARAH- Do you have siblings or are you an only child?
CJ- I have one older brother who lives in Columbus, Ohio....
SARAH- Please tell us one thing about you that we would not find if we Googled you.
CJ- A good question... My confirmation name is Anthony and I got the Manhood award my senior year in high school.
SARAH- Do you have another profession besides modeling?
CJ- I write, but not nearly enough anymore and am a graphic designer....
SARAH- Are there any charities you are interested in? Please leave a link so that we may read more about it.
CJ- The Humane Society and The American Cancer Society. There is a lot of cancer in my family....
SARAH- Okay, if you don’t mind, I would like to ask you some quick and easy questions.
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset. Sunrise comes too early for me!!!
Mountains or beach? Mountains....
Hot or cold? Cold. You can always put more clothes on. But, you can't take more clothes off...Now, wait a minute....
Long hair or short hair? DUH! Long hair. LOL
*I meant on a girl... LOL! We love your hair!*
Luck or destiny? A little luck. I DO believe in fate, though too. Someone once told me "YOU have to lay the bricks to get to where you're going..." And I have....
Hotel or camping? Hotel. No question.
Favorite feature on a woman? A tiny waist. Picture Julie Newmar as Catwoman on "Batman". I'm showing my age, but she had a rockin' body. She spoiled/ruined me as a child.
Favorite meal? Chicken Fajitas
Favorite drink? Vodka and cranberry or a Gray Goose martini....
Favorite animal? Chimps, but not the kind that rip your face off....
Favorite vacation spot? Haven't been to Greece or Hawaii yet. I think I was Greek in a previous life. The Hollywood Hills was a cool place. Spectacular view...
OKAY EVERYONE! Here is your chance to win an autographed picture of CJ and one of his T-shirts. All you have to do is answer this question correctly!
**What does CJ stand for?**
A) Curtis James
B) Charles James
C) Christopher James
I want to thank you, CJ, for being here today and allowing me to interview you. Good luck in your future.
For anyone who is interested in staying in touch with CJ’s career, then click on these links. www.cjcovermodel.com "CJ Hollenbach" on Facebook
Enjoy the rest of the pictures below!
Have a great day everyone!
Love,
Sarah
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CJ on shoot! |
