Lance Avery Morgan
Austin’s John Conroy is making, and has made, all the right career moves. In the glamorous world of modeling, flexibility is the key to success, as Conroy can attest. The talented model-turned-photographer is still in demand as a model for many brands, as well as having a robust career behind the camera. Starting young in the business and traveling the world because of it, he’s seen more than his fair share of adventure. Here, he catches up with his decades-long friend and colleague, Lance Avery Morgan, to share how his journey, far from over, is transpiring with his trademark optimism and keen career insight.
Three qualities that got me where I am today are…
John Conroy: Determination. Talent. Grit.
Easiest career decision I ever made is…
John Conroy: Never burn bridges.
I love supporting the modeling industry because…
John Conroy: I get satisfaction from seeing my colleagues succeed.
Due to my ongoing involvement with the modeling industry, I have found that…
John Conroy: When I began modeling, everything was very physical. You really did pound the pavement, Walking around foreign countries with a map to find your appointments to see designers and catalog houses. Everything was printed material…your portfolios, your comp card, but there was a personal magic to it. Today everything is virtually presented, and Instagram has changed so much of how the industry operates. It has changed the way clients book models, and how agencies respond to those needs and budgets. I’m very nostalgic as I miss the old days of our industry. The personal connection isn’t what it used to be.
How I made my first dollar…
John Conroy: As a teen, I worked at McDonald’s. As a model, I started off doing department store ads. As a photographer, I was a test photographer for New York City modeling agencies.
Book that left a lasting impression on me…
John Conroy: The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle.
On that note, my favorite fictional character is…
John Conroy: Superman.
My real-life hero has got to be…
John Conroy: My parents.
First music I bought…
John Conroy: Being the youngest of five, my music tastes had a wide range. I bought the Jackson 5, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and AC/DC, to name a few.
If I could live in a foreign city it would be…
John Conroy: Sydney, Australia.
If I could compete in an Olympic sport, or create one, it would be…
John Conroy: The high dive.
If I weren’t doing what I do I would be a…
John Conroy: Chef.
My hidden talent that most people might not guess is…
John Conroy: I love to cook.
If I had a superpower, I’d want it to be…
John Conroy: I wish I could fly.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…
John Conroy: Succession.
A simple way to get people to laugh is easy. Just…
John Conroy: Self-deprecating humor always cracks the ice in a room to make people feel comfortable.
A phrase I might overuse would be…
John Conroy: Literally.
My motto? Easy. It is…
John Conroy: Just do it.
The beauty essential you’d have to pry out of my cold, dead hands is…
John Conroy: Face serum.
A celebrity I would prank phone call and what I would ask them is…
John Conroy: I would prank call all the Kardashians and let them know they are bankrupt and have no money to their name…and see them start over from scratch like Schitt’s Creek.
My personal style signifier is…
John Conroy: A black T-shirt.
The classic movie star style I most identify with is…
John Conroy: Cary Grant because of his Old Hollywood style.
Classic designer I wish was still designing today (and why) is…
John Conroy: Jeffrey Banks. I loved his preppy style…it was comfortable and classic.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighborhood in one city…
John Conroy: Any neighborhood in New York City.
An artist whose work I would collect (or like to collect) is…
John Conroy: Herb Ritts, Horst and Edward Hopper.
In my fridge, you will always find…
John Conroy: Fresh fruit.
My favorite beverage these days is…
John Conroy: Iced tea and of course, a Grey Goose martini. Shaken, not stirred.
On my tombstone, it will likely say…
John Conroy: Wake up. You’ve got work to do.
My perfect day would end…
John Conroy: Relaxing with my partner, Bill while cooking at home with good friends and family lots of laughter and great food.
