After campaigns for Alo Yoga, Skims and Jacquemus, Jake Boffman is becoming more comfortable with the unpredictability of modeling while finding focus through tennis, routine and curiosity.
A chance post on social media set Jake Boffman on a modeling career he never expected to pursue. Since then, as he discussed in an earlier interview with DAMAN, work for Alo Yoga and Skims has led to a memorable Jacquemus campaign, while the once-unfamiliar demands of being in front of the camera have gradually become more natural. Now, with greater confidence in his personality and less interest in forcing what comes next, Boffman is also challenging himself away from modeling, devoting much of his time to tennis and seeing how far he can take the sport.
Jake Boffman on Building His Modeling Career
DAMAN: For anyone discovering you for the first time, how would you describe what you’re doing in your life and career right now?
Jake Boffman: Right now I would say I’m building. I’m building my personal brand, my career as a model, and trying to become better overall.
DA: You grew up in Olathe, Kansas, and spent much of your childhood doing competitive gymnastics. How much of that younger version of yourself still shows up in who you are today?
JB: Honestly, not a lot. I’m a very different person than I was as a kid. As a kid I was very loud, often the loudest in the room. Now I’m the complete opposite. I’m usually very reserved, especially in public settings.
DA: You entered modelling almost by accident after posting photos on social media. Looking back, what made you realize this could become a real career?
JB: My big “aha” moment would have been the Jacquemus campaign. I never really pictured myself with brands like Jacquemus, but I was just grateful to be given the opportunity.
DA: Since your first jobs with Alo Yoga and Skims, how has your understanding of modelling changed?
JB: It’s not just about your look. Obviously your uniqueness and presence plays a role, but I’ve learned it’s also about building connections and making a name for yourself. And today models are almost competing against influencers and social media personalities. If you don’t have much of a personality, it’s going to be tough to make it as a model in this day and age, which I have learned.
DA: What’s one thing about modelling that looks very different from the inside?
JB: It can be challenging, especially if you’re a classic overthinker like I am. It can be very inconsistent, and as restless as I am sometimes it’s hard to just sit around and wait for your next opportunity.
DA: Your career has taken you from athletic campaigns to major fashion projects. What kinds of jobs or images do you feel represent you best today?
JB: Again, I would mention my work with Jacquemus. It’s a big fashion brand obviously, but I got casted as the ’80s bodybuilder, which I thought was pretty cool.
DA: You previously spoke about wanting to walk in Milan and work with more major fashion houses. How have your ambitions evolved since then?
JB: Not a lot, to be honest. I think walking in Milan will always be a vision of mine, but if it happens, it happens. And if it’s not meant for me, then I’m okay with that too.
DA: Is there a particular type of campaign, runway show or creative project you’re hoping to experience next?
JB: In my time as a model I’ve learned that you can’t force anything, and wishing for something doesn’t make any difference. Any campaign, show, job is a new experience, and again I just try to be grateful for every opportunity that comes my way.
DA: Modelling can look effortless from the outside. What does the work behind a successful shoot actually look like for you?
JB: For me I’ve had to force myself to learn how to relax. Especially in my first year I would often feel nervous and get in my head at a shoot, which would affect the way I moved and expressed my face.
DA: Having worked with very different brands and photographers, what have you learned about bringing your own personality to a shoot?
JB: My personality is what I’ve had to work on the most in my career, believe it or not. Being nervous and quiet a lot in my first year actually affected jobs sometimes, which I had to learn to fix very quickly.
DA: You’ve described yourself as an introvert. Has becoming more comfortable in front of the camera changed how you express yourself away from it?
JB: Yes 100 percent. While I’m still not perfect, I have become a lot more comfortable and confident with speaking, standing up for myself, and trying to come out of my shell a little bit more.
Tennis, Fitness, and Daily Routine
DA: Fitness has always been a major part of your life. What does your training look like these days?
JB: I have actually begun to tailor my training more towards tennis now. More cardio, longer practices, a lot of drills as well. But obviously to model I still need to keep my shape, so I just keep a clean diet and try to hit the gym when I have the time.
DA: What is your favorite workout when you simply want to feel strong and energized?
JB: I will never leave an arm day sad. If i’m having a bad day an arm day will always make everything better.
DA: Does your approach to fitness change when you’re preparing for a specific modelling job?
JB: Not really, no. With tennis, the gym, drills, working on content and my busy schedule, I’m always moving which makes it really easy for me to keep myself in shape.
DA: You’ve spoken about waking up early to play tennis and even competing in tournaments. How seriously do you see yourself taking the sport?
JB: It’s what I like the most to do. I train everyday, but I don’t put any expectations on myself. At the end of the day, it’s curiosity that keeps me going. I’m curious how far I can take myself with the sport. Most tennis players started when they were 2 years old, I started when I was 23, but I often surprise myself when I keep up with the guys I compete against. I just want to see how far I can go, even if I did start late.
DA: Beyond modelling and fitness, what are you genuinely passionate about these days?
JB: I’ve started to create more content, when modeling is slow, and like I said I practice tennis every day. If you asked most people, they’d probably tell you my life is pretty boring aside from modeling, but that’s what keeps me sane. I’m a man of routine and I’ve found the things that I enjoy.
DA: As your career and audience continue to grow, what parts of your life are you most determined to keep private or keep just for yourself?
JB: I think I do a really good job at keeping my life private. Most people who know me from social media and meet me in person are often very surprised when they come across my real personality. I’m often told it’s the opposite of what I portray on social media. I’ve taken a step back from social media, maybe I’ll come back to it one day with a more authentic approach.
DA: If we check in with you again a few years from now, what would you love to have accomplished—not just professionally, but personally?
JB: A big goal of mine is to become more well-traveled. I’ve gotten to experience a few places thanks to my career. South Korea, Paris, Amsterdam, and found out my favorite place in the world is New York. I want to expand my traveling and see different parts of the world.
Photography Ronald Liem
Styling Staten Vale
Model Jake Boffman/ Pretty Men Management