Meet Darius Wells

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius Wells.

Darius, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story began at the age of 18 once I graduated high school in Newport News, VA and enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. It was never my intention to join military service but at that time in my life one of my good friends had introduced me to his recruiter, Phillip Mckissic, and ever since then we had established a great relationship. Phillip was like an older brother to me. I would stay up all night asking him questions on the phone about the Corps and he would answer every last one of them. After nine months of late nights and questions my ship date arrived and off to boot camp I went.

After four years of active duty service and two combat tours to Afghanistan there is not a single day that I would take back. The Marines have developed me into the man that I am today and nothing can compare to the brotherhood. While serving under my 2nd deployment to Afghanistan it was time to re-enlist. I knew that the war was coming to an end and that the Marines was downsizing. There was only a couple of spots left under my MOS “Military Occupational Specialty” and I had a few months to decide whether I would consider another four years or not. I got out.

Upon my release of service, I met a photographer through a friend by the name of Erin. She had asked to use me as a model for one of her photography class assignments. I offered to do the shoot not thinking anything of it and by the end of the shoot she told me you have a great look, “Have you ever thought about getting into modeling?” I mean I used to always take selfies before selfies was even called a “selfie” and I used to always utilize my bathroom mirror to snap my Myspace photos but modeling, never. She responded, “You should get into it”. From that moment forward I did as much research as possible, but even then that wasn’t enough to prepare me for what was to come.

In October 2012, I moved to Los Angeles not knowing a single person in sight. I attended the Los Angeles Film School at that time but could not move into my apartment until November. For an entire month, I was sleeping at two different houses that was 3 hours away. Now 3 hours away sounds far, but if you ever experienced Los Angeles traffic, you can easily add another hour on to my commute. By the grace of God, I survived that month. There were times that I was so tired, falling asleep behind the wheel, not feeling comfortable sleeping and trying to cook in my friend’s personal space. I would always thank them and apologize but they always welcomed me with open arms and for that I will forever be grateful.

Hollywood was a different type of beast and I came to find that out very quickly. I utilized a lot of resources to start a modeling portfolio, I established my website, created business cards, and even a Facebook Like Page with maybe two likes on it. I was judged a lot for getting into modeling and yes it affected me a little bit but the love I grew for modeling outweighed other peoples opinions. After submitting to multiple modeling agencies, Peak Models & Talent gave me a chance. It took me three years to get signed. During those three years, I was receiving rejection after rejection after rejection. Overall I learned to accept rejection, but to stay consistent.

Fast forward a year later back in 2016 was the roughest year of my life so far. Me and my wife Natty had just signed the lease to our new place that we loved dearly. A month later I was unemployed, wasn’t booking any jobs, and at my very lowest. My wife was my true backbone holding the fork down for us and the true definition of a hard working woman. After about six months of unemployment, I was going to give modeling up until a friend from high school sent me a picture of a magazine asking if that person was me or not. Once I seen the image of myself and the word “People” written above me I lost it! I knew it was God’s way of telling me to keep going.

Since then I have been spotted in Time Magazine, LA Times Newspaper, USAA Brochures, A Maroon 5 Music Video, and The Steve Harvey Show to name a few projects. I am very grateful for all of these experiences and even more grateful that we overcame the hard times. If you have something in your heart that you are chasing go after it, it is there for a reason and only you can manifest those things. If there is any lesson I can share it would be this…

No one in this entire world is created the same. You have a purpose so stay on your path!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I was faced with so many challenges. I was unemployed for six months, driving 3 hours to and from college for an entire month, sleeping at multiple friend’s apartments that didn’t have my name attached to the lease, and countless rejections.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Model as well as a Freelance Videographer. What is unique about me that sets me apart is that I work in front of as well as behind the camera. In terms of modeling, I specialize in print campaigns both fashion as well as commercial. As a videographer, I specialize in sizzle reels or concepts for tv shows. I absolutely love editing and truly believe that I am gifted at bringing a director’s vision to life.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My Wife Natty Wells has definitely been there especially at my lowest. I could not have continued on this journey without her.

My Mom Sharon Caruthers has also been very supportive, supporting me and sending me motivational cards in the mail has always helped me stay afloat.

My Grandmother Juanita Wells believed in me more than I believed in myself. She passed away back in 2013 when I had just began pursuing modeling. I must continue my journey because of her.

Wil Cohen – Amazing photographer!!! He shot most of my entire portfolio and am super grateful to have worked
with him as many times as I did.

Pricing:

• I Charge $75 /Hr to Film
• I Charge $150.00 a Minute to Edit per Length of the Clip

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itsdariuswells.com
• Email: itsdariuswells@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdariuswells/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visionfromafar

Image Credit:
@wilcohen, @jesseaustinphoto, @kincordell, @crichardminott

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