The industry’s current obsession with beautiful tattooed boys has only been fuelled further with the arrival of Venice Beach native Jimmy Q from Select, a pro skateboarder and tattoo artist who also models for some of the coolest brands around.

How did you become a model?

I first modelled at 7 years old and more recently I freelanced in Los Angeles. I decided I wanted to live in London so I sent an email to a few modelling agencies and Select were the first to respond.

What were you doing before modelling?

I’m also a professional skateboarder and tattoo artist. I did my tattoo apprenticeship in Venice Beach, California where I grew up. I started practising on my friends and went from there. I did art before tattooing so it made it easier to transition to that medium.

What do you like to do when you’re not modelling?

Tattoo-ing, skateboarding or chilling at home. I’m a real homebody so I like cooking dinner and watching films. I stay at home as much as possible.

What type of music do you like?

I like all music, from country to punk rock. Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan. I’ve been listening to a lot of country/ rockabilly recently.

What’s your favourite film?

Stepbrothers, Pulp Fiction & Reservoir Dogs.

Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?

Bears. I’m deeply terrified of bees, I could deal with a bear but not bees.

What shows did you walk in last season?

I just did London. Oliver Spencer and Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

What’s your favourite place to hang out in London?

I enjoy going shopping in Camden

Is there a person in the industry that inspires you?

A number of people in my life inspire me. I’m my own inspiration by pure willpower of overcoming things in my life and achieving things I’ve wanted to. I put everything in to what I want and have always done my own thing. Music also really inspires me and interesting people.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

My all-black polka dot three piece suit.

When you were a kid what did you dress up as for Halloween?

I dressed up every year. One year I dressed as a traditional cowboy. My godfather worked for the movie industry so he got me a proper old costume. I’ve also dressed up as a nun in sunglasses and a tourist with a black eye.

What couldn’t you live without?

My skateboard.

Do you sing in the car?

I sing everywhere!

What would you like to do in the future?

Succeed and get to the the top of everything I want to do. I strive to be the best.

Photographer David Adams
Fashion Editor and words Francesca Prudente
Hair Lotte O’Shea using BUMBLE & BUMBLE
Make up Bobana Parojcic all make-up using CHANEL SS 2012 & HYDRA BEAUTY SERUM
Model Jimmy Q at SELECT
Jimmy wears shirt from BLITZ