EuroReviews

Welcome Andrei!

I guess the first thing we, women, would like to know is how a man who looks so "tough" on the outside is on the inside, so could you tell us a bit more about your personality?

Well, I guess on the inside I'm just a regular guy. outgoing, laid back, with a very positive approach to life. I'm an ambitious person, and I love challenges. I really believe that life wouldn't be as interesting if you don't set goals, or at least some sort of principles. Self discipline is also one of my main characteristics, I guess it's something built in.

Guessing by the covers you are a real ladies man, a macho, and a charmer is this true?

When I'm shooting a romance novel book cover I need to keep in mind the readers, and the people who will be seeing the cover. So having said that, I have to adapt to the kind of result we're after. Yes, most of the covers I do are a little bit on the macho and charming side. That isn't really who I am, that's the character in the book. I'm not saying I'm not into being charming and all that, but it certainly has to be amplified when shooting a romance novel book cover.

When did you first start modeling?

I began modeling around five years ago. I started out in California doing fitness and physique modeling.

How did you become a cover model?

It all started at the Romantic Times convention in St.Louis, Missouri . Prior to that I had never done any book covers, and to be totally honest I had never even considered it. After winning the 2005 Mr. Romance pageant I began receiving emails requesting that I appear on some book covers, from then on it sort of kept going.

Below are some pictures of the interviewer's visit to Malta (Andrei's birthplace) in 1996.

The view from our appartment

Another view from our appartment

The Famous Yellow/Orange Malta public transport

Lovely view on a bay

If I remember correctly, part of the Blue Lagoon

What was the first book you modeled for?

If I'm not mistaken "The Hunted" by Marianne LaCroix was the first cover I did. That same picture was then edited and also used for "Vamprotica 2005"

I read on your site that you make it a point to always look presentable, and so to always exercise and eat well. But the diets and the exercising, how much of your time does it take in a day? Are you really picky on what you eat? Or can you still just enjoy a nice fast food dinner? Or is that one of the things you have to forget all about when becoming a model?

One thing I didn't mention about my character in the first question is that I have my own philosophy and I don't get influenced very easily. Now, the reason I'm saying that is because I know I do things a little different from most other models. I workout almost everyday, and I stick to a healthy and balanced diet practically all my life. The occasional fast food meal tastes a lot better that way, and besides it leaves no scars. I started out in the fitness industry, so it was crucial to always be in shape.

How does it come that, in a lot of books you model for, the main character's name is also Andrei? Or is it just a coincidence? (e.g.:Nerves of Steel: Andrei Steele and Anything by JJ Massa: Andrei Di Claudio)

Oh, that's a little surprise some authors like to keep in store for me I guess. I think it's awesome though !

What would be your dream modeling project?

That's a hard question. All new projects are exciting, and it's always fun to prepare for them. I can't say I have a dream project as such, but I really hope to get many more covers in the future.

Do you read a lot and do you read those books you model for?

Unfortunately I don't get much time to read, however I have read chapters from some of the books I've modeled for.

Some authors send me parts of the book prior to accepting to model for the cover, others send me extracts after. Although these days with the way my schedule normally is, most authors understand that I haven't really got much time to read, so we've cut down a lot on that.

Do you have a favorite book?

I really haven't read that much, and I wouldn't be making an honest statement if I were to just mention a book.

How do you handle the fact of being "famous" ?

It's very pleasing to see people appreciate what you do, and although I don't see myself as someone famous I do feel like I've gained some more recognition, and that's really great.

Do you get a lot of mail from fans?

Well, I do receive some fan mail, and I can tell you that it's really awesome to hear from people who are enjoying your work.

Well, you can count me in as a new fan ;) Thank you very much for this interview Andrei!

It was a pleasure.

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You can visit Andrei Claude's Official website here

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© interviewed by Eveline for Euro-Reviews