NYC art-school models: Tony

Tony Robinson, 42, Somerset, NJ. Models at Parsons, SVA, Spring Street Studios NYC, Rutgers, Princeton, Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, Kean University, National Academy of Art, Salmagundi Art Association, Society of Illustrators, and University of the Arts

What do you do when you’re not modeling?
I have my own line of comic books, The Descendants, which is a positive superhero comic book for readers of all ages and walks of life (www.descendantsproductions.com). I teach comic-book art to youngsters in New York and New Jersey. I run a weekly drawing group at the Pride Center in Highland Park. I am also a singer/songwriter and perform solo or with my choir, The New Beginnings Gospel Choir out of Unity Fellowship Church of Christ in New Brunswick.

How do you tell people what you do?
I just tell them. Some people can’t handle it and say they can’t believe that I pose nude in front of people. Other people tell me I have the coolest job in the world.

Do you ever get close to your classes?
During one class, I was in a reclining pose and my eyes were closed. I fell into a half-dream-half-sleep state, so I didn’t think anything of it when I started to hear “Happy Birthday” being sung. I woke up to see the class holding this lit birthday cake. I was so shocked that “This is so nice,” came out as, “This is so bizarre!” We all got a laugh out of it and joked about how this is the first time I had “Happy Birthday” sung to me in my birthday suit.

What kind of art are you into?
I love anything related to comics, graphic novels and movies based on comic books. I really love the classic comics from the 1970’s and earlier.

Has modeling changed your life?
More than I imagined it would. Not only has it help me financially, but also it’s renewed within me a love for art. I’m also much more open to trying new things. It ‘s been a real boost to my self-confidence.

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