Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

My name is Marcus J Smith. I’m 29 years old. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. I am a hard-of-hearing Professional published model. Outside of the glitz and the glam, I am an educator in the Baltimore City public school system. Teaching and interpreting at my alumni High School. I work with the deaf and hard-of-hearing programs. This does my heart good because I’m working within my purpose of supporting the deaf community and the youth of the future. Inspiring and being a beacon of light for the community that’s often forgotten about.

How has your signing helped not helped you in your modeling career?

Signing has helped me because it is such a niche thing that it just creates excitement. I love to teach and show people words in ASL. It’s a great way to connect and build relationships. It’s my small way of exposing ASL to many people who may not know about ASL or deaf culture.

What do you love most about modeling?

I love the platform that allows me to highlight deaf education, deaf culture and most importantly brings people together to enjoy artistic visions through pictures. I’m pretty competitive so learning the ins and outs of modeling such posing can be challenging but it’s something I’ve gotten better with and found my style and purpose within the modeling industry.

Do you have any limitations with modeling?

The only limitation I have as far as modeling is creating overtly sexual content. I’ve done some semi-nude but I believe it is tastefully done. I have moved away from those types of shots and am well known for wedding-themed photoshoots and a stable model for the Different Regards Modeling Company here based in Baltimore.

What’s the biggest challenge you think models Face?

The Biggest Challenge I think models face is the balance between modeling for creative exploration and booking and securing paid gigs. Modeling alone unless you’re a signed model to an agency isn’t a cash cow. You need a brand and other things along with your modeling to consistently make money. I’ve been fortunate, despite being an unsigned independent model I’ve had my fair share of paid gigs. I’m proud of the ground-level work I’ve done to inquire and communicate modeling agreements that have come out to be financially fruitful. I also will say staying artistically creative can be tough. Once done a few different concepts you just want to do more and more exciting creative types of shots.

What are you most grateful For?

I’m most grateful for knowing GOD. Understanding and being secure in my identity in Christ keeps me grounded and allows me to treat people well and handle tough times in life.

What creative abilities and strengths are most admirable to you?

Passion for the youths and coaching, passion to learn new skills while making it my own and having an independent mindset in spite of the if it’s different from the crowd.

What’s next for you?

I want to continue to build the signing model brand. I have a book being written as we speak. Check out my website TheSigningModel.com for Merch and ASL resources to improve. My goal is to get back to the runway. I’m also creating avenues for deaf and hard of hearing youth to learn to play baseball through a non-profit organization I’m a part of called BUBA (Baltimore Urban Baseball Association)

How can our readers connect with you?

You can email me Book@thesigningmodel.com to book me for your next photoshoot or speaking engagements.

Follow me on IG at @TheSigningModel

Checkout my Youtube @ SmoothView where I talk about everyday life in ASL