He's Got The Look
/Model Joe Pennington turns the heads of many with his modern day James Dean semblance
by SUZY TURNER
photo by DIABE SALE
Joe points to his photo in the David Cremieux clothing display located in Dillard’s in Texarkana.
During April 2018, Joe was part of a modeling shoot for National Hot Air Balloon Day in Tyler, Texas.
(Photo by Diabe Sale)
Being Witten’s father is one of Joe’s most rewarding experiences.
Joe was chosen to portray a groom in the 2020 edition of Arkansas Bride Magazine. (Photo by Jason Masters)
On numerous occasions, 21-year-old Joe Pennington has been told by photographers that he is today’s version of James Dean. His chiseled jawline, infectious smile, intense eyes, and sleek hair are distinguishable physical attributes that remind people of the American actor who was ever so popular during the 1950s. While Joe’s looks have understandably turned the heads of many, his laidback southern charm and vibrant personality have also played a huge role in helping him land numerous photoshoots and modeling gigs.
“I had never thought about modeling until I was probably 16-17 years old. People would jokingly call me Calvin Klein,” the Ashdown, Arkansas, resident says. “I found out that my favorite actor, Mark Wahlberg, was a Calvin Klein model so I thought, ‘Hey! This could be something I might enjoy doing.’” So, Joe began researching Mark’s career and found out that he had modeled Calvin Klein underwear on an iconic billboard in the 1990s which was displayed in New York City’s Times Square.
Once people began receiving the invitations to Joe’s high school graduation (complete with photos) in 2017, friends and relatives began asking his parents, Joni (a school teacher) and Michael (a business owner), if Joe had ever considered a modeling career. Classmates even nicknamed him, “Calvin Klein.” His mother explains, “Once Joe’s senior pictures were sent out to family and friends, the comments regarding him becoming a model became an everyday conversation.” So on a whim, Joe and Joni compiled a portfolio of photos and sent it to several different agencies in the Dallas area. Within a week, Joe had four different offers to sign modeling contracts. (At that same time, Joe had been accepted into the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas.) Since Joe now had to decide between school and modeling, Michael and Joni knew it was time to sit down with him for a serious talk about his future. “We explained to him that he had a choice for the summer; he could explore the modeling idea or he could go with his initial plan of going to Fayetteville. We did not want to persuade Joe one way or the other. We discussed pros and cons of both choices and had a really in-depth conversation.” Joe knew that the university wasn’t going anywhere, so he felt like it was best to take the opportunity to model while he had the chance so he dove right into the modeling world.
Although he has modeled for the likes of The North Face®, Daniel Cremieux, Dillard’s, Signet Jewelers, TIGI, Bed Head, Soirée Magazine, and Arkansas Bride Magazine, Joe’s favorite modeling gig was actually shooting a Sport Clips commercial. “I have always been interested in film so it was really cool to see how everything worked behind-the-scenes,” he says. “We worked 12 hours a day for three days to shoot that commercial.”
Very humble about his modeling successes, Joe is the featured model on a floor display for Daniel Cremieux apparel at Dillard’s in Texarkana, where he also works as a sales consultant. On numerous occasions, customers and coworkers have told Joe that the young man on the display resembles him tremendously. His sly response usually goes something like this, “Believe it or not, that really is me!” Their response is an immediate, “Why didn’t you tell us you are a model, too?”
When asked if any humorous or unusual situations have ever arisen during or after a shoot, Joe grins as he explains about a Dillard’s/The North Face® spring/summer apparel campaign he previously worked on. “It was 22 degrees outside, so I spent the break times in my truck thawing out just to go back and do it all again,” he explains. “Another time, I was doing a men’s sports apparel shoot at Lake Ray Hubbard. The weather turned, and I ended up hanging from the rim of a basketball goal shirtless in the sleet and rain.” Although none of the shots were able to be used, Joe can laugh about the situation now and reflect on his many unique adventures. “It can be a rewarding venture, but like anything else, you have to grind and pay your dues. There have been many times that I have been up and on the road at 3 a.m. just to get to a gig.”
World-renowned hairdresser Joel Torres cuts and styles Joe’s hair as he gets ready to model for the popular hair products, TIGI/Bed Head. (Photo by Diabe Sale)
Joe credits his family for being an amazing support system. He is thankful for the unwavering dedication and encouragement that he has received from his parents and his brother, Hunter. “There have been many different things that have happened when I felt like giving up on modeling; however, my family and friends kept pushing me to pursue my dream. I am really lucky to have all of these people in my life because they constantly encourage me to do my best in everything I do.”
The things Joe has learned from the industry, both socially and financially, have been wonderful educational experiences. He admits, “I love to model! It’s accelerating and rewarding but requires much dedication.”
Although many see a handsome face who is blessed with good genetics and classic good looks, models work very hard to maintain a unique look that catches the eye and turns heads. Their typical day of modeling includes a lot of hustle with many long hours. They usually have to show up on location early, and take some time to get to know the staff and crew on the set. They then consult with the photographer/director to see what type of shoot they are expecting, go through makeup, hair and wardrobe, all before the modeling shoot even begins. Then they go through numerous wardrobe and set changes throughout the day, oftentimes late into the night. Joe explains, “By the time that we are finished, everyone is so worn out and ready to relax a bit.”
Joe and Miss Arkansas Savannah Skidmore were featured in the centerfold of Little Rock’s Soiree Magazine. (Photo by Jason Masters)
What is Joe’s advice for anyone seeking a career in the modeling or fashion industry? “Go for it!” He encourages them to work hard and never let the naysayers keep them from realizing their dreams. “My words of advice are to be confident and enjoy the process. And I encourage those interested in this business to use social media platforms as a way to be seen.”
Joe’s future goals are to continue to be a great single father to his new son, Witten, and work as hard as he can in the fashion and modeling industry. He thinks he may even delve a little into the real estate realm, but he most enjoys spending time with his baby boy. “Being Witten’s dad has been the most rewarding experience of my life (as most fathers will tell you),” he explains. “Being a parent is an amazing responsibility and an incredible blessing.”
In the last two years, Joe has made a name for himself in the modeling world. Numerous times, photographers have seen something special in him and said, “Joe, we will see you again.” They recognize the talent Joe possesses and the drive that make him push forward to perfect his craft.
As for the future, Joe looks forward to seeing what opportunities await for him. In five years, he sees himself modeling on a full-time basis. Where do his friends and family see him in the future? Suffice it to say that several of them think he just might follow in the footsteps of his idol, Mark Wahlberg, and be featured on a billboard in the most popular tourist attraction in New York City. Yes, Joe, it is quite possible that we will ALL see you again ... in the greatest advertising mecca in the U.S. perched high in the sky on a huge digital marketing campaign for none other than, Calvin Klein.