-by Troy Maillis

The holidays are right around the corner, and that means presents! Maybe it’s a new sports car or a lavish trip to the islands that you fancy this year? Or perhaps a little eye-candy is exactly what you need to brighten up your holiday spirits? Daniel Garofali, originally from Australia, recently released a 2012-2013 calendar and accompanying DVD showing off his gorgeous, chiseled features. Not only is he smoking hot, he also has a charitable side. Daniel is donating 50% of the profits from the calendar to KIVA.org - a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Daniel, who was signed to Wilhelmina Models upon arriving in New York, recently talked with Mark’s List about the calendar and dvd, choosing a charity benefactor, being a model in New York, how he stays in shape, and his dating life.

You have a charity calendar coming out for 2012 – 2013. Why did you choose KIVA.org as the benefactor?

Yes, the calendar (and DVD) is out now. My reason for starting this project was a response from my fans. I made this calendar & DVD for them. They have followed my career and have been so supportive, something that I appreciate immensely. I didn't want to make money off that, I wanted to give back. Through my social network, I asked for ideas on which charity I should collaborate, and I researched them all. For me, Kiva represents my ideal charity. It’s not about a short term fix, but rather a long term solution—similar to the “pay it forward” idea.

What was your experience like shooting for each month?

The photographer, James Demitri, and I travelled two hours from my hometown in Sydney, Australia to a remote house in Kangaroo Valley. It is a beautiful part of the world and the house is very unique. It was an intimate day shoot that had its ups and downs. Unfortunately, because of high winds and fires in the bush land area in the valley, there was no power. We had to rework our plans and act quickly. In retrospect, I think the calendar turned out better because of it.

Do you have a favorite month where the photo, location and attire all resonated above the others? Do you have a favorite month in general?

In general, my favorite month is January. Not only because it is my birthday, but because it is summer (in Australia) and I spend every day at the beach. In terms of my favorite month in the calendar, that is a hard one because it is a two-year calendar. I do get a lot of customer responses for December 2013.

When did you realize that modeling was something you would excel in?

I don't think I did. I was working as a professional dancer at the time when I got scouted. I know that I love modeling and I am grateful for how my career has evolved, but there is still a long way to go. For me, it’s more of realizing the challenge and trying to build from there.

Does being a model take more than just being attractive?

Absolutely. It’s definitely a common misconception. If the attitude and commitment isn't there, then you will fall through the cracks. Rejection also plays a huge part in the industry—so if you can't handle it, you won’t last no matter how attractive you are.

What do you like most about being a model?

I love the art of collaboration. Many think that everyone just meets in a studio, takes a couple of pictures, and then it is printed in the magazine. There is so much more to it. The birth of a conceptualized idea to a final series of images takes a lot of creative minds and energy.

What kind of workout regimen and diet do you follow to keep such a stellar body?

Fortunately, I've never had to worry about diets. I naturally love good food and that is a staple of what I eat, but I still love a good burger and fries. Being a dancer I have always been active, so weight was never an issue. For weight training, I try to go between 3-4 times a week.

Were you nervous leaving Australia for New York when you were signed to Wilhelmina?

No, I was excited. It's an opportunity of a lifetime that I couldn't say no to. I have always travelled for work, so moving wasn't all that daunting.

How do you like New York? Do you have any favorite places you like to go? Any gay clubs?

I love NYC, I mean, who doesn't? The city is amazing and so full of life, culture and of course parties. There are so many good places to go. A good night could consist of Beauty and Essex for dinner and then The Box for drinks. In terms of gay clubs, I really like Cielo.

Do people pick up on your accent in New York?

Yeah, of course, but a lot of the time they think I am from England—Hah!

Why are you the “World’s First Social Media Supermodel”?

I guess that was coined by people because of the way my name came about around the world. I was just this small Aussie model and then all of a sudden my work was all over the Internet and I was booking jobs over my social media networks. Now I am living in New York.  It’s a powerful thing.

Do you have any models that you look up to or admire?

I like people that push the boundaries. Andrej Pejic, a fellow Chadwick Model, questions fundamental ideas of the modeling world. He is conceptually brilliant in so many ways—not to mention hilarious. He played a prank on everyone at an airport when he pretended to be pregnant.

As a model, how is your dating life? Do you only date other models?

Ha—well it kind of sucks. The travelling doesn't help that’s for sure. I am not exclusive to models.

What is your advice to someone interested in pursuing a modeling career?

If you can't handle rejection 95% of the time, then this isn't the job for you.

What other projects do you have coming up in 2012?

Right now i am focusing on the two-year calendar & 20-minute DVD that is available worldwide from http://www.danielgarofali.com. Beyond that, there is a lot in the works. You just have to wait to find out.

More About Daniel Garofali:

Website: www.danielgarofali.com

Youtube: www.youtube.com/danielgarofali

Facebook: www.facebook.com/danielgarofali

Twitter: www.twitter.com/danielgarofali

DVD link: http://youtu.be/wWQ8H7xXjL8