Clarence Edward Russell, Jr., a native of Cleveland, Ohio, currently resides in San Jose, California. “Eddie”, as he prefers to be called, entered the world of modeling completely by chance due to his love of sports. While playing basketball competitively, Clarence noticed other players, the same height, were 20lbs to 50lbs heavier in weight. To improve his game and be more competitive, he decided to work on his physique and become stronger. Clarence began working out at regularly to gain strength to compensate for being underweight. More importantly, Clarence wanted a healthy mind, body and soul and desired that his physical appearance represent his inner strength.
Shortly after his transformation, a friend suggested that Clarence take professional photographs. After taking their advice, Clarence met with photographers. Those photographs initiated the emergence of Clarence’s career. Opportunities were presented for Clarence to work with noted photographers such as: Mark Grantham (Monterey, CA), Desi Hyter of Zedneram Imagery (San Jose, CA), Anthony Ragland (New York, NY) and Nana Kofi Nti of 510media (Oakland, CA). In addition, Clarence’s work with Ragland led to the selection for the three-time world-award winning calendar Ebony Soul (2007-2008) as Mr. July. After the distribution of the Ebony Soul calendar, Clarence gained enormous momentum with his career and fan base. As a result of this, numerous requests for a 12 month calendar of Clarence spawned the idea of “Essence of Clarence – A Model of Class and Creativity.” It will be a 12 month calendar composed of beautiful and tasteful images, which were inspired by the different aspects that make up the persona of Clarence. Images will highlight various themes such as: sports, adventure, sex appeal, patriotism, health/exercise, music and business. The purpose of this calendar is to bring forth not only Clarence’s artistic abilities but to represent the people and products that inspired him to be where he is today.
Clarence’s experience encompasses runway modeling. Clarence was featured as a hair and fashion model for the Grand Opening of Angel’s Hair Salon and Spa (Beverly Hills, CA), a suit model for Franco Umo (Valley Fair Mall, Santa Clara, CA.) and was featured model in the "Passport to the World NYE Spectacular" at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco for 2008, a Charleston Pierce Production.
Clarence also has an interest in the performing arts and is pursuing various theatre opportunities with Zionward Productions (www.zionwardproductions.homestead.com) in the based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Clarence has secured the role of Bazil in the play called “Lord, I Believe”, produced by Derrell Owens. Clarence will also be casting for a play called, “The Family Mantle”, which was a television play, and “Deceptive Behavior”, an original stage play.
Clarence is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a degree in Sports Administration and Marketing and currently he attends the National Holistic Institute for massage therapy and expanding his custom jewelry business, R Design Studio (www.rdsignstudio.com). Along with those ventures he is also releasing his own Calendar for 2009 called “Essence of Clarence”, due to release in the summer of 2008.
