We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tim Ade. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tim below.

Tim, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My creative journey as a published male model began during my years at Northern Illinois University—a time that was pivotal, not just for my education but for my sense of identity and purpose. Growing up, I always imagined that sports would be my path. I poured myself into training, discipline, and competition, hoping to take my skills to the next level. But as I got closer to that dream, I realized that the politics behind sports could be just as influential as talent and hard work. When that path didn’t come to fruition, it felt like a door had closed right in front of me.

Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, I made a choice to redirect my energy. I focused more on my academics and personal growth, determined to find a new direction. It was during this period that a close friend and mentor introduced me to an on-campus modeling organization called Embrace Models. At first, I wasn’t sure if modeling was for me. I had never envisioned myself in that world, and I wasn’t certain I belonged in it.

But curiosity pushed me to attend one of their sessions—and everything changed. The moment I saw the fundamentals of modeling up close—the discipline, the creativity, the confidence, the storytelling—I felt something ignite inside me. It wasn’t just about runway walks or posing for a camera; it was about expression, presence, and the ability to communicate without saying a word. I knew instantly that this was more than an extracurricular activity. It was a calling.

Joining Embrace Models became one of the most transformative decisions of my college years. It gave me a foundation in the craft, but more importantly, it opened doors to self-discovery. I learned how to carry myself, how to tap into emotion, and how to channel confidence even in unfamiliar spaces. Each photoshoot, runway show, and creative collaboration helped me grow—not just as a model, but as a person.

What started as a hesitant step soon evolved into a passion that propelled me into the professional world. That journey eventually led to the incredible milestone of becoming a published model—an achievement that still means a great deal to me. Looking back, I’m grateful for the setbacks that redirected me and the mentors who encouraged me. Modeling has become a gateway to so many opportunities, networks, and creative experiences that continue to shape who I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not know me, I am a Published Male Model based in the Chicagoland area, and my journey into the fashion industry has been shaped by perseverance, discipline, and a genuine passion for creativity. My introduction to modeling began at Northern Illinois University, where I trained with Embrace Models—a student-led organization that gave me the structure, fundamentals, and confidence I needed to take modeling seriously. What started as curiosity grew into a calling.

Once I realized how strongly I connected with the craft, I pushed myself into the professional world. I attended casting calls across Chicago, networked with photographers, designers, stylists, and creatives, and made it a point to immerse myself fully in the city’s fashion culture. I studied the way people moved, the way shows were produced, and the energy behind editorial work. With time, dedication, and consistency, I began securing runway bookings, editorial features, and creative projects that allowed me to build a diverse and meaningful portfolio. Those opportunities eventually led to me becoming a published model—an achievement that reflects the hard work behind every step of my journey.

What sets me apart from others is my mindset and the intention I bring to every project. I don’t treat modeling as just posing or walking—it’s storytelling. It’s about bringing emotion, character, and presence to each moment. My background in athletics gave me discipline and resilience, while modeling taught me adaptability and emotional expression. That combination allows me to bring both strength and depth to my work. I’m also proud of being highly teachable, reliable, and consistent—qualities that keep doors open and make collaborations rewarding for everyone involved.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come despite the setbacks and redirections that could have easily discouraged me. Losing the opportunity to pursue sports was tough, but instead of letting it define my future, I channeled that energy into something new. I’m proud of trusting myself, stepping into unfamiliar spaces, and building a career from the ground up. I’m proud of every runway walked, every publication earned, and every connection made through authenticity and hard work. Most importantly, I’m proud of becoming a version of myself that younger me would look up to.

What I want people to know about my work is that everything I do comes from a place of intention. Whether I’m on the runway, in front of a camera, or collaborating with a creative team, I’m committed to delivering excellence. I want people to see that my work is rooted in passion, respect for the art, and a desire to continuously grow. I want them to know that I value storytelling, professionalism, and the opportunity to help bring someone’s vision to life. My goal is not just to take great photos—it’s to add value, elevate the project, and create work that resonates.

My journey is still evolving, but every experience—from college studios to Chicago runways—continues to shape me into the model, creative, and professional I strive to be.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, the biggest way society can better support artists and creatives—including models—is by valuing the work we do in a real, tangible way. Creativity drives culture, fashion, entertainment, and innovation, but many creatives still struggle to be taken seriously when it comes to fair compensation. Paying models and artists what they rightfully deserve should not be optional—it should be the standard. When people are compensated fairly, it allows them to continue creating, improving, and pouring into their craft without sacrificing stability or dignity.

Another major step is eliminating unnecessary gatekeepers within the fashion industry. Too often, opportunities are controlled by a small group of individuals who decide who gets seen, who gets booked, and who gets access. This slows down growth, limits diversity, and prevents fresh talent from entering the space. Opening doors instead of closing them—through transparent casting processes, open calls, mentorship, and platforms that highlight real talent—creates a healthier and more dynamic industry.

Finally, the creative community needs more genuine support and collaboration. When creatives uplift each other instead of competing for the same limited opportunities, the entire community thrives. Simple acts—sharing someone’s work, giving credit, collaborating on passion projects, recommending fellow artists—can make a huge difference. We rise further when we rise together.

Overall, a thriving creative ecosystem is built on fairness, accessibility, and unity. Society—and the industry—must recognize that creativity has value, opportunities should be inclusive, and success grows when we support one another.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

“For me, modeling is more than a profession—it’s a journey of self-expression, transformation, and impact. The most rewarding part is knowing that I get to be a vessel for storytelling. Every shoot, every runway, every campaign is an opportunity to embody a vision, a mood, or a message that can resonate with someone deeply. I remember my first major shoot—standing in front of the camera, nervous but determined—and realizing that I wasn’t just there to look a certain way. I was there to communicate something powerful without words.

Modeling has taught me how to be present, how to channel emotion through posture and gaze, and how to adapt to different creative environments while staying true to myself. It’s a profession that constantly challenges you to grow—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. You learn resilience, discipline, and the art of collaboration. You learn to celebrate your uniqueness while representing broader ideals like confidence, diversity, and authenticity.

What inspires me most is the potential to influence how people see themselves. When someone sees a campaign I’ve been part of and feels empowered to embrace their own beauty, their own story—that’s when I know the work matters. Modeling has given me a platform to advocate for representation, to challenge outdated standards, and to help shape a more inclusive industry. That sense of purpose is what keeps me passionate and grounded. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about helping others feel seen too.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingtim_ade
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.adeyingbo

Image Credits

Photographers: IG

@studio.jordy
@luxeverlasting
@darelphtography
@jaborgraphy