Lamar James Ballard Opens Up about being A "Super Model"& What's it's like working with Sean P. Diddy Combs

Since meeting you Pre-Instagram and all of this social media madness what do you think has changed the most overall?

A whole lot. Some not a good way. When you go to a casting or audition, sometimes they want to see how many social media followers you have before you even show your talent. Which means in many cases that if you aren't even into say Tik Tok or IG or making regular videos to get the views you may have lost the gig before you even auditioned. It has its good and not so good advantages. Make social media work best for you. 

I consider you to be a male supermodel, to have the longevity in this industry that you have had and to know men still don’t dominate as models, what is your take on that, and what is your view on male models in the industry today?

I would consider myself as a" Supermodel" but more so as an idea of longevity. I love to work hand in hand with designers behind the scenes in the rugged office cutting and putting pieces on my body, making each garment from scratch and seeing it to the final product. Months later I then to go out and see 1000s of people wearing the clothing and say to myself, "you did that." That makes me feel good inside and inspired instead of one off jobs. I like to build relationships with the designer. Meet the family, have drinks, eat dinner etc. I personally don't know of any supermodels in 2024 but there are definitely some social media personalities that sell products. 

What is Lamar’s go to male beauty/self-care routine? How does Lamar stay in such great shape?

Oh this is a fun one. Daily I wake up, shave and cut my hair or give myself a shape. I always do a eucalyptus facial cleanse before I shower. Since a teen I have always hit the steam room a couple days a week to purify the skin and remove toxins from my body. I work out a minimum of 3 days per week (except holidays), drink about a gallon of water a day and make my own juices rich in ginger, turmeric, carrot, greens etc. Things to remove negatives and add greatness to the body. Always a hit and a miss of course. 

What do you feel defines male beauty?

Beauty in general is within self. Don't look at the masses and try to fit in. Look at the picture and  figure out how to stand outside of it. Individualism. 

Do you follow any of the fashion trends that are currently in, or do you just keep it simple?

Great thing about being a "Fit Model" is, God bless, I get to be in so many offices with the designers working on trends before they even come out. So I get to be apart or know the coming season color trends or what the fits will look like prior so I wouldn't say I follow trends no. I actually get a lot of samples before, I just have to wait for them to come out before I can wear them. I'm fashion practical but always throw elements of street culture in it. I can put on a slim fitted 3 piece suit but will put the grills in lol. 

Have you accomplished everything you have hoped to accomplish in this industry, and what advice would you give to younger Lamar?

There is always room for growth. I've only accomplished about 20% of my potential but I work at Gods speed. When I feel something then I feel it. Advice I'd give to my younger self? Always stay true to yourself. Don't be swayed by fake people who chase this industry. Make your mother proud. These are the things I told myself as a youth and what I still tell myself today. Never sell your soul to the devil. 

What projects are you currently working on, and what should we look forward to next?

Currently, I am working with 10 different brands from Levi's to Uggs and many in between. Started working a new collection with a celeb that should be in Macy's, On-line and in Snipes for Spring 2025. Can't say much cause not here to jinx myself of course. But always working on building strong relationships and not burning bridges. Myself and my agent work well together. 

Thank you. 

Now we have seen the controversy play out all over the internet and media, to a man I personally consider a legend growing up. His career and diversity inspires me, you have actually worked with him. What is your own experience with Diddy, and why do you think media works so hard to tear down our strong, successful men?

What I can say about this is, working with Diddy as a "Sean John" model for years is kind of what you guys have gotten to see on tv. He is definitely mean, sort of like the "Nino Brown" type that always has to let you know who's in charge. I have been at the house countless times before and in reference to what's in the media, I can honestly say I have never witnessed any of it.

When it comes to Cassie it was just like you don't speak to or look at her, almost as if she were property. The situation we see here is about power, and it's sending a message that some people were angry. With that anger they decided to check his mogul power with what you see playing out in the media.

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Lamar J. Ballard

New York, New York