Franco Klein for Masculine

Franco Klein will appear in the forthcoming 2015 Masculine Calendar, which is planned for release in the late Summer of 2014.  What do you think of Franco?  You can see tons more of Franco at www.masculineplatinum.com

Dylan VanSteenberg

DREAMING BIG... DYLAN VANSTEENBERG
by Peter Renault

 
"The total package!" You hear that expression bandied about so much these days that it's lost its impact. But up-and-coming fitness model, Dylan VanSteenberg, puts a new twist on that tired catchphrase. Looks, brains, brawn and charm -- he's got them all in spades. A strapping 5' 10", 185 pounds of muscle, with imposing 18-inch guns, Dylan exudes self-confidence and sex appeal, but without any of the grating cockiness of some of his better-known contemporaries. His allure is more subtle, subdued, even somewhat elusive. Maybe it's those mercurial hazel eyes that mirror the colors and light around him in a kaleidoscope of alternating hues. "I've been told I have weird eyes," Dylan says with a laugh. "My girlfriend calls them chameleon eyes. I guess they change a lot." 

 Dylan better get used to change these days. Big changes. Even though he is a fresh face in the world of modeling, he's already got three shoots under his belt including a recent shoot in Los Angeles for a celebrity book project, in which he was paired with fitness model phenom Jeff Seid. He was scouted by a photographer in Minneapolis at a recent physique competition. A quick shoot was lined up, but the scout realized that Dylan had exceptional potential so he hooked him up with seasoned photographer Michael Anthony Downs, based out of Florida. "I'd never done any modeling before," Dylan admits, with a laugh. "The last pictures taken of me were for my senior prom. I always thought it would be cool. Who wouldn't want to give it a try?" But Dylan quickly learned that modeling is more than just smiling for the camera. It requires intense dieting, focus, long hours -- and very often travel. "I always knew I was… well…, a good-looking guy, I guess," he says with typical humility. "But never in a million years did I think I'd be doing what I'm doing now."

 The attention he's garnering is playing well back home in Sioux Falls. "There are a lot of guys there getting into bodybuilding," he says. "But I don't know any other male models in the area." So far the reaction from friends and family has been very positive. "It's cool. I'm living my dreams. No negatives. Maybe a few chuckles." The key is to keep it all in perspective -- not let it get to your head. "I'm basically just a nice guy," he says. "People are all the same. We're all just here to be happy, to get where we're trying to go. Just living life. I'm no better than the next person."

Currently studying nursing at South Dakota State University, Dylan has lived in the area his whole life. Before his recent shoot in Florida, the furthest he'd ever been from home, he says, was Minneapolis. Suddenly he found himself on the white sandy beaches of Florida's golden Gulf Coast: Sarasota and Tampa Bay. "It was a whole new level for me," Dylan says. "I'd never even been to a real natural beach or the ocean before."

Was he nervous for his first professional shoot? "Nah. I look at it this way. I always give my best. It's all good. Just do what you can." Dylan proved his willingness to put it all out there when Downs suggested he pose in nothing more than a pair of briefs in the middle of a busy boulevard, holding a sign next to his chiseled eight-pack stating: "Will Work for Food." It's a classic, off-the-cuff Downs capture, provocative and edgy. Dylan nailed it without any trouble, although "stopping traffic" and "rubber necking" hardly suffice as phrases for the stunned reactions of the drivers passing by in their cars during rush-hour. 

Pushing the envelope is no sweat for Dylan, who competed as a wrestler for years. Fitness is his lifestyle. "I've been training since I was a kid," he says. "My Dad was a high school wrestling and football coach. So I picked it up early. I've been doing push-ups and sit-ups since kindergarten!" At twelve, he lifted his first weights. "I was small when I was young, but by the time I was fourteen I was training seriously." He quickly put on muscle and ballooned in size. A slight 103 pounds in seventh grade, Dylan had to drink water to make weight in his wrestling meets. By senior year he was a heavyweight, tipping the scale at 220. Wrestling appealed to him because it's a personal challenge. "There's no one else to blame," Dylan says. It's an individual sport with a team behind you. But they can't help you out on the mat. I liked that. In football you can point the finger for a loss. But in wrestling, if I lost it was because of me." 

While hitting the gym regularly to build mass, Dylan soon met a mentor who changed his life: NGA pro bodybuilder Austin Kjergaard. "I was blessed," Dylan recalls, impressed by the athlete's build and rigorous routine. "Austin was a few years older than me and I thought 'Holy Cow! I could be like him.' He had such a good work ethic. So when he asked me, 'Hey, do you want to work out with me?' I couldn't believe it. I was ready to go. In the end he was the biggest influence on me. I couldn't have done any of this without him."

Kjergaard has proved a role model outside the gym as well. "He taught me what hard work really is -- sacrifice," Dylan says. "His best advice was to always stay motivated. You can't look up to others, he told me. You can't be like anyone else. You must envision your own self. Don't compare. Be different. Sculpt it in your own way." But most of all, keep things in perspective. "You must stay humble," he says. "I am not one of those guys who brags a lot or posts pictures of himself all the time." But considering his growing circle of fans, Dylan admits that will have to change. "You have to market yourself. Maybe I will have to lose some of my humility."

With future shoots in Miami slated, perhaps that time has come. "I'm on cloud nine," Dylan says. "Don't even know what to think. I've never been to Miami." He laughs. "I've only seen Miami on TV." And since he recently was in Hollywood, the questions begs…what about acting? Can he see himself following in the footsteps of other bodybuilders who got into movies? "I am open-minded," Dylan says, choosing his words carefully. "Acting would be cool.  But the sky is the limit."

NOTE:  Dylan appears as Mr. April 2014.  
Order your copy of the calendar here

 

You can also Visit and LIKE Dylan's fan page: http://www.facebook.com/vansteenberg21

 

 

 

Matt Acton, for Masculine.

Matt appears in the 2014 Masculine Calendar

Dylan VanSteenberg for Masculine

Dylan will appear in the 2014 Masculine Calendar.  Keep a look out for him.

Masculine Calendar 2014 NOW on SALE

The 2014 calendar is now on sale.  Please VISIT CALENDAR SALE PAGE

 Payments for purchase is handled by Paypal (which includes options for major credit cards).  Our cover model for this year is Colin Wayne.  Click Here to Buy.

David Morin, Jamaica Series

Tim Hartman, Vieques Puerto Rico Series

Jeff Seid & Daniel Rumfelt

First of several images from a cool Vegas gas-station mini-shoot.

Presenting Vito Scara

In his early teens he photographed with the iconic Bruce Weber, for the coveted Hollister campaign. He is now returning to the world of modeling, but in a more "aesthetic" way.

Blake Mouyassar Feature

Blake "The Steak" Mouyassar
by Peter Renault

It's rare that a new player enters the fitness world ready for primetime just as he's kicking off his career. But in just a few short months, 18-year-old newcomer Blake Mouyassar has exploded on the scene. His handsome dark looks, killer physique and obvious flair in front of the camera have catapulted him to a level of attention that takes some new faces years to attain. Paired opposite Canadian fitness sensation Justin DeRoy in high-profile photo shoots in Miami this summer with Michael Anthony Downs and Luis Rafael, Mouyassar held his own in the double spotlight and became good friends with DeRoy. At 5',10" and 182 pounds, Mouyassar currently has 17" arms, a 30" waist and 26" legs. He's holding his body fat at 6%. It all makes for an eye-catching debut.

Recently dubbed "Blake the Steak" by Justin DeRoy -- a tag that might stick due to his beefcake appeal -- Mouyassar is determined to take his newfound success to the next level. A Missouri native, Mouyassar already has a global following thanks to social media. Like many young models, he's utilized YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, and sites like Bodybuilding.com, to promote himself, gaining friends and fans from around the world. Perhaps it's his easy-going charm that sets him apart or his surprising lack of attitude. Mouyassar doesn't need to bowl over others with chest-thumping theatrics. His intense focus is what gains attention and respect. As he prepares for a medical education, Mouyassar intends to continue training and to make further inroads in the bodybuilding and modeling world. He clearly has no trouble juggling several interests at once and knows how to build on his success. Recently Masculine caught up with the rising star and dug a bit deeper into the Mouyassar mystique. 

M: Blake, your physique is mighty impressive for someone so young. How did you first get into exercise and training? 

BM: Thank you. I started exercising at age 12 when I joined the football team and played for three years, as well as basketball, wrestling and later lacrosse. I was strong and fast my whole life, but never had the anchor weight that I really wanted. With that in mind I decided to begin lifting weights and to make an effort to eat right in order to grow. That was the summer of my sophomore year in high school, going into my junior year, when I was 16 years old, and weighed 125 pounds. It all just escalated from that point.

M: 125 pounds? Amazing. Well, when you were younger who were your role models? On TV or in film or in everyday life?

BM: My biggest role model at a younger age was my cousin Justin Shea who began working out and I saw how much he grew, and decided I wanted to do the same. In the movie world, my biggest role models were Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, the two guys who I thought could take anyone on because of their size and strength. I still admire these people to this day.

M: Do you see yourself more as a fitness model or as a bodybuilder? And how do you balance the two? Do you need to train differently for a photo shoot? 

BM: I see myself more as a bodybuilder. I love that it is just me against myself when it comes to the work that has to be put in. I push myself as hard as I can everyday and with that my body grows and forms into a physique that is admired or wanted by some, and that is where the photo shoot aspect comes into play. It gives me a chance to properly show everyone how the hard work eventually pays off and gives people something to shoot towards. It is quite an easy balance as everything I do to prepare for a bodybuilding competition is what is necessary for a photo shoot. I keep everything the same, training wise, when it comes down to doing a shoot.

M: When you shot with Luis Rafael and Michael Downs you were paired with new AAG model Justin DeRoy. How did that come about and are you guys friends? What's he like to work with?

BM: Justin DeRoy and I met through a social media site called Instagram where we were both big into fitness and just getting our feet wet in this huge industry. I can't speak for Justin, but I feel he would agree that we both wanted to show our hard work to everyone and gather a bigger audience by working with two of the top fitness photographers around. Since both of us have the same interests and likes we got along great! It was just like being reunited with a friend when we met. Both of us are not shy when it comes down to business in the photo shoots so it was easy for both of us working together.

M: You mentioned Instagram. How has social media helped or hindered you in your development as a fitness model? I see you also have some really fun videos on YouTube. 

BM: Social media helps me reach out to a bigger audience and gives me the chance to help and inspire more people, which at this point is what I really am setting out to do. It keeps people interested in the fitness aspect of life when they see a post or video by me. I hope that inspires them to make the decision to better their lives through fitness.

M: You seem to have it all. Dark good looks, smooth skin, great smile. What do you feel is unique about your own look? Makes you stand out from the pack? What is your best asset and why? Any weaknesses you'd like to improve?

BM: I do everything to the fullest, always giving my 100%. When I workout I give it my all.  When I get up on stage, I am giving it my all, and when I am posing for the camera I am giving it my all. Maybe what sets me apart from everyone else is that I am always giving my 100%. When I train I envision myself as being stronger, faster, and bigger. With this comes the trait I have of never being satisfied, which has its positives and negatives. I will never see my body being exactly where I want it; so in my eyes, I can always be improving.

M: Okay. Your focus is truly admirable. But what do you for fun? Models are always keeping an eye on how they exercise, what they eat and how much their body fat is etc, but how do you personally unwind from all that, kick back and just enjoy life?

BM: Being as health-conscious as I am, I try to stick to activities that won't sacrifice my diet or health. I always put my diet first, but when I go out I enjoy seeing movies with friends and family. Nature intrigues me too, so hiking is something I really enjoy. Those are just a few things I do to unwind.

M: Got any special hobbies you'd like to share with us?

BM: Cooking is something I do as a special hobby. I enjoy finding different ways to prepare meals, creating new recipes that are healthy.

M: So you are now the cover boy for Masculine magazine. What does "masculinity" or "being masculine" mean to you personally in this day and age?

BM: For me, "masculine" means power. You are a leader, not a follower.

M: Cool. So what spurs you on to excel? To dedicate yourself to your goals? 

BM: Bettering myself and creating the best possible Blake is what I imagine when I push myself each day.

M: People think of bodybuilders as having big egos, but you strike me as pretty down-to-earth. Still, you can't help getting attention. Any funny stories about people misreading you, or rubbing you the wrong way? 

BM: Something that is funny is my muscles will always, and I mean always, get brought up into a conversation every day with friends, family, or people I have just met. My buddy Jake, whom I have known since I was young, will be around me sometimes when people are commenting about my muscles and he will always say, "He is a nice person too, you know." It's kind of like stating the fact that I have a personality and am not just the visual traits that most people only see.

M: Ha. That's pretty funny. Where do you see yourself going with modeling and fitness? Do you have a particular plan in mind for the future?

BM: I am going to college for the next 6-8 years of my life, as I plan to become a doctor since I am well-educated and can focus myself. But my life has forever changed to being a fitness freak. I want to take modeling and fitness as far as I can, but without it overwhelming my life and it becoming my life.

M: No doubt you will, Blake. You've got a good head on your shoulders as well as that awesome physique. Best of luck to you! 

You can visit and like Blake's Facebook fan page:  Blake Mouyassar Fitness

Justin Maina Studio Shot

Max Lustig

Check out this image of  Matt Lustig, a newcomer on the fitness scene in the UK.