Griffin a man going places
Griffin Avis-Foster does not lead the life of most 21-year-olds.
By night, he works at a bustling gay bar in Sydney and by day, he poses for the camera for his promising modelling career.
But the buck does not stop there.
In his spare time, the Geraldton lad also writes, directs and acts in his own short films.
The humble achiever moved from Geraldton to Perth after graduating from Nagle Catholic College in 2010, and since walking through the doors of the well- regarded modelling agency Chadwick Models, has found himself a career in front of the camera.
When he was 19, he relocated to Sydney in pursuit of modelling and acting prospects.
“I usually get a call for a modelling job the day before, and given the lack of notice, I do what I can to look presentable for a job or casting, ” Griffin said.
“I pluck all the hairs out and put moisturiser on my face and try to look pretty, even though I have worked a bar shift the night before and look and feel like crap.
“Some jobs they ask me to shave my whole body. I am so hairy so it clogs so many drains — that’s probably the most annoying part for most jobs.”
Griffin models commercially and has featured in catalogues, online and on TV for the likes of eBay, several clothing brands, Hungry Jack’s and KFC. He also featured in an edition of Woman’s Day magazine this month.
“Modelling pays the bills more than acting and it was quiet for a few months, but it is starting to kick off again and I am getting a few castings, ” he said.
“I went to Hollywood late last year because I made a short film with a company called Hollywood Immersive, and while I was there I learnt a lot and also found myself a manager.
“I’m shooting my own short films, writing and directing and acting as well at this stage, and you kind of have to if you want to make it and get yourself out there.”
Griffin said he hoped to do more travel in both careers, but said Geraldton would always hold a special place in his life.
“More young people are moving out of Geraldton and following their passions, so I hope people will be inspired to go and do, ” he said.
“There is definitely a surge of people wanting to pursue arts and move out to bigger and better things and it’s encouraging.
“There’s no place like home though — I love coming back to Geraldton and it is such a beautiful place with the best lifestyle. ”
Mum Robyn Avis is “extremely proud” of her son.
“He is very driven, which is a great thing, and he has a desire and knows where he wants to go and I will support him all the way, ” she said.
