Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnie Lennon.
Hi Donnie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started modeling either towards the end or at the end of the pandemic. I originally wanted to be a sports commentator, but then I tried content creation. I wasn’t really into either as passionately as I am with modeling and music. I started my modeling journey with a couple of smaller brands and a shoot with Sarah Fleming. The shoot with Sarah is what really catapulted my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first started, yes. It was very smooth. I felt the hype and the growing network of working with people and creating new relationships and collaborations. There were a lot of brands, photographers, models, and artists reaching out to work with me. I had a ton of successes, but as easily as success came, so did adversity.
No one really explains or goes into depth about how the modeling and entertainment industry can shape your mind and thus form your perception of self. I found love and passion in what I do because of how good I felt to truly and unapologetically be myself. Once the self-doubt seeps in, it is VERY hard to pull yourself back in from comparison or measuring success through time. Sometimes, taking a step back to collect yourself is just as important.
Another struggle is making the right call for the expansion or the next level in your career. You’re told to always say “yes” to every opportunity to come your way, but that’s also how you can dim your marketability. I try not to step on toes or offend but just as much as your craft is important to you, so is mine. This is my livelihood, and I have to treat it as a corporation. So as of now, I am currently overcoming self-doubt, self-deceit, and perception of what my worth is attributed to by not being apologetic anymore.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My foundation comes from modeling, but I also make music by rapping. I released my Freshman album on my birthday (05/10/2026) called “Smile Donnie, God Is Watching.” I’m very proud of this project because I designed my cover art, wrote the music, and even did a couple of impromptu visuals to go with the album. I would classify myself or aesthetics more underground, grungey or Avant-Garde. I’m more on the gothic side than a model who is more on the light and airy side of the industry. I am also very proud of the acknowledgement I received from Coco Rocha, who is considered to be the “first ever digital supermodel.” It was confirmation that I was in the right direction.
What sets me apart is my level of self-awareness and continuing to be a student of the craft. Self-awareness gives you the intuition and discernment needed to navigate what’s best for you and not what’s best for an aesthetic. I am a business-oriented model and artist. I love the business side of the industry! Having the experience from working in corporate America, it makes the journey very exciting and you start to move differently. Time is precious, time is money, which means it costs to speak and work with me, respectively. I just have to be more comfortable popping it.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Boundaries and celebrating yourself and/or accomplishments more. I’m very big on boundaries now. I wasn’t really, but after some introspection, I kind of set myself up for the disappointments that eventually led up. I also stop trying to compare my journey with others and with age, too. I am learning that you can’t do everything by yourself, you need a solid team to help you up, and most importantly, keep yourself guarded. You don’t have to be closed off, but having some sort of mystery adds to the appeal as well.
Unfortunately, I have a hard time reminding myself or in a way “bragging” about myself. I was always criticized by my quirky/bold personality and skillsets that anytime I would have to remember something “cool” or “impressive,” about myself. My mind draws a blank. I realized I was always finding ways of picking myself apart then scrutinize my self of these AWESOME opportunities. I found myself chasing the underwhelming feeling of people seeing my worth. I am choosing, that no longer serves me.
Lastly, you need a team, but even that takes effort because sitting around waiting for others will have you waiting forever. Creatively, I am insanely talented, but I also need the funding to back up these big ideas. You want people to hold you accountable and be your biggest fans. Although you can make things happen with a little bit of resources–you still need to invest in others if you want to level up. I want to be more proud of myself when I reach the next level of my career. Which is to be signed to an elite modeling agency, so I can make a livable income from my personality and likeness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnewyn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dnewyn
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/smile-donnie-god-is-watching/6768620207
