Photographer: Adrian Meda @adrianwxb
Photographer: Sebastian Salazar @its_sebasssss
Model: Gustavo Maravilla Cruz @liketowonderHappy to have you here, Wønder. Tell us your story, how did you get to where you are now and where is your home at the moment?
Thank you, very happy to be here. Well, this whole journey started early at the age of 14. Focusing on music. Producing for artists all over the world. Singing & songwriting as well. In 2020, I debuted my first single “Sigueme'' and it's been a beautiful journey ever since. Of course with music comes an artist’s image, so modeling is a constant task. I’m from West Pittsburg, California, about 30 minutes away from San Francisco.
What are your favorite genres and styles of modeling? In your opinion, what are your strongest features as a model?
In my short time of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredible people. As an artist my main objective is to create an image with my music and appearance. So, as of now my favorite genre and only genre I’m working on is being a fashion model. Creating an image for my audience, captivating their minds to inspire. My strongest feature would have to be my authenticity. I’m not pretending to be anyone. Yes, I’m inspired by many but I create my own individual image/character.
What is the most challenging obstacle in your career ?
The most challenging obstacles I’ve come across have definitely been my insecurities. Sometimes we tend to overthink our next steps, our next drops, our pictures, but the best thing to do is remember why we’re there in the first place.
If you could change something in the modeling world, what would it be?
I for one wouldn’t change a thing. I believe in the world of the arts, change is inevitable. There have already been huge changes, advancements, and progression. Anyone can model, regardless of their shape, ethnic background, or gender.
What fuels your imagination and provides you with inspiration?
Creativity can find its fuel in anything. As for me, it’s in nature, whether it’s outside or in the nature of my constant environments. Emotions coming from myself or the people around me.
What's one of the most interesting shoots that you've done?
One of the most interesting shoots I’ve done would have to be a shoot I did with my good friend and photographer Adrian Meda. The whole shoot was done in a mall parking lot with little to no light. We had to get creative and even got some amazing shots in an elevator. By far my favorite shoot.
If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?
If I could say something to everyone on the planet I’d say, just do what makes you happy, with the best intentions because time is infinite, your life isn’t.
When you want to unwind, what are your favorite go-to activities?
When I “have” time to unwind, I spend time with family, read, or continue to work on music.
What's something you haven't achieved but hope to?
Something I hope to achieve one day would have to be the privilege of passing down all of my knowledge to my kids, and watching them utilize it in life.
What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?
As of now I plan to collaborate with as many creatives & influencers as possible to expand outreach. My debut album “Imagen” releases June 13th, on all streaming platforms with the help of Def-Odd Records. In the near future I plan to release merchandise and possibly a clothing line. Music that will promote mental health is also something I’d love to do.
Where can we see more of your work and get connected with you?
You can always find me on :
Instagram : @liketowonder
Twitter : @liketowonder
And learn more about me at defoddrecords.org
