News

Book Design by Jim Zach

Fate starts Hancock’s modeling career

Kristy Byrd
Feature Editor

Although modeling had never been a focus for NIACC student and Arizona native Aaron Hancock, when Jim Zach, NIACC’s graphic designer, approached him with the offer to do so he readily accepted.

Zach had been asked to redesign the cover for “The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook” written by Sgt. Michael Volkin.

Zach had worked on the project before and originally designed the cover for the book in the spring of 2005.

“The original photo on the cover was a stock photo,” Zach said. “The armed forces had redesigned their uniforms and they were ready to have an update.”

The training guide is aimed towards individuals that are thinking about joining the armed forces, or are currently in basic training.

The book cover said the text is full of “tricks and tactics for surviving boot camp.”

Zach said he had tried to find a stock photo but was unsuccessful, so he was looking for a model that would make a good representation of a soldier.

Hancock just happened to be sitting in the lounge area outside of his office waiting to speak to someone when Zach looked up and saw him.

Zach said he thought that Hancock fit the look of a soldier, so he got up, went out of the office and approached Hancock about the modeling opportunity.

Initially, Hancock was surprised.

“At first I was like ‘Are you serious?’” Hancock said. “I had never modeled before, and I was really excited to do it.”

Modeling was not all fun and games.

The uniform Hancock wore was lent to Zach from another NIACC student, Mathias Wilson.

Hancock said that the uniform he was modeling did not fit correctly and had to be modified.

The photo shoot took place outside of the campus weight room on the cement patio right in front of the pond in August, Hancock said.

He added that the uniform was hot and heavier than it looked.

Hancock said the hot weather also presented another problem.

“There was so much sunlight in my eyes, my eyes kept watering,” he said. “I had to keep a straight face.”

Zach took a total of 96 photos of Hancock of which only one was used for the book cover.

Hancock is at NIACC on a partial wresling scholarship and he says he plans to graduate in May with a degree in Graphic Communications.

He said he intends to continue his education at Arizona State University where he will work towards a BA in Graphic Design after he graduates from NIACC.

“This opportunity helped me feel more comfortable considering modeling,” he said. “Perhaps when I am back home in Arizona I will take up modeling for some extra money.”

The training guide’s expected release is spring 2009. Currently, the publishing company, Savas Beatie, is hoping to sell it to the military. But as of now anyone who would like a copy can find it in bookstores after the release date, or can look for it on-line.