When you think of the name Drew Vision, you think of one great stage moniker that encompasses his talents – modeling, singing, and more.
But what about the guy underneath that alias? What about all-around New York native Drew McCreary?
McCreary sat down for a small interview that transitioned way over the time thought. It wasn’t just him “answering questions” but his candor that was included. The January born Cap (Jan. 5) was chill, a great conversationalist and then some.
Having a few albums out already, the model/singer gave us excerpts on his life and more:
What moments during your childhood led you to want to sing?
Honestly, there was never a moment because I didn’t really have the option. My family made me sing. My dad’s side of the family is very religious so growing up we had to be in church, choir rehearsal, devotional service- the whole nine. So it was like if you don’t play the piano or something, you’ve got to sing. So, we sang.
So can you actually play an instrument?
I play the piano a little bit.
Okay so have you ever serenaded someone you were dating playing the piano?
With my voice. But I think it’s sort of corny to be like, ‘Oh let me serenade you and all’. But if someone asks then I’d do so. My voice comes with me wherever I go so you can’t really escape it.
Now how did you get started with modeling?
Well, I was always into music but someone reached out to me (casting director) and was like, ‘you should model and I would love to help you.’ I actually still work with them til this day. A production company called Boom Productions. They sort of become like my mother agent. He just forwarded me to other agencies (casting director) and when I was 18, I ended up joining an agency. And I did a couple of things and eventually got to Jimmy Jazz. But then the agency closed down, they were called Renegade, and I don’t know what happened. I was doing stuff for Jimmy Jazz every two weeks anyway so when the agency closed down they started reaching out to me directly and I’ve been with them ever since. It’s been almost seven years now. I’m just the face of their company now.
Have you gotten a new agency since then?
Yeah, up until the past year but before I did everything on my own. A couple of my friend’s model full-time and having an agency behind them has really helped them do it as a full-time job. They’re doing me really well, MSA Models.
Now out of all of the jobs you secured, which one paid you the biggest that you were proud of?
It might have been this Mercury Car Insurance company. I was in LA with a friend and he like literally lives two blocks away from this casting company. So I used to go to it to see what kind of castings they had and I ended up booking it. It paid like almost two-grand and being younger at the time, I was like ‘I’m rich.’ [laughs]
What did you do with your first big check? Were you responsible?
Yeah, I was not responsible. I stayed out in LA longer than I was supposed to. I went shopping, obviously. I spent it on some alcohol I’m sure. But then I saved enough to get back to New York and remain a little comfortable.
McCreary is more than just a daper looking dude in front of the camera. His love of music still prevails as his one of his first loves. If you know McCreary then you definitely would know that he made an appearance in the video “Best Thing I Never Had” produced by Babyface and performed by Beyoncé.
He was all smiles in the video reflecting that of a wedding reception and its jovial moments however; it was the experience and humility of the main star that stayed etched in his memory.
How did the process happen of making an appearance in the video happen for you?
I’ve learned the power of building strong relationships with people. With Beyonce, one of her dancers is a good friend of mind. What’s crazy was that I knew him when he was trying to be a dancer and now he actually is a dancer. He called me up and said, ‘We need an extra guy. Can you come? You’d have to catch the bus that would lead you to her private location in like 30 minutes and you need to wear a black suit.’ But I was not home and didn’t have a black suit on me and I didn’t know how I was going to get to Midtown in 30 minutes. I was like this an opportunity I can’t let go so I used the little bit of my coins to get a cab, went home to grab a suit, got back and went to Midtown and I caught the bus. It drove us up to upstate New York to some ritzy looking country club. You wouldn’t have even thought is was in New York given that I looked like somewhere exotic.
What was Beyoncé like on set to you?
You know she was just really cool. She sat down and talked to us. Whenever the director would stop and reset the lighting, you sort of would expect her to go in her trailer, but she was chillen’ and sat down in front of us like, ‘What’s up.’ [laughs] I met her mom and we had a great conversation especially about spirituality. It was just a cool.
Now fellas, we didn’t forget other tidbits regarding a little love advice and how McCreary takes care of his skin.
What is Drew’s style if someone were to ask?
Honestly, I’m still figuring that out. If it were up to me, I’d just wear a white tee and some jeans and Converse and that’s as basic as it comes. I feel like I’m in music and fashion and a little well-known out here (New York) I had to step my game up. Everywhere I shop is thrift store. You might catch me at a TopShop, a Zara every once in a while.
Okay, so let’s say there’s a newbie to New York who wants to find a good thrift store. What place do you recommend?
Buffalo Exchange. There’s one in the city and there’s one in Brooklyn. In my opinion, Brooklyn is better. I used to bring a bag of clothes that may not have fit me right and exchange it for store credit.
When it comes to skin care, what do you use on your skin? What’s a regiment you use?
I just try to make sure to use a facial scrub and moisturizer afterwards. My skin is a little dry and it’s weird. I’ll have oily skin near the top of my hair and then from [points to under the eyes] is dry so you have to be aware of what areas of your skin need the most attention. I use Clean & Clear and the reason is because they’re owed by Johnson & Johnson so from a logical standpoint, if they make products for baby’s skin, I sort of feel like you won’t have to deal with harsh chemicals or acids. Shea Moisture is also one I’d throw out there especially for hair.
For all you ladies, McCreary is very much single but’s he’s fully aware of what comes with his lifestyle including other attractive people. We dished a little bit on love, how it ties into music and more.
Since you’ve been blessed to do what you do and the surroundings that comes with it, what have you deemed as your deal breakers in relationships?
For me, my deal breaker is insecurity. Insecurity seems common now. It’s a deal breaker for me because of my lifestyle. I’m a little known and pursuing to be more known because I want my music to sale and I have my own aspirations in this field and therefore, I’ll have beautiful people around me. I don’t want you to be insecure at all but feel safe with me.
Okay, so shallow question – What’s your take on those who think that because you look a certain way, you automatically flock to dating someone of the same?
I could be considered shallow. I do think looks are important. It’s like if I’m going to the gym, you’re a** needs to be going to. If I’m sweating [chuckles], I’m gonna need you to sweat. Just because two people are attractive doesn’t mean you have to date. It could be just about sex and that’s fine, long as its safe. Does dating really need to happen between two attractive people? The space that I’m in right now, I’d prefer my girl not to be a ‘dime’ because sometimes with the most good looking girls comes a lot of maintenance, a lot or requirements and sh*t I don’t want to have to deal with. I’d rather have a 7 or 8 but I say that now.
Now McCreary has been cheated on so he knows all too well what it’s like to go through the wave of emotions of romantic betrayal. We tied in how musicality and break-ups work. We also covered how couples can have the “star” player and the side supporter.
When it comes to love, a lot of guys don’t get recognized for their own emotions. Following a break-up, what’s a song you’d listen to in order to get all the hurt out?
It depends on the situation but Tank’s “Please Don’t Go.” [he sings the title]. Maybe some Frank Ocean. “Please Don’t Go” may be a little ‘desperate’ sounding though. Oh and Tank’s rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”
When your guy friends are experiencing disappointment in love, what advice do you give them to get over the hump?
I am an enabler of being the a**hole. I’m the person to tell them “F**k em, you don’t need her” type. I’m like ‘see who you can call up next’ [laughs].
He also hinted that he wouldn’t mind living in Paris, L.A. or Vegas outside of New York and how Central Park is a great place to chill; Bryant Park as well for movies. Central and Bryant Park can make great dates.
McCreary admits he’s a big goofball and loves to laugh. He’s silly despite the “standoffish” persona that may be perceived by others.
What’s next for Drew Vision?
I’m about to put out another project since (2013) “The Doldrums.” It was a great project that was all about my ex-girlfriend. I don’t have a date for my next project yet. I’m not rushing it. Right now I’m modeling, making a living off that. I’m singing at weddings, birthday parties and more. I’m just comfortable right now.
For more on McCreary aka Drew Vision, click here.