23 year old Jamie Paterson just graduated university to become an Industrial Arts teacher. During his summers, you can find him working at a boat delearship in Kenora, Ontario. But, you can always find him on our Wearable Therapy site, because he modeled some of our Wearable Therapy Clothing. Although Jamie never did anything like this before, he had “tons of fun.” The 5’8″ teacher teamed up with a high-school friend to pose in our gear and to make a difference in the world by spreading messages about important social issues. Let’s take a look at Jamie’s Q&A:
How do you prepare for a photo shoot?
Aside from the logistical prep of equipment and aligning schedules, the majority of my prep is psychological. When I was younger I didn’t feel good about my body image, so making sure I go for lots of runs and bike rides, and eating well, makes me feel more confident about my body image, and therefore more confident during the photo shoot!
Do you have any trademark posses or looks? 
Nothing too crazy, but the ‘serious’ pose is the one I like doing most, and the one I think I look best in. I’m also a big fan of candid shots where the model isn’t looking directly into the lens.
What style of fashions do you prefer to pose in?
I like posing in fitted clothing mostly, like the fitted active wear from Friends of Lake of the Woods
Where can our customers find you or your work online?
My work can be found on the Friends of Lake of the Woods and Wearable Therapy websites, Facebook pages, and Instagram feeds.
Can you describe the design that you are posing in for WT?
I’m modeling several designs for Wearable Therapy, but my favourite is Cranium Branium. What I love about Wearable Therapy is how every design is left to your imagination to interpret and give meaning to. To me, Cranium Branium reminds me of a busy forest, with much more going on than trees. The forest grounds me and helps neutralize my emotions. I think that’s why I love this design so much.
What is your favorite WT product?
My favourite product are the active wear tees. They are well made, the material feels like high tech silk, and are fitted just right. I love them so much that they have replaced all of my workout shirts!
PROUD- When I work hard at work worth doing. I’m proud of finishing my university degree this year, and I am even more proud when I see my students find success in their learning.
ANGRY– When bad things happen to good people
EXCITED- Thinking about the future. I’m at that time of life where I could go anywhere or do anything that I want.
SCARED- The future also scares me! I’m at the point of my life where it’s time to begin my career. School prepares you well for this, but there is also a lot to learn!
LUCKY- To have parents that are supportive, caring, compassionate, are truly are pulling for me, and support my decisions, despite how insane some of them may sound.
CONFLICTED- What to do next in life. Since I just finished my degree and am looking for a job, the heart and the brain are pulling in many different directions. Some of them make logical sense, some make financial sense, and some make absolutely no sense at all – but they all have their draws!
EMPOWERED- When I think about my advocates, friends and family who are behind me every step of the way, it makes me realize that I’m not in this alone, which I am forever thankful for.
HOPEFUL– I’ve heard many people say the millennial generations will ruin our society because we are too self-centered and don’t see the big picture. I’m hopeful that we can change that, and that we can look at the big picture and help to make the world a better place!
SAD- I’m having trouble thinking of something to write for sad… I try my best to be a happy and positive person. I’m not perfect – nobody is. And this means being sad sometimes. But there’s nothing in my life that makes me feel consistent sorrow or regret.
STRONG- It probably sounds a bit cliché, but exercising makes me feel strong. Not just because exercise makes me physically stronger, but the rush of exercise makes me feel emotionally stronger too.
Freeway or Scenic Route? Scenic route! For me it’s always about the journey just as much as the destination
Night out with friends or a quiet night in?– It depends on the night. I love going out with my friends, but now and again everybody needs a little “me” time.
Adventure trip or relaxing vacation? Adventure all the way. Anybody that knows me knows I don’t sit still for very long, and that I’m the first in line for a new project or adventure.
Great job with long hours or Okay job with lots of time off? I think it’s important to find a job with a balance. For me this means weighing what’s important to me. It’s important to me to have a job where I make enough to support the quality of life I want to life, but it’s also important to me to have time to enjoy the fruits of my labour.
The 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s? It’s hard to say because I wasn’t around for any of these times, but I would have to say the 50s, because who doesn’t love a ’57 Chevy?
Are your real life (people you know) role models?
There are so many people in my life that I consider my role models, it’s hard to narrow it down. I truly believe it’s important to analyze the character of everyone in my life, identify traits I think are valuable, and try to mirror them in my life.
Are your famous/well-known role models?
One person I’ve always thought highly of is Charles Darwin. Darwin was really the one who made me consider the world outside of the views I grew up with, and I think it’s important to look through a different lens.
Would you like to work with/for in the future?
I would like to work with anyone who shares the same values as I do.
Pushes you the hardest?
Definitely my dad! Every day he pushes me to do my best. When I was younger I didn’t realize what I was doing, questioning my decisions and pushing me to do my best. But I get it now, he really is just helping me to do the very best I can.
WT is all about Defining Your Normal. So, let’s find out more about what makes you You!
What is your definition of ‘normal’?
Normal is only a setting on the washing machine!
We are all about celebrating people’s awesomeness, so what makes you awesome?
Water! Whether I am on the water, looking over the water, or thinking about being on the water, it makes me feel awesome!
What is a challenge that you face often in your life?
Eating healthy. Food has always been a challenge for me, and it’s something that I have to work hard at every day.
What is the best compliment that you have ever received?
I was a teaching assistant in a university class, and one of my students asked me a question about how air holds moisture. So I explained it. And after, the student said tome “Wow, you explained that so well. You should be a teacher!” That means so much to me, and little does she know that I am one!
What was the best criticism you ever received?
The best criticism I’ve received is that I need to have more patience. When I think about my role models growing up, they were people who had incredible patience for me. And at times children take incredible amounts of patience, so I strive to have more patience for everyone in my life.
What makes your life easier?
Thinking about the lake!
What makes your life more difficult?
Chocolate and potato chips!
What is your definition of success?
Feeling happy and content with my life.
We are all changing and evolving all the time. How are you in the process of changing?
I’m in the process of transitioning from student to ‘real’ adult! It’s an exciting and intimidating time of life.
If you could interview anyone, whom would you choose?
Where would I start! There are so many amazing people I would love to talk to, but I would have to start with the queen!