Meet Cody Mitchell | Model & Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cody Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, how do you think about risk?
You will always miss the shots you don’t take. I took a huge risk moving to California from Connecticut, especially during a pandemic which I will say driving across the country when no one was on the road was amazing and an experience I would have never had if I didn’t take the risk. I will say it allowed me to have a fairly smooth transition to this place that’s so different from what I’ve known my entire life. I was 21 when I moved here and have had 4 amazing years with so many life lessons, explorations, and experiences that have formed me into the person and artist I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, I was a full-fledged theater kid, performing in jazz singing groups, a cappella ensembles, and taking on roles like Danny Zuko in Grease to Mary Sunshine in Chicago. Beyond performing, I’ve always had a deep love for photography, there’s just something magical about capturing beauty in its purest form.

My journey with photography began when I was hired as the town photographer for the Downtown Merchants Association in Westport, Connecticut. While event photography wasn’t exactly my passion, it was an important step in the right direction. From there, I joined a creative group on Instagram called “The Photo Plug.” They held monthly meetups in places like Boston, New York, and Rhode Island, and that’s when everything started to shift for me.

Before long, I found myself stepping in front of the camera as well. I started reaching out to photographers for collaborations and catching trains to New York whenever I could. Now I’ve done so many fun projects such as booking a lead role in this new short Horror-Comedy film called “Creatureville”. As well as some commercial bookings and published in numerous prints both nationally and internationally in magazines like Playboy, DNA, Muze, Boylicious, Victor, and Leffronte Magazine. I am very proud of the progress I have made over the years especially given many of the obstacles tossed my way. It definitely wasn’t always easy overall balancing multiple serving jobs, squeezing in last-minute self-tapes, handling bookings, and still finding time to nurture relationships and stay grounded felt overwhelming at times. But I’ve come to embrace those challenges and end of the day where there is fuel there is fire and all my job is to do it light the flame. I believe that pressure is what brings growth, transforming pain into something magical, something meaningful that you can pour your whole heart into. Through my work, I strive to capture vulnerability-raw, authentic moments that resonate deeply with both the subject and the viewer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend Angelina has visited a few times, and every trip has been unforgettable. When she first came, I was living in Calabasas, so we’d drive down Topanga Canyon to Malibu, stopping at Malibu Farm for brunch and soaking in the coastal views.

Now that I live in Hollywood and know the city better, I’d try to curate an itinerary that captures the best of LA. We’d start with a hike at Runyon Canyon or a visit to some local museums followed by brunch at Breakfast Republic maybe. Afternoons would be spent relaxing at Santa Monica Beach with my dog or exploring Melrose for vintage finds and stuff we could take some cool photos together in.

At night, West Hollywood would be the highlight—dinner at La Bohem, then dancing somewhere on the strip in West Hollywood. For a more laid-back vibe, we’d check out a rooftop bar or I’d drag her out to karaoke because she knows I love singing. Throughout the week, we’d mix in creative adventures like photoshoots at Griffith Observatory or shopping and a movie at The Grove.

By the end of her visit, I’d want her to feel like she truly experienced the energy, creativity, and amazing people that make LA so special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to express my deepest gratitude to the friends who have become my chosen family here in LA. Growing up, I attended four different high schools, which meant I never really had the chance to build those lifelong childhood friendships. I left home at 16 and started my independent life early, so my journey has always been a bit unconventional.

However, there’s one friend back home, Angelina, who has been a constant in my life for over a decade. She’s seen it all the good, the bad, and the messy. She continues to inspire me every day. Despite being on her own journey, we’ve managed to grow together, even from opposite coasts. That kind of bond is rare, and I’m so grateful for it.

Website: https://www.ryancolbymanagement.com/portfolios/cody-mitchell

Instagram: Codymitchell_official

Facebook: Cody Mitchell

Image Credits
Photographers

Glen Nutley
Benjamin Veronis
Stevan Reyes
Christophe McWhorter