Featured Members of the Month

Meet our featured members of the month for September 2015!

Ask Joey

Ask the former President of Ford Models a question!

Agency Spotlight

Check out our Agency Spotlight: Ciotti Models

Friday, April 29, 2011

Ask Joey: Every Model Needs an Agent

Everybody in this business needs an agent and/or manager. Although it may seem like it's hard to get representation, it is possible - for everyone. It takes persistence and a lot of hard work. When I started my modeling career, it was a year of constantly knocking on doors, calling offices, leaving my comp card everywhere, and scheduling appointments to meet different of agents and managers. Out of 50 or more agents in New York - ONE thought I had it. That's all it takes, just one to believe in you.

To be honest, all agents are in the business to make money, like you. Therefore, they are only going to represent you if they feel you can make money for them. I know most agents will tell you to just send your pictures through email or mail, but the only way you can get someone to represent you is by meeting with them face-to-face.

I am a firm believer that personality has a lot to do with your look, maybe more.

People ask me all the time if they should go with an agency that offers exclusive representation. I would jump at the opportunity! That means they really like you and really believe in you. With an exclusive deal, you get to work more directly with the agency. As a freelance model, yes you get to be more flexible, but you don't get that tender loving care. You are going to get tired of talking to a voice on a phone; it is much better going into an office for a chat. Exclusivity is the way to go.

Get out there people! Take more photos, update your portfolio, and start searching for agencies to call. Find out if they are having open calls and go to them. If they have weekly open calls, go every week. Someone will notice you if you have the look and personality.

I was wondering what your advice would be for finding an agent and if there are certain agencies that are more interested in my type of look?

Brooklyn

Well Brooklyn, it's hard to tell what your type is. Your only photo is of you laying on your back looking up into the air. Not seeing your full figure and face is really hard to tell what direction you should go in.

If your sizes are correct, you have the stats for fashion.

Like everyone else, you need to team up with a photographer on ModelWire Network and get some professional photos taken of yourself and start going on open calls. Any agent you can get to see is a plus!

By the way, I was born in Brooklyn - wonderful place.

I would like to know if Karin Models NY is currently holding open calls and if there was a sub-division of the agency in LA?

Dana

Karin Models NY has recently changed their name to MC2, and yes they do hold open calls. MC2 has two sub-divisions, one in Miami and one Israel.


The only Karin Models that I know is in Paris, but they do not have an office in LA. You should look up the ModelWire Fashion Directory and start finding an agency near you, look on their website, and see when they are having their open calls. You have the height for fashion, so get out there and see those agents.


I would love to be a part of Ford Model Management. If you are interested you can certainly view my portfolio.

Joseph Shaw

First of all, I am no longer with Ford Model Management. I started their men's division in the early seventies and later was the president, but I've moved on. I don't know your height so I can't give you much direction. All I can say is from your photos you have a nice look.


If you feel strongly about being a part of Ford, then call them. Pursue them; the worst thing that can happen is they say no, but at least then you will know. They also have open calls.


I just signed for a year with an agency based out of New York and I wanted to know what I should expect from them since they are to represent me? What are the negatives and positives about this? How do I need to be and what do I need to do as a client?

Velvet

I don't think there are any negatives about this, only positives. They must love your look, to want to represent knowing you live in San Francisco. That to me is positive.

What you need to do is be proactive as a client. Stay on top of them. Keep sending them your new photos. Never let your portfolio get old. Just because you are repped doesn't mean you get to sit back and watch them work. If I was your agent, I would encourage you get more professional photos in your portfolio. Show them that you are serious. Take two weeks, go to New York, and tell them you are coming, so they can step-up meetings for you.


I'd love for you to critique my current portfolio. I'm striving to be a successful print model and have all these great pics and nowhere to go!! Can you give me any solid advice as to which agency I can submit to?

SanJai

From your MWN profile, I see you live in Detroit. There are agencies in that area and I would advise you to start there. They can take you to the next level.


Your MWN portfolio conveys a lot of different looks. You also state in your "About Me" section that you are interested in runway and editorial work. You need to forget about those categories. At 5'5", you need to only focus on commercial print. I am glad you are also interested in acting because commercial print modeling goes hand-in-hand with acting. Continue to work on your book and like everyone today, start approaching agencies.


GET SERIOUS PEOPLE! You can't find an agency sitting at home. Send your photos, make appointments - that's the way to get an agent.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me on Twitter @thejoeyhunter

Monday, April 25, 2011

Ari Cooper of Vision LA


 Meet Ari Cooper. How I would kill to have that kind of bone structure.

STATS
Height: 5' 10.5" (179cm)    Bust: 34" (86cm)    Cup: A    Waist: 24.5" (62cm)    Hips: 34.5" (88cm)    Dress: 2   Shoes: 10    Hair: Dark Brown    Eyes: Hazel




Friday, April 22, 2011

Ask Joey: How Do You Become a Model?

Everyone wants to know. There are sites, books, events, etc. dedicated to answering this question. But it is not that easy!
 
You either have it or you don't (at least in fashion). There is no cookie cutter answer to this big question. Modeling is a very unique and a special business. I know everyone wants to be a model and they all claim they have what it takes. But as a model, you NEED to know what your, limitations are. The first thing you need to know, are you more fashion or are you more commercial?
You also need to be honest with yourself. If agents keep turning you down, there is most likely a reason. They may tell you to change up your book, get more editorial photos or get more commercial photos. When you have that face-to-face meeting with the new book and they're still not biting….then I think you need to ask yourself, "Should you be modeling?"

Most models who want to be models do not see the right agents. There are commercial agents and then there are fashion agents. Make sure you don't have a false understanding of your LOOK. So many kids keep going on telling themselves that "they've got it." And most agents don't want to be like Simon Cowell and they never say, "No you don't".

So kids, what I am trying to say is, don't have a false impression of yourselves. Go with your best assets and where you have the most talent. It is all about marketing yourself. Be proactive, look at the models that are being used for magazine ads, TV commercials, catalogs, editorial spreads. Ask yourself, "Who do I most resemble? Where do I fit? If you figured it out, that's your market.

Elena Lebedeva

I do have few questions before I take this further in my career. How do people get noticed? Do I need to go and take shoots like you see in Magazines? I love learning and I would like to know more for my knowledge. What do they seek for?

Eleana, I like your look, but you need more variety in your pictures. Also, how tall are you? You seem to me to be a commercial type model. If this is what you want to do and are serious, find a photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist on MWN and start collaborating together to make some great photos.

You have fabulous eyes. Make sure you keep that main photo of you, but you may want to get rid of the rest.


Fabric


As you can see in my profile I'm not tall enough for runway, but I can do catalog print and hair modeling. How do I go about setting an image for myself? I've been trying really hard for a while now and still haven't gotten anywhere. I'm thinking about relocating from NY to LA because of more opportunities. I just need guidance because I know I have what takes to model clothes and hair etc. in magazine. I'm just really lost on how to book a deal or to get exposure.

You are going to have as much opportunity in NYC as you are in LA. Your next step is to find an agent or manager. Continually try to set yourself up with meetings and work on your book. You need more than 5 photos to impress an agency. I am glad you know that you are not a fashion model - that is the first step in making it in this business; knowing your weaknesses and focusing on your strengths. As a commercial print model, you need to work on your acting and the ability to read for TV commercials.

Also, LISTEN to the FEEDBACK from agents, managers and casting professionals that you meet. I know this is harsh, but you may want to set a time limit of how long you will continue to try to make it and think, "Is this the right industry for me?" before you go too long.
Kersten E

Joey, would you please take a look at the few pictures I have and tell me what area you think I am better suited for?
Kersten, I feel you have a great look and your pictures look good for Arkansas, but you need to move to a major market. At 5'7", you're more of the commercial type. Are you interested in acting? You should take some acting and cold-reading classes. Every commercial print model needs strong acting abilities.
Take advantage of the market. Asians are hot right now. You should be working.

Samuel Wolf

I have done modeling before, but nothing like I am trying to do right now to break into the business. Would you have any suggestions on what I would need to do to get some more print work in my career and be international?

You need to test shoot more. Not sure what you mean when you say you are trying to do things differently - your pictures are all the same. When I look at your pictures, all I can say is, you have great eyes. You really need more fashion photos. Find yourself a photographer on ModelWire Network. Know that you need to break-in locally before you can ever become international.

Was I too harsh? Let me know.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me on Twitter @thejoeyhunter


* Have a question for me? Ask away in my ModelWire Network profile

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ian Coles of Heffner Model Management


Meet Ian Coles, one of our favorite new male faces.

STATS

Height: 6' 1" (185cm)    Waist: 29" (74cm)    Shoes: 9.5    Hair: Light Brown    Eyes: Blue     Suit: 38"    Suit Length: R    Shirt: 15"   Inseam: 32"



Monday, April 18, 2011

Lindsey Wixson for Italian Vogue


Vision LA's very own Lindsey Wixson by American photographer Steven Meisel. I love Lindsey's versatile look, pouty lips and free spirit that translates well across all mediums, from the runways of NYFW to print campaigns for Miu Miu. 

Can you believe that IMG rejected her when she first began modeling two years ago? I mean, what were they thinking? That just shows you that if you don't succeed at first, don't give up! You will find an agency who loves your look and believes in your potential. 

I'm entranced by this amazing feature shot by the man himself who discovered my favorite All-American beauty from Kansas.



The Castro Twins of MC2 NY


Meet twins, Sarah and Anna Castro. Double your viewing pleasure, double the fun.
Check out their entire portfolios here and here.



Anna Castro STATS
Height: 5' 9" (175cm)   Bust: 33" (84cm)   Waist: 23" (58cm)   Hips: 35" (89cm)    
Dress: 4    Shoes: 6   Hair: Blonde    Eyes: Blue



Sarah Castro STATS
Height: 5' 9" (175cm)   Bust: 32" (81cm)   Waist: 22" (56cm)   Hips: 34" (86cm)    
Dress: 4    Shoes: 7   Hair: Blonde    Eyes: Blue

ReWired: Pocketknife

by Topsy Design



Ferraby Lionheart's Pocketknife music video
art directed and styled by topsy design

Friday, April 15, 2011

Ask Joey: My Client’s Hat

Today, I had to put on my client's hat. I had questions from a photographer, hair stylist, model and a plus size model. I have never been a photographer's agent or a stylist's agent. When I don't know models' sizes, I can't really give them any advice as an agent. So I had to look at all of their portfolios more like a client reviewing their portfolios.
As for the photographer, she is very artistry, nothing commercial about her, but her work is amazing. As for the hair stylist, there was no focus; it looked and felt more like a fashion photographer's portfolio. As for the models, I didn't know their height or their dress sizes so I was at a loss. I had to be realistic with the plus size model; if she hadn't broken into a small market, it would've been hard to imagine her breaking into a big city market, where the competition is much fiercer.
Just trying to be honest here folks.
Marisa Howenstine
I would love for you to review my portfolio. You can view a sampling of my work at www.marisahowenstine.com.
WOW! Your work is way out there! Your photos are productions in themselves. It is obvious you put in a lot of time to produce them. I think they belong in a gallery. I can't give you any direction although you are very talented and I am very impressed with your work. Can't wait to see your next production.

MaryKateKoons
I'm new to LA and am pursuing modeling/acting career, but I'm so lost! Just trying to find work and build up my resume. I came across ModelWire Network through LA Casting and I love it! Do you have any advice for me? I feel so out of the loop!
Mary Kate, don't beat yourself up, you have a nice look. I really can't point in the right direction because I have no idea what your sizes are. But I can tell you that your look is more commercial print than it is high fashion.
What you need to focus on is getting more casual photos in your portfolio. Start browsing on MWN for a solid commercial photographer, check out their portfolio and see if they showcase the type of photos you need in your book. Always research the people before you work with them. This site makes it easy for that.

Brandie Jene
I'm trying to break into plus modeling and I'm working on my portfolio. My questions are about representation and market. I've submitted to most every agency here in SF and no callbacks with the exception of one, but only for fit, and even then, I'm too petite for most of their clients.

I've met other 'working' plus models who've moved here from NYC, who take one look at me and say with some certainty that I'm in the wrong market altogether.
What are your thoughts on that? I get that there's not much of a plus market in the Bay Area - but in regard to the look that I represent, am I a better fit in NYC?

I would really like to comment on this question more, but I need to know your height and sizes. I must have that information first before I can really answer.
I call tell you that you are going to have a hard time breaking into a big market like NYC if you haven't broken into a smaller market like SF. The bigger the market, fiercer the competition is.
I would love to continue this question when I know your sizes. Keep on me, I want to help.

David Harrington
I have been working on my portfolio and have sent it off to some agencies and got very little response. I would love to get feedback from someone about what I need to do to my portfolio.
The only suggestion I have is to feature hair more in your photos. Right now, your photos in your portfolio take away from what you're selling. It looks more like a fashion photographer's portfolio than a hair stylist's portfolio.
I say redo your portfolio with a ton more hair shots. Team up with a great beauty photographer. Tell them the focus needs to be on the hair.

Did you agree with my advice? Let me know.

In the meantime,
Have a successful day!
JOEY
Follow me on Twitter @thejoeyhunter

* Have a question for me? Ask away in my ModelWire Network profile

Ashlynn Severson of The Rock Agency


Meet Ashylnn Severson, that Midwestern girl next door with lips as luscious as Lindsey Wixson's. Yum. Check out her entire portfolio here.

STATS
Height: 5' 9.5" (177cm)    Bust: 34" (86cm)    Waist: 25" (64cm)    Hips: 35.5" (90cm)    
Dress: 2    Shoes: 10   Hair: Brown    Eyes: Blue







ReWired: California Daze

by fashion.grunge.style





With the prospect of a California summer upon us, I can only look for inspiration to keep me wishing and hoping. UNIF, a new clothing brand out out of Los Angeles is it for me right now. Check out more of their designs here. Until, then their lookbook for Summer should tide you over.
Summer! Bring it.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

ReWired: Printed Lace- My Latest StyleBoard

by Vasiliki Studio


Printed Lace
I created this moodboard/styleboard when I was putting together an idea for a photo shoot I had and want to do in the future.  I enjoy the colors, the prints all connected together with the variety of textures. Simply Enticing ~!     Printed Lace by styleit.v featuring a gucci belt.

ReWired: My LookBook By Jesika Miller

by Patrick Hoelck


Sketch Of Hoelck By Jesika Miller

Monday, April 11, 2011

ReWired: OHWOW & LEADAPRON Present Patrick Hoelck’s POLAROID HOTEL

by Patrick Hoelck



LEADAPRON
8445 Melrose Place
Los Angeles, CA 90069
LOS ANGELES - OHWOW and LEADAPRON are pleased to host the book release and book signing event for Patrick Hoelck's POLAROID HOTEL.

Press, flash, picture. Simple. Then wait. And wait. And wait some more. The anticipation to see what you have captured is a thrill that has been lost with modern technology. In a world full of instant there have been unfortunate casualties. Polaroid instant film was almost one of them. It's not just the nostalgia that makes Polaroids alluring. It's the unpredictability. You never know if you're going to end up with a masterpiece or a disaster but it really doesn't matter, it's yours.

In POLAROID HOTEL, Hoelck pays tribute to the art of Polaroid photography with a book of images that capture intimate moments of his life and career throughout 17 years, showing that just because Polaroid has aged it hasn't lost its appeal.

"Hoelck's images seem at first to be random, thrown together, an accidental assemblage, but they provide a narrative of our cultural landscape, a series on contemporary urban life." - Gisela Getty

Patrick Hoelck is an American contemporary photographer and director. This is Hoelck's second publication following his first book Tar, that is now out of print and considered a classic. Hoelck has shot major editorial, fashion and advertising campaigns and recently made his feature film directorial debut with Mercy, winning Best Director and Best Film in the Savannah Film Festival amongst other honors.