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, May 27, 2011

Ask Joey: “Making It” Takes More than Connections


I get asked a lot (in fact one member even asked me this week), "Do you have a connection for me?"
Yes, I have connections, but that doesn't mean a whole lot.
Connections may get you an appointment earlier than you would have on your own, but as soon as that office door is opened, it is all up to you. You either have what they want or you don't.
There a lot of people with connections, but it takes a lot more than connections to be a model. You have to prove that yourself.
As a newcomer to the industry, I am curious as to how I might best engage agencies as I am an atypical model - professional athlete. I also live in smaller market, Phoenix, AZ, that is not amenable to my look. I am African-American (mixed) with "natural hair" and I have a tri-athlete build. I am willing to travel for representation and casting opportunities.
Andia_1
First of all, have you contacted the agents in Phoenix? That's the best place for you to start. If you can't work there, then it may not work for you in a bigger market like LA. You will be competing against a much larger number of people. It is always best to start off smaller and from there move into to something larger.
Your pictures do not really do you justice - you need a head shot. You need more shots of you showing off your athletic ability. Like some tennis photos! I love this photo of you:
Andia_2
That really showcases who you are. Forget about those high fashion pics - more casual clothes please.
I feel like a chicken with its head cut off falling into these agency scam traps. Sometimes I feel like I don't know what's real and what's fake. I want an agency that is legit. I tried Ford and Nous and Next, but apparently, I am too commercial for them.
Kenmar
Kenmar, your portfolio is a commercial book. That is the reason Ford, Next and Nous said no is because, they are all fashion agencies.
And I have to agree with them, you have a good look for commercial modeling. You live in Los Angeles, so start taking some acting classes and start approaching those commercial agencies, there are a ton out there.
Make sure that before you meet with an agency and defiantly before you EVER sign with them, you research them. Find out who they represent. Do they have successful working models? What do people say about them? Because they are a ton of places that will just take your money, but only a legitimate agency will get you work. Look on ModelWire's fashion directory and contact the commercial agencies on there.
I would much appreciate you could comment on my port and give some advice. I just started modeling and I am not agency represented. I am seeking a representation, but I do not know how to start? I need your help.
Daphne
With your height being at 5'3" you need to focus on only approaching commercial print agencies.
If you haven't already, you should start taking some acting classes, commercial modeling goes hand-in-hand with acting.
While you are working on getting an agent, you need to be constantly working on your book. You do have enough photos in your portfolio to start calling/approaching agencies in NYC, but you need to always be updating. Plus, you could use more lifestyle photos. Use MWN to find some contacts and start working with them.
I was wondering if you have connections that could help get me any modeling gigs or agencies to represent me.
Reubencruz
First, you need more pictures in your portfolio. Connect with some professionals on MWN.
Second, connections can speed things up for you getting an appointment, but it can't get you the job or the agent. You will only get things if you are right for them.
Third, you need to fill out your About Me section. Help yourself look serious about your career.
Did you know that you can credit each other on your photos posted on ModelWire Network?
Make sure you are all doing this; I want to see who is working the most!
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

Friday, May 20, 2011

Ask Joey: For All You Dreamers Out There


I have to say that the models who asked questions this week all have potential to make it in this business.
What I need to say to all of them and to all models reading, "If you stay in the town that you lived in all your life, you will never fully realize your potential."
It takes a lot of courage to move to a big modeling market, but that is what it takes.
You have to look at yourself and ask, "How badly do I want it?" You will go as far as you allow yourself to go.
I'm looking to go national, particularly runway. Any suggestions or comments?
Eduano
You have nice look and your photos are good enough to show to agents. Charlotte, NC has a lot of commercial agents. Start there by making appointments to see them. I have heard they are shooting a lot of films and commercials in North Carolina.
But Charlotte is not the not the runway capitol of the world. If you are serious about runway modeling, you need to move to a market that offers more shows.
I am a traveling model from New York City. I reside in Bocaraton, Florida and would like to know what can you do to further my career?
Ajah
When you say you are a traveling model, I assume you work with agents in different markets. You have a nice look - maybe you should pick a market and stay a while, really focus yourself. You definitely need to focus more on your book, get more photos in there.
I am a lifestyle model, returning to the industry after graduating college. Let me know if you have any advice for making a comeback and your thoughts on longevity in the industry!
Lauren Alexis
I like your look and it is refreshing to see a model who knows their place in the industry. You have a very commercial look, with a little edge. I see that you are represented by Scout Model Agency; they are with our parent site, ModelWire. I would just stay on top of your agent; do some more testing, you have the sizes for fashion. You may want to also discuss with your agency about finding you an agent in LA, so you can work in both markets.
As for longevity, commercial models have a much longer life than a fashion model.
My name is Danielle Drew I am a 19 year old aspiring model, I am telling you right now I HAVE what it takes. I just need the help and the opportunity to get there! My grandma helps me as much as she can, but she has no idea what the industry is. Other than that, I'm on my own! I would love for you to help me out and try to guide me. I am young and I have the skills smarts and the looks it takes to make it in this industry! Please give me any advice you have because anything helps!
Dani Drew
Dani, I love your look. You would be great for commercial print. As for fashion; you don't have the height for it.
You live next to LA, so you don't have an excuse for not teaming up with some other professionals on this site and building up your portfolio. Take some acting lessons and then get out there. LA is the best market for your type of modeling.
I really want to know your honest opinion. Do you think, as far as my look, that I would be able to make it far in this industry? Is there any advice you can offer me as far as booking jobs and anything as far as photos are concerned? I would really appreciate your feedback!
Kammie
You have a great commercial look, but I don't know Winnemucca, NV and if there is much of a market there. I would suggest to you that you find a photographer near you and start testing more - get more variety in your portfolio.
If you really want this career, you will move to a bigger market like LA. That is the closest big market near you.
I would love to get some feedback from people. Are people reading? 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

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Danielle Defoe: She's Got a Lust for Life


Los Angeles based artist Danielle Defoe is one of fashion's fiercest up-and comers. Stylist, photographer, painter and overall wanderlust - this girl is living life to it's fullest. With a philosophy that "Dreams are a life force" it's no wonder that her resume is filled with projects that most would kill for. She's worked on campaigns for fashion retailer ASOS, and even worked with the likes of Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicole Ritchie.  

With a serious lust for life and a level head on her shoulders, Danielle is taking the fashion industry by storm and gives true meaning to the age-old phrase "work hard, play hard."






Tell us a bit about yourself and how you decided to pursue a career in fashion.
I am originally from the land of the peaches: Atlanta, Georgia. Style and art was always something I loved. By the time I was 3, I was raiding my mother's closet trying on big hats, heels, and red lipstick, anything glamorous really. I wanted to be a photographer, painter, and author when I grew up so innately I developed those talents.
How did you end up here in Los Angeles?
I’ve never been one to really plan.  I was working in retail in Chicago right after college miserable in the snow and I just decided I was moving to LA.  I subleased my apartment in the middle of January and moved within two weeks. I knew one person living out here and I didn’t know her very well at the time. I moved in with her boyfriends band in Silverlake and just figured it out from there. Turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.  
What do you think is more important - school or real life experience?
I think it’s important to have both. School was such a crucial part of my development as an artist. You learn to think about the world differently, and how to give and receive constructive criticism. I am so grateful for my education.  I spent a semester at Central Saint Martins in London and that experience had such a strong impact on my style, and taste in music and art. London is a very inspiring place to be as a young artist, the culture is so thick. Travel is important in general for self-discovery. Life experiences give you all the content, for after all our dreams are based on what we know of our waking life.     
How did you start styling and doing photography when you came out to LA?
I started working for photographer Kenneth Cappello when I first moved here. That experience gave me an eye into the industry and I was able to see what's possible with hard work and persistence.  His work is so inspiring, fun, cutting edge, and he’s all around rad as a person. I started styling because I wanted to work with a multitude of talents and creative visions. I shoot or style depending on the job, in the end it’s all about the final product and the collaboration process.  I just met the right people I guess. Besides professionalism and integrity, it really is about timing and who you know.  
What inspires you?
The pure flame of life.

What are some of your favorite projects you've worked on?
I went on a three day camping trip last year with COMUNE where I styled a motorcycle shoot for Qvest Magazine.  That was a really good experience, it’s always great to work with friends and the story turned out to be killer. I collaborated with my friend Corey Smith on some snowboards for Capita, which are about to come out.  That was really fun and different as it was a first for me. Photographically the best is yet to come.  I have a lot of projects going on right now which I can't wait to drop... 


Highlight of your career so far?
I worked with Brad Pitt recently that was a thrill.  He’s just a normal guy with killer looks and talent, but it was such an honor to work with someone I greatly admire.  He moved refrigerators, drove around strippers in a limo and dressed as a giant chicken for "El Pollo Loco" before his acting career took off. You have to start at the bottom to get to the top.   
Where do you see your career going in the future?
I would like to get an agent pretty soon.  It’s a lot easier to make amazing work without having to wear so many hats.
Any favorite designers, photographers or fashion personalities?
Favorite designers would be Givenchy, Lavin, Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Balmain, Phillip Lim, anything rock n' roll. Emerging talents I really like right now would be Veda out of NY, my friend Amanda Thomas’s jewelry line LuvAJ, anything DIY.   
In no particular order some photographers' whose work I love would be: Sebastian Kim,  Kenneth Cappello, Beau Grealy, Juergen Teller, Guy Aroch, Hedi Slimane, Jimmy Fontaine, Mert and Marcus of course. David Bailey's iconic photos. Bruce Davidson and Nan Goldin's entire bodies of work. Guy Bourdin and Helmut Newton, the original avant-garde, etc. There's just so many talents to name...  It's really about having that signature that people can't forget and not being afraid to take risks. Dreams are a life force. 


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Kelly B of APM Model Management


Meet Kelly B, one of the hottest redheads we've seen since Maggie Rizer.


STATS

Height: 5'10.5"   Bust: 33"    Waist: 22.5"   Hips: 34"    Shoe: 7.5
Hair: Red    Eyes: Blue/Green     




Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Ask Joey: Meet our Featured Members for May 2011

I hope all of you have noticed our newest release.

Now you can post links in your profile and on wall posts. But the most important thing is that the site is BROKEN OUT. That means - your friends and family can now view your MWN profile, even without being a member.

And you have the ability to personalize your URL.

On top of that, you can now browse for the MOST LIKED and MOST VIEWED profiles. This is going to play a big part in who we feature on our Homepage. I know I say this every month - we feature members who are making an impact in the industry and who are active on our site.

Show us who you feel deserves to be on the Homepage. Like their photos! Visit their profiles!

Heck - message me about them or message MWN!

Don't just join our community and sit on the site! Be active and make decisions!

Here are this month's FEATURED MEMBERS:


Why modeling?

I participated in sports my entire life and played volleyball all through college. Once I graduated college and joined the workforce, I felt empty inside and had a void to fill. I did my first runway show in March 2010 and fell in love with the stage and spot light! I soon divulged everything into modeling as I did previously with volleyball. Modeling is an excellent platform to use to build your network and develop skills for a future career.

Who is your favorite model of all time?

I have a couple of favorite models: a few are Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks and Kimora Lee Simmons. Cindy Crawford, being a size 8, is an inspiration to me because she was a successful curvy model. The industry has changed A LOT since she peaked and I really want to bring healthy figures back to the runway! Tyra and Kimora are both models I look up to because they both broke significant ground in the modeling industry and accomplished many things no one before them has. They both stand for health and diversity, and that is something I admire. They all continue to share their beauty with others and give back to the community.

What inspires you?

Everything inspires me. I would have to say what inspires me the most is my circle of friends. I am truly blessed to have been able to surround myself with beautiful souls that were blessed with talent and are determined to live their life fulfilling that passion. Being able to watch them grow within themselves and succeed at what makes them happy is amazing to watch! There's always a constant drive around you, pushing you when you are having doubt.

What is your personal style?

My personal style... I don't really know what to call it or how to explain it. I guess the best way to describe it is Glam/TomBoy. I love to be comfortable and sport the bummy/beachy/hippie look, but I also love to put on a dress and heels!

What genre does your work focus on?

I try to be as versatile as possible with my work. I tend to do beauty, editorial, commercial, athletic looks. My dream campaign would be for Nike, Adidas, or any other major athletic company. I'd also love to do Victoria's Secret.


Why Photography?

I appreciate all mediums, but I love photography because it's one of the quickest way to tell a story.

What inspires you?

Anything and everything.

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

I'm not looking for someone who can pretend or act in front of the camera, I look for models who have the ability to let go and truly be free.

What is your favorite project?

My favorite project is the new book I'm working on now. I'm shooting a new series of women and short stories that I'm really excited about.

What is your personal style?

Timeless/ monocromatic.



What inspires you?

It's funny; things just kind of appear in my head. I will see a model, the wardrobe, hear the concept and a vision will come together. Even if I have never done the hairstyle or know how to create it, I will figure it out and surprise myself with how beautifully it all falls together.

What product can you not live without?

Kenra #25 hair spray! It smells soooo good and works so well, all of my clients love it!

What is your personal style?

I love trying new things each day! One day I will look like an 80's hair metal vixen and the next I can be a retro pinup. I love having fun with style, but with all honesty I am most comfortable in my own skin, bare faced in a plain white T, jeans, and a pair of Chucks.

What genre does your work focus on?

I love being a one-stop shop. I have always loved learning as much as possible and being readily available for whatever comes my way. I started out in film and theatre, then moved into the beauty and bridal industry, from there I got into commercial and fashion work. I love having variety and doing 1940's victory rolls for a themed photoshoot one day and then a high fashion updo the next. It's all about the challenge!

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

Pink Floyd… I just love their originality. Their music just makes me smile and calms me down whenever it comes on. I even have "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" tattooed on my left forearm. To me, it's a daily reminder to keep focused myself and do what makes me happy. I shouldn't let people hold me back from my dreams… I am the "crazy diamond" and I need to "shine on."


Why makeup artist?

I often joke on set and liken myself to an anorexic chef because I don't like to wear any makeup. After years of being the proverbial camera hog, now I just prefer to blend in and let my work speak for itself. I have a classic style and prefer simplicity and the only way you'll catch me wearing makeup is if it's the first time I am meeting you. But that's not to say that I am not thrilled with the concept of makeup and the art of transformation.

What inspires you?

I am constantly inspired from the great works of my fellow artists, the colors and textures of nature or often as has been the case, a muse will come along and I am off on an inspirational journey!

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

At times, I am in a position of selecting my model, of course beauty and being photogenic are important, but the model HAS to possess a positive and "can-do" attitude. Shoot days are long and tiring, it is vital for the model to be positive, polite and friendly. I am a firm believer that the camera can feel its subject's energy, good or bad.

Which project that you worked on was your favorite?

Needless to say, my favorite projects to work on, aside the ones produced by my own production company MBN productions, are projects where I can learn and be inspired by the talent of the people around me without the intimidation factor.

I love being in a collaborative atmosphere where people are willing to share ideas and know how, where we can all work toward a fantastic, mutual goal of getting our best work to come out...giving it all we got to get the "money shot"!


Why wardrobe stylist?

For us, wardrobe styling is just part of what we do. We also prop style and production design films and photos. I am happiest when I have some influence over every aspect of a shoot's look. That way I can help the director or photographer tell a story with every aspect of the image. Clothes, unlike location and props, directly reflect on the character. In most stories, the protagonist hasn't designed the world they're in, but they have picked out their outfit. So wardrobe is a chance to really sculpt the character.

What inspires you?

We are inspired by a lot of design outside the world of fashion. In particular, outsider architecture, new urbanism, camping and outdoor living, scientific and medical ephemera, the arts and crafts movement, the vegetation of Southern California, fraternal lodges, Civil War era photography, and military history and surplus. Our Facebook/Twitter feed and Etsy Store are an extension of this. We post articles on things that relate to our aesthetic, and sell vintage items that inspire us.

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

A great model is more than a pretty face, but someone who can be inspired by the world and outfits they are in. They must be able to react to their surroundings in an imaginative and expressive way.

Where do you love to shop?

Our favorite stores are the flea markets of Los Angeles like the Rose Bowl and Long Beach Flea Market.

Which project that you worked on was your favorite?

We are currently extremely excited about expanding our series with Tamar Levine of mothers and young babies. The first set is HERE. Now we are raising money on Kickstarter to do at least two more stories. We're looking for locations for a wealthy woman and baby in the 80's, a working class woman and child in a 90's.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me on Twitter @thejoeyhunter

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Ashley Fischer of AMAX



 Meet Ashley Fischer. With hair so blonde, it's red.

STATS
Height: 5' 9" (175cm)  Bust: 32" (82cm)    Cup: A    Waist: 24" (61cm)    Hips: 35" (89cm)
Dress: 2   Shoes: 7.5   Hair: Blonde    Eyes: Blue




Friday, May 13, 2011

Ask Joey: I'll be Judging this Weekend

I am off to Vienna, Virginia for the JMT/Barbizon competition this weekend.

Back in February, I had to privilege to interview 400 models for this competition. I am excited to see who will be there and who unfortunately won't. This competition will go on all weekend long. At the end, there will callbacks where the models will meet with agencies. I am going as judge and to spread the word about ModelWire Network. Need to get more people on this site, please recruit with me!

Kaelee Shepherd

Any suggestions and critiques? I would greatly appreciate it!

Kaelee_1

My suggestion is that you start teaming up with a photographer, Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist in your area right away. Your photos in your portfolio are very artistic, but they do not bring out the best in you!

Honestly your photos feel awkward. This one for instance:

Kaelee_2

You look like you are about to faint. You placed your arms in between your legs, the only thing you forgot to put your head down.

I am not trying to be mean, but if you are dedicated like you say you are in your "About Me" section, then start concentrating on teaming up with other professionals on this site. Find a photographer who will showcase you and not showcase their stylized art form.

Erin Bevins

Please take a look at new photos. Opinions? Critique?

Bevins_1

I first reviewed your portfolio back in December and I said, "When it comes to your portfolio, as far as I am concerned, I only like your first photo in your ModelWire Network portfolio." I still agree, your first photo is still my favorite, but the good news is your portfolio is improving but in my opinion, I would get rid of these photos:

Bevins_3 Bevins_4 Bevins_5

Bevins_2

They do not do you any justice; in fact, most of them look awkward.

You need to do more testing. Get together with a great photographer on MWN. You have a pretty look and all of your photos in your portfolio should reflect that.

Kaitlyn Marie Giguere

I would love to see what you think about my profile if you get a moment, thanks again. I am a smaller plus model who is very interested in seeking representation in New York or Chicago. I have had an agency in my area, but they never got me any work. I was hoping you could give me some feedback on my look/portfolio or some advice in general.

Kaitlyn

There is no such thing as a "smaller" plus size model. You are either plus size or not.

Before you take any more photos, you need to think about what route you want to take as a model. Right now, you are in between being a plus size and a commercial print model.

I would suggest you focus on taking more lifestyle photos and get rid of all those "trying to be sexy" photos. When your portfolio is more focused, start approaching agencies in Chicago, which is the market closest to you.

Jennifer Dowdy

I am an aspiring plus size model. Can you give me any direction based on my pictures?

Dowdy

Chicago is a great market for plus size modeling. You have a great look, but you need more photos.

Find a photographer, MUA and hair stylist on MWN and get crackin'!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me on Twitter @thejoeyhunter

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.