Ask Joey: Please Get More Specific

Guys, I keep getting the same questions every week. Can you critique my portfolio?

First of all, I haven't seen you in person, so I don't know what you really look like. All I can see is what your pictures make you look like. It would also be nice to know if these are your first pictures or if these pictures have been piling up over the years.

Basically, how long have you been modeling or trying to model?

So, I am just looking at photos trying to figure out what would sell you as a model. Help me help you by at least saying 'These are my first photos, what do you think?' or 'I have been modeling for X amount of years, what do you think of my portfolio?' Also, it helps if you would say if you have seen an agent and what they told you, whether it was good news or bad.

Knowing that information helps me so I have a better knowledge the type of direction you need from me. Regardless, I can tell from your pics and stats, if you are the fashion type or commercial type. Sometimes if I like someone so much I will say, 'Why don't you have an agent?'

I will try to be more direct with my answers, more than an agent will. But you also need to be more direct.

Elyse Bigler (AM&T)

I am currently going to Southwestern University in Georgetown TX. I am studying pre-med. I am a VERYYYY determined person and have always been a "just do it" type of girl. I want to make sure I am doing all that I can to make my goals happen. I would LOVE any critiques or pointers. I will be in New York for most of July and therefore am also wondering if there is anything I can do to promote myself while I am there. (Of course I'll bring many copies of portfolios)

I also would love some help on getting agencies to still look at my portfolio past the first page where they see my height!

Thank you for the specific questions. You have a terrific commercial look and of course NY is a good place of you to go out and see agents. Right now you need to be doing your research.Forget about going to any Fashion Agencies like Ford, Next, and Elite. You need to find TV/Commercial agencies to reach out to. Agencies like that won't be turned off by your height because you seem pretty and perky, at least that's what I get from your photos. In commercial modeling, it is all about personality.Go to ModelWire's Fashion Directory and start going to agencies' websites. Find out what they are looking for: when are their open calls and if they take submissions. You may even want to call them and see if they will set up a meeting with you.When you get back to Texas, start looking for agencies near your college. A lot more commercial agencies are popping up in Texas.

Aissatta

Please take a look at my portfolio and website. Let me know what you think. I'm looking for paid jobs but can't seem to find any. http://beretaybeauty.com/

Before you can get paid jobs, you need a decent portfolio. You are a long way from presenting yourself for paying jobs. You really need to test a lot more. I am not saying you are not right for this business, but your portfolio feels like you just started modeling. Though I was surprised you have a much wider variety of photos on your website's portfolio, make sure you share them on here. You should also start meeting with your local agencies, get their feedback and make sure they are Commercial agencies. Getting an agent is the key to getting paid jobs.

Khali Koleman

I am an up and coming model trying to work my way into the modeling industry. Is there is any advice you could give me based on my portfolio or any other tips you may have?

Also, do you think I have the look for modeling? What would be the best place as far as agencies go that I could go for? I'm from Philadelphia and a lot of people tell me there's not much here, so if I could ask for some guidance, it would be greatly appreciated.

At 5'9", you are considered more TV/Commercial than Fashion. There are quite a few commercial agencies in Philadelphia that you should check out, plus you are just a train ride away from NYC - so don't get down on your location.As for your portfolio, I would eliminate all of those trying to be edgy photos. Especially this one:

You look scary for no reason.You need a more conventional look - especially if you are trying to get representation. You have some nice and clean photos in your portfolio, like the photo I chose to introduce you with. Take more of photos like that.

Marina Santos

I am just starting in the business and there is still a lot I don't know. I want to get into "on camera commercial" and "hosting", but it has been very hard for me to find an agent/agency. Do you have any tips, advices or way you could help me take the next step in my career?

I like you and I think you have great Commercial look. You seem like you have a lot of energy, at least that's what I get from your portfolio. You live in NYC which is full of agents and managers that you should be seeing.Have you gone out to any agencies? Let me know who have you met with in NYC. I would be very interested to know who has turned you down and who has given you some positive feedback. Please get back to I would like to help.

Heads up everyone, I will be taking the next two weeks off from the blog. Going to enjoy the holiday and rest.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @thejoeyhunter

*Have a question for me? Ask away on my ModelWire Network profile http://www.modelwirenetwork.com/joeyhunter

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Avant-Garde Photography: The Collaborative Process

The most valuable aspect a fashion photographer can have is the collaboration of ideas. What makes true fashion whimsical and creative is the way elements come together to build one cohesive concept. Oddly, the viewer never sees this process; we never have the opportunity to observe (and certainly not give input) the array of ideas tossed around that create a specific photograph. Hair, make-up, wardrobe, lighting, the photographer, of course we see it all, but where (and who) does this flood of ideas come from? I often wonder: What was going on at the time of this image? What actions were going on around the scene when this was shot? What was the photographers reasoning for this particular concept? Our views are restricted, all we see is the final compilation.

According to Oxford dictionary, the word "collaboration" means the action of working with someone to produce or create something. It's the act of banding together that makes avant-garde photography (which is an extremely broad term) one of the most creative genres out there. In my mind there is one avant-garde photographer that stands out among the rest; and that is Jake Garn. Based in Salt Lake city, Utah, Garn uses some of the most innovative and creative individuals I've ever seen. The collaborative use of color, texture and shape allows every image to flow; making it seem as if the characters he creates are real. To me, Jake Garns work is the epitome of avant-garde photography - unusual, experimental and appealing.

And who are these mysterious visionary masters you might ask? "Paula Dahlberg and Steven Robertson are the ubiquitous creative geniuses involved in most of the over-the-top concepts featured on my page. Frequent contributions also come from Keith Bryce, McKell Maddox, Janae Mechling, Michelle Boucher and several others; Ryan Muirhead my always helpful and forever bubbly photo assistant." - The "Creative Team" (http://www.jakegarn.com/)

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Ask a Supermodel: Up Close With Bone Structure

Here's something cool, check it out.  I snapped a photo of myself with half my makeup removed.  It's a good illustration of how a model's face acts as a canvas for a makeup artist to paint on. 

Here's a full face of makeup (minus the lips):

And here's the same look with 1/2 the makeup removed:

This is why it's so important when you go to beauty castings and into agent's offices, do not cover your skin with makeup.  They aren't looking for a girl who can apply makeup or a woman who's beautiful in a cheerleadery-popular-girl-in-high-school kind of way.  They're looking for a bare face, a blank canvas. 

Many models, myself included, look quite plain without makeup.  This is a great quality for a model to have.  If you have the right bone structure, your face can be transformed into many different characters. 

If you'd like to subscribe to my blog email me at Supermodelblogger@gmail.com with SUBSCRIBE as the subject. 

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THVM ATELIER: Ethereal Goths

THVM is a collective based in Los Angeles, CA with creative directors Brian Kim, Olga Nazarova and CEO Nicola Scagnolari at the helm. The brand is known for their beautiful yet incredibly affordable denim and basic shirts, now represented and loved across the globe.

"…the offices of THVM are housed in a century old factory that is home to a collective of artists, designers and musicians. The collective group works side by side, each in their own disciplines, and shares insight into the creative process. THVM hosts evens that showcase local artists and performers and opens it's studios to the public on a regular basis."

The vision of THVM can be clearly identified by their bi-annual in-house magazine which is referred to as "Thvm Rag". Each issue presents an array of talent, much of which is represented with an ethereal visual accompaniment. Much of the imagery reflects a sensitivity in their gothic influence, contrasting innocence with primal sensuality. Thvm Rag creates the sense that THVM is working to establish themselves as more than just a brand of apparel. If you're in LA, check out their sample sale this weekend!

For more information, please visit thematelier.com or e-mail them: contact@thematelier.com.

STOCKISTS: http://www.thematelier.com/stockists/

THVM RAG: http://thvmrag.com/

THVM TUMBLR: http://thvmrag.tumblr.com/

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