The Male Model

Before men's fashion, male models were solely used as accessories to the female models.  That has since changed.  Men have come into their own.  Rates are almost the same for male models and female models, but not really.  There are standard rates that both male and female models will get but the big money goes to the females.  My point is that if you want to be a male model and you are the right sizes and have the current look that is selling, back it up by studying acting.  Take a TV/Commercial class.  All actors are potential commercial/print models.  Female models are taking the big paying jobs doing just fashion and beauty.  But the male model has to be able to do it all in order to keep up. 

KENNY BORCHARD
I would greatly appreciate it if you could look at my small portfolio and give critiques.  I am pretty new to the modeling industry.  I would love to do runway and I think my extensive training in dance would make an easy transition to this area.  I do not know how to start doing runway, so please give any information you can.

A male model has to be able to do it all.  There is no money for male models to just do runway.  From your pictures you have a very commercial look.  You have the right sizes for modeling, but you have to find a commercial agent.  Your dance will definitely help you more in doing TV commercials and Print. 

CHRIS A.
I am aspiring to be a model and am starting to get my portfolio ready.  Are there any tips that you can give me when searching for agencies and making my portfolio more presentable to various talent agencies?

You have a great look but you definitely need to work on your portfolio more.  Fashion is about the clothes.  Fashion modeling is about showing off the clothes, not the lack thereof.  Stop showing so much skin.  I would hook up with some photographers on MWN and a good stylist - that would definitely point you in the right direction.  

JEREMIAH MARTIN
I hope this finds you well.  I have questions on how to market myself to potential agents?  My dream is to be in a Ralph Lauren Polo campaign.  Do my pictures serve me well?

How can I advise you when you didn't post any of your sizes?  If you want to work for Ralph Lauren you have to let your pictures reflect that work.  Have you seen a Ralph Lauren ad?  I would suggest starting over and taking new photos.  And please write down your information - this is crucial for anyone scouting.

DANIEL EHRLICH
My portfolio is crap.  I don't have the money right now for anything more.  I do think I need to resize some photos though because they make me look different - my face looks longer than it really is.  What do you honestly think about my chances for success?  My work ethic and determination are never in question by those that know me, but most things in life are not under our control.  What do you think?

My advice is if you don't have a burning desire to be a model, then I would channel my energy elsewhere.  Your photos aren't necessarily bad, but it sounds like you are questioning your role in the industry.  There are people who live and breathe modeling.  You will get what you put in. 

 In the meantime,

Have a successful day!
JOEY

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S U S P E N D Magazine

SUSPEND Magazine, an online based magazine, recently debuted their first official issue.  The digital issue which features art, writing, music and fashion is making its way around the internet getting rave reviews from its readership.  We had the pleasure of speaking to Lovelin Descalso, the art director and one of the founders of SUSPEND.

What is Suspend Magazine?

Launched in August 2011, Suspend Magazine became an independent online based magazine that features a wide range of individuals, groups, organizations and/or companies of all sorts.

 Where did the concept come from?

Diane Abapo, my partner in crime and co-founder of SUSPEND, and I were in the car off to a random photoshoot and we were both trying to brainstorm for a name to brand our idea of our magazine.  I had her express what our magazine would be like and she went off of how she felt about photography and how within magazines, she gets zoned in - her mind suspended within the pages and images.  Sure enough, the lightbulb lit up and SUSPEND was born.  What is it that suspends one's mind?  Photos?  Paintings?  A place?  That feeling of being on stage?  The possibilities are endless.  We just love hearing, seeing and watching what our contributors and featured people have to say and share.  

How do you find content?

The reason we started the magazine was to feature those who have inspired us both as artists ourselves.  We started with people we knew that are artists/musicians and from our features, friends and contributors, our network blazed a fire!

Where do you find the artists to collaborate with?

I went to The Art Institute of California - LA where I gained most of my network here in LA and my partner Diane works within the entertainment industry.  We began showcasing with Collective Aesthetics, an artist collective, in 2010, and that introduced us to a whole new community.  A year later, I began coordinating artists for RSI Wreckon Productions, a bi-monthly hip-hop/art showcase production.  Therefore our artists we collaborate with are from all over the place and from mutual friends. 

 What is your favorite feature so far?

I'd have to say it would be Maria La Rosa, whom most call The Rosas Lady in West Hollywood.  She's featured in our first digital issue based around love.  Our writer, Minerva Contreras, definitely captured her expressions and emotions during the interview.  I've always seen Maria around for years and wondered what her story was.  Finally we were able to hear it ourselves.  She's such a beautiful lady and so full of love.  You should it read it yourself!

What's in store for the future?

Oh my.  I don't what to mention!  I guess I could share that our next upcoming issue will be based around Identity.  It should be interesting.  Everyone is hyped and juiced up for production!  Hopefully we'll be releasing that in April/May 2012.  There's so much we want to throw out there but we're still in the process! 

SUSPEND Magazine - http://suspendmag.com
RSI Wreckon Productions - http://rsiwreckon.com
Facebook:  The Lovelin (Graphic Artist) - http://facebook.com/thelovelin

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Meet Our Featured Members for March 2012

We are excited to present to you guys our Featured Members for March!  We have selected a very talented group who are all active members on ModelWire Network.  Remember - stay active on the site.  It definitely pays off.  People are getting scouted, making connections and getting to work.  If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  Have an amazing March!

Model of the Month:  Morgan O'marro

Who is your favorite model of all time?

I am a big fan of Marissa Miller.  She is from my hometown in Santa Cruz and one of my dreams is to work for Victoria's Secret someday.  She knows how to work her body and face and she is definitely someone I admire.

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

I absolutely love black and white photography.  If a photographer has a lot of b&w in their portfolio I am already interested.  I also love high fashion/editorial work.

What product can you not live without?

I can't live without my favorite perfume!  Laugh with Me Lee Lee by Benefit Cosmetics.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

My favorite project I have worked on was quite recently actually for Fashion 5.0 Magazine in San Diego.  The issue will be released in April!

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

My favorite band of all time is Maroon 5 - Adam Levine is just so sexy!

Photographer of the Month:  CFK Photography (Chris Fox-Kelly)

 
Why photography?

I started my artistic career in drawing.  As I entered high school, I grew tired of drawing.  So I wanted to start a new chapter.  My father had tons of cameras laying around and one day it hit me.  How could I capture art without drawing and still be creative?  The answer was photography.

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

A friend of mine named Shamel Washington.  He doesn't know it, but his approach to photography is very personal and raw.  His use of angles, lighting and timing allows him to capture the true essence of ones soul.

What inspires you?

Life.  Everyday I wake up and hit the outdoors and I observe something worth being photographed.  Life is forever changing, moment forever happening and inspiration constantly passing you by.  From the innocent kiss before a couple departs on the train to the look in a child's eyes as the giants in the world surround them at a stop light.  The unique fashion in Soho.  What doesn't inspire me would probably be an easier question!

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

Canon 5D Mark II with an array of lenses.

What genre does your work focus on?

I love fashion editorial.  I love telling a story with my images which is why personality is so important to me.  When people see my images, I want to convey the emotion and feeling that took place during the shoot.  I'm still working to achieve this seamlessly, but it's a wonderful challenge. 

Wardrobe Stylist of the Month:  Taylor Sheridan

Why wardrobe stylist?

As a kid I always wanted to enjoy dressing up my younger sisters, which led to me dressing my friends as a teenager and eventually opening my closet in the model apartments and dressing my friends for our castings.  It was pretty much an ah-ha moment when I realized that styling was an actual job and I could get paid for doing something I already loved and was so passionate about.

Who is your favorite wardrobe stylist of all time?

My favorite wardrobe stylist of all time would have to be Diane Aiello.  She has such impeccable taste, always maintains a graceful demeanor and really truly is an inspiration to work with.

What inspires you?

I am inspired daily.  The people around me inspire me, my boyfriend definitely inspires me, nature inspires me, music, movies and photos inspire me.  Old books, vintage clothes and even their labels are also inspiring.

What is your favorite store to shop in?

My favorite places to shop are the Pasadena Rose Bowl, the Melrose Trading Post, Zara, Opening Ceremony, Last Chance, Dolce Vita, my mother's closet. I could on and on...

Describe your personal style?

I would describe my personal style as boyish, but still feminine.  My favorite outfits are usually blacks, denims, whites and grays paired with a hat or a statement jewelry piece and boots.  My mother taught me "if you don't love it, then don't buy it," and I have always stuck with that motto when shopping for myself.  So I am happy to say that there isn't anything in my closet that I will put on that I don't love!

Makeup Artist of the Month:  Jacqueline Fancher

Why makeup artist?

It's always been fascinating to me - to transform a face, enhance features.  It's all very magical.  I've been memorized by it since I was a little girl. 

What inspires you?

Fashion.  The design of an outfit.  I play off the garment itself and the color or prints I see.  The feeling the piece gives me and of course the setting of which I'm shooting/filming in.

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

A unique face, exotic features.  I look for clean, clear skin and groomed eyebrows.  Amazing bone structure is always a plus.

What product can you not live without?

Highlight concealer (Radiant Touch by YSL).

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

I wish I could say I had a juicy story to tell you but I don't.  Maybe communicating via text with a client and SIRI on my iPhone added some expletives.  Thankfully my client got a good laugh about it and I was able to regain consciousness.  I was mortified.  I learned a valuable lesson - read what SIRI types before you hit send.

Hair Stylist of the Month:  MichaelCartier (Michael Onsouvanh)

 

 
Why hairstyling?

Hairstyling to me is so rewarding because I get to change the way people look and feel about themselves and it can be a life changing experience for them.

Who is your favorite hairstylist?

  Oribe.

What product can you not live without?

My L'oreal Infinium hairsprays.  You can do anything with it when you don't have anything else!

What genre does your work fall on?

Beauty and editorial.

What your favorite song of all time?

Unbreak my heart by Toni Braxton.  I don't know why, I just have an obsession with that song and her!

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To retouch or not to retouch, that is the question

When it comes to retouching your photos, I always suggest keeping things natural.  Why?  Because when a client sees you in person, they're going to expect you to look like what you look like in your photos.  Unless you have a retoucher that travels you, you should probably keep things as natural as possible.  Don't go Photoshop crazy on your portfolio, it will only hurt you.  It's those little quirks that make you unique and will ultimately determine whether or not you land the job.

LAUREN CHRISTINE
Thank you for the friend request.  When you have a moment please take a look at my portfolio of pictures.  I'd like to get your advice on which ones you think are stellar before I have them retouched.  I just finished this shoot so I have a lot more to choose from as well.  Thank you!

Don't retouch at all.  Natural photos are better.  Also, you have two different looks going on .  It's confusing.  Choose a look and stick to it.  Get rid of the wigs.  I like the real look a lot more.  There is more work for that look. 

COURTNEY B PINCUS
Thank you so much for answering my question.  Do you see potential in my pictures?  Of course I'm too short for runway, but I would really appreciate a professional opinion.  I seem to only be getting responses from scam agencies. 

You have a great look.  It's definitely a commercial print and TV type of look. The problem is that actors are all competing for the type of work you're right for.  They have the edge because they know how to act.  I would suggest taking some acting classes and going out for auditions.  You live in New York City - it's all there. 

MATTHEW THOMAS WARD
I'm just getting started in the modeling/acting thing.  My "port"is from my first session which mostly focused on an "All-American dad" and "corporate" look (this is what my agent wanted).  So we'll see what comes out of it.  I am a single dad, so that should be an easy look for me.  I would like to do something more artsy and classic.  Maybe a little sexy, but nothing over-the-top.  I'm in great shape these days.  I'm just a little confused about what I should be focusing on and what a realistic goal should be for someone like me.  I figure you'd be the guy who would know!

You have to go with the look that you're comfortable with and the one you see when you look in the mirror.  If the casting people see you differently, let them book you and make you over the way they see you.  The industry is about being yourself and what you're comfortable with.  That's what will get you jobs.

BETHANY S
I recently emailed The Rex Agency and Jed Root inquiring about representation.  I sent my resume and my online portfolio.  Both responded that they weren't looking for new artists to represent but if I was interested in testing or assisting.  Is this a good response from an agency?

Bethany, yes - that's a GREAT response.  They must love your work.  You should definitely take advantage of this situation and work with them.  Remember, build relationships and they'll constantly want to work with you.  You have to start somewhere and this is an excellent place to start.

JUSTIN MYNEAR
My biggest question that I've wanted answered for some time is how does a model get from the beginner spot to being a full fledged model.  I would love to get some print work under my belt and I also think I'm ready for it.  Feedback would be greatly appreciated! 

I like your photos, but they are all the same.  I'd suggest putting some clothes on and trying out different looks.  Your photos will predict what kind of jobs you get and the type of agents that will go for you.  I guess the next step is to decide where you want to be in this business.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!
JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me?  Ask away on my ModelWire Network Profile

 

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