ASK JOEY: Don't Overlook Your Commercial Opportunities

Happy Friday the 13th! After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back to answer some more Ask Joey questions! Of course, the questions that come up most often involve finding an agent. For anyone looking to be signed for the first time, or to move up to a bigger agency or market, your best bet is usually to go the commercial route. Unfortunately, not everyone can have a career in fashion modeling simply because they want to. This generally boils down to your stats. If you don't have the right measurements, 99% of the odds are immediately stacked against you. Start with commercial agents in your market and build from there!


KIMJ
I recently moved from a semi-small town to pursue my dream of modeling. I have modeled in my hometown for about 4 years now. I would love if you could look at some of my pictures and provide some feedback. I've been trying to get signed to an agency in LA for a few months now. Am I considered more commercial than fashion?

At 5'8" they will consider you more commercial. You do have a fashion look, but in LA, they (agents who rep fashion) will not work with you unless you have the height. Your portfolio is all fashion shots, so I would suggest adding some new commercial head shots and getting out and meeting with commercial agents. I think, in LA, you will find more success in that area.

BETHANY COLE
I have been submitting photos to just about anybody who will take them, especially in New York. I even practice facial expressions in the mirror and try to "strut" down the bathroom hallway for goodness sake! I just can't stop pushing myself because I feel so close. Do you have any advice you could give me to help get my foot in the door into the modeling industry? I would be beyond thankful.

You have the height for fashion but your look in your photos on your MWN profile are very commercial. Get with a local agent first. Go in person, and if they like you, they will develop your look. Based on the pictures you've got, you're not ready for NYC. Get started locally, and then work toward a larger market.

DOMINIQUE JIRRI
I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to gain more exposure in the modeling industry. I do work with talent agencies but I am not getting much work. Do you think I have what it takes to grow as a model internationally? What area of modeling do you think is best for me based off of my look and height?

You have a fashion look, but you are too short for fashion work. Change your book - it reeks of fashion. Go commercial and then you will book more work. A talent agent is definitely the way to go. Commercial types tend to not work internationally, but stay stateside for commercial work and you will find more opportunities.

RAYKI TAI
I would really like to find a good commercial agent. I have a bit of an acting background, have recently been in a local commercial in Philadelphia, and have done acting classes in NYC with some reputable casting directors. I am currently in Southern New Jersey and am contemplating whether I should submit to Philadelphia agents or NY agents. Could you review my portfolio and advise me on which path to take? Do you think I would find success in the NYC market or is it a little premature for my experience level?

I would try both NYC and Philly. You have nothing to lose! I would say you could add a few more commercial shots to your book, it's a bit on the fashion side, but what you have is a start. Submit to commercial agencies in both cities, and see what happens!

HEATHER COWLES
I am currently looking for work in commercial print. Do you have any advice on the best way to do this or what types of agencies might be interested in my look?

You need a commercial agent but will probably have difficulty finding one with your current pictures. You only have one look with a different hat in each photo on your MWN profile. If you're serious about pursuing a career commercially, I would suggest getting a few new head shots and getting on the phone! Submit to commercial agents you've heard good things about or may be interested in working with - you're in the right market for it!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month

It's time to get to know our featured members for the month of June. We're pleased to bring you several new ModelWire Network members, and couldn't be more thrilled to have them be a part of our awesome community! If you would like to be considered as a featured member in an upcoming month, send a message to the MWN universal friend through your account!

MODEL OF THE MONTH: ELLE WEST

Elle West is known for her professionalism amongst top clientele for print, editorial, commercial, TV, and fashion runway. She has appeared in magazines, commercials, other TV related programming, and is the face of campaigns and look books for designers and brands around the world. Grey Advertising, Saatchi & Saatchi, Anyone Collective, Duo Films, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Hearst Publications, and Condé Nast Publications represent only a handful of Elle's top clientele.

Who is your favorite model of all time?

Ever since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by this big supermodel "Brooke Shields." I was compared to her a lot growing up as a "mini" Brooke Shields because we both got attention for our heavy eyebrows, dark hair, and blue eyes. Tons of other top models, such as Hilary Rhoda and Cara Delevingne, have followed in her footsteps by flaunting some wicked eyebrows. I was super excited when I finally had the opportunity to meet and work with Brooke on a TV show in NYC!

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

I always look at composition choices made by the photographers in their work (lighting, angle, and all-over style)... I consider lighting to be one of the most important things.

What is your personal style?

My style is very eclectic! I just go with my mood for the day... One of my favorites is a pair of short cut-off jean shorts and a loose t-shirt with a pair of low-heeled ankle boots. I also have a love for leggings, and I have a favorite pair of flat footed thigh-high boots that get worn regularly. One thing is for sure though, I design metal jewelry and can almost always be seen wearing one of my signature necklaces with any outfit! 

What genre does your work focus on?

I'm lucky that I can cross over to book work in both the fashion and commercial modeling worlds, and I love each of them equally! My experience is in print, editorial, beauty, runway, showroom, fit modeling, video (TV shows, commercials, industrials, etc.), and spokesmodeling. 

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

I was between shots on set with a stylist who was tucking in my shirt and reaching under my skirt to pull the shirttail down. This isn't the embarrassing part...I'm fairly desensitized to these sorts of "happenings" during a shoot. The embarrassing part is when she gave an extra tug, looked up at me, and said "oops." That's when I realized that she accidentally pulled my underwear down. I think, with her reaction, I was more embarrassed for her than myself! 

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: JOHN HONG STUDIO

John Hong is a fashion photographer based in Santa Monica, CA. His visual development started with his father, who was a photojournalist and fine art gallery owner in Korea. John strives to provide authentic imagery in his fashion stories.

Why photography?

If I had more patience, I would be a painter/

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

I love Greg Kadel's work.

What inspires you?

Beautiful ideas and inspiration come to mind when I mix creative friends and wine.

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

I use various cameras that I've collected over the years. My primary fashion work camera equipment includes Hasselblad digital, Canon digital, and a large collection of 35mm and medium format film cameras. I love shooting film, so I always find a way to integrate both film and digital in my work.

What is your personal style?

Black shirt and denim.

What genre does your work focus on?

Fashion and beauty.

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

Radiohead and Death Cab for Cutie are my favorite bands. 

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: ANGELIQUE CERNIGLIA

Angelique Cerniglia is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles whose love of color has whirled her into the world of fashion as well. The makeup palette was a very fitting inspiration for Angelique. "I've always loved to travel, experiencing new things...and always loved looking at fashion. Women all over the world want to feel and look confident in their appearance," she says. Angelique is compelled to apply her admiration for color, texture, and fashion trends to whatever "look" she is creating for a particular project. "When I was a kid, I used coloring books like crazy. Makeup and fashion melt into one another, I believe." Being true to the idea that confidence comes from within, so when you feel beautiful you exude that beauty, is definitely a strong motivation for this Atlanta-born makeup artist.

Why makeup artist?

I've always been attracted to color and have been all-around artistic since I was a little girl. I would obsess about having tons of coloring books and spent hours and hours coloring in them.

What product can you not live without?

I cannot live without my Laura Mercier foundation! It's very natural looking, smoothes out the skin tone without giving a cakey or heavy look. Looks very fresh and flawless!

What inspires you?

Fashion definitely inspires me, also color, art, and depending on the actual project I'm working on as to where I'll look for my inspiration.

What genre does your work focus on?

My work focuses mostly on beauty, editorial, and glamour, but I'm not just limited to those specific genres. I just love doing what I do, so as long as I'm doing makeup and transforming faces, I am content! 

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

It really depends on the specific project. For example, if it's a commercial print job, I look for someone that has that commercial look (girl-next-door type), and for fashion/editorial, it depends on the actual shoot and what the product or wardrobe is, and which particular model can pull it off. Of course, beautiful skin is a plus in my book! 

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: BRYAN GONZALEZ

Bryan Gonzalez is a hair stylist in NYC. He works for Cutler Salon and is working passionately toward his career as an editorial stylist.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: MARCUS JAI

Marcus Jai provides a classic yet visionary perspective that understands the voice of global fashion today. With the effortless ability to make fashion speak, he is not reasoning with the standards of the industry, but raising them.

Marcus creates an expert look that is exquisitely complete, exemplifying your unique and distinctive requests. Through his consistent study and experience, Marcus captures the essence of your personal vision, incorporates his diverse edge for fashion and it translates into a vivaciously charismatic point of view that brings confidence to any suitor. By using the art of listening, he is able to identify your personal style and take it to the next level.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by my client's personality. There is nothing like seeing someone enter a room with confidence owning an outfit because it's expressively suitable yet uniquely them. I find fashion in everything and am inspired by old movies and art that is seen within the world.

What is your favorite store to shop at or brand?

I don't have any particular brand or shop that I would consider my favorite. I love unique pieces but the brands normally range from high fashion to accessible fashion. I feel you get the most out of fashion when you mix the two. The designers I favor would range from Alexander McQueen to Top Shop.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

My favorite project that I have worked on was the Fantasia "Without Me" music video featuring Kelly Rowland. I had the opportunity to meet Jason Bolden. I love his styling techniques.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is very diverse. I mean, every day is different for me. It can range from classy to preppy to a relaxed hipster. Regardless of the theme of the day, it is always with an edge.

What genre does your work focus on?

I target celebrity styling for red carpet, editorials, and even their day-to-day wear, ensuring that they always look their best in case of paparazzi. The focus of Marcus Jai Enterprise is to change the lives of my clients one at a time by providing the diverse edge of fashion. 

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month

We are thrilled to introduce you to our May featured members. There is so much great, new talent popping up on MWN that we want to recognize! If you would like to be considered as a featured member for our homepage, email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com or send a message to the MWN universal friend through your account.

MODEL OF THE MONTH: MARCUS REYNOLDS

Our featured model, Marcus Reynolds, is currently based out of New York and is repped by MSA Models. Check out his MWN profile!

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: TOMMY MENDES

Tommy Mendes is a NYC based lifestyle photographer. He grew up in fashion, opening a chain of women's shoe and accessories stores where he concentrated heavily on the creative side, which included photography for his e-commerce business.

After moving on in 2010, he took two years to attend ICP, where he laid in foundation courses while road-mapping a new career in photography. In 2011, he took up a studio in West Chelsea. Tommy has focused the last two years on building his portfolio and making inroads with the commercial lifestyle space he knows he lives in. He currently lives in NYC's West Village.

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

Tie between Richard Avedon and Guy Bourdin

What inspires you?

Seeing other great photographers...and appreciating their passion.

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

I am always seeking someone that is comfortable with herself and definitely has some interesting character traits, such as humor or a personal passion and definitely doesn't take themselves too seriously. 

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

I have a Hasselblad, Leica and Canon for work and use my Fuji for my nights out!

What is your personal style?

Being a lifestyle photographer, I am always seeking relaxed looks, whether it means a favorite tee, a great pair of sunglasses, or my favorite Cons.

What genre does your work focus on?

Commercial lifestyle.

What is your favorite song or band of all time?

Pearl Jam

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

I haven't had one yet, but I know it's coming!

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: JASMINE GRANT

Jasmine Grant is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles, CA. With in excess of 5 years of professional experience and a lifetime of passion for makeup and skincare, Jasmine's work experience consists of Headshots, TV Commercials, Movies, Beauty, Commercial Print, Red Carpets, Music Videos, and Bridal.

Why makeup artist?

Makeup has always been a passion of mine and through it, I have been able to connect with people and help them with their confidence and self-esteem. That alone is a great reward and one of the reasons why I love being a makeup artist.

What inspires you?

Life in general inspires me. I find inspiration in everything, from nature to music, art or fashion. Life is filled with never ending opportunities to create.

What product can you not live without

Personally, I would have to say that I cannot live without foundation! Living in sunny Los Angeles, I need a foundation that can withstand these weather conditions and I am currently loving Make Up For Ever's Face & Body Water Based Foundation. 

What is your personal style?

My personal style is laid back. When I am working, I like to create an environment filled with positive energy that also allows everyone to connect organically to achieve the best outcome possible.

What is your favorite project that you have worked on?

My favorite project I've worked on was a short film in 2013. I was able to do the makeup and special FX for the entire cast. I really enjoyed being able to bring the characters to life and contributing to the director's vision for each character. 

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: LACHANDA GATSON

LaChanda Gatson began her career in the competitive hair world of Atlanta as a stylist for the Trumpet Awards and as a platform artist for Vitale Pro Product Line. She also participated in various Bronner Brothers Hair competitions.

Ms. Gatson is currently working as a Los Angeles-based master stylist with more than 17 years of experience in precision cuts, custom color, all phases of hair augmentation, and chemical service execution. She is certified in Aveda, Paul Mitchell, and Redken product lines, as well as lash application, makeup, and brow enhancement. Her Editorial and Bridal hair designs can be found in various publications.

What genre does your work focus on?

As a salon stylist of 18 years, my present focus and interest is on styling for film and editorial full time. I'm currently working on my union hours and seeking an agent.

What inspires you?

All things beautiful, smiles, and changing lives one head at a time.

What is your personal style?

In black and dressy casual is how you would most likely find me behind the chair. 

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

I love working with models that have pleasant personalities and a drive for success. I've learned that a model that is passionate about his/her career will give 110% every time.

Why hair styling?

Hair styling is my artistic expression, my outlet, my passion. 

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: JESSA ERIN

Jessa Erin is a costume designer and wardrobe stylist based out of Los Angeles. Check out her MWN profile to see additional looks she has styled!

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ASK JOEY: Niche Photo Overkill

When it comes to your portfolio and you have a niche skill or interest - fitness, dance, boudoir, etcetera - it's important to make sure that your book is not made up entirely of these types of photos. You want to make sure that you are presenting yourself in the most marketable way possible and are not limiting your opportunities in the commercial world. It's okay to pepper these shots in, but too much can ruin your entire book. If you need/want new photos, I always recommend reaching out to other MWN members and get a collaboration going! Contact photographers, hair & makeup, wardrobe, whatever you need! You're all on the site for the same reason, so get those creative juices flowing.

HANNY
I am a freelance model. How do I get out there more?

To be honest, I'm not crazy about your pictures. You are a commercial type model and live in Chicago, which is a big commercial market. I would suggest getting some new pictures, definitely including some commercial head shots, and then get out there and get an agent. There are a lot in your city, both large and boutique, that you can try to meet with/submit to. Reach out to photographers on MWN and see if there is anyone in your area who has shots on their profile you like and see if they would be willing to work with you. You're in a market with opportunities for someone with your look, you just want to make sure you're marketing yourself the right way to get the jobs!

PHYLLIS FONTENOT
Would you mind taking a look at my profile and pictures? This is all new to me, and I'm loving it. I have done commercial extra work, however, I have little experience. I would love to do commercial print modeling. I am very energetic and have the time to travel or move if needed. Please give me your professional opinion.

You are in a small market for TV and commercial print. There's not much going on there, but definitely more opportunities in New Orleans or Shreveport, if those are commutable distances for you. You will also be competing in an age group that is packed with actors who have been doing it forever, however you photograph well. I would suggest taking some acting classes so you will be able to compete with those that have been in the business for a while. It will help you commercially.

AUDREYWRIGHT
Would you mind reviewing my portfolio? I am just getting started in the business and am actively pursuing fitness modeling, as well as seeing what other doors open up.

You have a nice look - very commercial/newscast type. Austin is a growing market, don't limit yourself to fitness. You have to do it all. I would also suggest taking a communication course or two while you're in school. Get some new pictures in different outfits - look at commercial print ads to see what people are wearing in magazines and on TV. Use MWN to find a team to work with and do a collaborative photo session then get out there and get an agent! You've got a look that will lend itself well to the commercial market, so don't limit yourself!

PYSA NOËL
I recently joined MWN and it's very helpful. I am new to this and don't really know what I'm doing. I need help and suggestions on my pictures. I'm interested in commercial print work. Would you take a look at my portfolio and give me some feedback on my photos? I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have after checking out my profile. In your opinion, is my look marketable for commercial print?

I like your look - it's very commercial. You have enough pictures, and a variety, to find an agent. Luckily, you live in the heart of the industry! Get out there and make appointments with agents. They will tell you what they need to market you, and if they want you to get new/additional photos. I don't think you need to change the portfolio you currently have in order to find an agent.

JULIA ZHAROVA
I'm new to the modeling industry. I'm a professional ballet dancer and model for fun. How do I find a good photographer and find a good/unique theme for a shoot? Also, what is the best way to introduce myself to the fashion world?

Forget fashion, you don't have the height. However, you DO have a very marketable commercial look. Your pictures are too stylized like a dance. I would suggest getting some new pictures that are less dance focused. Try to set up some meetings with commercial agents in San Francisco. They can advise you on what types of pictures they need to add to your portfolio. The photos you have now will get you in the door, but you'll need to get some new ones once you're there.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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