Ask Joey: Do Your Research

Last week I talked about how some agencies claim they are the real deal, but some of them are not and are actually scams. Well, it would appear that I need to stress that topic a bit more.

If an agency is really interested in working with you, they should not be charging you anything before they sign you even for a test shoot. If they like you, they will get you the shoot for free so they can dictate the direction of the shoot - hence the big reason they will not allow you to find your own team.

Again DO YOUR RESEARCH before you sign with anyone! At bare minimum, Google them to see what articles pop up. Just because you want an agent, does not mean you need to settle, it could hurt your career. Find someone who believes in you and make sure they are a respected agency.

  

CourtneyBPincus

Do you know anything about MMG-Model and Talent Management? They have had successful clients, but are also recommending me to expensive photographers. Is $1000 reasonable for 4 looks in a shoot for my portfolio/headshots? Also, is it a scam to pay to be on their website/in their directory? They said it's not necessary but it is how most castings find their clients.

I have heard of MMG to require potential models to pay over $1,000 for pictures, which is outrageous. If an agency is interested in working with you they will get you a free test with a photographer that they normally work with. Before you move further with them you should also check these articles I found online: http://bityurl.com/ab70 and http://bityurl.com/ac74b5

 As for them charging you to be on their website – that is very normal. Agencies are going to charge you because that is how they can promote you. Why do you think that most legitimate agencies use our parent site, ModelWire? It is the premiere software that allows the agencies to properly promote their models. If they don’t put you on their website then you need to ask them, ‘How are you promoting me?’

Christinab

I don’t have much experience in modeling but love to model. I was wondering if you had any advice on getting more gigs? Also, can you look at my portfolio? Any other advice would be great.

I am having a hard time giving you any advice. You only have one photo in your portfolio and to be frank, I don’t like it. You look more commercial than fashion, so start finding yourself some photographers, makeup artists and hairstylists on MWN and work on putting together a commercial portfolio.

Eli Sapharti

I will be 42 yrs old this month and FINALLY decided to pursue my life's dream of modeling and acting. I have gotten my feet wet with some work as an "extra" on TV shows being shot here in Miami. I have also been to numerous castings for commercials, but no call-backs yet. My real aspiration is to do print work. What advice can you give someone like me that is starting out at a "late" age? Also, would you be so kind to review my portfolio and let me know what I can improve on.

It is a good thing that you live in Miami, that market loves working with new people. I really like your portfolio and I think it is good enough for you to pursue representation. The only advice I have for you is to be patient. It can take a while before your career really takes off and getting into this business as your age is hard to make it successful, as you are competing with other models who have been doing this their entire lives. Continue to test when you can and more importantly have fun!

DeSean Goree

I would like to ask if you could review my portfolio and if you have any advice you could give a male model?

First off, you are too short for fashion, but you do have a great look for a commercial print modeling. There are a few good agencies in Phoenix, AZ and I think your portfolio is good enough to start reaching out to them. Start making yourself some appointments and get their opinions on what they feel your potential is.

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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H&M's "Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" Inspired Collection

Maybe I'm biased because The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo books were amazing, but I'm very excited about this collection.  Costume designer and stylist Trish Summerville (No Doubt, Black Eyed Peas, Janet Jackson, Pink, Christina Aguilera) landed a gig as costume designer for David Fincher's U.S. adaptation of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.  And now H&M is going to feature a special collection with all of the tomboy-cyberpunk looks from the film.  The collection launches on December 14th at 180 stores and online.  The film releases in theaters on December 21st nationwide.  Can't wait!

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Jenny Dayco Lands Two New Interns!

A few weeks ago, we helped MWN member Jenny Dayco search for an intern due to her booming jewelry business.  After an intense search and many applicants, Jenny has chosen her not one, but two new interns!  We talked to both Jenny and her interns, Jodie and Jamie about their experiences so far.

From Jenny:


Who did you pick for your internship position?

I chose two awesome people named Jodie Guirey and Jamie Nocher!

Why did you pick her?

A large part of determining who I'd like to work with me was based on personality.  When I first interviewed them, we laughed quite a lot, and had a good time getting to know each other.  I could also tell that they were both very open and teachable, which motivates me to teach them everything I know!  I live and work in a small space, so having someone I could spend hours and hours with is really important to me.  Also, they both have a skill set that I feel will be super beneficial to my needs (jewelry making, computer proficiency, etc.).  Our personalities mesh well which makes for a fun, easygoing work environment!

What was your interview process like?

When I started to receive a ton of resumes, it was hard to narrow down who to interview - I wanted to interview everyone!  I based my interviews on the personality/tone of their cover letter and their resume.  The applicants didn't have to have an experienced resume.  Looking for someone with a ton of experience wasn't a high priority for me.  My interview process was really informal.  I literally sat on my bed while they sat in a chair and I interviewed them right there!

What do you have her doing?

Everyday is different for Jodie and Jamie!  It just really depends on what I have on my plate at the moment.  Sometimes I think, 'Oh, I'll have them take care of that.' Then something else will come up and I delegate projects to them accordingly.  So far it's been Twitter messaging, assembling jewelry, cutting chain - basically prepping all my projects for me to finish.  On top of that - listening to all of my silly jokes and stories!

From Jodie:

Tell us about yourself.  What is your background?

I'm 21 and currently live in Lakewood.  I'm majoring in Product Design at Otis College of Art and Design.  I also work part time at a women's boutique in Marina Del Rey.  After graduating high school, I tried to do as much as I could to gain exposure and experience outside of school because I feel like school can only teach me so much.  I want to learn as much as I can while I can.  So far I've done a few things with LA Vintage, Seventeen Magazine, Teen Vogue, and a couple of designers in LA.  I'm stoked that I get to work with Jenny because I'm already learning so much from her in so many ways.

How did you come across the Jenny Dayco intern position?

One day I was on my computer and decided that I should intern.  I literally went on Google and searched 'jewelry design internship Los Angeles' and the ModelWire Network page came up.  I read through it and watched her video and though that it was meant to be!

What do you want to do with your life?

I've always wanted to be a fashion designer my whole life ever since I can remember.  Going through my first years of college I kind of went back and forth on what I really wanted to do.  I realized that I grew a really big obsession and passion specifically with jewelry and accessories.  I'm currently focusing on becoming a jewelry designer and hope to start building a brand for myself.  Who knows, maybe I'll transition to apparel later on in life!

Do you have any crazy Jenny stories yet?

Oh where do I begin!  I can't really pinpoint just one specific story.  Jenny is just a genuinely crazy person (in a good way of course!).  It's never boring when I'm working with her, so it rarely ever seems like I'm working at all.  Everyday I'm working with her is a fun, new and crazy experience.  I never really know what to expect before I get there. 

From Jamie:

Tell us about yourself.

 I was born in Baltimore, Maryland.  I'm 22 years old and live in the Hollywood area.  I have always been driven by a final product. I like having something to assess after my hard work - something to judge.  Skating, snowboarding and wake boarding have always been passions of mine.  My friends and I always have a camera on us.  It doesn't matter if it's dangerous, as long as it looks good on film!  I'm an aspiring actor and have recently completed a 2 year program at American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

How did you come across the Jenny Dayco intern position?

ModelWire Network!

What do you want to do with your life?

I want to make movies and clothes!  Among other things, I want to have an impact.  Through my films, through my clothes, I want to change things - for better or for worse!

Do you have any crazy Jenny stories yet?

Not too crazy!  She did spill a full Jamba Juice all over my living room floor.  So worth it. 

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LaFemme Vintage – A Retrospective

 

In 2002, three sisters with a personal obsession for thrift store clothing stepped out in their vintage boots, grabbed some racks and turned their hobby into a full-fledged fashion force. 

Space #3270 at the Rose Bowl Flea Market served as the launching point for this now robust and ever-expanding vintage empire. They changed their name from Viva La Vintage to LaFemme Vintage in and expanded their treasure to showings across Southern California as well as Etsy.com. They still personally sell their wares at the Rose Bowl Flea Market where it all began, and the sisters host ‘By Appointment Only’ visits to their showroom in Long Beach, CA.

The sisters – Kat, Desiree and Scarlet – hand select each item and see it through from acquisition to sale. Scarlet is creative, quirky and playful. Desiree is ethereal, romantic and ultra feminine. Kat is laid back and experimental. They learn and inspire from one another with every piece they bring in.

LaFemme Vintage style is heavily influenced by the 1940-1980s fashion scenes, but pieces that are well tailored, fabulously embellished and effortlessly cool will make it into their collection, regardless of era. The sisters’ individual styles are all representative of the LaFemme Vintage woman.

MWN Model: Lauren Jensen
Photographer: Christian Cabrales
Dress for Sale Nov 2011

Model: Stephanie Angulo
Skirt & Necklace for Sale

Model: Vanessa Fernandes
Dress & Belt for Sale Nov 2011

MWN Model: Alysha Bayer
Necklace for Sale Nov 2011
Dress for Sale

About the Sisters

Kathleen, the eldest of the sisters, oversees the business side of LaFemme Vintage, manages inventory and the Vintage Showroom and is the voice behind their social media – Facebook & Twitter. A graduate of Cal State Fullerton and FIDM, she has her degree in Merchandise Marketing and was a merchandise buyer for premium denim company, AG Jeans for 3 years.

Desiree, the middle sister, manages the assortment for the Online Store and is the head merchandise buyer and stylist for LaFemme Vintage. Prior to that, she dedicated 6 years at Nordstrom, where she received numerous sales recognitions for her excellence. She then became Inventory Manager for AG Jeans retail stores division nationwide.

Scarlet, the youngest of the 3, is the creative, youthful force behind LaFemme Vintage, and assists in road shows, merchandise buying and styling. She was at Nordstrom for 4 years and also received numerous sales recognition for her successful selling. She is now finishing up her degree at Cal State LA to pursue her degree in becoming a teacher.

Rambo, their fuzzy gray Pomeranian Poodle serves as their best accessory. You can find him lounging at their Vintage Sales events and he often sneaks into shots at photo shoots!

Photoshoot - LaFemme Vintage from matthew riley alcorn on Vimeo.

Photoshoot by LaFemme Vintage is a short video by Matthew Riley Alcorn that documents our first professional photoshoot by Jana Williams. The video gives you a sense of the style and personality behind our brand. The music from Vivaldi’s Concerto Alla Rustica highlights the whimsical and energetic evening and gives a unique complement to our vintage collection. 

Dress for Sale Nov 2011

  

Dress for Sale Nov 2011
Necklace for Sale

Jumper & Necklace for Sale Nov 2011

Dress Summer 2011 Collection

Item for Sale Nov 2011

Blouse for Sale Nov 2011
Boots for Sale

LaFemme Vintage boasts an archive of more than 300 pieces at their Long Beach showroom all ready for purchase.  The sisters take prime pieces out for sale and exhibition at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and they recently showcased their Fall Preview at the latest Downtown L.A. Art Walk on Oct. 13, 2011. Art Walk clients received a complimentary hand painted accessory from body artist Sara Jennine of Haute Body Couture with their purchase. (http://downtownartwalk.org)

Thanksgiving weekend, LaFemme Vintage will be hosting Space 15 Twenty’s weekly Flea Market which features vintage clothes, accessories, local designers, music, arts, crafts, and more in the courtyard of Space 15 Twenty’s retail setting (http://space15twenty.com).

Aside from these two exciting new ventures, LaFemme is also thrilled to finally launch an E-Commerce Store and blog. Items will be available for purchase late Fall 2011 and the blog should be released soon afterward. The blog will provide a more personal look into LaFemme Vintage, the sisters, and the life that inspires them.

And while the sales never stop, neither does the hunting and gathering. LaFemme Vintage constantly picks up new pieces ensuring they stay in season, in style and in your closet every day of the year.

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