ASK JOEY: Acting Classes are ALWAYS a Good Place to Start

Getting started in the modeling industry is HARD. Unlike other businesses, if you do not have the right height and sizes, it will be almost impossible to succeed - no matter how beautiful or perseverant you are. Because of this, the majority of new models will find a lot more success in the commercial world. There are many more opportunities there for all looks, shapes and sizes.

My advice for most new models is to take acting classes. No matter what path your modeling career goes down (commercial, high fashion, etc...), acting classes will only help you grow. Who knows... Maybe you are that one in a million who has what it takes to be the next great supermodel, but do you know how to showcase your personality enough to sell something in a TV commercial, not just a print ad? Acting classes - always a great first step.

AMANDA MEINTS
I know I can be a big model, I just need some advice on where to start! Any advice you can provide would be great.

You are very attractive, though not a fashion model due to your sizes. In this business you would be considered a commercial type, which is great because there are a lot more opportunities for work. You have stated that you have an agent. Build from there. Consider checking with your agency to see if they would be willing to represent you commercially, in addition to print. Right now the only women at your height doing high fashion ads are celebrities. Consider creating a commercial plan with your agency and you could see more success.

CAITBAER 
I'm new to the modeling world and would love some advice on how to make the most of my modeling career.

You live in NYC, are all the right sizes, and photograph well. A few of the pictures on your profile are a bit blurry, but you have enough shots to make appointments with all the agents in NYC. (Just make sure the photos in your book are hi-res and quality.) Get on the phone and get yourself in the door! I'm sure you'll find an agent who will want to work with you. They can get you tested to suit their needs for you.

CHRISTIANA HOHENRAINER
I'm extremely new and trying to get into modeling. Honestly, I don't know where to start. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated!

You are a commercial type model due to your height and sizes, so don't try to go the high fashion route or you will be disappointed. You are very attractive and have a great look. I would suggest acting classes, which will only help a commercial model's career. You also need to be in a market like NYC, LA or Miami where there are agents and clients that work with actors and models. For now, start with a local agent that can get you work in Baltimore or D.C.

IVONA LIV
I would love to figure out how I can move forward with my career. I am still very new to both modeling and acting and have only had one photo shoot so far. My trouble is finding the right wardrobe to incorporate into my portfolio. Any advice?

You're off to a good start with your pictures. They are good enough quality to find an agent, so get yourself to LA and make appointments. Once you find an agent, they will help mold and shape your career. As far as newer pictures, they will be able to suggest photographers that they work with a lot and like. Many photographers will be willing to discuss wardrobe with you beforehand, based on your shoot locations. Don't be afraid to ask!

RANIE
I am really new to this field and would like to know how to get out there and get into modeling. I've only done a few shoots so far. What should my next step be?

You have the same look in all of your pictures (in terms of your expression). Try connecting with a photographer on MWN who would be interested in shooting you for trade. Also, you are on the short side so fashion modeling will be out for you. Are you interested in acting? If so, start taking acting classes and build from there. Once you have those skills in place, you can start working commercially. Also, you are going to need to be in a major market to work. Your best bet based on your location is San Francisco.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month!

Meet our featured members for the month of October! If you would like to be considered as a future featured member, please email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com. Keep in mind, to be considered as a featured model, you must have at least 5 photos uploaded to your MWN portfolio. For all other featured members, you must have at least 6 photos uploaded to your MWN portfolio. To collaborate with any of our members, reach out to them via their ModelWire Network profiles or post a project to our Projects page. 

MODEL OF THE MONTH: NADALYN

We're thrilled to feature Nadalyn this month. This featured model lives in NYC, and you can check out her portfolio here.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: DAVID BISMUTH

October's photographer, David Bismuth, is a French/American photographer living in NYC. You can check out his MWN portfolio here. Then, stop by his website www.David-Bismuth.com.

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: TARYN FELDT

Taryn Feldt is a freelance makeup artist and hairstylist born and raised in Los Angeles. She took cosmetology courses in high school and knew beauty was her path. After college she attended makeup school and is now fulfilling her dream working as a professional makeup artist. She is experienced in beauty and fashion makeup, airbrushing, and special FX. Check out her MWN profile here. You can also visit her website www.tarynlovesmakeup.com.

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: CLAY NIELSEN (CLAY CUTS HAIR)

Clay Nielsen is a freelance session stylist who specializes in editorial styling and hair cutting. He lives in NYC and spends his time on set creating looks and styles for the likes of Charlotte Ronson, Richard Chai, Giulietta, and B Michael America, among others. His work has also been seen on the runways of New York Fashion Week and in the pages of Harpers Bazaar, Seventeen, and others. Check out his MWN portfolio here. You can see even more work at his website www.claycutshair.com.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: RACHEL HILL

A California native, Rachel Hill spent 13 years in NYC before relocating to the Bay Area last year. Rachel's interest in fashion began at an early age, beginning in third grade when she was known as the girl who only wore "black and white." Decades later, Rachel attended the London College of Fashion where she excelled in styling, trend forecasting, and merchandising, and later went on to style shoots for various clients including Nylon and Refinery 29. Rachel also produces a small vintage-inspired lingerie line called Lady Jane (www.ladyjaneny.com).

Why wardrobe stylist?

It's fun and it comes naturally to me. My day job is in an industry that doesn't allow a lot of opportunity for creative expression, so I've really enjoyed having this as an outlet for my creative energies.

Who is your favorite wardrobe stylist of all time?

This is probably a pretty common answer but I really think Grace Coddington is a genius; of course she has the ability to pull just about any item of clothing she wants but I think she really tells a story through editorial better than any other stylist working today.

What inspires you?

Old Hollywood films from the 30's-60's.

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

I like someone who has a can-do attitude. No one should have to feel uncomfortable at a shoot but there have been a lot of models who I've worked with that seem like they REALLY don't want to be there. It's always a lot harder to get a good shot with them. A positive attitude will come across in the final product.

What is your favorite store to shop at or your favorite brand?

I am constantly browsing Bona Drag, Opening Ceremony, ASOS, La Garconne, Ssense, Totokaelo, and Creatures of Comfort for new arrivals.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

I really enjoyed working on the editorial film that I styled for Nylon x Charles David. It was a really fantastic team and really fun to do a film.

What is your personal style?

I am really all over the place but it'll either be something mid-century inspired or black skinny jeans and a faded rock t-shirt.

What genre does your work focus on?

I've mostly done editorial stuff so far. It allows for the greatest degree of creativity but also pays the worst!

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

I always have a different favorite band of the moment but of all time, probably the Clash or the Ramones. Hard to go wrong there.

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

I worked on this one underwater shoot one time with a very talented photographer named Rebecca Handler. Let's just say, styling clothes underwater is even more challenging than it sounds.  

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ASK JOEY: Am I Ready?

I always love to see the creativity that makeup artists and hair stylists bring to a shoot and am often asked to review portfolios to determine if someone is "ready" to show their work to agencies. Whether your goal is to work in high fashion or special effects, the talent and skill needed to succeed in your craft is something you constantly need to nourish and build. Never stop learning and practicing new techniques. Maybe you are an amazing SFX artist, but will have more opportunities booking more traditional jobs starting out. Make sure you're versatile!

If you're looking for work and aren't sure where to start, try connecting with modeling agencies and working on test shoots. The networking will take you a long way. Once you're feeling confident and getting good feedback, do your best to get meetings with agents who can help you book bigger and better jobs.

MINA DIMAKIS-LEV
I would love your critique on my portfolio. Please advise if I'm ready to show it to agencies. 

You have a great book. I absolutely love your style and work. Honestly, I don't understand why an agent in NYC has not signed you yet and couldn't tell you why. If you haven't been submitting to many, DEFINITELY start. Your book is awesome and you are more than ready to start showing it off.

NATALIE L 
I know you usually work with models, but I would love your feedback on my portfolio.

For fantasy and high fashion, you are definitely in the wrong place. NYC is where you belong for those types of gigs. Working weddings and proms is fine in smaller markets for income and to build your portfolio, but you definitely need to get your book to big artist agents in NYC. You could also try starting out by working with fashion agencies in a bigger market, like Philly, on shoots with their models. I like your book and style, but definitely think you'll find more opportunities for the type of makeup artistry you're interested in doing in a bigger city.

MAKEUP BY BOBBY 
I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to go about contacting an agent. I don't want to make a fool of myself & I want to do it the right way. I'm willing to assist any lead MUA or try to work with a modeling agency on their test shoots. Are my pics good enough to show? 

Your book is good enough to show, and I'm assuming that living in New Jersey, you're close enough to NYC. Try to build up some relationships with the modeling agencies there and work with photographers on test shoots for the agency's models. Start with smaller, more boutique agencies if that's where you're more comfortable. You are ready to step out there, so turn on the charm and set up some meetings to show your work!

ROBLEDO STUDIO 
I have been in the industry since 2001 and am very interested in getting representation but don't know how to take the first step. I have worked with many agencies in Miami as a freelancer, but then relocated to North Carolina. Please take a look at my portfolio. I would love to know if you think I'm there yet or if I need more work to get into an agency.

I like you work but feel a little like you've exiled yourself by moving out of Miami or any of the other major markets down South. Your work is there, just get yourself seen in markets that have the jobs. I know there is a lot of film and television production going on in NC. Is that why you moved there? Either way, definitely look into getting work as a hair stylist in production, if possible. There will probably be a lot more opportunities in that direction based on your location.

ANGELA LAUREN 
I attended makeup training school down in Orlando and am curious if you know where I should go to find opportunities in the Atlanta area. I'm always looking for work. I live in Atlanta but am open to traveling.

I like your stuff for movies and TV. From what I hear, there is a TON of filming going on in Atlanta. I can see your type of artistry on shows filming there like The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead, or The Originals. See if Click Atlanta has a makeup division and find out who's casting those shows (or any other production that will need SFX makeup).

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

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ASK JOEY: Make Sure Your Book's Not All Body!

I'm back! Sorry to have left you hanging the last few weeks, but I was recovering from back surgery and out of commission. Now that I'm all patched up, let's get down to business.

Guys, this one is for you! One of the most important things for male models to have in their books is proof you take nice fashion shots! Body shots are great, and you definitely need a few, but if you want to sign with an agency and/or book jobs, you'll have to prove that you can sell clothes! If you think you might be lacking in the fashion shot department, try collaborating with a MWN photographer in your area for free. You'll both get new pics for your portfolios.


JUSTIN MAGOULAS
I moved from California to New York City to make a step in my careers as a model/actor. I signed with MSA Models over two months ago and have not yet had one audition. I find it hard to find work for myself in this industry, but I know have the look and ability to be marketable. What can I do to get work and add to my resume?

Many fashion agents will you you are too short at 5'10". Also, your book is primarily body shots and not high fashion so my advice would be be go the commercial and TV route. Find the right agents that handle your type in NYC. Unlike California, New York is not all about the body (including height). You have a nice look and should consider acting classes if you aren't taking them already. It just takes time so study hard and get yourself in the door of commercial agencies. You will definitely work!

CORBIN RIVERA 
I was scouted through MWN and asked to come into an open call at a boutique agency called Blaze Models. When they went through the contract with me, they mentioned several ways they would be submitting me all free except a $20 monthly fee from your parent site, ModelWire. I just wanted to make sure this is a legit fee before I pay it. I know in LA if you have to pay for something through an agency, something could be fishy.

You've got a nice look but you need to get more fashion shots in your book. Your agent will take care of that. They should help get you tested and make sure you have the right shots in your book for their market. Regarding fees, all agents charge their models to put pictures on the agency website and/or on ModelWire to promote them. This is standard. In the old days, books and model cards were sent by snail mail or FedEx and would be even more expensive. ModelWire and similar websites are actually much more cost effective and save you money in the end.

JORGE N 
What advice would you give a Miami native who wants to make it into an agency like Ford, elite, or Wilhelmina?

All agencies, regardless of size, will be looking at your book and whether or not it works for their market. They will definitely need to see more fashion shots in your book. See if you can hook up with a photographer on MWN or elsewhere that will work with you for trade or at no charge. You an also try to find an agent who feels that you have the right look and will work on your book with you. Try making appointments will all of the agents you want to see and they will let you know what direction you need to go in to be considered/signed. If they will help you with your book, great! If they need to see more from you first, they will let you know. 

TANNER MIRANDA 
I just turned 18 and am hoping to find some modeling jobs. I will be moving to LA soon and am wondering if you can give me some pointers on the best way to get my face/name out there. I'm also a dancer and wondering about how to get jobs related to dance. Is there much of a demand for model/dancers? Any pointers or constructive criticism on my look/photos?

You have a nice look but need to get more fashion shots in your book for modeling gigs. Make appointments to see agents. In LA, you can do it all! Finding agencies that have both dance and print divisions is a great place to start, as you can have different teams at the same agency promoting you for different types of work. You can use the Fashion Directory on ModelWire as one tool to locate fashion, commercial and theatrical agencies in LA. 

DENARD HUNT 
I have just started modeling and find it very difficult to find jobs. What is the best way to thrive in this business? How can I search for jobs as a model? I have an agent but also look for work on my own.

The main reason you are finding it hard is because of where you live. You need to get to a market where there is more look for your type. I'm sorry to say that, but if this is what you want, start with a bigger market that's not too far away - like Dallas or Chicago. Start there and work your way to LA or New York. That is the only way you will make it happen, unless you get lucky and someone is casting the right kid of job in Oklahoma City for you. With that said, I wouldn't leave it to chance, I would make it happen! You have a good look and can definitely find work in a market with more opportunities.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

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