Meet Our Featured Members of the Month!

Happy New Year everyone! We hope you all enjoyed the holiday season and are excited about all that 2014 holds, both personally and professionally. A new year is always a great time to think about new collaborations and networking in the months ahead. If you are interested in collaborating with any of our January featured members, why not send them a MWN friend request? If you would like to be considered as a featured member, email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com.

MODEL OF THE MONTH: COURTNEY N.

Our first featured model of the year is the beautiful Courtney N! Courtney is from the Bay Area and is represented by Scout Model & Talent Agency. She recently shot a campaign with Benefit Cosmetics.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: DAVID LESLIE ANTHONY

David Leslie Anthony's introduction to fashion photography began while a Creative Director for some of the leading hairdressing academies in the beauty industry. A self-taught photographer, David eventually moved into photography full-time, beginning his career in the fall of 1989 in Los Angeles. His work has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, Rolling Stone, and Cosmopolitan U.K., to name a few. He won the Bronze award at the Alpha Fashion Awards in 1998 for a fashion commercial he directed on an $800 budget, and he proceeded to win another 18 awards for his fashion photography. David's work has also appeared in both solo and group exhibitions in Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, and Chicago. For a more in-depth bio, visit our Featured Photographers section on the  MWN homepage. 

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

I can't really name one in particular, as there are many whom I gravitate towards. Guy Bourdin and Helmut Newton, for their tremendous influence on today's fashion photography. Mario Testino, for his incredible range in work and style. Steven Meisel, for his vision and longevity. Sarah Moon, Paolo Roversi, Nick Knight, Craig McDean, among many others, have all brought something brilliant and influential to photography and vision.

What inspires you?

Travel and the people I've been so fortunate to meet. I "see" photographs when I travel and with the people I meet. Often places I've been to, situations I've seen, find their way into my photographs.

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

When I look at a model, I need to feel compelled to photograph them. I need to "see" photographs in my mind when I look at them. A few models I had the pleasure of working with, and help start them off at the beginning of their careers, were Karlie Kloss, Ava Smith, Amanda Murphy, Cora Keegan, and Samantha Gradoville.

What genre does your work focus on?

I shoot fashion. Whether it be for editorial use, advertising, etc., my job is to understand the client's demographics and bring something more to the editorial campaign. My viewpoint in fashion, the models I select, the "feel" of the images I shoot does not change; but the visual look of my photographs (whether it be bright or moody) always changes. It has to, depending upon the season in which I am shooting and the look of the moment.

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

Favorite band - The Rolling Stones. I have two favorite songs; The original version "Forever Young" by Alphaville, and "Young Forever" by Jay-Z. 

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: REGINA MCLEOD (REGINA THE ARTIST) 

When she came to Orlando from Sumter, South Carolina in 2008, Regina McLeod used the fresh start as an opportunity to make her dreams of becoming a makeup artist come true. After completing MAC Pro classes and working for MAC for two years, Regina is now working for herself. 

Her work has been featured in Orlando Style, Miami Fashion Week, Wedding Magazine, and Elements Magazine. 

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: ANIKE RABIU (akR-Styles)

Anike Rabiu was born in Nigeria, grew up in New York, and lived in Europe for a while. She credits her time in Europe with expanding her world views and helping to shape her eclectic and quirky personality. Anike has been in the fashion world for just over 10 years. She started as a model, went on to become a personal shopper/stylist, and is now a freelance Hair Stylist. Anike is an Aveda Certified, New York State licensed Cosmetologist. Her work can be seen in magazine editorials, model portfolios, look books, and various marketing and advertising campaigns.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is pretty chill and relaxed - kind of masculine, but at the same time, feminine; very French girl. I'm all about comfort and wear a lot of trousers, especially from JOSEPH UK. Since I work a lot with my hands, I always have rings or bracelets on. I'm never without a piece from my ultimate addiction, ginette_ny. Currently, I'm really into hats since I chopped off all my hair in September. Now - no muss, no fuss.

Who is your favorite Hair Stylist of all time?

Time has yet to end - so this is a bit of a difficult question. There are several Hair Stylists, such as Guido Palau, Antoinette Beender, and Ted Gibson (to name a few) that I wholeheartedly respect, admire, and would love to learn from. But, I strive to be as innovative as Vidal Sassoon or Christiaan.

What genre does your work focus on?

Right now, the majority of my work is fashion related. I am quite open-minded and really just want to do hair! I'm open to all genres.

What product can you not live without?

Phymolian Styling Foam by Aveda and Tresemme Extra Firm Control Mousse.

What inspires you?

Life and all of its wonderful possibilities.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: MICHELLE EVANS (STYLE BY MICHELLE EVANS) 

Michelle Evans is a Wardrobe Stylist from Dallas, TX. She attended Wade College, where she received an Associates of Arts Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. Her education continued at The University of North Texas in Denton, TX. After a career in Retail Management, Michelle decided to become a Wardrobe Stylist. As a freelance stylist, she has had the opportunity to style commercials for Top Golf, as well as promos and stills for the reality show "Texas Women" for CMT, and promos for the band Forever the Sickest Kids. You can also find Michelle's work published in several fashion magazines both locally and internationally. 

Michelle is repped by On Set Management in Dallas, where she works for companies like JC Penney and Neiman Marcus. 

What inspires you?

I am always inspired by music, poetry, art and culture.

What is your personal style?

My personal style would be considered edgy with boho influence.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

My favorite thus far was the opportunity to style the band members of Forever the Sickest Kids for a photo shoot with photographer Jeremy Shelby.

What is your favorite store to shop at or brand?

I absolutely love Nordstrom. They carry a variety of brands and styles. You can find anything from Free People to Alexander McQueen.

Why Wardrobe Stylist?

I've always had a love for fashion and the arts. I feel being a stylist is a mix of both. The body is a blank canvas, and the clothing is the paint. 

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ASK JOEY: What Are Your Resolutions?

At the beginning of the year, many of us find a renewed sense of passion in doing everything possible to further our careers. Many agents shuffle around - they move agencies and/or branch out on their own - so it's a great time to try to get meetings if you are non-repped. For many of you, the new year is an ideal time to REALLY consider taking the plunge and getting to a bigger market. If you are serious about pursuing your career in fashion and/or commercial TV/print, you need to be where the jobs are. It's as simple as that.

VIKTORIA KOTOVA
I would like you to look over my portfolio and tell me what you think about it. I'd appreciate any feedback or advice. Thank you!

You have a nice look and a good start to your portfolio. You need to get to a major market, so take some time to try to get to LA or NYC. Once you get there, get out and meet with as many agents as possible. You already have enough pictures in your book for them to make their decision. It will be up to them to say yes or no, but you should definitely go for it! 

SHARONA MARIA
I would love your input. I'm sure you hear this everyday, but this is my passion. Modeling has come easy, so I've been enjoying every minute, but want to break into a bigger level. Let me know if you have any advice.

You have a great TV and commercial look. You're in San Diego - SO close to LA - so make a trip up there to see some commercial agents. With an agent and a few acting classes (if you haven't taken them already) you should be well on your way. I'm sure there are plenty of good acting classes in San Diego, but definitely try to meet with LA agents. It's not too far of a drive for any TV, print or commercial auditions that they can get you.

QUOIA
I would LOVE for you to look over my portfolio and tell me what you think. I know I have what it takes to make it big, but I'd appreciate if you could provide some advice/feedback.

You have all the right sizes and live in NYC - a great start! You have enough pictures in your portfolio to meet with agents, so try to get some appointments. See if they say yes or no. If they take you on, they will get you additional photos so they can better represent you. Most all of the agents in NYC have open calls, so if you aren't able to schedule meetings, DEFINITELY get into as many open calls as you can until you find the right fit!

ALEXA ROSE
Would you be willing to look at my profile and tell me what you think? I love modeling, but would really value your opinion as to whether or not I have what it takes to do well in this industry and, if so, what type of work would you suggest I pursue?

Fashion is not where it's at for you - you have a very commercial look. If you don't want to pursue acting, then unfortunately, you will be just another pretty face in the world of commercial print. Pursuing acting, whether just commercials or TV, in addition to commercial print will open up more opportunities for you. You're also in a limited market, so if you really want to pursue this, you'll have to go where the jobs are. Your best bets starting out in the Pacific Northwest will be Seattle, Portland, and/or Vancouver. I would also suggest adding some more "perky" photos to your portfolio. You look a bit serious, and sometimes sad, in your photos, so some commercial type shots will definitely help!

BRITTANY GRIMMET
I was wondering if you could check out my portfolio. I've been reading your blog and am very interested in getting your feedback, criticism, and if there is anything I need to work on. I have a non-exclusive agency, but unfortunately, they have not really helped much. I know I have a commercial look and am interested in doing commercial/print but was curious about how to get in with brands like Guess, Hurley, or even boutiques.

You are very pretty, and you're right, you do have a commercial look. Get yourself to LA and get an agent! You will need an agent to meet all of the clients you've mentioned. It will be next to impossible to meet them on your own. LA would be a great market for you. Definitely take some acting classes too. I like your look a lot, and definitely think commercials and TV are right for you. Get an agent, and you'll get work!

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: Plan Ahead for the New Year!

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, it's a good time to make plans for all you hope to accomplish in 2014. If you've been thinking about getting into acting class, sign up! If you need to update your portfolio, make some calls or reach out to your fellow MWN to collaborate in the new year. Everyone will come back in January refreshed and ready for change, so it's a great time to get creative and renew excitement in your pursuit of modeling. For many of you, I suggest adding more variety and looks (I'm not talking your clothes, I'm talking about your face!) into your portfolio, and now's a great time to get the ball rolling.

CARLOSBALDERAS
If there is any way you could look at my pictures and tell me what you think, I'd deeply appreciate it.

You photograph well but you only have one look in your pictures. You are too small for fashion, so you will have to pursue TV and commercial print work. I would suggest working on your book to get a bit more variety in your shots. Commercial models have to have a lot of options in their photos.

RAMON DURAN
I'm just starting out with modeling - I started out as a fashion photographer and then got interested in modeling. I have so much passion for this and would love to be in runway shows and also work for huge brands. I would really appreciate any advice on how to get started and make it big in the industry.

Your portfolio is very artistic, but I don't think the shots "sell." You also have the same look in all of the photos. I think you definitely need to get a bit more variety in your shots. Try catching up with a photographer who's work you like on MWN. At 5'11, you have a good look and you may find a fashion agent that will sign you. (You are bordering on the height for fashion v. commercial.)

NICHOLAS CORCIMIGLIA
I would really appreciate some productive criticism on my portfolio with changes that could help further my career goals. I hope all is well and look forward to hearing your feedback.

You have the height for fashion but your portfolio needs a little work. You only have a few shots where you are looking into camera, so I'm missing that connection. You DEFINITELY need to have one shot where you are looking to camera on your comp card and within your top 5 MWN photos. If someone is flipping through and doesn't see that variety, they could pass you over.

TYLER WEATHERFORD
I am a new up-and-coming model. I currently have no representation and live in a very small town in Texas where trying to find modeling jobs is somewhat difficult. I have heard many wonderful things about you and was wondering if you could give me some sort of advice on how to better pursue my dream as a model.

You are definitely a TV and commercial type model, so you need to have an acting background. Get into some local classes if they are available. You also need to get a commercial agent in Dallas or Houston for starters. Page Parkes is a good place to start in Texas. She can hook you up with class information and recommendations on headshot photographers.

RACHENDRA
I live in San Francisco and have done a few print jobs. I want to do more and get recognized. What should I do?

You have a great smile but your pictures are all kind of the same. You are also a TV and commercial type, so you will need acting class/experience if you don't already have it. I would suggest starting there, as well as incorporating a bit more variety into your portfolio. There are a lot of MWN members in the Bay Area who would probably love to collaborate with you to help build your portfolio.

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 December! We hope 2013 was a successful year for everyone, and that 2014 is even better! If you would like to be considered as a future featured member, please email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com. If you are interested in working with any of our featured members, you can contact them through their ModelWire Network profiles.

MODEL OF THE MONTH: NICK SABATALO

Nick Sabatalo is a 21 year old American model born in St. Simons Island, Georgia. He attended Ohio State University studying Business Marketing. 

Nick moved to Los Angeles last March to pursue his dream of modeling. A few weeks later, he was signed by his first LA agency and was walking in LA Fashion Week.

In May, Nick went international and modeled in Seoul, Korea for two months. Following that, he traveled to Italy and spent two months modeling in Milan.

Modeling has helped Nick discover a love of fashion and design, and he is currently working on his men's designer jean line, Forever Young (inspired by his first tattoo "Forever Young"). He plans to continue to pursue modeling and, with the help of his new manager, White Cross Productions, he will begin working on his craft as an actor in Los Angeles.

Nick also has a modeling blog at www.MyModelMentor.com that is meant to serve as a resource for young models and offers advice in the areas of modeling, fitness, nutrition, and fashion. 

Who is your favorite model of all time?

My favorite model of all time is  my good friend from high school, Taylor Kraemer. She's the reason I decided to model in the first place. I love her!

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by the desire to do what I love every day; I love being in front of the camera and I especially love getting back the final pics from a shoot. It's like being "immortalized" in that moment and those photos will be there forever. For me, it's the closest thing to immortality, but I'm still holding out hope that vampires are real!

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

Chemistry is everything between a photographer and a model. It's the only way to get a great shot! I could shoot with the best photographer in the world and if we aren't "vibing" and on the same page with each other's visions, then the best we can do is "good" and good just doesn't cut it in this industry. That's why I swear my best photos come from photographers who are my friends.

What is your favorite project that you have worked on?

My favorite project I've worked on was my shoot for Chronos Magazine in Korea. I love watches, and my favorite brand is Patek Philippe, but you could by a BMW for the price of their cheapest watch, so being able to wear one for the shoot was pretty cool. The team was also great and I actually became great friends with the editor of the magazine and the stylist. We still keep in touch. That's what I love about this industry - meeting new people and building relationships.

What is your personal style?

My style is pretty chill since I've moved to LA. Skinny-straight fit jeans and a v-neck with my brown leather bomber jacket is pretty typical, but I like to stand out with a pair of fashion-forward shoes. Right now my purple Cole Haans are getting a lot of compliments. Here's the think about fashion that I live by - less is more, but have one item that you want to shine!

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

My favorite song is Forever Young, and I like the version from Alphaville the best. Great quotes from the song: "Youth is like diamonds in the sun, and diamonds are forever," and "Let us die young or let us live forever." 

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: JHONNATAN

Born in 1988, and after living in Mexico, Kentucky, and Texas, Jhonnatan and his family finally settled in Chicago. During grade school, he found that his biggest passions in life were music and art. He began college at 16, and during that time, started to get a better understanding of himself and his own work. Jhonnatan does not like having anything between his emotions and his work. He's been painting under his own techniques in abstract expressionism and has been working on perfecting it. Going into his third year of college, he decided to fully pursue photography and design on his won. He has started his own creative consulting company and is founder and editor of his own publication. Jhonnatan would like to admit that he's one of the coolest editors out there, but does confess that he has such complex grammar, that it automatically disqualifies him as cool. He always has a sense of nostalgia in his work. He also feels an almost obsessive need to juxtapose and contrast. Black and white over color any day!

Why photography?

We're the real life time travelers. We have these awesome little time machines that allow us to stop time and capture it. Sometimes I feel like a superhero when I do a good job.

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

It's almost impossible to select just one photographer. There have been so many that have influenced me on so many levels. I do remember 3 photographers in specific that have had a major impact. The first is Ansel Adams - my dad loves him. Another is Herb Ritts. Although I didn't know until years later who he was, it was his True Blue series of Madonna that I felt so enamored by. (My mom loves Madonna.) Last but not least, Annie Liebovitz. It was during college that I discovered her work. I was struck by it. The impact was such that I felt I really understood the level of intimacy she created between us, her work, and her subject. It's so personal and intimate but doesn't leave anyone exposed. I also obsess with movement in photography and Margie Gillis by Annie Leibovitz in "Torn Roots, Broken Branches" hits the spot.

What inspires you?

Anything and everything, sometimes even nothing. I'm pretty observant and my mind is always running at a million miles per hour, so I'm always getting inspired. I think in this case, what motivates me is my purpose as an artist, which is having something to say and inspiring others to do the same. As to what I have to say? Many things. 

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

A good model is always pretty versatile and you can almost never guess who or how he/she really is, they're that good. The best models though, are pretty versatile but you can always tell who and how they really are. They're very transparent and they use their personality to connect with the photographer. I always try to achieve a level of intimacy between my work and the model. Usually, I try to determine who I can do that with by the expression in their eyes. That's why the first thing I look at is a model's eyes. Depending on the client and the project, poise and elegance will never be out of style.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

Aside from leading FRAMED Magazine, recently I shot for The Weeks, who opened up for Kings of Leon at an almost private concert at the House of Blues this past October. Just think about it - awesome music, shooting photography, and hanging out with the band! 

What is your personal style?

I have to wear black all the time, mostly black. I'm in love with the darker and edgier clothes, like Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester and Kris Van Assche. And no, not that I'm of the punk culture or because I'm gothic, it's more of a uniform type of thing. I would say my style is edgy/tailored/casual/minimalist? I'm usually wearing dark jeans and a black button-up shirt with a decent number of rings and bracelets. I used to wear ankle boots most of the time, but they can be hard to work in, so you'll sometimes see me in Vans or combat boots. I dress up from time to time, but since I can't find the right jacket for me, I'm designing my own!

What genre does your work focus on?

Although I see the need to be versatile, my work is definitely not commercial. I feel commercial work restricts me. I'm aiming more towards high fashion and live/concert photography at the moment. I also like to consider that my portraiture work is strictly artistic.

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

I don't think I have just one. I usually use music to get into character for a particular project. Being classically trained in music and having experience writing and arranging, I have been able to really focus more on generating playlists that speak to me. My all-time favorite genres are Southern rock, trip hop and French house.

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

Kind of ironic, being the one responsible for all the fashion direction and production, and I had a failed wardrobe. I was interning for a professional business network, during which I was responsible for the fashion production of a corporate event. After the show was done, we were at the step and repeat for photographs and I was wearing a smaller sized blazer that one of the photographers decided to come closer to 'style' us out and tried to button my blazer... It wouldn't close.

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: QRIYSTYL (MS. BROWN)

Qriystyl (Ms. Brown) is a professional Makeup and Hair Artist from Harlem, New York. She approaches each project with the meticulous eye of a true stylist, who's inspiration and creativity arose from watching her incredible parents. 

She is available for Print, Runway, Commercials, Editorial, Weddings, Special Events, Makeup Parties, and more. 

"When you leave my chair, you leave not only looking incredible, but you leave with a smile on your face, a memory of my infectious laugh, and the positivity from my spirit." - Qriystyl

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: SYLVIA J. STANKOWSKI

Sylvia J. Stankowski started her career in the Upper Mid-West. She graduated Costmetology School in May 2011, and though her career is fresh, she has had the passion, drive, and skill to take her places beyond where others have gone within the same amount of time in the industry. Her love of art has cast her on a journey beginning as a small girl, always with a pencil and a pad of paper at her side, to where she has landed today, freelancing as a Hair Designer in Las Vegas. She has traveled a road of fashion shows in Minneapolis, events and photoshoots all over Wisconsin and into Chicago, lookbook shoots, photo and filming projects in Vegas and more. Her two most notable achievements in Las Vegas, since her arrival in June, have been Hair Designer for all 12 ladies featured in the internationally distributed Coyote Ugly 2014 Calendar, and hair desginer for celebrity rap artist, Charli Baltimore. Sylvia's work has been featured in many fashion and beauty magazines, her newest accolade beign a featured hair expert for Seek.Me Magazine, developing hair tutorials for their readers.

With a true love for shape and form, Sylvia's focus is in the Beauty and Fashion Industry, where she meticulously creates her signature design styles for models and performers, as well as creating the perfect hairstyles for special events. She specializes in classic Hollywood glam styles, as well as stylized editorial and high fashion looks. Her utter joy in her work is apparent in the experience you have with her, not only because she is creating, but because of her love of meeting and working with new people.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: ANDREA IGREJA

Andrea Igreja is a freelance fashion/wardrobe stylist in San Francisco. She has experience fitting and styling models for photo shoots, agency portfolios and producing fashion shows.

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