Ask Joey: Advice for Shorter Models

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I want to say thank you to Adia Joelle, who was the first person to post a question on my profile.

Her question was, "Joey, I'm 5'5, what's your advice for the shorter model?"

First of all, let's say it out loud. Models do come in all shapes and sizes. I know that the industry height standard for fashion modeling is 5' 9" but, honestly, height isn't everything in modeling. There are so many other avenues that a shorter model could take rather than just doing high fashion shoots or runway events.

Before any model starts their career, they need to recognize their limits. Short models need to accept that modeling is not always going to be high fashion for them. It is most likely a world of products and lifestyle magazines verses high fashion magazines. As a shorter model, you need to market yourself, as they say in the business, a commercial print model.

Commercial print modeling includes a variety of things, including fashion, a lot of products, and catalogs.

Shorter models take note: all the commercials for hair and cosmetics are being done by actresses. Most of the actresses are not 5'9". If they weren't already personalities, we would call them commercial print models.

There are a lot of opportunities for a person to be a commercial print model. Let's face it; if you watch TV, you'll notice there are a lot more product commercials than there are fashion commercials. The advice that I tell every model going into commercial print is to make sure you have some background in acting, with a focus in film and television. If you haven't already, you need to sign up for some film and television acting classes, and I would highly recommend you take a cold reading class.

Most agencies that bill themselves as TV commercial agencies also have a print division because actors and actresses who do television love to do print jobs, and they pay almost as well as fashion print jobs. Many of the agencies on our sister site, ModelWire, have commercial print divisions. For example, RMP Talent and MSA agencies are both on ModelWire and both focus on commercial print model management.

I hope you find this advice helpful, Adia, and best of luck with your career.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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Ask Joey: My Vision for ModelWire Network

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Last week I talked about my fashion background. Now let's get into my vision for ModelWire Network:

MWN is more than just a tool to help those new to the industry gain notice. Yes, that's a big perk, especially since the agencies involved with ModelWire can now scout for new talent on ModelWire Network. But what's most important is making sure MWN is a place where people are given the opportunity to learn and grow in their field of choice.

Every day, I run into those in our industry who mis-market themselves. On ModelWire Network, people should be allowed to figure out what does and does not work for them by listening to critiques and feedback from other working professionals.

I love helping people break into the world of fashion and commercial modeling. To this day, I travel the world advising models, photographers, stylists and artists. I feel I've been given a gift of understanding when it comes to the ins and outs of the industry; it would be selfish to keep that knowledge all to myself.

So this is how I want my blog to work:

If you have questions for me, go to my MWN profile ( Joey Hunter ) and send me a message or post a comment on my wall. I'll read your questions every day and try to respond as soon as possible, though it could take a couple of weeks before your questions are addressed in my weekly blog. If I do not have the necessary knowledge for your concern, I will reach out to my various industry friends for the answer.

I look forward to reading your messages, and keep in mind that there is no such thing as a bad question.

In the meantime...

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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Ask Joey: Who is Joey Hunter

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My name is Joey Hunter and I am Vice President of ModelWire, the leading online management and casting software for the modeling industry. I am the former Co-President of Ford Model Management, one of the world's most prestigious modeling agencies, and have worked steadily in the industry for more than 40 years.

It took me a long time to get where I am, so why don't I use this first blog to quickly tell you a bit about myself...

It was in the 1960's when I decided to pursue modeling and after some lean years, I was fortunate enough to be discovered by Jerry Ford. But the 60's were a difficult time for male models (we were basically viewed as accessories for the female models), so by the end of the decade, I asked Ford for a job behind the scenes. He made me Head Booker for the Men's Division, and I quickly climbed the ladder to Vice President. By the late 70's, I was deeply involved with the Women's Division as well. I helped pioneer residuals and fee structures for image use and coined the term "super model," with Jerry Ford.

Throughout the 80's and 90's, I represented some of the most sought after models in the world, including Brooke Shields, Elle MacPherson, and Naomi Campbell to name a few. I was eventually made partner and President of Ford, but towards the end of the millennium, I began to feel it was time for a change. So after almost 30 years with the company, I left Ford and joined ModelWire. (In between this phase, I also founded Karin Model Management in New York City.)

Being a nurturer by nature, I've always loved taking an interactive approach in helping aspiring models. Now with the addition of ModelWire Network, my passion can be applied to a larger scale, encouraging and advising young talent all across the nation.

Next week, I'll explain more about what I want for ModelWire Network, and what exactly you can expect from this weekly blog of mine.

In the meantime...

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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