Ask Joey: Portfolio and International Talent Showcase?

What's happening!

I decided that this week I wanted to tackle two questions that were sent to me.

The first question comes from Matt Allison, who asked, "I have been invited to the International Talent Showcase in July 2011. Is this worth my time and money or should I just send Head/Body shots to different agencies. I am so ready to work!!"

Well, Matt, do you only want to do modeling, or are you also interested in pursuing a career in acting, singing, and/or dancing?

If you want to also pursue acting, singing, and dancing, then I would definitely say, "Go." If you are solely looking into modeling and you live in or close to any of the major US modeling markets (New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Seattle, Boston, Miami, and Chicago), then you really should focus building up your book, sending it out to agencies, and requesting interviews.

If you don't live close to any of those cities, then, yes, you should go the International Talent Showcase. But before you sign up, you need to find out what major agencies will be attending and what markets or cities they are from.

The second question comes from Olivier Chapusette who stated, "I would love to have feedback on my portfolio, if you have time!"

I do have time Olivier. But first things first: if you are a model, then you need to fill out your sizes and stats. This goes for all models on ModelWire Network - FILL OUT YOUR SIZES AND STATS! These are the first things that an agent will want to look at.

Not knowing your sizes and stats, I can't point you in the right direction, whether you need to focus more on commercial modeling or on fashion modeling.

Based on just seeing your photos, my only comment is that you need a lot more fashion shoots in your portfolio. The photos I am looking at don't show the fashion side of you.

What I want to see from your photos is you modeling in suits and sportswear. You also need to have a good head shot photo.

Best of luck, Matt and Olivier, with your modeling careers. Keep me posted.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

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

Read More

Ask Joey: How does a makeup artist get an agent?

What's happening!

D. FONTA messaged me this week asking, "Can you tell me how to go about getting signed with an agent?"

First of all, D. Fonta, you have talent as a makeup artist. I went to your MWN profile to check out your work, and you have potential. You need to show more of your work, but what I saw, I liked.

The first step is putting together your portfolio. According to your profile, you say you live in Philadelphia. Therefore, you should find a local agency in your area that represents makeup artists.

Once you have found some local representation in Philadelphia, the next step is to find representation in the New York area, which is the biggest market in the United States. Make sure your portfolio is looking good before you do this. Digitally send your book, and then follow up with a phone call and try to get yourself an interview. I always found that makeup artists that I've dealt with in the past have great personalities. I hope you have a good one.

While you are prepping yourself, you need to be constantly working with new talent and new photographers. This means you need to be volunteering your services and even approaching modeling agencies about working on their test shoots.

When you are ready to start looking for representation, put together a list of the agencies you are going to approach, feel free to send the list to me. I will personally look it over to see if I can give you further input.

For the time being, make sure you are constantly updating your ModelWire Network profile because the agencies that are on ModelWire have the ability to scout for talent within the site. So update your "About Me" and your photos because you don't know when an agent will be screening your page. This goes for all MWN members seeking representation!

Best of luck, D. Fonta, and any other artists seeking representation.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Read More

Ask Joey: How old is too old?

What's happening!

I want to say thank you to Minsun, who post a question on my profile this week.

Her question was, "What is the age range for models these days. How old is too old?"

As we already know, models do come in all shapes and sizes, which includes a variety of age ranges. The key to modeling is to grit your teeth and accept your age range. This does not mean you have to look exactly like your biological clock says you are, but you need to accept and be realistic about how old you really look.

If you want to be model and you get the chance to meet with an agent, you need ask, "Is there a market for my age group?" Then ask, "Is there enough advertising for my age group where I can make decent living?"

We all know that the models who make the most money are the fashion models between 16 and 30 years of age. That is where most of the advertising money is spent, on the young generation.

The older models that are working have been modeling since their teens; they grew up in the business. They have clients that have booked them since they were 20, 30, 40, and they will continue for whatever age they are now. It's like any other business: you build up connections and clientele.

But I've got to tell you that the money is not the same. In most businesses, the norm is the longer you have been working the more money you make. But in the modeling business, the longer you work the less money you make, except for a chosen few.

Most models who are in their 60's didn't just decide to become a model. Most likely they have been working in the business for 30 to 50 years. It's harder to model when you are older. As I said before, most models in the older age group have been doing this for years. Plus, you are competing with actors and actresses who have been trying to make it for years. And the client will say, "Why book someone new when there are others that have been working for 10 to 20 years."

I am not saying you can't model. There are always exceptions to the rule, and you will may even make some money.

A classic car has value, but a classic model can practically make a living.

I hope you find this advice helpful and not too harsh, Minsun. Best of luck.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

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

Read More

Ask Joey: Making Models Feel Comfortable On Location

What's happening!

I want to say thank you to Christopher Gregson, who was the second person to post a question on my profile.

His question was, "What is your advice for making models feel comfortable on location and in the studio? Do you have any tips to help them to loosen up a bit and capture them when they're most confident and relaxed?"

The key to making anyone relaxed it to talk to them. It's just a matter of taking the time to chat.

I know that seems like a no-brainer, but not enough people take the time to do this.

I would advise you to get to your set early so that, when your talent arrives, you are the first to greet them. Walk them through the set and introduce them to the crew. That way, everyone knows one another.

Keep in mind that your set is only going to be as friendly as you make it.

While your model is getting ready, talk to them. If you are doing a location shoot, then you should take them out to dinner or grab a drink with them the night before. Talk to them about the job: what the purpose of the shoot is, what the props are, and what the story is. Get to know what they are interested in, their background, their quirks, and their personality. This helps so that, when you are shooting, you already know what motivates your model and you can talk to them more openly.

As the photographer, you are the director; your job is to run the shoot and tell a story in your photos. To do this right, you need the model to trust you so they will convey the desired emotions.

By getting to know your model, you bring life to the shoot.

I hope you find this advice helpful, Christopher, and best of luck with your career as a photographer.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

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

Read More