Sorry for my lapse in blogging last week.
I was at IMTA in Los Angeles all week long.
Before I dive into my week at IMTA, I wanted to clarify some things. I love helping people and giving advice to earnest folk; that is why I have this blog.
It has come to my attention that I may have hurt users' feelings with some advice that I provided. My intentions are to be straightforward and give everyone the advice they need. It may seem harsh, but I am not a sugar-coater. If you ask me a question, I am going to answer it and post it on my blog unless you specify you do not wish for it to be published. Know that you can also opt to specify that you want your name to be 'anonymous'. I value people's needs and feelings. I also value people's careers and if that means being 'harsh', then I would rather do that than to have anyone brutally sabotage themselves in this business.
Ok - my week at IMTA!
International Modeling & Talent Association is the only place that attracts the most agents, managers, producers, and other legit industry professionals who are actually looking for new talent.
In more specific terms, IMTA is a convention that produces a week of modeling, acting, singing and dancing competitions in New York and Los Angeles where top industry professionals judge and search for new talent.
If you are new to the business and have talent, then it is a great place to get in the know. If you are interested in IMTA, go to their website: www.imta.com
I participate at every IMTA event. They hold one in Los Angeles and then 6 months later, they have one in New York, which is easier for me since I live in New York.
I pretty much do a more personal "Ask Joey" thing there. I run seminars where I go over the modeling business for kids who are just starting out. I not only talk to the kids, but also their parents, who are normally more confused about the following:
- Modeling contracts
- How agencies do business
- How accommodating an agency is (regarding travel and expenses)
- In & Outs of modeling
- Everyday life of a model
- The Modeling Business as a business
Additionally, I schmooze with the agents who are on parent site, ModelWire. What was most exciting was the fact that I had a ModelWire Network booth at IMTA!
Not sure if you all know this, but here at ModelWire Network, we are gearing up to open the site to 13-17 year olds. This is currently in development, but if you know of any young models, then you should tell them to sign up for our mailing list located on our homepage. MWN is going to be a safe and secure site for the young professionals, who are just starting out.
Here are some of my photos from IMTA:
This was our booth. Love the shag carpet!
IMTA's Main Ballroom used for all runway competitions.
One of the many runway competitions; I believe it was formalwear.
In between running the ModelWire Network booth, speaking at different seminars, and following up with agents, I decided to take my blog to the next level and film "Ask Joey." I had 5 kids who all had questions regarding the industry, such as differentiating between the responsibilities of managers and agents and how to succeed in the business.
A "Behind the scenes" photo of our set-up.
Here is my first questionnaire, Jazmyn, who is 11 years old
My fourth questionnaire had so many questions that she had to write them down! (Notice the fancy camera, a HD flip video! Man, how times have changed... for the better!)
I had a pleasure answering all of their questions and I hope you find them helpful as well. Next week, I will be posting the video with all five questions and answers, but for now, you will just have to deal with the photos. If you want to see more photos from IMTA, check out ModelWire Network's Facebook page.
In the meantime…
Have a successful day!
What's happening!
Hope everyone's holidays were full of happiness.
Mine was great, besides being snowed in for a day…
Though, I can't think of a better place to be snowed in besides New York City. People are cross country skiing in the streets and in Central City. Nothing is moving, nobody is working, it's truly a winter wonderland.
Back to business.
I'm moving to New York next year in March. When I go there, should I look for an agency then or will it be best to email them beforehand? I found it harder to email agencies because they can't meet you in person and see how you really are.
If you are definitely moving to New York in March, then I would work as much as you can on your portfolio, so when you get to New York, you have something great to work with. Like I said to you earlier in my blog from 12/1/10, you have a good look but you need some more formal shots.
You are right - emails get sent to trash, just as photos used to get thrown in the garbage.
As soon as you get to New York, get on the phone and start calling the agencies. Try to schedule an appointment with them, so they can see you in person. You should also find out when and what agencies are having open calls and go to all of them. As I stated before, don't get hooked up on the top fashion agencies - you are starting your career, so start where you can.
I would like to know if you have any tips or me. I want to model ... even internationally (Greece, etc.) and I would like to know how to go about that. Also, when is it time for a female to stop trying ... age, height? The kind of photography that I would like to do is erotic and fashion. I have been told by some well known photographers that I have 'it' I just need to lose more weight and tone. The pictures on here are my most current. Anything that can help me achieve my lifelong dream will most make me the happiest girl on earth.
I agree you, have to tone up. If you love modeling, then make yourself the priority. Get to know your strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, be realistic.
Height wise, fashion is not in the cards for you.
And I would never suggest anyone go into erotic photography…
If you want to be a working model, then you seriously need to improve your portfolio. I am assuming your book is mostly erotic. You need to take some "slice of life" photos. Start focusing on commercial print.
I have been told by many that I would make a great model due to the fact that the camera is kind to me; however, I am fully grown and I am only 5'10." Most male models are over 6 feet. Should I even bother?
You are correct - most male models are 6 foot or taller. At 5'10", you would be classified as a commercial print model.
I wouldn't advise you to give up modeling if you love it. Go for it, just be realistic. You are not going to be a high fashion model, but you can be a print model. To better help yourself in the world of commercial print, I would recommend you to take some acting classes.
Why would some agencies choose to focus on editorial assignments over commercial? Don't commercial bookings pay more money? Some agencies are exclusively editorial, unless they are only depending on their models getting huge contracts.
2nd question: I have had several US agencies sign me (or ask me to sign) including one in Asia. My question is, can one spread himself too thin? Does having no Mother Agency and several agencies scattered all over ultimately work against a model or it is a good thing?
Most agencies do, in fact, look for editorial models, so they can do both sides of modeling. (One can't live on editorial work alone.) However, most agencies are not editorial exclusively. If an agency gave you that excuse, then they were kindly brushing you off.
As for your second question, why are you asking this? If you have agencies wanting to sign you, then what are you waiting for? If they are legit agencies, then sign! Don't you know how hard it is to get work?
You are not spreading yourself too thin. It is better to have different agencies in different markets in different cities. That only means more work. At your age, you should not be picky.
My problem in Paris. I have no good connections and no good agencies to represent me. They don't give serious opportunity to black and mix models like me; if you have a contact to push me, I would be really happy. My second question is if you have a good connection in New York. I would like to try the American market. I think I have something to make in modeling industry!!!
Let me know what you can do for me !!!
My sizes are 35. 25. 34 (89. 63. 87) and I'm 5.9 (175)
I am shocked to hear you are having a hard time in Paris. You have an impressive book and look.
My first question would be, who have you seen? Paris is the modeling capital of Europe. I find it hard to believe that you can't find anyone to represent you. Have you called them to make an appointment to so you can make them?
If you have been doing this and still don't have an agent, then I wonder what you are doing wrong. Maybe your book is more impressive than you are in person. Find out what you are doing wrong and change it.
As for New York, if you can't find representation in Paris, then you are not going to find one in New York.
In the meantime…
Have a successful day!
