You have an agent, now what?

I know it's tough to find an agent, but once you do, you can't just sit back and let them do all the work. You have to motivate them. Call and go visit your booker - take them to lunch, have them get to know you and let them know what you want. Get a go-see list and promote yourself. An agent is just the start. Otherwise, it's up to you. Check out the ModelWire Directory for a list of agents you can contact. You absolutely cannot be lazy in this industry, especially with the competition. Make yourself stand out and work hard.

BIANCA V.
I've been with my agency now for 3 months and they have only booked me one gig. They claim that they like my look but they aren't getting me any work and it's very frustrating. Do you think I should stick it out or move on to a new agency? Do you think I will be able to find another agency considering my height (I'm 5'6")?

I would give it more time.  I suggest asking for a list of clients that you can stop by and drop off your portfolio.  Get active and aggressive!  You have to remember that agencies usually have many clients that they have to work with - they can't do it all.  Successful models are the ones who make their own breaks.  Don't just wait on the sidelines, go out there and make something happen.

KIMBRA
How often should you contact your agent just to keep in touch so they remember you?  I am signed with Wilhelmina of PA and live in West Virginia so I can't just drop in and I don't want to contact them too often that I would be a pest!  I know there is probably not that much demand for an older, commercial model, but I don't want to get lost in the shuffle. 
 

If they signed you, then they expect you to call.  I would call twice a week - Mondays and Wednesdays.  You know the expression - out of sight, out of mind.  The working relationship works both ways.  If they don't hear from you, they will forget about you.  Don't worry about being a pest - you need to stand out and remind them that you're there.  Stay on it!

RACHEL T.
As former president of Ford Models, do you think I have any chance of having a career in modeling?  My height seems to be an issue - even for beauty and hair modeling which is what I'm most interested in.  I'll have many new photos to post shortly but the ones already up should give you some idea.  Can you recommend any commercial agencies (or agencies in general) that I should apply to, who would potentially accept my height?  I've obviously tried Ford despite the height restriction and not surprisingly, I haven't heard back.  I have an agency here in D.C. representing me but I don't get much work through them - 2 gigs totaling $380 which doesn't even cover the cost of printing the photos in my portfolio and getting comp cards!

You have a very commercial look, so forget fashion and beauty.  You live in a small market and you have an agent.  You're doing a lot better than other models.  Push your agent to promote you more.  Your only other choice is to move to a major market with triple the competition.  You would need an acting background to compete - so take some acting classes if you want to stand out.   

Ladies and Gentlemen, this will be the last Ask Joey post of 2011!  I wish you a great holiday season - see you next year!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!
JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

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Closet Staples : The Statement Necklace

It's no secret that I'm a fan of any form of jewelry that's chunky and bold. The statement necklace is the ultimate piece for any serious fashionista(o) to have in his or her closet. Whether you're pairing it with a sheer, slouchy tee and your fave jeans or an evening ensemble for a little extra pop, it's absolutely necessary and appropriate. Don't be afraid, add a little neck bling or ornamentation: it's all for the statement and the love of the art.

Pics via The Sartorialist 

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Agencies aren't just for Fashion models

As most of you know, I used to be the President of Ford Models years ago and started my fashion career the same way most of you are - through acting and modeling.  I get a ton of questions about Ford and how to get represented by them.  Although Ford is most noted for their fashion, they do offer several other divisions and they represent many different types of models.  The same goes with other big agencies.  Make sure when you set up a meeting it's with the right division so you have a fair shot.  Most agents have tunnel vision and can't see someone who may be right for another division.  Make sure to do your homework to make things easier for yourself and an agent!

OLIVIA MORGAN PRICE
You are the former president of the agency I've been dreaming of signing with since I was a little girl! I'm trying to decide which photos I should bring and which to leave out of the portfolio I'll be presenting to them, as my opinion is biased. Could you help me understand exactly what they're searching for? I'd be incredibly grateful!

I love your pictures and your look.  You are very commercial - there is definitely a place for you at Ford, but not in their Fashion division.  They have a commercial print part of the agency which you should look into.  As far as your photos go, I would just axe the topless ones.

ALYSHA BAYER
As the former president of Ford Models, I was wondering if you could take a look at my portfolio here on ModelWire Network and tell me what I am missing or could work on to push myself as a model.  I have been modeling since I have been a child for Wilhelmina Models, but took a break and was modeling as a hobby when I went to college.  I recently got back into the business once I got my degree and am really looking forward to pushing myself to get back into the business.  

As I said above, I love the pictures and the look.  Definitely bring your whole portfolio to provide more options and looks for agents to look at.  You're ready to go back to Wilhelmina and then to Ford.  You have the height requirements - make those appointments ASAP!  Good luck!

UB MATTHEWS
Your wealth of experience is very inspirational! Looking at my profile, which genre/type of modeling would I most be suited for?

You definitely look like the commercial type to me - I would even say to try Fitness or Sports modeling.  There are agencies that specialize in that type of work.  In my opinion, you have too many body shot pictures in your book - take them out.

BERNADETTE

Thank you for the friend request.  You are the most educated of anyone I've been in contact with since I entered into modeling (and acting).  I was wondering if I could have your personal opinion.  I love modeling and I know I have my own look  - what city or country should I concentrate on sending my photos to?  I have some high fashion shoot photos coming that I really rocked - and I'm ready to break out and do commercial fashion print modeling.  I am super driven and going all the way to be successful.  Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and thank you a million times over for your advice and guidance!

Commercial print with some fashion is what you should be looking for.  You live in Maine - I would try to focus on Boston.  I has a very busy TV and commercial print market.  If it goes well there, you can take New York.  As far as what country to focus on - definitely the USA.  You will have an easier time getting work here than any other place. 

CARYN M. CUETO

I just started modeling 2 months ago and have gained a lot of attention rather quickly from photographers and agencies (but I'm not sure which ones are good).  I'm currently seeking representation I'm comfortable with, but I'm not sure how to go about doing so.  This is all very new to me!  I'm impressed by your bio and am intrested in hearing any advice.  If you would kindly respond with anything regarding your experience, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

I love your look! It's hard to offer any advice because I don't know which agencies want you.  You live in NYC - go with the one you are comfortable with - you'll know the moment you talk to them.  Remember to always go with comfort, not just a name.  You're in the right place, just go for it!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!
JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me? Ask away on my ModelWire Network profile
http://www.modelwirenetwork.com/joeyhunter

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The ModelWire Network Collaboration Project

It all started with an email.

MWN Member and Wardrobe Stylist Sallie LeBlanc messaged us saying she was flying into LA and wanted to work on a ModelWire Network photo shoot while she was here.  This spawned the idea of starting MWN Collaboration projects - where each participant is a member on MWN.  This means a photographer, a wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, hairstylist and models all from the site working together towards a common goal - something beneficial for everyone involved.  Everyone gets to build their portfolios, build new working relationships and overall reach for their personal fashion goals.

The idea of the ModelWire Network Collaboration Project is essentially the core of why MWN exists.  We wanted to create a site where everyone in the fashion community can come in, meet others who have the same interests, work with them and succeed in fulfilling their goals.  Although MWN produced the photo shoot, everyone else involved donated their time, kits, equipment, talent, etc. - all for the greater good.  And it shows - all of the photos featured on our homepage is from the shoot.

We would like to thank everyone involved:  Photographer Fitz Carlile, Makeup Artist Dari A. So, Hair Stylist David Harrington, Wardrobe Stylist Sallie LeBlanc, Jewelry by Jenny Dayco and Models David Namminga, Parker York Smith, Michaela Rances and Stacey Woods.

 And a big thank you to Salvage LA for letting us use their location.  The photos turned out beautiful and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout!  We hope this first collaboration project will spawn others and encourage members from the site to work together and really get out there and work!  We plan on launching another collaboration project contest in the future, so make sure to stay tuned for information on how to get involved.

 

SUBMIT YOUR OWN COLLABORATIONS TO US!

  

Due to the overwhelming response and success of our collaboration project, we've decided to continue featuring collaborations on our homepage - we are now taking submissions for YOUR collaborations.  Participating is simple! 

- Get together with at least 2 other members from the site (3 or more members total).

- Collaborate on a photo shoot (Photographers, Models, Makeup Artists, Fashion Designers, Hair Stylists, etc.).

- Submit your photos to Featured@modelwirenetwork.com.  Don't forget to provide us with everyone involved with the shoot.

 

If your collaboration gets chosen, we'll see you on the Homepage!

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Dimepiece Designs

Photo Courtesy of www.missomnimedia.com

DimePiece Designs, created in 2007 by designers Ashley Jones and Laura Fama, was created to express and embody female empowerment.  The definition of "Dimepiece" may be seen as quite ironic as it means a girl who is the "perfect 10."  Jones and Fama wanted to use the perception of a "Dimepiece" as something to be proud of.

For their latest collection, DimePiece came to ModelWire Network to cast models for their launch party.  Their latest work, The Drug & The Dream Collection is set to kick off in Spring 2012.  Escapism is the theme - sometimes no matter the means of escape, creativity is shown when one tries to get away.  The Drug & The Dream explores this concept with psychedelic imagery, colorful designs and DimePiece's signature tongue-in-cheek graphics and slogans.  We spoke with co-owner Ashley Jones more about the collection.

Tell us about yourself and how you started DimePiece.

DimePiece was created in 2007.  Our intention was to carve a niche in the fashion universe and create garments for the female empowerment.  Subsequent fashion degrees and years of experience within LA's thriving urban contemporary industry reconfirmed that we had stumbled upon a unique aesthetic and feisty attitude.  A recurring theme of women and power and how the two interconnect can be seen each season.  Now in our 11th season, we are adding another solid installment to DimePiece.  DimePiece remains a brand that is one-hundred percent independent and domestically made in Los Angeles.  There is a value to this that we hope our consumers and retailers do not forget or overlook.  There is a stronger statement made here; there is more time, more effort and muscle put forth with this method of creation.  We appreciate your continuous support!

What's the inspiration behind DimePiece?

We're inspired by art, international fashion, vintage fashion magazines, sub culture, pop culture, sex, powerful women, things that aren't so politically correct and Los Angeles, especially.  There's so much culture we're immersed in here - there's always something to be inspired by.

Tell us about the event you just threw (The Drug & The Dream Launch).

The Drug & The Dream.  I'd say it's the most amusing and lively collection we've had thus far, as we are both naturally drawn to a darker palette and black black black.  This season in essence, is like Lisa Frank on a bad acid trip.  We did an amazing event where we invited industry professionals to preview our collection on a 40-foot long hippie bus with model wearing our collection inside.  It was quite a night.

What do you have in store for the future?

Expansion on a major level.

Who are some of your favorite designers/style icons?

There are so many.  Alexander McQueen, Jean Charles De Castelbajac, Vivienne Westwood, Thierry Mugler, Rick Owens, Asish, Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo, etc.  I love designers who took unfavored risks in their designs in the infancy of their careers and eventually came to be embraces and admired their unique style and vision.

DimePiece Presents: The Drug & the Dream Spring 2012 Launch & Exhibition from Dimepiece Designs on Vimeo.

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The Future of Fashion

College Fashionista, a fashion blog site for the latest college fashion styles and trends on campuses around the world.  Founder Amy Levin founded the site on the concept of street fashion and wanted to capture what students all over the world were wearing.  It's easy to understand that different regions will bring different fashion trends, and this site proves to show the variety of fashion concepts.  Each campus brings on their own fashion guru who goes around and captures campus street fashion.  Levin says, "What makes college fashion so exciting is the unique perspectives that each person possesses.  The website features columns written by a variety of different people, with a spectrum of fashion views, all attending universities across the world." 

The Industry Wire spoke with Jamey Hastings, the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus fashionista about her role with College Fashionista and her views on the future of fashion.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jamey Hastings and I'm a Junior at University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Communications and International Studies.  I'm from a beach town in Los Angeles and have always had a passion for fashion.  Madison has people from the west coast, east coast and midwest and the styles blend to create a great fashion atmosphere.  I love fashion because it's art for the body and way of self-expression.  Since I'm not artistically gifted, I love being able to be creative through fashion.

What is College Fashionista?

CollegeFashionista is a website that shows the trends of college age students from hundreds of colleges.  You can go to your college and see what people are wearing, the hot trends and get great style advice!  It documents street fashion in a way that was never possible before social media and the popularity of blogs.

How did you get started with College Fashionista? 

One of my friends at Boston University wrote for it and told me I would be interested in it.  I checked it out and applied this summer knowing I would love writing and giving style advice for them!

What are you studying and what do you hope to do in the future?

I'm studying Communications and International Studies and my dream job would be working for NYLON Magazine!

What are some of your favorite fashion blogs?

CollegeFashionista of course!  Some others are lookbook.nu, Cupcakes and Cashmere, The Blonde Salad and The Sartorialist.

What are some of your must have items for the season?

A fur vest, colored denim, patterned nails and fun pea coats.

Who is your style icon?

Sienna Miller, Mary-Kate Olsen and Rachel Zoe. 

Who are your favorite designers?

Marc Jacobs and Jeffery Campbell.  I'm actually obsessed with Jeffery Campbell.  His designs are fresh and innovative.  He makes his shoes crazy yet stylish, which I love.  His shoes are the perfect addition to any outfit.

Where do you see fashion heading in the next year?

 I think fur vests will explode even more than they already are.  Also, an increase in wedge platform heels and longer dresses/skirts with asymmetric hems - personal favorite!

Follow Jamey Hastings on Twitter!

And check out her CollegeFashinista Profile here. 

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Meet Our Featured Members for December 2011

This year has gone by so fast!  ModelWire Network would like to thank our very supportive members - especially those who are active on the site.  We can't stress enough how important it is to update your portfolio, collaborate with others and to go out there and go for your fashion goals!  If you checked out our homepage recently, you will see that we've updated it a bit - this time we are featuring people from our first MWN collaboration project.  Everyone involved are members from the site and we all came together for an amazing photo shoot!  We encourage all of you to reach out to other members and do the same - collaborate, work and most importantly, have fun!  In the meantime, check out our featured members for December.  As usual, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach us at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  Have a safe holiday season!

Model of the Month:  Jordan Kimberly Popovich

Why modeling?

I chose modeling because when i was younger, Hannah Montana was my idol.  Yes, Miley Cyrus too, but I really loved the role of Hannah on the Disney show!  I wanted to be like her of course and because I do not have a voice like her, I still wanted to break into the industry and modeling came very natural to me.  I stuck with it because I wanted to create a name for myself and then once my name is well known and respected, I can partake in what I believe in and help others with a solid, trustworthy voice that people will listen to!  I am trying to change the industry a little at a time!

What inspires you?

I am inspired by public figures, whether political or entertainment, that choose to use their power to change how the government is taking over our country.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is actually very tomboy meets hippie.  On the regular days I do not work, I don't even wear makeup!  I also don't do anything to my hair.  I just let it dry naturally so it's really healthy.  I love LuLu Lemon pants of any kind - I have a minor addiction!

What genre does your work focus on?

My work right now is focusing on my personal portfolio.  So if there is something I don't have, I'm working to set up shoots so I can get every angle of every genre so that in the future I can more traveling!

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

My most embarrassing moment as a professional working in this industry is when I was doing a shoot in crazy cigarette heels and doing a kick so we could see the bottom of the shoe in the face frame.  I completely flew into the air and fell back hard on concrete - I was laughing and crying at the same time and my elbow was almost immediately swollen.  The photographer had to photoshop it down in some of the pics!

Photographer of the Month:  Ted Emmons 

Why photography?

There is no limit to photography or any type of art.  I can express myself any way I please without having to follow rules.

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

Michael Donovan

What inspires you?

The love of nature and the type of music I listen to can be seen in a lot of my work.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

I would have to say all my projects have been my favorite so far since I work with a lot of friends in the industry.

What genre does your work focus on?

I want to focus on Editorials because I love to use images to tell a story.

Wardrobe Stylist of the Month:  John Galang 

Who is your favorite wardrobe stylist of all time?

Hands down, Patricia Fields.  Her mixing of textures, patterns, colors and fabrication creates the drama and excitement to her craft.  The talent she brought on the set of The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, and Confessions of a Shopaholic are not only inspiring to the fashion business but also to the mass.

Why wardrobe stylist?

I eat fashion and I inhale fashion.  Yes, fashion is my drug.  It sounds cliche but every 5 minutes I think about fashion and it does not leave my system.  It gives me a way to express myself and be creative in my aesthetics.

What inspires you?

People, attitude, media, drama, culture and art inspire me the most.

What genre does your work focus on?

I love working on editorial shoots, coming up with an interesting concept and collaborating with a very strong team.  When I style, I tend to tell a story, study the demographic and ask myself questions.  Who is this person?  Where is this person going?  Why is this person in these clothes?

What is your personal style?

Easy, comfortable, attractive and with a punch of drama is my personal style.  I always ask myself "Do I want to blend in or stand out?".

Makeup Artist of the Month:  Heather Schnell

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time? 

Kevyn Aucoin

What inspires you?

European fashion.

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

Beautiful skin and not too many pictures that are overly retouched.

What product can you not live without?

MAKE UP FOR EVER Flash Color Palette.

What genre does your work focus on?

Beauty for editorial and advertising. 

Hairstylist of the Month:  Khiem Hoang (Umbrella Salon) 

Why hairstyling?

It provides the opportunity to create beautiful looks and work with amazing people.

Who is your favorite hairstylist of all time?

Oribe Canales.

What inspires you?

Our clients and the talented professionals in the fashion and beauty industries.

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

It usually depends on the assignment and type of shoot.  Normally I look at the look of the model - hair color, texture, length, etc.  Models do not have to be gods or goddesses, but models with unique features or looks are always a plus!  On shoots and other assignments, we look forward to the collaborative effort of the entire team working with us, like the photographer, cinematographer, makeup artist, designer and art director.

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

New Order.

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