Criticism will happen

As more and more of you will start going to agencies, it is important to understand that agents will most likely provide you with some constructive criticism and advice.  It's important to really take all of this in and actually follow their advice.  Remember - in this business, the competition is extreme.  You need to constantly stay in the game and be the best that you can be in hopes of standing out and landing that big gig.  Agents are there to help you - they know what they're doing, what they want and how to market you.  So take their advice and actually use it.  There's no point of getting mad or not taking criticism.  You want to improve your modeling career, not keep it stagnant.

JAFFET
I am currently looking for representation and plan on making modeling my career if I can.  What do you think of my look?  I am currently planning a trip down to LA.  I have a couple of meetings with some agencies, but I wanted to ask you, how should I prepare and what should I expect when I go to see these agencies?  I have experience in runway, print and commercial modeling but only here in Las Vegas.  My passion is runway.  Do you think I meet the requirements for the agencies in LA?  In terms of my portfolio, what can I improve on and what other photos do I need?  Any advice would be appreciated.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

 

 I believe your look is right for LA.  Your book definitely needs work though.  But that can wait until you find an agent and they should be able to tell you what type of pictures you need for them to best represent you.  They are the ones that know what sells and how to market you.  Who is your agent in Las Vegas?  Do they have an LA branch or can they set up meetings with agents in LA?  It's to their benefit because they will make a mother agency commission on your work.  If after you meet a few agents and they turn you down, then you have no choice but to revamp your book on your own.  Just get in to see them and it should all fall into place.  

ELIZABETH POLANCO
I would like for your opinion on how I can improve my portfolio and where would be the best place to go in order to get noticed and network more with legit people in the entertainment industry. 

 

You live in the largest market in the world for modeling, TV and film - New York City!  You have to get out there and make meetings with agents and managers.  Test with new photographers.  You can find some on MWN.  You have a good look for commercial modeling - get a commercial agent and take an acting class to compete with everyone else.  NYC is the Big Apple.  People in the business would kill to have the opportunity to live and work there.  Take advantage of it!  You will need better pictures though - but meet with agents and ask what they feel you need to have in your book.

LOREMARI MOHR
When you have the time, please go over my portfolio on here and let me know what you think.  Any advice and criticism would be great.  A while ago, I applied to the Ford Models site and nothing happened.  I plan to reapply in hopes to get into Ford.  I really have not done much but seen a few photographers.  I'm just slowly learning but I hope you have great advice to help me out!  I would love to go further than where I am now.

 

For Ford fashion modeling you do not fit the height requirements.  You must be at least 5'9".  You are a commercial model.  You need acting skills to be able to compete with the massive amount of commercial models.  Also, get off the beach and put some clothes on.  You can be sexy in a business suit.  Go see commercial agents and work with people on MWN to get some new photos.  See the commercial department at Ford, not fashion.  

JACQUELINE J
I would love for you to take a look at my portfolio and tell me what I need to improve on!  I want to get it right and getting advice from you is an honor!  

 

You only have one head shot.  You need to work on a portfolio that people can actually look at.  You need a variety of photos for modeling.  You might be too short for most fashion agencies.  If you're serious you really need more photos.  One is not going to get you anywhere.  The competition out there is harsh - do anything you can to keep up.

RACHEL ELIZABETH
If you have a moment to review my portfolio, I would be interested to know what you think.

 

You have a commercial look.  Look at the market you live in.  Is there enough work?  You may need to move to a bigger city.  It seems you have a good job and you do have a family.  Maybe you should just enjoy modeling as a hobby and just as something to make extra money.  It just really depends on how serious you are about your modeling career.  

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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Mrs. Mark Zuckerberg's Wedding Dress

Priscilla Chan, who married Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg over the weekend, wore a dress designed by Claire Pettibone.  The ivory laser-cut floral dress was adorned with matte sequins and lined in silk.  The dress retails for $4,700 and is available HERE.  Pettibone, a Los Angeles designer, had no idea Chan was wearing her wedding dress, claiming she must have bought it under a different name.

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More from Kristen Stewart's Elle Shoot

If you haven't seen Kristen Stewart's editorial in Elle magazine, you should definitely check it out.  Her androgynous photos turned out amazing.  Here are more behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot!

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The All Around Male Model

I can't stress enough how different a male model is from a female one.  The male model must be really versatile.  You need to have different type of photos in your portfolio in order to be the "all around guy" that agencies are looking for.  Successful male models are a rarity - most of you will fit into the commercial print category.  This means your photos should show you in normal casual clothes, suit and tie outfits and some athletic ones.  Remember, a male model has to be able to do it all in order to make any money.  Take some acting classes and compete for those commercial gigs.  If you make it as a male model, then you've truly made it.     

JC NASH
Please review my photos and bio.  Let me know your thoughts and what your professional eye sees regarding look and what I'd best be suited for.  Your time is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

 

I think you have a good look for TV and commercials.  You have the right sizes for fashion but not the right look that is selling today.  Also, if you want to pursue the fashion part you need to test in suits and ties much more.  I think you should definitely push the TV and commercial print area though - go see commercial agents.

CHRISTOPHER SPEARS
I was wondering when and where does air brushing photos enter into the photo submission realm?  In 2011, I saw a lot of perfect and flawless pictures of models on MWN but I wouldn't know an air brushed or re-touched image if I saw one.  How can an agency tell the difference?

 

Honestly, they really can't tell unless they see you in person.  That why if you get the call, you better look like your pictures.  Otherwise they'll kick you out faster than you came in.  So the  bottom line is to not airbrush your photos because it's embarrassing for you and a waste of time for both parties.  I think your photos look good, but I would suggest smiling a little more.  

DANNY BEAUCHAMP
If you could take a look at my pictures and give me an honest review of what you think.  Do you think I could do print modeling?  I am always looking to work and network with passionate people like yourself.

 

You are a little short for fashion but you have a really nice look.  Get some fashion photos in your portfolio.  It's worth taking a shot for both fashion and commercial agent.  If you have a background in acting, it gives you an edge for commercial print.  Overall, you have a great look so go out there and give it a try!

JOHN SUAZO
I get a great deal of offers from photographers who want to do TFP shoots.  I will accept them if I feel I need their particular style or concept for my port.  Maybe you can tell me if I'm missing anything or can advise me in any way that would round out my profile and make me more desirable for magazines and print agencies.

 

You have an interesting look but it's only one type of look.  Body shots will limit you in this market.  And you're a little too short for fashion but not for TV and commercial print.  Put on a suit and tie - you can't limit yourself to one look; you have to do it all as a male model to make any money.  Especially in this business - it's very important to be versatile!

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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The Instagram Camera

 Would you buy this?  This is just a mock-up from ADR Studio, but I think it looks pretty cool!  We are definitely in need of a modern Polaroid camera and Instagram be perfect for it.  What do you think?  Would you buy this?

 

 

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FashionGrunge: Boys N Girls

We love the editorials on FashionGrunge.  Check out a behind-the-scenes video from their latest one - Happy 10th Video FashionGrunge!  Love your stuff!

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Agency Spotlight: Industry Model Group

Industry Models is a boutique-by-design, New York styled agency, based in Los Angeles.  In maintaining a very select clientele, Industry Models is able to better concentrate efforts on a much higher, personalized level of service and offer family-styled attention. Interested in and concerned with all aspects of a model's career, Industry is a management-minded agency who never loses sight of the big picture.  It has the unique advantage of accessing the highest caliber of fashion and advertising clients in the world - with the ability to call on already existing, strong relationships within the working community.

   

Owned by Federico Pignatelli, Industry Models is an Art & Fashion Group company, one in a stable of enterprises which includes Pier 59 Studios, Pier 59 Studios West and AFG Management.

Pier 59 Studios West, located in Santa Monica's creative hub of Bergamot Station, is home to Industry Models and a burgeoning commercials division, Industry Talent. With no other photography studio as technologically advanced or as glamorous as Pier 59 in Los Angeles, Industry has been attracting a diverse range of A-list clientele.

Website:  www.industrymodelgroup.com
Telephone:  310-691-7900
Email:  tricia@industrymodelgroup.com / francis@industrymodelgroup.com

            

 

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Stay true to yourself in the fashion industry

The first question this week is a very important one.  If you do not feel comfortable doing something in the modeling industry (i.e. nude photos), then don't do them!  A lot of you may think it's a "requirement" for high fashion, but really, it is not.  Yes, nudity can be artistic and beautiful, but if you don't want to do it, then please don't.  It's important to stay true to your values and beliefs in this industry.  One, it makes you who you are and unique.  But also, it's easy to get caught up in this crazy world, so hold onto yourself as much as you can.  Sometimes agencies admire when you stand up for what you believe in.  So the tip of the week is to stay true to yourself!  It is not worth losing who you are. 

OLESIA
Hi there Joey, I would like for your opinion on my look.  I have some job offers for some fashion shoots but some of the things they're requiring are things that I think are inappropriate.  I am not a fan of shooting nudes and I know many fashion campaigns want nudity and sexuality.  I love fashion and would love to work in fashion but with a more classy and professional approach.  I am also just a bit below the 5'9" requirement so I feel more pressure to have to take risks I am not entirely comfortable with in order to further my modeling career.  What is your advice for young ladies who dream of making it big in this industry and keeping it classy at the same time?

 

It's very important to remember to be true to yourself.  If nudity is not for you then don't do it.  I believe it will always come back to haunt you so be prepared to say no often.  Unfortunately, you're not a fashion model because of your height.  But you are very beautiful - so definitely pursue the commercial route.  Work on your book more and take more photos.  Good luck!

LINDSIE KAY
I am an aspiring model with little experience.  I have done print modeling for Dayton's Today magazine and taken courses at Caryn International here in Minnesota at a young age.  Is there a time limit to what should be on my resume?  My experience is from when I was 5-9 years old and I am now 22!  I would like to get some things started for myself but don't know where to begin.  I have some comp cards with updated photos on them.  Should I start sending them out to agencies in my area?  I am also a full time student and work a full time job.  I have the energy and motivation to get started in a modeling career, but as of now, time does not always permit.  Please send any advice you have my way!

 

You need to forget the past.  Start fresh!  This means new pictures, a new resume, a new agent - you have to make time if it's what you want.  Also, you have a commercial look.  Take some acting classes and work with a theater company at school if you want so that you will be audition-ready.  

TONIA CASCIO
I would love to get any advice you have for me on furthering my career.  I am signed with an agency but they have not sent me on any castings in over 3 months!  I've even emailed my agent reminding her about me.  I am going to try to look for a new agency soon.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

 

Considering your height, you're too short for fashion modeling but you seem to pull it off.  I would definitely look for different agents.  Something is wrong if they aren't sending you to go-sees.  Have face-to-face contact with them and them to be honest with you because it's a waste of your time.  It sounds like you are a professional - so get treated like one!  The right agent will be willing to work with you.  Keep your head in the game!

MCKENNA
Thank you for the add and for offering advice to me.  My mom signed me with an agency when I was only 6 weeks old and since then I have been signed.  I just recently decided to get back into modeling after taking the last 3 years off and it's been hard getting back into the industry.  Any suggestions for me?

 

You have a great commercial look and there are plenty of agents in your area.  I'm sure they would love to represent you.  Go see your old agent and see if they can offer you any advice - maybe they'll even sign you again. Check our ModelWire Directory for agents in your area.  Don't let that look of yours go to waste!  You have great potential!

ABIGAIL B.
I would very much appreciate any feedback you can provide on my portfolio.  Thanks so much! 

 

I think you have way too many 'sexy' photos.  If you're serious about your career, you need to put some clothes on!  You are definitely a commercial model - take more photos.  Commercial agents look for everyday type photos (usually that involve clothes).  Start working with photographers on MWN and get more test photos.  Once you've done that, you can bring your updated portfolio to agents in Miami (there are plenty of them!).

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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Meet our Featured Members for May 2012

Our numbers are quickly growing, members are finding more success and in the next couple of months, ModelWire Network has a HUGE announcement to make.  In the meantime, please check out our Featured Members for May.  We bring you some of our favorite members who we're sure are going to take the fashion industry by storm!  If you would like to be featured or have any great story ideas, don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  Have a great May!

Model of the Month:  Kara Gibson

 

Why modeling?

I enjoy expressing myself through movement and energy.  Modeling is as much story telling as acting and I enjoy both very much.

Who is your favorite model of all time?

My favorite model of all time is Kate Moss.  I love that she doesn't meet all of the standard requirements of a model (i.e. her height), but for what she lacks she makes up for in her strengths.

What inspires you?

Music inspires me.  If there wasn't music I'd have nothing to live to (as opposed to dance to).

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

I look for hot girls when selecting a photographer.  I would rather be the weakest girl they've got to shoot with.  That way, I'm assured that I'm putting myself in a pool of women that make me look better.  I never want to be the best one in the room, because when I'm not I'm not, I'm not improving my career.

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?  

  My most embarrassing moment professionally would be being too awesome...c'mon guys, please - you think I'm going to have industry professionals read that?!

Photographer of the Month:  Jeff Pearson

 

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by everything.

Why photography?

In this age of information and misinformation, I have never felt the single image to be more important.  In an instant, you can convey a whole philosophy.  I also like the idea of taking a moment that's gone and turning it into something that you can hold in your hands.  Photography has a unique mystery about it that I can't desribe.  I just love it!

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

When looking for a model, I hope to find someone who's a bit sophisticated on his or her own.  It's hard to direct simple people.  I've had beautiful models who, when I took their picture, looked horrible.  Then I had someone who at first sight was not that nice to look at, but when we turned up the music and began shooting, they blossomed into this gift that's been put in front of me.  But that person has to really want to do what it is they're doing and know how to lose themselves.  Otherwise, it just looks amateur. 

What genre does your work focus on?

Personally, I like to make high contrasted images that show some sort of occurrence as opposed to static images where nothing is happening.  Even more so I'm drawn to building sets and I look forward to the day that I can work with a great art director.  In the beginning I used to think I would become a photojournalist.  I loved to travel and document what I saw but then the appeal to twist reality started to grow.  It started when I began putting friends in weird scenarios then shooting it.  The first of which was when I took my boss and his wife out to Ocean Beach in San Francisco, painted her red and glued goat horns to her forehead.  Then I put him in a tuxedo, drenched an old door in kerosene and lit it on fire in the background.  That was fun.  Currently I'm focusing on excluding all elements from the image and just focusing on the model to see if I can tell the same type of story with as little as possible.

Wardrobe Stylist of the Month:  Tim Barron

 

Why wardrobe stylist?

It's something I fell into.  I was always captivated by fashion and style.  It started with an internship in LA about 3 years ago when I was 16 year old.  Although it was only for a couple of months, I learned quite a bit.  So I decided to pursue it.

What inspires you?

Mostly literature or films.  I enjoy grasping trends and somehow revolving them around the story.

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

The photographer and I will look at all the agency boards - we look for the model that fits the story, the season and the clothes.  I look at the posture, personality and poise of a model in their previous photographs.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

An editorial I did for Dress Code Russia that was focused around San Francisco with photographer Olga Lacosta.

What is your personal style?

It depends on my mood, but most of the time I wear a fitted button-up, skinny pants/trousers, a coat or long vest.  If I'm feeling casual, an over sized t-shirt with skinny pants will do. 

Makeup Artist of the Month:  Alex LaMarsh

 

Why makeup artist?

I naturally fell into it after modeling.  It just seemed natural.  Photographers who I tested with liked the makeup I did on myself and started asking me to do makeup on other models.  By the time I quit modeling, I had built a portfolio.

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time?

Kevin Aucoin

What inspires you?

Color, personalities, music, imagery.

What product can you not live without?

My face primers.  June d'age serum, OC Eight for t-zone, Estee Lauder's illuminators for face and eyes and Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional.

What is your favorite project you have work on?

I adore working with Benefit Cosmetics.  I recently did hair and makeup on their book "Raising Eyebrows" and created the looks for their kits for the movie Snow White and the Huntsman.

Hair Stylist of the Month:  Brittney Yabs

 

What product can you not live without? 

I can't live without Pure Abundance Hair Potion by AVEDA.  It thickens the roots up to 17% to create volume.  The bigger the hair, the better.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is definitely more on the "edgy" side.  In my closet you will find a lot of leather, black, studded, lace, cheetah print and Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

What genre does your work focus on?

Editorial and avant garde.

 Why hairstyling?

Doing hair is my passion.  I am definitely a visual artist.  I love to see what I am creating as I am doing it.  I design most of my work from scratch.  There is always something new to learn in the industry and something to teach.  I love the beauty and art behind it.  It never gets boring.

What is your favorite band of all time?

I am currently tied between two bands:  Memphis May Fire and Search the City. 

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