Ask Joey: Personality is key!

Personality is key.  Especially when it comes to male models.  Because male models have to specific, you must have a good personality in order to stand out and compete with others.  Obviously, this needs to be apparent in your photos - if you have one look, you will not get the job.  It's as simple as that.  Try different looks.  Try smiling in some photos and not in others.  You need to give agents something to work with and if you stick to one look, they'll think you offer zero personality.  Set yourself apart from the rest of the competition and show off your personality!

ERIC L FINN
Hi Joey!  I was very impressed by your profile.  I have a question for you regarding agencies.  Some of my friends who model are signed with big agencies, small agencies, or they're not represented.  The debate was whether or not you make more money and get more work as a model signing with an agency or trying to pick up work not represented.  What is your opinion on this subject?

 

 Signing is definitely the way to go.  You have an agent looking out for you at all times.  Remember, agents only sign models that they feel can make them money, not to just put their picture on a wall.  Sign sign!  If you find the right agent, they'll be able to set you up with jobs and go-sees.  Make sure you keep in touch with agent as well, especially if they have a ton of clients.

DANTION
Where do you think I fit in?  I have tattoos covering my whole neck, am 6'2" but am really interested in modeling.

 

Because of your tattoos, it definitely limits you in the business.  Besides that, you have a great look but you only have one look in all of your photos.  You really need to start testing.  A great look and personality can come before not being the right sizes.  Work on your look and take more photos - 3 is surely not enough.

DAKOTA ADAN
Hey Joey, I would love to get some advice on how to move forward with my modeling career.  I have an agent in San Diego but the market is relatively small and I would like to get an agent in LA.  Most agencies take a look at me and say they love my look but are worried about my height.  I understand there is nothing I can do about my height, but if nothing else I know I could do print work with my look.  

 

You do have a nice look.  But they are right, you are too short for fashion.  Go the commercial route and look for a commercial agent.  You need to do TV and Commercial print, that's where it's at for you and there are more of them than fashion agents in LA.  Work on your reading and acting skills because all actors do TV and commercial print, so make sure you keep up with the competition.  Also, all of your looks are the same - try smiling in some photos!

COLTON REISWITZ
I have an agent in San Francisco and I've had some gigs here and there but I don't think they're right for me.  I'm currently trying to get to LA to find an agent.  What do you think of my look? 

 

You only have one look.  What it shows me is zero personality.  You have to work at it - take more photos.  You should only go to LA when you're ready and unfortunately, you are not.

LAVERNE WILLIAMS
I just wanted to know at this point, how to go about getting experience first.

 

You are starting a little late.  Which means, you definitely have to catch up and get more work.  You only have look in your photos - try different looks.  Fashion is definitely out of the question.  Your height and age limits you so you really need to start taking acting classes.  The way to get experience is to go out there and get work - but be aware of the competition.  Especially with acting and commercial modeling.  Stand out and show some personality!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

Read More

The Adidas Controversy

If you haven't heard, Adidas recently had an uproar over their Jeremy Scott "Shackle" sneakers that were going to be sold in August.  If you haven't seen the shoes, here they are:

 

People were claiming they were racist because they represented slavery and being "locked up."  Adidas fought back saying the designer (Scott) just has an "outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery."  Well it looks like all of the complaining paid off - they have decided to cancel plans of selling the shoe, stating "We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace."

But you're in luck!  You can buy these other "outrageous and unique" shoes from Jeremy Scott...

 

 

 

 

Read More

Become an expert, don't rush it!

Sometimes photographers think they can just jump into the industry.  Yes, that's proven true when you're a natural talent - but it's important to realize your strengths and weaknesses and work hard on them.  You can't become an expert over night.  Take your time and truly become the best because if you show up to agency and look like an amateur, it will be a waste of time for the agency and you.  Take your time, become an expert at what you do and always work on improving.  Trust me, it will show. 

MARTIN BROWN
Will you take a look at my book now?  It's updated from the last time you saw it.  I took your advice and narrowed down my focus!

 

I like it!  You have a style to your photos and everyone looks good.  I like the way the clothes look so it definitely works for fashion.  It definitely pays off to stick to a specific genre and perfect it.  Looks great!

ALLEN HENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
I love ModelWire Network, thank you for this.  I've aggressively tackled the "industry" for the past 17 months.  Goal one:  hone the skills, close the gap between myself and the guys that have been doing this for 10, 15 years as fast as possible.  I don't sleep much.  I'm testing the hell out of the agencies out here in LA, began submitting to the publications here at home and abroad.  I've put together a tip top set-up out here and a good team.  What next?  I need visibility and to be seen by the right people.  I'm confident I have a viable product here.  Set me straight!  And thank you for your time.

I love your pictures.  And the design of the shoots and the lighting show you definitely know what you're doing.  You need an agent now.  It looks like you're ready so go out there.  I would take a look at the ModelWire Directory and start collaborating with agencies in the area.  Your work is excellent - I don't think you'll have any trouble getting your foot in the right door.

ROBERT COOPER
I've seen your posts advising models on how to advance their careers and was wondering if you might have any suggestions for photographers.  My main interests have been beauty and fashion.  I've been testing for several agencies for awhile but seem to have hit the wall on progressing any further.  Thank you for any input you might have.

 

I think you need a lot more fashion shots.  All of your photos are beauty shots.  You hit the wall because you're not doing anything different.  Get out of there and be different - develop a style for yourself.  Also, you have to have more than 7 photos - put your best ones up.  They're good photos, but I would work on more fashion.

EAGLES NEST PHOTOGRAPHY
My name is Fred and I just got into Photography and am looking to build my portfolio.  I have shot a couple of models so far and trying to pick a variety of sizes and ethnic backgrounds.  I would like to get into the modeling photography field.  Can  you view my pictures I have and give some feedback?  Thank you!

 

You need better models!  Also, the pictures are very amateur.  If you want to do fashion photography, focus on that.  Work with an agency, but to be truthful, I don't see that happening.  You need to put a lot more time and effort into your work.  

 In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

Read More

Meet Our Featured Members of the Month!

Happy Summer!  Check out our Featured Members of the Month for June 2012!  We have a talented group of people in the fashion industry here - don't forget to share them with your friends.  Remember - if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  Have a good June!

Model of the Month:  Dival

 

Dival is a young, dynamic and motivated model. She has been in the business for two years and has agencies in Paris, Lille, Brussels, Austria and Germany. She hopes to make it big in New York City.  She has been featured in magazines all around the world and hopes to take her talent stateside.

Photographer of the Month:  Rachel Jeraffi

 

Why photography?

It's intriguing to me that you can put ten people with cameras in the same location and each one will choose a different angle to frame the world that they see.  Even though we may all be at the same place physically, we see things differently, and take in different experiences.  That is what is unique about us as human beings and photography is a celebration of our personal vision.

Who is your favorite photographer?

I have many favorites but I have always had a special place in my heart for the works of Patrick Demarchelier.  That elegance and calmness in his work is what I truly admire.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by locations and by music.  I love to just take the car and drive searching for great places to shoot, while listening to great music.  I always prefer shooting on location than in the studio.

What do you look for when selecting a model?

I love models that have character and models that are not so perfect.

What kind of camera do you use?

I mainly use my Nikon D-700 but also have a film Hasselblad 501cm and an old Nikon-FM2 and Nikon FM3A.

Makeup Artist of the Month:  LA Makeup Artistry

 

Lea Arreola is a makeup artist with extensive training and experience in ALL aspects of professional make-up - beauty, facial analysis, corrective makeup, rejuvenation, natural beauty, fashion beauty, avant garde, character makeup, film, design, and male, childrens and bridal.

Hair Stylist of the Month:  Rebecca Beardsley

 

What is your personal style?

My style is fashionable, yet eclectic.

Who is your favorite hair stylist?

My favorite hair artist is Odeile Gilbert.

What product can you not live without?

L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert densite!  I use it on every model.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

The most gratifying experience recently was working with designer Cari Borja on the SNOW 3 Fashion Event.  I felt trusted and allowed to create without her standing over me.

What do you look for in a model?

I look for not only beautiful hair but vulnerability!  She's got to have a willingness to reveal who she is and be unafraid.

Wardrobe Stylist of the Month:  ShannonFierce

 

Why wardrobe styling?

I adore life and its aspects, fashion and its classics, view everything in color, bring patterns to life and expressing myself without saying a word.  I'm attracted to work that evokes a sense that is seen as both dark and whimsical.  The arrangement of fantasy and glamor would be the way to best describe aesthetic of my work.  I'm always drawing inspiration from literature, film or art and combining it with current fashion trends.

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

As a stylist, I look for someone who can capture the essence of my clothing.  I like for them to be able to have knowledge of the classic that I'm reinterpreting and know how to bring the attitude to bring my expressions to life.

What genre does your work focus on?

I provide services for image consulting and development, product placement, branding, promotional material, ads and portfolio development.  I specialize in creative direction and distinguish myself for my innovative vision.   

What is your personal style?

I'm clean with minimal detailing.  I like clothing that's a classic fit but clean and flattering to the body's canvas.  Style isn't just clothes and putting it on - it reflects the way a man or a woman was raised, the way they were brought up, where they live, their values.  I'm not necessarily saying that when you wear a designer label that you're well off or better than anybody else.  It's the style itself that represents who you are.

What is your favorite store to shop at?

Zara, Calvin Klein, Barney's New York, SSENSE, Nasty Gal, ASOS, Villian's Vault, J. Crew, Banana Republic and Wasteland. 

 

Read More