ASK JOEY: Variety Is The Spice Of Life

Variety is the spice of life...when it comes to your portfolio/book. If you have a look that can book you commercial work, you MUST make sure that you have a few different types of commercial shots mixed in with fashion. Having all of one and none of the other is a bad idea, no matter what type of modeling career you are pursuing. And, I know I may be harping on this point too much, but acting classes are a good idea for EVERYONE who wants to model. Even the world's top models shoot commercials and film/TV roles, so having that skill in your back pocket is a definite bonus.


ALYSSA JASMINE
I am currently trying to build my portfolio as a petite model/commercial print model and was wondering if you have any advice about doing that? 

You have a great commercial look but definitely need more pictures with different types of wardrobe. Look at commercial ads that you think you might be right for and see what they are wearing. Once you have a few looks (sports type, business woman, young mom, etc...) get some more pictures done. That's what you need to have in your book. As far as agencies, forget "petite" as it doesn't exist anymore. You are commercial print and TV. Look for a good commercial agent, if you don't already have one, and go from there!

BJANKA
I'm relatively new to LA (more of an actress) but as far as modeling, I always thought I had a great look. However, I haven't done well or no one has had much interest in repping me because my bust line is a size D, not exactly great for fashion, but I am here in LA looking for the right fit. What would you suggest?

You have a great look! Forget fashion and play down your body. You have too many "glamour" and Maxim-style shots in your book, so you definitely need more variety. It will help you with your acting submissions and for commercial print.

BEAUTY DIVINE 
I've read your blog and appreciate your honesty and advice. I'm new to MWN and currently building my portfolio. Do you have any advice or suggestions for me?

You are very pretty and have a very commercial look. Because of your height, fashion will be out, but you can definitely find success in the commercial market. Aside from a few shots, most of your pictures are too much on the glamorous side for commercial submissions. I would suggest getting a few more relaxed and casual commercial shots added to your book and go from there!

COURTNEYLEEANNE
What advice do you have for someone hoping to become a Ford Plus model?

Ford closed their Plus division. It's now called JAG Models. I would suggest, as I often do, acting class. You should also add more professional and commercial shots to your book. Try connecting with some photographers on MWN to see if they would shoot you for trade. It seems as though a few of the pictures in your book are personal snapshots, which you would want to remove for any type of commercial or print submission. If you are going to have non-professional shots, they should be simple, clean, digital style polaroids, where you are against a blank wall and not posing.

ASHLEY BALLANTINE
I have been trying to break into the business and every agency, including Ford, tells me I have the look, but since I'm a size 4, I'm too big for runway (although I have walked in shows) and am too small for plus. Do you have any advice for me as far as agencies who might have a niche for my size? Any help would be appreciated!

Every TV/Commercial Print agency can be right for you, if you find the perfect fit with an agent who will work hard for you. Acting makes you more "signable" and attractive to most agents when they are looking for new clients to take on. You have a nice look, but you need more photos in your book and more variety. I would suggest adding both some commercial and fashion shots and go from there. See what the agents gravitate to, and find someone who is excited about you.

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

ASK JOEY: Where Do I Start?

When you are getting started and looking to build your portfolio, resources like ModelWire Network can become invaluable. When you need to take new photos, but don't have/want to spend a lot of money, reach out to photographers in your area to see if they will work with you for trade! If you're not getting clear feedback from agents, try getting into acting class and expanding your horizons. And if you're not in a major market, try your best to make a plan to get to one. It's harder to make big dreams come true in a small town that doesn't have many opportunities. If modeling and entertainment your passion, and you can't imagine doing anything else, you have to go where the jobs are. It's as simple as that.

SHAWN LEE
I am very interested in furthering my career in the modeling industry and would appreciate any guidance you may have. I'd love for you to review my portfolio.

You have a look for fashion and your book is fashion, but unfortunately you don't have the height. Your best bet at pursuing a modeling career will be by going commercial, otherwise you are spinning your wheels. 

JENNA
I auditioned for you in Pittsburgh through Barbizon Modeling Agency. You picked me to go through to Washington, DC, however I was unable to go for financial reasons. I have been an aspiring model for years now and am doing all I can to put myself out there. I found you to be a real inspiration and would really appreciate it if you would take a look at my MWN photos. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

I still like your look and the pictures you have on your profile. You didn't list your sizes, particularly your height. If you aren't 5'9" or taller (for fashion), you have a great commercial look. Get yourself to a major market and I'm sure you will have no trouble finding an agent who wants to work with you.

ARIEL 
I actually have a few questions... How can I find information related to Fashion Week go sees? Do you have any pointers as to how to gain representation from larger agencies? Is it appropriate to contact designers and ad agencies in an effort to obtain work? And yes, I would love for you to review my pictures. Thank you so much!

I like your look but you live in the middle of nowhere (in terms of market). You need to get to a major market so you can meet with agents. I think it's alright for you to contact whoever you can to obtain work. It's great to have drive and clients love that. As far as material related to Fashion Week for models, it's the agents jobs to get their clients out on go sees. In Florida, I would start with Miami as far as finding an agent and then work your way up to NY. You may be able to find an agent in Miami who has offices or connections in NY and can rep you in both locations.

KATE MARIE
I have been pursuing modeling for a little while now. I have people in my life who say I have what it takes, but I cannot land one job despite having applied to dozens of agencies. The only agency I have had any lucky with is PUSH Models and I still cannot get any work with them. If you have time, could you look at my portfolio? I know I may get answers I don't want to hear, but at least you'll be honest. So far no one has told me what is so terribly wrong and why I'm not booking. If it's my look, that's unfortunate, but I am willing to do what it takes to change it. If it's my experience, how can I go about getting the appropriate gigs to build my resume? I feel totally stuck.

Your look is definitely very commercial, but all of the photos in your book look pretty much the same. There isn't much life in the pictures and they aren't really fashion OR commercial. I would suggest getting into a commercial acting class to start. You are a pretty young woman who could work commercially. Definitely try acting, and get some more commercial shots for your portfolio. 

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

Meet Our Featured Members of the Month!

We love bringing talented members to the forefront each and every month, to highlight the amazing talent that makes up the MWN community. Meet our featured members for the month of November! If you would like to be considered as a future featured member, please email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com. 

MODEL OF THE MONTH: RACHEL P

San Francisco beauty Rachel P. is our featured model this month. Check out her MWN profile here.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: ANNA DOBOS

Anna Dobos is a fashion and portrait photographer and filmmaker who grew up in Hawaii. She went to school in Los Angeles and is currently living and working in London. You can view her MWN profile here and see eve more of her work at www.annadobos.com.

Why photography?

I've always known I'd be an artist, I never really cared what medium I'd end up with. I think I chose photography because it was the most challenging and offered the most instant gratification.

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

I'll always hold a special place in my heart for Tim Walker, and lately I've been really into Viviane Sassen.

What inspires you?

Collaborations. Just looking at a great model or interesting clothing sends endless ideas to my brain.

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

I love things that are otherworldly, beautiful, but also a bit weird or dark. These are qualities I also look for in a model.

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

I still use my trusty Canon T2i unless I feel a project would benefit from a higher quality camera, in which case, I'll rent. I'm not really a huge equipment junkie.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

That would probably be the Unearthly Creature of a Dream shoot I did with designer Scott Park. It was my first real fashion shoot and collaboration after moving to Los Angeles. So much blood, sweat and tears, but in the end, it was a great time and very much a learning experience.

What is your personal style?

I look a bit like an art school drop out with a job in a really posh area of London (mostly because that's exactly what I am, haha)! 

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: MINA DIMAKIS-LEV

Mina Dimakis-Lev is a licensed makeup artist and skincare specialist. She has studied with the best in her field and perfected her craft with well known schools such as Christine Valmy, The International Dermal Institute and Tobi Britton's "The Make-Up Shop". She has also worked as a makeup artist for Nars and Estee Lauder from New York City to Boca Raton, Florida and Miami South Beach.

Her expertise in custom blending foundations, helps her to create a natural glowing look for her clients. Her products are top brand names in the cosmetic industry, noncomedogenic and no animal tested. She has created countless of beautiful faces, such as brides, proms, high fashion models and actresses for the past 14 years.

Mina is also available for editorials, videos, and runway.

Why makeup artist?

Ever since I was a little girl, I was drawing and painting. I was always fascinated with color and makeup.

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time?

My favorite is Francesca Toloft. I admire her work.

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

I look for perfect skin and features.

What genre does your work focus on?

Usually beauty.

What product can you not live without?

I love Timezone moisturizer by Estee Lauder.

What inspires you?

Nature. 

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: DONATELLA SIMONE

Donatella Simone is a hair stylist based in Los Angeles. She first knew she wanted to style hair at age 14, when she met a girl at summer camp who let her change and improve her hair. As an adult, Donatella has practiced advanced training and works hair shows, fashion shows and charity events.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: PATRICK AUFDENKAMP

Patrick Aufdenkamp is a wardrobe and celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles. He has worked with the likes of Jena Malone, Alicia Witt, Sara Paxton and the Kardashians. Check out more of Patrick's work on his website.

Read More

ASK JOEY: It's A Woman's World

I think we can all agree that female models rule the modeling world. For guys, work is harder to come by and typically doesn't pay as much. For this reason, the male models out there will definitely want to look into commercial work, as well as fashion. Make sure that your portfolio has commercial shots and even add a few pictures with women in them as well. Chances are, you'll be booked for work where you're posing with other models anyway, so you might as well prove you've got a knack for it. Having the commercial diversity is especially important for men when your sizes are not typical fashion sizes. Because there are fewer opportunities for men in fashion modeling, sizes become infinitely more important. Opportunities are out there, but guys, you'll have to work even harder if you want to seize them!

RAIHAN BAQUI
I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I really want to model but have been turned down by plenty of agencies because of my height. I'm 5'8" and have been told I have too much of a commercial look. Is there anything you'd recommend for a guy like me to still try to pursue a career in modeling?

You live in the Los Angeles area, so acting and commercials are definitely the way to go. Unfortunately, you are too short for high fashion. But, you are good looking and definitely have the chance to model commercially. Get into acting class, work hard and you can book. You'll notice a lot of print ads feature actors nowadays, so you never know what can happen if you approach it from that angle.

EMMANUEL JEAN JOSEPH
I'm interested in commercial print. How should I get into it?

Definitely get yourself some more pictures and get into an acting class. Make appointments to go see agents. New York is the place to be, and you're lucky enough to live there already. You have a great look and can definitely work commercially, so I would suggest starting with commercial acting classes. A lot of projects book the same talent for both the print and commercial spots, so auditioning for commercials will definitely help you out.

FREDERIC
I love high fashion modeling but my main strength and passion is in commercial print. I was wondering what your professional and personal opinion of my portfolio is. All of my pictures from my book aren't up on my MWN profile, but some are. Thoughts or suggestions?

To be honest, you look a bit bored in the pictures you have up on your MWN profile. To work commercially, you'll need some new shots that have more life to them... more energy. I would also suggest, for a little more diversity in your book, to get some shots posing with a female model as well. You're in LA so there will be members on MWN who you can collaborate with for trade, if you don't want to pay to get new shots taken. Try posting a project or connecting with photographers and models through the site to see what happens! Having that variety in your portfolio will definitely help when looking for commercial print work.

MICHAEL MARRIO
I have a serious question to ask as far as race in the modeling industry is concerned. I would like to think I have a unique look and am obviously considered "black." However, when visiting agencies and speaking to professionals in the past, they have had a hard time placing me and my look. Not to mention, I don't know yet if I'm better suited for commercial work rather than fashion, but I do feel I have a high fashion look. Apparently I don't look black enough or I appear somewhat ambiguous depending on the lighting, concept, and/or photographer. I was told that agencies and clients hate when they can't put you in a specific category or box. I would imagine this would be very important. I find it troubling that there isn't much work out there for guys like me to start with, but I'm still optimistic and proactive. What would be your take on this since you've been in the industry for some time. What market do you think I'm right for?

You are right, it is hard to fit you in a box so look for an agent with some creative ideas. It has always been a tough business for men. Fortunately, mixed-race/ethnically ambiguous females are hot right now, which will hopefully translate even more for men as well. I like your look, and it's very "in" at this time. You just haven't found the right agent yet. I definitely agree that fashion is for you, so try to meet with as many agents as you can until you find the right fit. You'll find it - just give it a little time!

KODIAK
I recently moved back to the Bay area and am trying to figure out how to get my head in the game. I have no experience or references. What should I do/where should I start?

Before you invest in pictures, take what you have and make appointments to see some agents in San Francisco. I like your look and you should be able to find someone who wants to work with you. They'll tell you what kind of photos they want you to take. From there, they can recommend photographers, or you can reach out to some on MWN to shoot with. If you are concerned that you don't have enough pictures to get a meeting, you can try with some good, clean, digital polaroids, however most agencies will take them for you when you come in.

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

Winter-Wardrobe Must Haves via Refinery29

We love, love, love Refinery29, and are currently obsessing over the items featured in their "Wrap Up In 30 Winter-Wardrobe Essentials" article. Now that we've officially "fallen back," winter is in the air, and we are more than ready to break out our beanies and puffer coats.

We won't cover all 30 of their must haves here (you can head over to their site to check 'em out for yourself) but here are the pieces we're most looking forward to adding to our personal collections...

Read More