ASK JOEY: Commercially Kickstart Your Career

After a couple weeks hiatus, it's time to answer some more questions! I can't stress the importance of finding a commercial agent - no matter what type of modeling or acting you want to pursue. Most professionals get their start in commercials, and even if you've got the height and proportions for fashion modeling, you will find a lot of opportunities in the commercial world. Once you've got a few good shots, get to your nearest major market and meet with agents. What are you waiting for?!


MELISHA
I'm writing for advice because I'm sad to say that my current agency is not getting me any gigs. I go on audition after audition without booking. What should I do?

You have a really good commercial look. Are you near Los Angeles or San Francisco? Where is your agent located? If he/she is in not in one of those bigger markets and is located somewhere smaller, I would suggest trying to get a new (or another) agent in a larger market. If you're working out of a smaller market, I'm assuming there aren't a lot of choices as far as agencies go. However, I will say, that the fact you're getting a lot of auditions means you/your agent are doing something right. If you're not booking, try asking a photographer or casting director you've seen a lot (and feel comfortable with) if they have any advice on what you could do to get that extra edge and transform your auditions into callbacks, avails, and bookings.

SASHA BIRD
I was wondering if you could give me some modeling advice? I would greatly appreciate your feedback on my portfolio. I would love to sign with an agency and was wondering if you think that might be possible for me.

Luckily, your look is "in" right now. You photograph well and are in a decent sized market with a substantial amount of agencies. You're ready to get out there and meet with them. Also, in your market, you can do fashion at 5'8" and that's not always the case. I would suggest making appointments to get in front of agents. You have enough shots in your portfolio to get meetings and an agent can help you build your book from there.

GRACE AGUDA
I'm 18 years old and have been in the industry for about a year. I'm concerned that, being 18, I am in an awkward stage where people don't know whether they should categorize me as a teen or adult. I have a versatile look where I can play 15-25. In the theatre world, I'm cast more mature. I'm worried my teen-looking headshot is the problem. Would you recommend I change my headshot to a more mature look or should I continue to take advantage of the teen look for print?

I would make sure all of your headshots look your age and that you look like your picture in person. Let casting place you in an age group based on the projects and what they're looking for. From your pictures, I would probably consider your age range 18-25. It's a good range to be in. Play young as long as you can. There are a lot of college/young professional roles out there. You'd fall into that same age range for commercial print too, in my opinion.

SALOME.TETVADZE
I have been touring with Cirque du Soleil since I was 6 years old and just moved to LA a few months ago to pursue modeling and acting. My main focus is modeling. Is there any advice you could give me? I want to build my portfolio and become a successful model. I'm very serious about my career but don't know where to start, who to contact, etc...

I love your look - it's very commercial. You look like an actress and you have the skills after all that time performing in front of people. I would get out there and get a commercial/talent agent (if you don't already have one) and let them help you build your portfolio. You've got enough photos already to at least get in the door and get meetings. You're a bit too short for fashion modeling, but could definitely work commercially. I would definitely suggest pursuing acting and taking some acting classes. Combining that with your years of experience will be hugely beneficial for you. 

PRISILLA WECKESSER
I am currently looking for part time or full time work in commercial print. Do you have any advice on where I could be successful with my look?

You have a commercial look (and don't have the height for fashion) so you need to find a market that has commercial agents that can represent your type. Are you closer to Los Angeles or San Francisco? If you don't already have a commercial agent, I would suggest submitting and trying to get meetings with agents in whichever of those markets is closest to you. You have good commercial headshots in your portfolio already - definitely enough to get meetings. I would also suggest commercial acting classes if you aren't already taking them. They will only help you with commercial/commercial print auditions.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month

Get to know our awesome featured members for the month of April! Now that spring has officially sprung, why not think about reaching out to fellow MWN members for some hot, new collaborations?! If you are interested in being a featured member in an upcoming month, email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com.

MODEL OF THE MONTH: JESSIE J. MARIE

April's featured model, Jessie J Marie, is based out of Los Angeles. Check out more of her photos on her MWN profile!

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: PETER KOVAL (KOVAL CS)

Peter Koval is a professional photographer with studios in NYC, LA, and Seattle. He's been shooting professionally for almost 20 years. The 'Art Life' is important to him, and his creativity has to manifest somehow or he gets depressed. When he's not shooting, Peter paints and creates music in his spare time.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in a lot of things from film to music, however photographically I find inspiration in simpler forms and shapes. I also love the collaborative process, whether it's from a member of the crew or the model. I find the collaboration to reveal elements that expand my previous visions.

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

Usually I start with the eyes and the energy behind them. I tend to like mystery and a lot of times you can see darkness or energy behind a person's eyes. If they don't have that, then it's an uphill battle to develop the shoot in other ways. The best shoots are often times the most basic, when it's just a model and me or a small crew.

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

Hasselblad with a Phase One system or a Canon 6, 7 or 5D.

What genre does your work focus on?

I don't limit myself to labels. I've shot fashion mostly, but then I graduated from art school so there is a huge film and painting influences there, plus a ton of nudes. I also do a lot of portraits and location work, but overall I can say that I love people, so my interests lie in the visual conversation.

What is your personal style?

Very laid back. I try to have fun on every shoot and my goal is to extend that energy on the whole shoot. I have never had a bad experience on a shoot, as I've heard from other people's stories. I'm a West Coast person, but spent most of my life in NYC, so I feel I have the best of being relaxed but focused. 

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: DE' CARR BEAUTY

De' Carr Beauty & Cosmetics is a professional makeup resource for all media. Bringing over 10 years experience to the creative world of makeup artistry, De' Carr Beauty's expertise includes the usage of high-definition, air-brush, and traditional makeup applications for film, television, video, print, artistic, portraiture, live media events, and bridal. Based in the Chicagoland area, De' Carr Beauty is available for travel nationwide.

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time?

ROSHAR. He is a-ma-zing! Roshar is an international makeup artist who seamlessly blends SFX (special effects) and Beauty together and manages to add an even greater degree of difficulty to his work by making it all editorial. His work can be seen in just about every major publication around the world, and it influences me to see the beauty in the a-typical.

What inspires you?

Art. Art inspires me. I am a very visual person. From classic paintings to abstract art, music to dramatic cinema, I am inspired by all things artistic.

What makeup product can you not live without?

That would have to be Smashbox Photo Finish Face Primer. It's one of the finest quality face primers on the market today...and it works!

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

My favorite project was definitely the "Killa Kam" music video. The title is deceiving, but the talent is not! It was a great experience working with amazingly talent people who are completely invested in what they do.

What is your personal style?

When I am on set or with a client, my style is very classic. I tend to wear black because it always looks uniform, but I try to wear tailored and feminine pieces that keep my "uniform" looking upscale and professional.

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: STACIONNE B. 

Stacionne B. is the hair stylist for NY beauty duo, Vividly Glamorous (Vivid Glam). She and her business partner (a makeup artist) specialize in taking fabulous to new and unimaginable heights. From making brides feel beautiful to turning out edgy, high fashion editorial looks, the ladies of Vivid Glam are taking the beauty and fashion industries by storm. Their work has appeared everywhere from Essence magazine to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and their fans include the legendary Tyra Banks and J. Alexander.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: MAKI SARUWATARI

Maki Saruwatari is a freelance wardrobe stylus who got her start as a dancer. She has kicked off her styling career working with friends styling both dance shows and shoots.

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