Meet Our Featured Members of the Month

We are thrilled to introduce you to our May featured members. There is so much great, new talent popping up on MWN that we want to recognize! If you would like to be considered as a featured member for our homepage, email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com or send a message to the MWN universal friend through your account.

MODEL OF THE MONTH: MARCUS REYNOLDS

Our featured model, Marcus Reynolds, is currently based out of New York and is repped by MSA Models. Check out his MWN profile!

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: TOMMY MENDES

Tommy Mendes is a NYC based lifestyle photographer. He grew up in fashion, opening a chain of women's shoe and accessories stores where he concentrated heavily on the creative side, which included photography for his e-commerce business.

After moving on in 2010, he took two years to attend ICP, where he laid in foundation courses while road-mapping a new career in photography. In 2011, he took up a studio in West Chelsea. Tommy has focused the last two years on building his portfolio and making inroads with the commercial lifestyle space he knows he lives in. He currently lives in NYC's West Village.

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

Tie between Richard Avedon and Guy Bourdin

What inspires you?

Seeing other great photographers...and appreciating their passion.

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

I am always seeking someone that is comfortable with herself and definitely has some interesting character traits, such as humor or a personal passion and definitely doesn't take themselves too seriously. 

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

I have a Hasselblad, Leica and Canon for work and use my Fuji for my nights out!

What is your personal style?

Being a lifestyle photographer, I am always seeking relaxed looks, whether it means a favorite tee, a great pair of sunglasses, or my favorite Cons.

What genre does your work focus on?

Commercial lifestyle.

What is your favorite song or band of all time?

Pearl Jam

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

I haven't had one yet, but I know it's coming!

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: JASMINE GRANT

Jasmine Grant is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles, CA. With in excess of 5 years of professional experience and a lifetime of passion for makeup and skincare, Jasmine's work experience consists of Headshots, TV Commercials, Movies, Beauty, Commercial Print, Red Carpets, Music Videos, and Bridal.

Why makeup artist?

Makeup has always been a passion of mine and through it, I have been able to connect with people and help them with their confidence and self-esteem. That alone is a great reward and one of the reasons why I love being a makeup artist.

What inspires you?

Life in general inspires me. I find inspiration in everything, from nature to music, art or fashion. Life is filled with never ending opportunities to create.

What product can you not live without

Personally, I would have to say that I cannot live without foundation! Living in sunny Los Angeles, I need a foundation that can withstand these weather conditions and I am currently loving Make Up For Ever's Face & Body Water Based Foundation. 

What is your personal style?

My personal style is laid back. When I am working, I like to create an environment filled with positive energy that also allows everyone to connect organically to achieve the best outcome possible.

What is your favorite project that you have worked on?

My favorite project I've worked on was a short film in 2013. I was able to do the makeup and special FX for the entire cast. I really enjoyed being able to bring the characters to life and contributing to the director's vision for each character. 

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: LACHANDA GATSON

LaChanda Gatson began her career in the competitive hair world of Atlanta as a stylist for the Trumpet Awards and as a platform artist for Vitale Pro Product Line. She also participated in various Bronner Brothers Hair competitions.

Ms. Gatson is currently working as a Los Angeles-based master stylist with more than 17 years of experience in precision cuts, custom color, all phases of hair augmentation, and chemical service execution. She is certified in Aveda, Paul Mitchell, and Redken product lines, as well as lash application, makeup, and brow enhancement. Her Editorial and Bridal hair designs can be found in various publications.

What genre does your work focus on?

As a salon stylist of 18 years, my present focus and interest is on styling for film and editorial full time. I'm currently working on my union hours and seeking an agent.

What inspires you?

All things beautiful, smiles, and changing lives one head at a time.

What is your personal style?

In black and dressy casual is how you would most likely find me behind the chair. 

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

I love working with models that have pleasant personalities and a drive for success. I've learned that a model that is passionate about his/her career will give 110% every time.

Why hair styling?

Hair styling is my artistic expression, my outlet, my passion. 

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: JESSA ERIN

Jessa Erin is a costume designer and wardrobe stylist based out of Los Angeles. Check out her MWN profile to see additional looks she has styled!

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ASK JOEY: Niche Photo Overkill

When it comes to your portfolio and you have a niche skill or interest - fitness, dance, boudoir, etcetera - it's important to make sure that your book is not made up entirely of these types of photos. You want to make sure that you are presenting yourself in the most marketable way possible and are not limiting your opportunities in the commercial world. It's okay to pepper these shots in, but too much can ruin your entire book. If you need/want new photos, I always recommend reaching out to other MWN members and get a collaboration going! Contact photographers, hair & makeup, wardrobe, whatever you need! You're all on the site for the same reason, so get those creative juices flowing.

HANNY
I am a freelance model. How do I get out there more?

To be honest, I'm not crazy about your pictures. You are a commercial type model and live in Chicago, which is a big commercial market. I would suggest getting some new pictures, definitely including some commercial head shots, and then get out there and get an agent. There are a lot in your city, both large and boutique, that you can try to meet with/submit to. Reach out to photographers on MWN and see if there is anyone in your area who has shots on their profile you like and see if they would be willing to work with you. You're in a market with opportunities for someone with your look, you just want to make sure you're marketing yourself the right way to get the jobs!

PHYLLIS FONTENOT
Would you mind taking a look at my profile and pictures? This is all new to me, and I'm loving it. I have done commercial extra work, however, I have little experience. I would love to do commercial print modeling. I am very energetic and have the time to travel or move if needed. Please give me your professional opinion.

You are in a small market for TV and commercial print. There's not much going on there, but definitely more opportunities in New Orleans or Shreveport, if those are commutable distances for you. You will also be competing in an age group that is packed with actors who have been doing it forever, however you photograph well. I would suggest taking some acting classes so you will be able to compete with those that have been in the business for a while. It will help you commercially.

AUDREYWRIGHT
Would you mind reviewing my portfolio? I am just getting started in the business and am actively pursuing fitness modeling, as well as seeing what other doors open up.

You have a nice look - very commercial/newscast type. Austin is a growing market, don't limit yourself to fitness. You have to do it all. I would also suggest taking a communication course or two while you're in school. Get some new pictures in different outfits - look at commercial print ads to see what people are wearing in magazines and on TV. Use MWN to find a team to work with and do a collaborative photo session then get out there and get an agent! You've got a look that will lend itself well to the commercial market, so don't limit yourself!

PYSA NOËL
I recently joined MWN and it's very helpful. I am new to this and don't really know what I'm doing. I need help and suggestions on my pictures. I'm interested in commercial print work. Would you take a look at my portfolio and give me some feedback on my photos? I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have after checking out my profile. In your opinion, is my look marketable for commercial print?

I like your look - it's very commercial. You have enough pictures, and a variety, to find an agent. Luckily, you live in the heart of the industry! Get out there and make appointments with agents. They will tell you what they need to market you, and if they want you to get new/additional photos. I don't think you need to change the portfolio you currently have in order to find an agent.

JULIA ZHAROVA
I'm new to the modeling industry. I'm a professional ballet dancer and model for fun. How do I find a good photographer and find a good/unique theme for a shoot? Also, what is the best way to introduce myself to the fashion world?

Forget fashion, you don't have the height. However, you DO have a very marketable commercial look. Your pictures are too stylized like a dance. I would suggest getting some new pictures that are less dance focused. Try to set up some meetings with commercial agents in San Francisco. They can advise you on what types of pictures they need to add to your portfolio. The photos you have now will get you in the door, but you'll need to get some new ones once you're there.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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