Ask Joey: We All Need To Know Your Sizes & Stats

Hope you all like the new releases that ModelWire Network just put out last week. Keep in mind that with every release, there will be the occasional issues on the system that occur, but I can assure you that the ModelWire Network team is working hard to smooth everything out.

Some of you have noticed that the sizes and stats are sometimes not showing up. I noticed as well because all of my questionnaires this week had either no or barely any sizes & stats filled out. I can't give as much guidance when I don't know models' sizes. If you are reading this and you haven't filled out your sizes & stats yet and you are a model, then know that you are making everyone's job a lot more difficult. Go to your profile and fill them out right away.

Lynn Hacking, a MWN member, said, "No modeling agency will consider you without first considering your stats - you should post your: height, hair color, eye color, bust/chest, waist (F), hips (F), shirt (M), suit (M), shoe size - if you can rise above the rest of the pack, you can be successful at any height and body style."

Larejia

Do you honestly think I have what it takes to become a household named model? I want to leave LA so bad, but I don't know what steps to take or who to talk to. I have a medium size portfolio that you can look at. I would love your advice.

Also, is it true that the real money is in advertisement for models? I am willing to up and leave in 2011 to another country to really fulfill my modeling career.

Like I just said, it is very hard to evaluate anyone when I don't know their sizes and stats. You could be 2 feet or 8 feet, for all I know. But by looking at your portfolio, you belong in NYC. I feel you have a more editorial look. There are more fashion magazines in NYC, which is why more editorial models are based in NYC.

I would start by sending your book to various agencies in NYC, see what they say. NYC could be your stepping stone to Paris, Milan, and so forth.

You are right. Most money is in advertisement and editorial work is what gets you the big advertisement jobs.

Kyle Bowers

I am curious if agents would rather want me send my portfolio to their email, or should I try and somehow miraculously get an interview? I would also love to work for Ford Models, any chance of getting an interview?

If you are a model starting out, then you definitely need to set up meetings with different agencies. It is important to meet with agents, so they can see your personality. Personality is very important in this business.

On a weekly basis, most agencies have what they call an "Open Call", which lasts for an hour or two. It is open to new models, so they can show their portfolios to agency personnel. Go to those and bring your book. You are guaranteed to meet with someone on those days.

Lawrence Rush

I would appreciate your feedback on my profile. Also, can you recommend any link where I could send it for models around 50 years of age?

I don't know of any other link or website besides ModelWire Network. I would advise you to find an agent to represent you.

You look like you are in good shape, but I think you can use some new photos in your portfolio. So start using this website to its fullest potential and network with some photographers. Then, start hitting up the commercial agencies who will love how multi-talented you are.

Tam

I'm 45 years old and this year decided to seriously begin my transition into commercial print modeling. I just took a level one on camera class and noticed that several of the students were complaining about the lack of work and the extreme slow down in the industry, particularly in Chicago. Do you see improvements in 2011 and is there anything I can do to improve my chances on getting more bookings? I have representation in Chicago, Milwaukee and Ohio.

You have a nice commercial print look and I admire that at your age, you are seeking out your dream and being proactive by taking classes. However, your classmates have a right to complain. Times are tough everywhere, and to be honest, your age bracket for modeling is a tough one to get steady work in.

You are competing against models, who have been modeling for years and then transitioned into 'lifestyle' modeling and actors who have done the same. I don't see it getting any better in 2011.

Stay on top of your agents. Don't wait for them to call you, you call them.

Natasha Fleming

I am very interested in becoming an International model. How can I become one if I don't live in the USA? Where can I send my portfolio?

If you a have representation in Costa Rica, then they should be introducing you to agencies here in the USA and in Europe.

Agents work with other agents and in different countries. Agents will call other agencies to see if a certain model is available in their location. If they like your look, they want to test or see clients in their country. The key is if you live in Costa Rica and are represented, then they need to act as your 'Mother' agency. Mother agent submits you to other markets and/or other agencies to work with.

You also need to promote yourself on MWN. We have agencies from all round the world looking for new talent here on MWN.

I now have a Twitter account. Follow me @thejoeyhunter

Bear with me as I figure it all out.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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Ask Joey: 2011 Ask Joey IMTA Videos

As promised, here are the videos from IMTA. It was exciting to see the fresh faces in Los Angeles and have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with aspiring models. I love answering people's questions, but I love answering them face-to-face even more.

I enjoyed making the videos for all of you. I hope this becomes a regular thing!

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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Ask Joey: My Exciting Week at IMTA in Los Angeles

Sorry for my lapse in blogging last week.

I was at IMTA in Los Angeles all week long.

Before I dive into my week at IMTA, I wanted to clarify some things. I love helping people and giving advice to earnest folk; that is why I have this blog.

It has come to my attention that I may have hurt users' feelings with some advice that I provided. My intentions are to be straightforward and give everyone the advice they need. It may seem harsh, but I am not a sugar-coater. If you ask me a question, I am going to answer it and post it on my blog unless you specify you do not wish for it to be published. Know that you can also opt to specify that you want your name to be 'anonymous'. I value people's needs and feelings. I also value people's careers and if that means being 'harsh', then I would rather do that than to have anyone brutally sabotage themselves in this business.

Ok - my week at IMTA!

International Modeling & Talent Association is the only place that attracts the most agents, managers, producers, and other legit industry professionals who are actually looking for new talent.

In more specific terms, IMTA is a convention that produces a week of modeling, acting, singing and dancing competitions in New York and Los Angeles where top industry professionals judge and search for new talent.

If you are new to the business and have talent, then it is a great place to get in the know. If you are interested in IMTA, go to their website: www.imta.com

I participate at every IMTA event. They hold one in Los Angeles and then 6 months later, they have one in New York, which is easier for me since I live in New York.

I pretty much do a more personal "Ask Joey" thing there. I run seminars where I go over the modeling business for kids who are just starting out. I not only talk to the kids, but also their parents, who are normally more confused about the following:

- Modeling contracts

- How agencies do business

- How accommodating an agency is (regarding travel and expenses)

- In & Outs of modeling

- Everyday life of a model

- The Modeling Business as a business

Additionally, I schmooze with the agents who are on parent site, ModelWire. What was most exciting was the fact that I had a ModelWire Network booth at IMTA!

Not sure if you all know this, but here at ModelWire Network, we are gearing up to open the site to 13-17 year olds. This is currently in development, but if you know of any young models, then you should tell them to sign up for our mailing list located on our homepage. MWN is going to be a safe and secure site for the young professionals, who are just starting out.

Here are some of my photos from IMTA:

This was our booth. Love the shag carpet!

IMTA's Main Ballroom used for all runway competitions.

One of the many runway competitions; I believe it was formalwear.

In between running the ModelWire Network booth, speaking at different seminars, and following up with agents, I decided to take my blog to the next level and film "Ask Joey." I had 5 kids who all had questions regarding the industry, such as differentiating between the responsibilities of managers and agents and how to succeed in the business.

A "Behind the scenes" photo of our set-up.

Here is my first questionnaire, Jazmyn, who is 11 years old

My fourth questionnaire had so many questions that she had to write them down! (Notice the fancy camera, a HD flip video! Man, how times have changed... for the better!)

I had a pleasure answering all of their questions and I hope you find them helpful as well. Next week, I will be posting the video with all five questions and answers, but for now, you will just have to deal with the photos. If you want to see more photos from IMTA, check out ModelWire Network's Facebook page.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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Ask Joey: Happy New Year

What's happening!

Hope everyone's holidays were full of happiness.

Mine was great, besides being snowed in for a day…

Though, I can't think of a better place to be snowed in besides New York City. People are cross country skiing in the streets and in Central City. Nothing is moving, nobody is working, it's truly a winter wonderland.

Back to business.

Justin Magoulas

I'm moving to New York next year in March. When I go there, should I look for an agency then or will it be best to email them beforehand? I found it harder to email agencies because they can't meet you in person and see how you really are.

If you are definitely moving to New York in March, then I would work as much as you can on your portfolio, so when you get to New York, you have something great to work with. Like I said to you earlier in my blog from 12/1/10, you have a good look but you need some more formal shots.

You are right - emails get sent to trash, just as photos used to get thrown in the garbage.

As soon as you get to New York, get on the phone and start calling the agencies. Try to schedule an appointment with them, so they can see you in person. You should also find out when and what agencies are having open calls and go to all of them. As I stated before, don't get hooked up on the top fashion agencies - you are starting your career, so start where you can.

VAIA

I would like to know if you have any tips or me. I want to model ... even internationally (Greece, etc.) and I would like to know how to go about that. Also, when is it time for a female to stop trying ... age, height? The kind of photography that I would like to do is erotic and fashion. I have been told by some well known photographers that I have 'it' I just need to lose more weight and tone. The pictures on here are my most current. Anything that can help me achieve my lifelong dream will most make me the happiest girl on earth.

I agree you, have to tone up. If you love modeling, then make yourself the priority. Get to know your strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, be realistic.

Height wise, fashion is not in the cards for you.

And I would never suggest anyone go into erotic photography…

If you want to be a working model, then you seriously need to improve your portfolio. I am assuming your book is mostly erotic. You need to take some "slice of life" photos. Start focusing on commercial print.

Joshua Hinson

I have been told by many that I would make a great model due to the fact that the camera is kind to me; however, I am fully grown and I am only 5'10." Most male models are over 6 feet. Should I even bother?

You are correct - most male models are 6 foot or taller. At 5'10", you would be classified as a commercial print model.

I wouldn't advise you to give up modeling if you love it. Go for it, just be realistic. You are not going to be a high fashion model, but you can be a print model. To better help yourself in the world of commercial print, I would recommend you to take some acting classes.

DouglasP

Why would some agencies choose to focus on editorial assignments over commercial? Don't commercial bookings pay more money? Some agencies are exclusively editorial, unless they are only depending on their models getting huge contracts.

2^nd question: I have had several US agencies sign me (or ask me to sign) including one in Asia. My question is, can one spread himself too thin? Does having no Mother Agency and several agencies scattered all over ultimately work against a model or it is a good thing?

Most agencies do, in fact, look for editorial models, so they can do both sides of modeling. (One can't live on editorial work alone.) However, most agencies are not editorial exclusively. If an agency gave you that excuse, then they were kindly brushing you off.

As for your second question, why are you asking this? If you have agencies wanting to sign you, then what are you waiting for? If they are legit agencies, then sign! Don't you know how hard it is to get work?

You are not spreading yourself too thin. It is better to have different agencies in different markets in different cities. That only means more work. At your age, you should not be picky.

Alexanne

My problem in Paris. I have no good connections and no good agencies to represent me. They don't give serious opportunity to black and mix models like me; if you have a contact to push me, I would be really happy. My second question is if you have a good connection in New York. I would like to try the American market. I think I have something to make in modeling industry!!!

Let me know what you can do for me !!!

My sizes are 35. 25. 34 (89. 63. 87) and I'm 5.9 (175)

I am shocked to hear you are having a hard time in Paris. You have an impressive book and look.

My first question would be, who have you seen? Paris is the modeling capital of Europe. I find it hard to believe that you can't find anyone to represent you. Have you called them to make an appointment to so you can make them?

If you have been doing this and still don't have an agent, then I wonder what you are doing wrong. Maybe your book is more impressive than you are in person. Find out what you are doing wrong and change it.

As for New York, if you can't find representation in Paris, then you are not going to find one in New York.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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