Meet our Featured Members for May 2012

Our numbers are quickly growing, members are finding more success and in the next couple of months, ModelWire Network has a HUGE announcement to make.  In the meantime, please check out our Featured Members for May.  We bring you some of our favorite members who we're sure are going to take the fashion industry by storm!  If you would like to be featured or have any great story ideas, don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  Have a great May!

Model of the Month:  Kara Gibson

 

Why modeling?

I enjoy expressing myself through movement and energy.  Modeling is as much story telling as acting and I enjoy both very much.

Who is your favorite model of all time?

My favorite model of all time is Kate Moss.  I love that she doesn't meet all of the standard requirements of a model (i.e. her height), but for what she lacks she makes up for in her strengths.

What inspires you?

Music inspires me.  If there wasn't music I'd have nothing to live to (as opposed to dance to).

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

I look for hot girls when selecting a photographer.  I would rather be the weakest girl they've got to shoot with.  That way, I'm assured that I'm putting myself in a pool of women that make me look better.  I never want to be the best one in the room, because when I'm not I'm not, I'm not improving my career.

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?  

  My most embarrassing moment professionally would be being too awesome...c'mon guys, please - you think I'm going to have industry professionals read that?!

Photographer of the Month:  Jeff Pearson

 

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by everything.

Why photography?

In this age of information and misinformation, I have never felt the single image to be more important.  In an instant, you can convey a whole philosophy.  I also like the idea of taking a moment that's gone and turning it into something that you can hold in your hands.  Photography has a unique mystery about it that I can't desribe.  I just love it!

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

When looking for a model, I hope to find someone who's a bit sophisticated on his or her own.  It's hard to direct simple people.  I've had beautiful models who, when I took their picture, looked horrible.  Then I had someone who at first sight was not that nice to look at, but when we turned up the music and began shooting, they blossomed into this gift that's been put in front of me.  But that person has to really want to do what it is they're doing and know how to lose themselves.  Otherwise, it just looks amateur. 

What genre does your work focus on?

Personally, I like to make high contrasted images that show some sort of occurrence as opposed to static images where nothing is happening.  Even more so I'm drawn to building sets and I look forward to the day that I can work with a great art director.  In the beginning I used to think I would become a photojournalist.  I loved to travel and document what I saw but then the appeal to twist reality started to grow.  It started when I began putting friends in weird scenarios then shooting it.  The first of which was when I took my boss and his wife out to Ocean Beach in San Francisco, painted her red and glued goat horns to her forehead.  Then I put him in a tuxedo, drenched an old door in kerosene and lit it on fire in the background.  That was fun.  Currently I'm focusing on excluding all elements from the image and just focusing on the model to see if I can tell the same type of story with as little as possible.

Wardrobe Stylist of the Month:  Tim Barron

 

Why wardrobe stylist?

It's something I fell into.  I was always captivated by fashion and style.  It started with an internship in LA about 3 years ago when I was 16 year old.  Although it was only for a couple of months, I learned quite a bit.  So I decided to pursue it.

What inspires you?

Mostly literature or films.  I enjoy grasping trends and somehow revolving them around the story.

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

The photographer and I will look at all the agency boards - we look for the model that fits the story, the season and the clothes.  I look at the posture, personality and poise of a model in their previous photographs.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

An editorial I did for Dress Code Russia that was focused around San Francisco with photographer Olga Lacosta.

What is your personal style?

It depends on my mood, but most of the time I wear a fitted button-up, skinny pants/trousers, a coat or long vest.  If I'm feeling casual, an over sized t-shirt with skinny pants will do. 

Makeup Artist of the Month:  Alex LaMarsh

 

Why makeup artist?

I naturally fell into it after modeling.  It just seemed natural.  Photographers who I tested with liked the makeup I did on myself and started asking me to do makeup on other models.  By the time I quit modeling, I had built a portfolio.

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time?

Kevin Aucoin

What inspires you?

Color, personalities, music, imagery.

What product can you not live without?

My face primers.  June d'age serum, OC Eight for t-zone, Estee Lauder's illuminators for face and eyes and Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional.

What is your favorite project you have work on?

I adore working with Benefit Cosmetics.  I recently did hair and makeup on their book "Raising Eyebrows" and created the looks for their kits for the movie Snow White and the Huntsman.

Hair Stylist of the Month:  Brittney Yabs

 

What product can you not live without? 

I can't live without Pure Abundance Hair Potion by AVEDA.  It thickens the roots up to 17% to create volume.  The bigger the hair, the better.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is definitely more on the "edgy" side.  In my closet you will find a lot of leather, black, studded, lace, cheetah print and Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

What genre does your work focus on?

Editorial and avant garde.

 Why hairstyling?

Doing hair is my passion.  I am definitely a visual artist.  I love to see what I am creating as I am doing it.  I design most of my work from scratch.  There is always something new to learn in the industry and something to teach.  I love the beauty and art behind it.  It never gets boring.

What is your favorite band of all time?

I am currently tied between two bands:  Memphis May Fire and Search the City. 

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Personality is Important For Photographers

When meeting with an agency, it's important for a photographer to showcase not only their best work but their personality.  Personality is key in building relationships with an agency - you are going to be dealing with their models so they need to trust that you can produce you great work.  It's not enough to be great at what you do, but you also need to be able to get along with models, makeup artists, hair stylists, etc.  If personalities clash, or there's a lack thereof, it will show in the photos.  Make sure to bring something to the table - not just your work but your willingness to get the job done and the fact that you'll be able to do with a smile on your face!  No one wants to work with someone who doesn't put everything on the table.  Be open, showcase your personality and most importantly have fun!

CARLOS DAVID
I'm a pro-amateur photographer in a life changing moment.  I love to create beauty and fashion images, so I"m approaching agencies to test with their new faces.  But unfortunately, I believe I'm doing something wrong in my approach.  Do you have any advice on how to start testing for an agency?  How to start a relationship?  What steps would be important to follow?  

 

I really like your photos.  You make women look beautiful.  You show more of the beauty in your photos than the fashion.  I must say, you have the right idea - you have to start working with agencies and testing their new models.  It takes time to get them to be able to trust you and depend on you to produce great test shots.  I would suggest taking the person who runs the new faces division to lunch.  Be persistent and show them your personality and hard work ethic.  You're in New York City so there are tons of agencies to test.  Here's where your sales skills will come in handy!  Sell yourself!

EVE HARLOWE
I am a retoucher.  I would like to first ask if you plan on adding this profession as an option for MWN?  And on a more personal note, what would you suggest I do to get noticed by major publications?  I do not have representation at this point.  I have a growing reputation in the plus size industry, however I really want to do more high fashion work for major magazines.  Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

I like what you do and your feelings about it.  Yes, ModelWire Network will have it as an option in the near future.  I'm not on top of what you do but I know how to sell myself and you should too.  Make meetings with all of the publications and create projects that you feel will appeal to each one of them and ultimately sell your work.  You are in a unique line of work, people should be knocking on your door for work.

JAMES LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hi Joey, can you please review my portfolio?  I currently live in LA but am originally from NYC.  I have been assisting fashion photographers like Dove Shore, Luke Wooden, Sylvie Blum and Nathaniel Golberg but am looking to move back to New York.  Do you know of any photographers in NYC looking for an assistant?  Thank you for your time!

 

I like what you do but I don't have any leads for you.  Try posting projects on ModelWire Network and see what comes up.  It's important to be proactive and actively seek connections on your own - in this business, you can't always rely on other people.  It's all about networking, so go out and network.

TRINETTE DENISE
I recently had a meeting with a local talent (commercial) agency here and they are going to allow me to test with their new faces.  Could you take a look at my portfolio here on ModelWire Network and give me your honest opinion in regards to representation and overall opinion of my work?  In a perfect world I would love to work with an agency or get work with a magazine but having a strong team behind me is very important which brings me back to my first topic - for someone like myself, seeking to build a team, what are your recommendations?  My mind/heart is telling me to get out while I can! 

 

The problem with most photographers is they try to do too much.  I love the head shots and your lighting looks great.  The rest just don't have it.  You need to work on your fashion shots.  You have talent but you need to realize that the fashion and beauty industry go hand in hand - so use MWN to find a team.  It's good to have a set team to work with because you trust them more and are able to accomplish the same goals.

ALFRED R PHOTOGRAPHY
I requested to do test shoots for agency models and unexpectedly I have been invited to meet with an agency in LA.  They asked me to bring my "books."  What do you recommend I bring and what does the meeting entail?  I appreciate your advice.

 

That's great!  You have your foot in the door.  Bring only your very best photos - specifically beauty and fashion shots.  Keep it one book to make things look clean and easy.  They will also want to get to know you and how you work.  They're going to trust that you know how to work with their models so bring your best personality and best work.  Good luck!  

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

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Beware of Spammers - use your common sense!

It has come my attention the amount of Spammers that have recently been reaching out to you guys on the site.  It is really important for you to be cautious when responding back to any member.  You should never have to give out any personal information - use the site.  If they want to get in contact with you about work, have a couple of conversations over the SITE.  Also, be aware that if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.  If someone really wants to work with you, they either have a professional meeting with you in person or on the phone.  No one will openly offer you a paid gig without talking to you.  Use your common sense people!  I know it's easy to get caught up with the emotion of landing that big gig, but it's important to also be careful.  We are working hard with getting rid of these spammers and we can't do it without you.  Please report any suspicious action on the site immediately.  You can reach us at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  Our apologies go out to anyone who has/is falling for these scams.  Sometimes they are hard to figure out, but again, listen to your gut feeling.  It's okay to be suspicious!

CAMII GAYDEN
Would you be willing to take a look at my portfolio and give me advice on my true potential.  There is an agency here in Kansas City where I live that is only willing to seriously work with me if I attend a $4k modeling convention, which is impossible for me to do right now.  I'll be graduating in 2 months and I'm ready to model full time.  Any advice you can give will be great!

 

I checked out your profile and it looks like you have all of the right sizes and you have a nice look.  You can definitely use more pictures though.  I would suggest taking more fashion shots.  As far as agents go, there has to be more than one agency in Kansas City.  Go out and seem them.  I know you're in school, but summer is coming which is a great time to focus on your career.  You need to make some contacts in your area and build your career.  Work with people on MWN for test shoots.

ASHLEY DELVA
Do you think I can make it in New York's modeling industry?  I tried many different New York agencies and no one was interested so I somewhat lost hope in modeling, but I don't want to give up because this is my dream!

 

Your problem is your height.  At 5'7" the fashion agencies in New York will turn you down.  I like your look though.  You should go commercial.  Take an acting class and use MWN to find some test shoots.  There are lots of TV and commercial print agents in the Big Apple.  You just need to find your niche and stick with it.  

DESEAN
I need a lot of help.  I'm an aspiring model/actor but as a model I'm ready to break into magazines and ads but I'm only 5'7".  Do you know where I can go or who I can submit to, to start making my dreams a reality?  Or is there anyone I can work with that can put me on the right path?
 

 

All of your pictures look alike.  You have too many body shots.  Modeling is all types of clothing which means you need to have different looks.  Your height means you can just do commercial modeling.  Find a commercial agent, but forget high fashion.  Focus on taking more/better photos.

ESOSA EDOSOMWAN
I currently do not have an agency.  I would love it if you would take a look at my photos and offer any suggestions for agencies that may be interested.  I have booked a lot of great work these past couple of years, but many agents have had an issue with my hair type.  The funny thing is I am sought after by major photographers and clients alike, because of my hair.  Any feedback or recommendations you can offer are greatly appreciated.

 

You should definitely have an agent!  You have a great look.  Your hair isn't bad, it will just limit you for a lot of mainstream work like catalogs.  But there is a lot of editorial potential.  Maybe you can work with a wig?  Just a suggestion.  If someone is interested they are willing to work with you and your hair.  I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Good luck!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day! 

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

 

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What it takes to be a Fashion Model

I get asked this all the time.  I thought I'd break it down into different parts.  1) There are certain physical requirements that you must be born with.  I always say - God makes Fashion models.  2) There is a right time for the look that you're selling.  You may be right physically but your look is wrong for the current trend.  For example, the "heroin chic" look or the beautiful face and body look.  They say fashion model looks are in the eye of the agent and the fashion editor - they always know what they're looking for.  3) There are exceptions to the requirements (i.e. Kate Moss), but that only happens once in a blue moon.  Don't place your bets on becoming a Kate Moss.  You can thank Calvin Klein for that. 

Commercial Print modeling is where most models tend to fall in.  If you don't fit into the above requirements, then you chance yourself on going into a casting and being what they are looking for.  You must find the RIGHT agent.  There are lots of casting calls on the internet but beware that some will be scams.  Also, remember that most actors are also Commercial Print models.  Therefore, the competition is great.  From my personal experience, to make it in the business, you must have the desire and the drive to make it but most importantly, it's your personality.  You are working with people who just like you, want respect.  If you have "the whole package" but you can't get along with everyone, you won't get any work.  So do things that make yourself stand out and show your personality. 

JEN KJOS
Hi Joey!  I've been looking to get into the industry for awhile now.  I was wondering if you think I have potential.  I have little experience and I love it!  This is what I want to do with my life.  It's my dream and I will do just about anything to achieve it.  Any advice on where to start or recommendations?

 

I think you have a great look for TV and Commercial Print.  Your pictures look good but you need a head shot and some business attire shots.  Get into an acting class and find the right agent for your type.  Overall, I think you have potential.  But remember - the competition is intense so be ready to work really hard.

CUINGTON
I have been modeling for almost two years now and I have hundreds of photos.  But I need tips on how to build a resume and portfolio.  Can you give me some tips on helping me?  It would be very appreciated and helpful if you could. 

 

You have a very nice look.  Your book is very commercial though.  I think you need more "suit" photos and some that we call boy-girl shots.  Go out and find an agent - I think you have a good chance.  Make sure you connect with people on MWN - you can find photographers to collaborate with.    

RYAN KNOWLES
How would someone like myself get into modeling as a career and get paid to do it? I'm very interested in getting my foot in the door.  I need a mentor like yourself.  I did a photo shoot for Model Search NYC and they ended up making me pay.  I didn't get anywhere! 

 

You only have 2 pictures.  Is that what you paid for?  You were ripped off.  Also, you don't list any attributes on your Portfolio.  Are you two feet tall or 10 feet tall?  Get serious if you want to get into the business.  You have a good look - but it takes more than that to make it.

STEVE FANTINI
I was hoping for a little feedback about the best way to get jobs for print modeling based on where I am in my acting/modeling career.  I am brand new and have a limited portfolio.  I am also 39 but still in good shape, very fit and am guessing there is a niche for me somewhere.  My first step was going to be to set up a new project here seeking photographers for a TFP kind of deal.  I am looking for the best ways to get modeling jobs in terms of who or where to target.  I am also wondering if seeking an agent is the best way to go - I am currently with Plaza 7 Talent and Modeling agency but I think I'd like a fresh start.  Thanks again for your help!  Please offer any feedback you can on anything I just mentioned.  

 

You have a very interesting look.  You're an actor which is a plus for TV and Commercial modeling.  Yes, an agent is a must.  You live in Philadelphia so there are lots of agents to see you.  You should work on your portfolio.  You have too many of the same photos.  Less is best - remember that.  Contact people on the site to work with.

GORDY RIVER
What do you look for in a potential male model?  Do I have a look or should I stick to acting? 

 

I think you have an interesting look.  But 6'3" is too tall for fashion modeling.  Start testing with agencies - if you want to model you may get lucky and find somebody who likes your look.  

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

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

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