Maggie S.
MDC Member since July. 2002
View Maggie's Portfolio
Location: PA, USA
Age: 31
Agency: Satchi, Career Images Model & Talent group, Dynasty International
What was your experience with them?
Location...its a problem when you are a commercial model. I am best to stick to local agencies, though Satchi DC/NYC might play out well... that contact isnt finished.
How did you become interested in modeling?
1987-1991
I always wanted to model... begged my mom to help me start... she wouldnt so ... this is what I did:
1987
a girlfriend and I called John Casablancas and a bunch of other agency/school types... expensive.... yikes!
Gathered up a camera and took some cheezy photos of myself and my friend which we sent in to Teen magazines model search... waste of time filled out a card to win a free modeling class with McLane models..... mom actually paid about $400 and I ended up with modeling classes that taught me nothing about modeling... but alot about etiquette... another waste... sorry mom
1988-1990
did alot of wishing and stuff... had a baby.... etc.
1991
Spoke to John Casablancas (dont do this).. was told that if I had pics they would rep me (bull) My uncle is a pro photog... good no great one... so I talked him into shooting me... he did a great job...... John Casablancas is a school..... ugh
1992
Have some great pics...what do I do with them... have talked to local agencies... no clue!
Dancing for EMU dance team one of the girls modeled.. she tells me I have to make a "Comp Card" (whatever that is) and tells me where to call and start the process... she also tells me to then get a resume together and send it out to some agencies which she also gives me addresses to.. great!!!!!
Spend $350 for 500 B&W cards... chose poor images... sent to a bunch of agencies ... signed with Productions Plus in Southfield... I think they have a website...
1992-1993
Work with a small agent in Ann Arbor and book a cover... Theodosia... a christian romance novel!! woo hoo
Do a bunch of and I mean a BUNCH of promo work including some freebies for Both the ann arbor agent and P. Plus......
Dont get paid for a major race track promo..... by the ann arbor guy..... $400!!!! Oh, and then he bounces a check...my bank called me back to their office and were telling me the police wanted to arrest this guy because he had a strong history of doing this... they try to get me to set him up... no way...... (btw he paid me for all but 2 of about 10 jobs.) Sucks but goes with the territory.
1993-1995
Add another Agent: The I group
P. Plus holds Pontiac auditions for the International Auto Show... I go try... didnt know this was so competitive, and how many want this job.... I get it!! WWoooooo hoooo so happy ($350/ day rate and $50/day stipend) Year job intermittent... with travel...... cool stuff.
Work the Auto show
Run the pageant circuit ( hawaian Tropic, Venus etc.. $$$$$$ lots in Michigan for this)
Bit role in an indy movie
Apply to Med schools..... go...stop modeling until 1997 or so.
1997-2000
Discover the internet... start coaching new models on New Models Info Trade....
Decide to attend the model expo in chicago... updated portfolio.... LOTS of calls for work from those networked with... THIS IS COOL!!
1999-2000
Travel with my manager on promos for movie stars like Verne Troyer (mini me) and others.
Do alot of freelance print work....
I love this stuff..
Get some tears in Muscle and Fitness.. book some tearsheets like Skin Magazine (dermatology mag) cover and some catalogs on my own...... pretty cool stuff.
2000 May till June 2003
Move to Iowa..... work with 2 agents
Talent Iowa and Corell Talent.
Book a movie roll in August.
Print ads in such mags as Better Homes and Gardens, Maytag Year end report, and Iams pet food ad... etc... some small amount of promos... some freelance work like that with Verlon Stover for his backdrops line ... etc.
Travel and build book paid portfolio building work for photos. Some infrared art photog done, gosh, most of my resume.... in the last few years...
shoot for tears for fears star video...
Do an indi film and love it.. want to act.
June till now
Move to PA, looking to update more and sign here with some agencies. I really really want to act more.. love it alot. I am looking to sign with some local agencies... in fact I have an interview with Greer Lange Agency in Bala Cynwood PA on Monday the 17th......
I know thats a lot but its a real world story of a petite model...
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Well, not necessarily be these agents, but advice would be to figure out your niche and use it. Not everyone is capable or going to succeed at being a fashion model or even a model in a large market. There is work for everyone. Be persistent, dont get discouraged, and get your head out of the clouds... this is a business, treat it that way. Any model going in this with the idea that it is all glamour is in it for way the wrong reason.
I wish everyone who tries this the very best! We can all work... its just the motivation and drive that determines where and how much! I'm for each and every one of us having success!
