What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I was scouted by Elite in Chicago and Nous in LA, it looks like it going to work out. I will go there later this year to see their clients. I am in New York seeing Clients in March and Australia for Fashion week 2004 in Apr/May. I am signed now with agency's in Milan and Miami and have a few in Paris looking at me. I am having a great time with all my travel.
How did you become interested in modeling?
I was always interested and I asked to go to a school to try it and see if I liked it. I loved it and have been doing it ever since.
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Exposure - new pictures - follow up.
Matt S.
MDC Member since Sept. 2003
View Matt's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA
Age: 27
Agency contacts: R&L, Gilla Roos, The Lyons Group, A.L. Models and Champagne Trott (LA)
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
The first step is to know yourself and know what you want to accomplish in the industry. If you are not a member yet, join MDC and learn as much as you can about the different markets and agencies through the MDC forums and directories. MDC is the definitive information and networking resource! Invest in your career and test with as many photographers as you can to build your portfolio…..then MARKET, MARKET, MARKET yourself to agencies through internet and mail submissions as well as open calls. Ultimately, the modeling industry is a creative BUSINESS! Show the agencies how you can make them successful and you will get noticed!
How did you become interested in modeling?
I have always been excited about the mixture of photography, fashion, styling and art direction that blends together in the modeling industry to convey beauty, provocative ideas and human emotions. In addition to modeling, I work as an actor and film producer in New York and LA. Through my experience in the film industry, I have observed so many connections between the modeling business and on-screen entertainment, that I wanted to work as a model myself and learn about the industry firsthand. With that goal in mind, I joined MDC, networked with other members, tested with extremely talented MDC photographers Michael Creagh and Nicolaas De Bruin, built my portfolio and started contacting agencies in the New York and LA markets. I am having a great time modeling and I am looking forward to pursuing the art and business of this dynamic industry into the future.
What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
Gilla Roos, R&L, The Lyons Group, A.L. Models and Champagne Trott (LA)
What was your experience with them?
I have had very positive meetings with agents at all of these agencies and I am excited about pursuing opportunities with them and other agencies in the near future.
How did you become interested in modeling?
I became interested in modeling a couple of years ago. I would look at magazines, and collect a lot of campaigns, like CoverGirl, Loreal, and things like that! I then realized that I really wanted to pursue modeling, and that I was interested in it. After that I had attended conventions, and learned more about it, and decided it was something I was definitely interested in. Of course, I love the attention, and the things that come from modeling, and all the lessons that can be learned. It's a rough business at times, but also one of the greatest!
What was your experience with the agencies?
My experience with them was great. Every person I spoke with was very friendly, very honest, and very polite. All the people were very kind to me, but because of my age they advised me that it is best to wait until I get a little bit older, considering I'm still in high school, and have to worry about crazy things like finals (uuggghhh)!!!! :) Most of them would like to keep in touch, and contact me when I'm a little bit older. I have just recently also signed a contract with JJ Cortez at Mgmt First in New York, and he has done so much for me and my career, and it's helped me greatly.
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
For other aspiring models trying to get noticed. Always be yourself, never try to be someone you're not, agents will see through that!! Never doubt your abilities, and never take anything agents say to heart, because modeling is a business.I also think that you should try hard and stay persistent. :) Never go to extreme measures to lose weight, or look good for the next photo-shoot, stay healthy, and stay happy!! Remember modeling is a business and you must work hard to get somewhere, it won't happen overnight, be patient! :)
Daniel M.
MDC Member since Jan. 2004
View Daniel's Portfolio
Location: Toronto, Canada
Age: 22
Agency contacts: Fusion, The Lyons Group
I've always wanted to be an actor, the dream just wasn't a realistic one, then I heard about MODELS.COM through a friend Steve Davie, he's a member too.
For me the modeling is an avenue to film... as a Canadian, acquiring a work permit for the States is difficult task, especially as an actor but easy for a model... I've been hoping that MODELS.COM will be able to make my dreams come true. I do want to model, in fact I'd like to get some more experience on set and working with the camera. I've been attending a few workshops here in Toronto and have just a few weeks to go in The Second City program to complete, by then I'd like be in New York as a working model.
How did you become interested in modeling?
How I became interested in modeling is a funny story. The company that I was working for needed someone to take some pictures for their website promoting the company. They asked me if I would take the pictures and I said sure. As a result of being on the website I got a few calls for some modeling gigs. It just went from there and I am really enjoying it.
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
I would say just be yourself and have fun, but remember how you act is a reflection of who you are and being professional and confident is key. You can not make anyone like you and it is foolish to try. If you are having fun and are true to yourself, people will respond to you.
Dan H.
MDC Member since Feb. 2004
View Dan's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA
Age: 25
Agency contacts: The Lyons Group
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
My only advice would be to keep doing test shoots for experience. Find photographers who are looking to do TFP shoots and do as many as you can with different photographers. At the very least, you'll get better at modeling in the shoots, and you might get some good photographs out of it.
How did you become interested in modeling?
I became interested in modeling mostly as a curiousity. I think modeling is an interesting career and very different from anything I had ever done before.
What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I just joined Models.com a couple of weeks ago, so I haven't talked with that many. I recently met with agents from the Lyons Group. I am definitely looking for more representation though, so agents... get a hold of me!
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
The really big thing for me was having good photos. The poloroid thing worked when I was 14, but here in NYC, I get so much more attention and respect when I have a lot of good, quality photos in my book. Call the agencies, meet with them if you can, and find out who their models test with and then test with those photographers. They would also help you in choosing the right shots for your book. TEST! TEST! TEST! The agencies here really seem to want you to be ready to go!! There is really a lot of great opportunities in modelling, but you need to make an investment and it can seem quite expensive, especially if you're not working right away . . . but, please, be patient, use reputable photographers referred to you by agencies and be prepared to invest time and money (I always compared to the time and money investment as what one would make to become a doctor - lots of time and money and loans and survival jobs and what not . . . but in the end you are a doctor, and not only are you making a lot of money the more specialised you are, but you're helping save lives)!!
How did you become interested in modeling?
My modelling experiences started when I was about 14 years old. I was scouted in a shopping mall. I was very tall and skinny and I guess I stood out. I joined a local agency in Toronto and started booking small local things for shopping malls and department store catalogs. Things got a little uncomfortable for me and my family when people started to request for me while I was supposed to be in school . . . my mom was not having that!! So I stopped and finished high school and university and have been back and forth between NYC and Toronto since the day of my last final exam. I was briefly enrolled at Ailey for dance, but decided I don't want to be a professional dancer (I still take classes, though), I want to model and act.
I was 'rediscovered' upon my arrival in NYC by Grace del Marco Models . . . it was the people at this agency that relit my interested in modelling.
Now, however, unlike when I was 14, I have developed a much fuller, fitter figure. I am currently a size 12 and am pursuing plus size modelling. My goal is to do editorial print for the major magazines as well as major mainstream campaigns. I love my body very much and want to encourage other women to feel good. My re-interest in modelling comes from wanting to encourage the acceptance of healthy women (ie. not extremely skinny, but not extremely fat either, just healthy) through mainstream media.
I have also done theater throughout NYC. The last play I did wrapped up in October. It was one of the most exhilerating experiences of my life. I continue to train my actor and ultimately plan on making movies.
What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
Boss Models, McDonald Richards.
I have also received referrals for Ford, and Click . . . (and having my photos on-line really makes contacting the necessary people so much easier).
I was also just contacted by The Lyons Group . . . I have to send them some polaroids . . . need to get those done ASAP (I don't have a polaroid camera) . . .
What was your experience with them?
Going to see them within the next two weeks!!! (Wish me luck).
Anthony P.
MDC Member since Feb. 2002
View Anthony's Portfolio
Location: NJ, USA
Age: 28
Agency contacts: R&L
How did you become interested in modeling?
I really just got into it; something else to try. I think it's a lot of fun doing something different! It was just something to give a shot at, I figured it couldn't hurt.
What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I have been in contact with R&L models
What was your experience with them?
So far it has been a great experience working with R&L.
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Just keep plugging away at what you want, I am sure you all know what you are doing.
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
All I can say is give it a shot and submit your photos on models.com and see what happens. You could be the next big thing.Be persistent and always on time!
How did you become interested in modeling?
My mother was a model when she was younger and my friends and family thought I should follow in her footsteps
What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
Karin NY, Nous Models, and Diva
What was your experience with them?
I contacted Nous and meet with Kenya, she seemed really excited. I recently received comp cards and my portfolio from them and I am now trying to build up my book.
What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
First and foremost, be proactive. The industry moves at a fast and furious pace, and if your not running to keep up, you will undoubtedly get left behind. Secondly, if you have not had good responses from basic polaroids, work with good photographers in showing you can be marketable. I think the worse thing you can do to yourself is to have "semi-professional" pictures. If you are going to compete professionally, you need to acquire first class photos from first rate photographers. It will cost you in the beginning, but in the long run you will be much more likely to achieve success.
How did you become interested in modeling?
Although I have always loved the artistry and creativity of the fashion industry, like many others outside the industry, I was completely ignorant as to what it would take to begin a career. Luckily, one day I was randomly approached by a well respected and accomplished photographer in the Miami area, who offered to shoot some tests with me. During the shoot, I took the opportunity to enquire as how to best begin a career, to which he was extremely helpful. After receiving several prints from the tests, I took the photo's and the good advice, brought them to the local agencies, and was almost immediately extended several offers to sign. Since then, my interest has grown into a passion as I have literally had the time of my life meeting interesting people, and learning more of the "insides" of the industry.
What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
Because of the quick response by Wilhelmina to represent me, I have not yet made much of an effort to extend myself to other markets. Notwithstanding however, I was recently contacted by the Lyons Group out of NY, and due to their kindness and professionalism, I have decided to work with them in getting introduced into NY market. Some other agency contacts have included Next, Major, and LA ..
What was your experience with them?
Everything about MDC so far has been a positive experience. The agency contact component is a wonderful resource, and has served me very well to this point in getting exposure as well as networking inside the industry.
and...
If there was just one thing I could share with everyone out there, it is simply to enjoy the moment. Sometimes we get so caught up in the destination, we forget to enjoy the journey along the way.
