My experience blogging so far has been pretty enjoyable. I would say almost therapeutic. It's allowed me to expand my knowledge on a realm of different subjects and I've learned things about my fellow classmates that I would have never known before.
It has also kept me focused on my goal, modeling. There is a lot of things going on in my life right now. Its my senior year and I'm preparing for the rest of my life and this blog has really helped me stay on task and remind me of my long term goals as well as allowed me to reflect on my experiences modeling and relive them by telling my "audience" lol.
Will I keep blogging after this assignment is over? Honestly I probably will. I found it somewhat challenging to coordinate my posts with the assignments given for each one but even with those guidelines the posts were not all that difficult to write and the "your choice" posts were the best and those are the ones that I will get to post all the time now. My career and my life is just beginning and so is my blog. There are many more stories to be posted and much more to be learned and shared with the world. Someday I do hope to have a big audience and a lot of people listening to my advice and benefiting from it.
I would like to expand my blog but still keep the main focus on modeling. The reason I started this was to help aspiring models reach their goals and that will still be my goal. I am a firm believe that there is a lesson to be learned in everything and I would like to convey those messages to my viewers through my experiences and stories. Its all up hill from here everyone so stay tuned ; )
Monday, January 14, 2013
Believe in yourself
I hope this goes without saying but you have to believe in yourself before you start to pursue your dream. I want to share with you guys my story. How I got started. When I was younger I had a lot of confidence issues. I was bullied like many many others. I used to be scared to get on the bus because I knew the kids would pick on me for having a high voice, for my purple CD player and my favorite because I did gymnastics. From a young age, before I even knew the deffinition of most of these words I was called gay, faggot, queer. I used to run off the elementary school bus in tears on a daily basis. I know it sounds sad and I'm sure a lot of you had similar if not worse stories. I'm here to tell you that it gets better.
I had a friend when I first started gymnastics, more than a friend. A best friend. We were exactly a like, but one day he stopped coming to gymnastics. We stopped hanging out, and he stopped talking to me. He was severly bullied, to the point where an 10 year old boy considered plunging a kitchen knife into his stomach. I'm extremly grateful that he didn't and I have gotten back in touch this friend today but he tells me time and time again he regrets listening to those stupid kids that called him names and made him quit what he loved to do. I was forchunate enough to have friends and family that kept me going, that built me up and gave me the confidence to keep going. I want to be that friend to you all, please never ever give up on your dreams. People told me that all the time when I was younger, that if I kept at it I would get there and I thought the same thing that you do. That kind of thing doesn't happen to people like me.
My dream has always been to entertain and be in front of people, in front of the camera. I almost gave it up, not to long ago actually. It's at your breaking point, the time in your journey when you get that sickening feeling in your stomach telling you it was all a waste of time. That's the time you have to push through because that's when you get stronger.
I come from a very small town. Everyone thinks that it is impossible to make it out here. They say "things like that just don't happen out here." I said "why not!" Why does where you live have to determine your fate? Well it doesn't. You decide what path you go down and if you want to be a rockstar then go do it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I was a skinny akward looking teenager, nobody would have thought in a million years that I would get signed to a modeling agency in NYC. I didn't have the measurements, I had acne, I had confidence issues. I worked through it though, I figured out what I have to do to acomplish my goal and I worked for years at it. Even now I'm constantly striving to better myself and those around me still doubt what I already know I'm capable of.
So please, never ever give up on your dreams. Don't let the haters, the bullies and the people who have already given up on their dreams affect your futures. I believe in you, do you believe in yourselves?
I had a friend when I first started gymnastics, more than a friend. A best friend. We were exactly a like, but one day he stopped coming to gymnastics. We stopped hanging out, and he stopped talking to me. He was severly bullied, to the point where an 10 year old boy considered plunging a kitchen knife into his stomach. I'm extremly grateful that he didn't and I have gotten back in touch this friend today but he tells me time and time again he regrets listening to those stupid kids that called him names and made him quit what he loved to do. I was forchunate enough to have friends and family that kept me going, that built me up and gave me the confidence to keep going. I want to be that friend to you all, please never ever give up on your dreams. People told me that all the time when I was younger, that if I kept at it I would get there and I thought the same thing that you do. That kind of thing doesn't happen to people like me.
My dream has always been to entertain and be in front of people, in front of the camera. I almost gave it up, not to long ago actually. It's at your breaking point, the time in your journey when you get that sickening feeling in your stomach telling you it was all a waste of time. That's the time you have to push through because that's when you get stronger.
I come from a very small town. Everyone thinks that it is impossible to make it out here. They say "things like that just don't happen out here." I said "why not!" Why does where you live have to determine your fate? Well it doesn't. You decide what path you go down and if you want to be a rockstar then go do it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I was a skinny akward looking teenager, nobody would have thought in a million years that I would get signed to a modeling agency in NYC. I didn't have the measurements, I had acne, I had confidence issues. I worked through it though, I figured out what I have to do to acomplish my goal and I worked for years at it. Even now I'm constantly striving to better myself and those around me still doubt what I already know I'm capable of.
So please, never ever give up on your dreams. Don't let the haters, the bullies and the people who have already given up on their dreams affect your futures. I believe in you, do you believe in yourselves?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
What's Proscout you say?
What is Pro scout? Pro scout is a company who's purpose is to hookup talent with an agent. This is the company I used to find my agency and it worked very well for me. The way it works is you have to attend a screening. What they look for at the screening is something special in you. They weed out the people that they believe don't show enough potential. They look for physical requirements as well as personality because they do recruit actors too.
IF you make it past the screening you will be invited to their invitational at a location hopefully close by. Mine was in Philadelphia, but they have invitationals in a number of major cities every year. IT DOES COST MONEY. The first time you go it will be (unless the price has gone up) 795$. Yes it seems like a lot but for what they are offering you it truly isn't. Think off all the money you would have to spend going to these agencies individually. Pro scout brought over 30 top agencies practically to my doorstep. as well as giving me a wealth of knowledge about the industry.
The event is truly an experience to remember. I met more amazing people and made even more amazing friends while I was there. The event is usually held in a hotel in which they will give you a discounted rate to stay there and It is also much more convenient.The weekend consists seminars, workshops and other intriguing activities. Saturday, your first day will be mostly seminars and workshops. The speakers are all amazing, they are people that have immersed their lives in the industry. Former models, currently working models, agents, managers, they all speak there as well as the wonderful president and founder, Brian Marcus. Sunday is the big day, you meet ALL the agents in the photo sesh which consists of simply walking by the agents with your 8x10s and basically looking pretty for them. You will also walk a runway in front of ALL of them so if you are stage fright...well, you probably shouldn't be trying to break into the modeling industry.
Then the callbacks. Probably the scariest moment of mine, and everybody else in that rooms lives. Brian or another representative for Pro scout will read off every agencies list of callbacks at the event. If your number is called you go to a private room to meet with your agencies representative. Every agency is different but if you got a callback that means they are interested. If you didn't get a callback, you go home. Yes you go home but their is an upside. First of all if you think you wasted your money, you didn't. The amount of knowledge alone is a good investment as well as the experience. Also you are aloud to go back! Without going through the screening process. The price for a returning pro scouter comes at a hefty discount, 249$. Not bad right? I found my agency on my second try. The second time is honestly so much better, you are more prepared, more confident and IT SHOWS! The agents notice and they will give you a chance if you prove yourself so I urge you to never give up!
I would recommend this company to anyone trying to find a direct path in to the industry. It really doesn't get much more direct. Thanks for reading!
IF you make it past the screening you will be invited to their invitational at a location hopefully close by. Mine was in Philadelphia, but they have invitationals in a number of major cities every year. IT DOES COST MONEY. The first time you go it will be (unless the price has gone up) 795$. Yes it seems like a lot but for what they are offering you it truly isn't. Think off all the money you would have to spend going to these agencies individually. Pro scout brought over 30 top agencies practically to my doorstep. as well as giving me a wealth of knowledge about the industry.
The event is truly an experience to remember. I met more amazing people and made even more amazing friends while I was there. The event is usually held in a hotel in which they will give you a discounted rate to stay there and It is also much more convenient.The weekend consists seminars, workshops and other intriguing activities. Saturday, your first day will be mostly seminars and workshops. The speakers are all amazing, they are people that have immersed their lives in the industry. Former models, currently working models, agents, managers, they all speak there as well as the wonderful president and founder, Brian Marcus. Sunday is the big day, you meet ALL the agents in the photo sesh which consists of simply walking by the agents with your 8x10s and basically looking pretty for them. You will also walk a runway in front of ALL of them so if you are stage fright...well, you probably shouldn't be trying to break into the modeling industry.
Then the callbacks. Probably the scariest moment of mine, and everybody else in that rooms lives. Brian or another representative for Pro scout will read off every agencies list of callbacks at the event. If your number is called you go to a private room to meet with your agencies representative. Every agency is different but if you got a callback that means they are interested. If you didn't get a callback, you go home. Yes you go home but their is an upside. First of all if you think you wasted your money, you didn't. The amount of knowledge alone is a good investment as well as the experience. Also you are aloud to go back! Without going through the screening process. The price for a returning pro scouter comes at a hefty discount, 249$. Not bad right? I found my agency on my second try. The second time is honestly so much better, you are more prepared, more confident and IT SHOWS! The agents notice and they will give you a chance if you prove yourself so I urge you to never give up!
I would recommend this company to anyone trying to find a direct path in to the industry. It really doesn't get much more direct. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Runway Anybody?
There seems to be a slight misconception about runway modeling. Let me clairify something for you, I'll start with the ladies. I do not want to be hit in the face with your hips and pierced by you "intense" stare. Men, basically the same thing goes for you, just losen up a little and have some fun with it. Smile and walk with confidence, it is truly the sexiest thing you can wear. Coming from both http://ezinearticles.com/?6-Runway-Modeling-Success-Tips&id=2398433 and my personal experiences here are some other helpful insides to runway modeling. Stare straight ahead and keep your chin down, nobody wants to see the underside of your chin. Remember everyone watching is on a lower plain than you are. Act like you know something everyone in the audience doesn't. Also make sure, and I hope this goes without saying but have good posture for goodness sake! Keep your shoulders back, chest out and eyes locked forward. It will really amp up the power you admit in your walk. Remember to keep your hands relaxed and your arms gracefully swinging by your side, keeping your fists balled up makes you look tense and angry, nobody wants an angry model. My final advice is to take care of your body, models have a reputation for using drugs and not eating to stay skinny. Well that was the old modeling world and this is modern day modeling. The heathly look is in and its staying. Instead of not eating try eating healthier foods and smaller portions combined with exercise. Stick figures are not attractive. Thanks for reading I hope that this helped some of my aspiring models :)
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Many of you out there will be wonderful models. For a few years... then you will take on a different career that you maybe went to college for or whatever and you will grow up too tell your kids "I was a model when I was younger." The others though will grow up to make a life long career out of this and branch out to different areas of the industry. A good example of how this can happen is this lovely lady Nadege du Bospertus
She was a dynamic runway model in the 90's who had an extremley successful career. After her career she became a judge on Italias Next Top model. Now this obviously wont happen to all of us but is this picture she is observing the fasion shows in Milan and taking notes because she has been hired as a critic. She said at an interview at the show “They asked me to do it this once, so I said yes, let’s give it a try,” She later said that it was a fun job but she would rather be in the show.
She was a dynamic runway model in the 90's who had an extremley successful career. After her career she became a judge on Italias Next Top model. Now this obviously wont happen to all of us but is this picture she is observing the fasion shows in Milan and taking notes because she has been hired as a critic. She said at an interview at the show “They asked me to do it this once, so I said yes, let’s give it a try,” She later said that it was a fun job but she would rather be in the show.
Lights, Camera, Test Shoot!
My first test shoot was this weekend! What an awesome expirience! The shoot took place at Attic Studios in Queens New York and was a test shoot for the agency I'm signed too. The test shoot is the shoot that takes place before you get any jobs. In my case BMG is going to take the pictures from this shoot and put them on their website in addition to giving me a copy of them of course and posting them on a website, modelwire.com. ModelWire is a website that agencies work through to connect with clients.
The photographer was excellent, his name was Udo Spreitzenbarth, a German born photographer. Aspiring models, this is for you. The test shoot cost around eight hundred dollars. Anyone that tells you that your agency is suposed to "Take care of everything" is wrong. Nobody is going to take pictures of you for free until you prove you are a worthy model. Nobody told me this, this is what I've learned so far and come to the conclusion of. Should you be catious? Yes, but don't shy away from an opportunity like this just because there is a price tag on it. The money will come later but like you've probably heard before, and it's true, you do have to spend money to make money.
Anyway, the shoot was a lot of fun. There was music and everyone was very friendly. It started out with hair and make-up then onto the stylist. The hair and make-up guys were hilarious, the hair stylist (roberto) was a professional dancer in his early years and was teaching me ballet while I waited for the photographer to get ready. The outfits the stylist, Yuko dress me were rediculous. I loved them of course, I wanted to take then all home with me but sadly I could not :(. I will post the picture from the shoot on here as soon as I get them. Shouldn't be too long, they said shortly after Christmas.
The photographer was excellent, his name was Udo Spreitzenbarth, a German born photographer. Aspiring models, this is for you. The test shoot cost around eight hundred dollars. Anyone that tells you that your agency is suposed to "Take care of everything" is wrong. Nobody is going to take pictures of you for free until you prove you are a worthy model. Nobody told me this, this is what I've learned so far and come to the conclusion of. Should you be catious? Yes, but don't shy away from an opportunity like this just because there is a price tag on it. The money will come later but like you've probably heard before, and it's true, you do have to spend money to make money.
Anyway, the shoot was a lot of fun. There was music and everyone was very friendly. It started out with hair and make-up then onto the stylist. The hair and make-up guys were hilarious, the hair stylist (roberto) was a professional dancer in his early years and was teaching me ballet while I waited for the photographer to get ready. The outfits the stylist, Yuko dress me were rediculous. I loved them of course, I wanted to take then all home with me but sadly I could not :(. I will post the picture from the shoot on here as soon as I get them. Shouldn't be too long, they said shortly after Christmas.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Need Helping finding an agency?
One of my biggest problems and I'm sure many other aspiring models have the same problem is finding an agency that you want to get signed too. If you google "top modeling agencies" legitimate agencies 99% of the time will not show up. It will most likely say something like "learn to be a model" or "apply to our acting and modeling school" which will end up costing you a lot of money. The best and most effective way to get signed and/or scouted is to send pictures to the agencies themselves. All legit modeling agency websites have a recruit page where it lists an email that anyone can send pictures too. If they like you they will call you and do what they want with you. But how do I do that? I'll be happy to help there. I'll be posting a list of legitimate modeling agencies around the U.S. This should help you all avoid the great inconvenience that I had to face for my nearly two years of searching for my wonderful agency, BMG models. 
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