jason brown - Solis Magazine

JASON BROWN PHOTOGRAPHER
t. 1 877 310 3500
e. [email protected]
jasonbrownfineart.com/fashion_creative
INTRODUCTION
There is no guidebook to becoming an immediate success in the fashion industry, and it’d be foolish to expect to
find one. Aspiring fashion stars still need to make those important first steps in the right direction, and Solis is
happy to provide some sound advice to those seeking a career in modeling.
Is there any easy way to become a successful fashion model? Many young women seeking a career in modeling
may very well think so, explaining why so many enter the field, crashing and burning within a year. Sadly, there
are no guaranteed shortcuts to the top of any business, fashion included.
Like anything worthwhile, success can only be achieved through hard work and determination. Even then, there
is no guarantee of success. For every Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks or Kate Moss, there are literally thousands of girls
who go unnoticed. Becoming America’s next top model is highly unlikely for even the most determined newcomer.
The harsh truth is there’s a stronger likelihood that you’ll just be another pretty face in a sea of millions of photos
and magazine spreads.
The competition to the top of the fashion world can also be unrewardingly brutal. If you actually do make it, you
must pack up your bags, leave home and start a completely new lifestyle thousands of miles away. Many industry
professionals will not welcome you with open arms, as they’ll view you as stealing their spotlight - the enemy in
other words.
Be wary of those talent agents, models or otherwise who rejoice a little too quickly and loudly at your arrival.
Chances are they may be setting you up for failure – or even worse. Temptation has wrecked many pretty young
models trying to make it big, and you may find yourself under its spell if you don’t educate yourself thoroughly.
Models must also adopt different eating, exercise and sleeping habits. The business has no use for girls who
won’t adhere to a specific weight or make their appointments on time. It’s a strictly disciplinary lifestyle; if you lack
the self-control, you might as well go home and work in another field.
Modeling is also very expensive. Traveling, living in big cities, agents, photographers, sessions, auditions,
training, publicity, competitions… these all add up, and you won’t see a return on your investment for years.
STEP ONE
FINDING AN AGENCY
Most models are recruited by modeling scouts who roam around the country in a tireless search for fresh faces. Models
are often discovered in shopping malls, schoolyards, clubs or other obvious places where young people hang out. If you
fit the requirements, it's very likely that you will be noticed. You can also send pictures of yourself to an agency. At the
end of the article you'll find the addresses of the top agencies in New York and Paris. You're better off sending a few
simple photographs than trying to create an expensive portfolio. The simpler the photographs are, the better it is. An
agency wants to see a natural face, not someone that's playing dress up and trying to strike supermodel poses. Another
way to get signed is to go to agencies's open castings. Call the agencies's reception desks to find out when those are.
Although some models have been discovered through model conventions, most schools and competitions is generally
a waste of money. You shouldn't have to pay anybody to get access to an agency.
Top modeling Agencies in NYC
Here is a list of all the top agencies in NYC. The Top Agencies list is an alphabetical list of all
agencies representing models currently or recently listed in one of the top model rankings.
Keep in mind each agency has its strengths, modeling is not a one-size fits all industry. While
the power agencies that dominate the market have impressive track records, the boutique
agencies can also offer models personal attention that is hard to find in a larger organization
DNA MODEL MANAGEMENT
Only a handful of agency owners actually sit on the booking board daily,
plugging away in the trenches for their models. David Bonnouvrier does this
and this is an important factor. Even fewer agencies have relationships that go
back a decade with some of the most influential power players in the industry
and again Bonnouvrier has this in spades. Add to that the ruthless drive and
ambition of a booking table packed with killer agents like Didier Fernandez and
what you have is a shop pulsing with raw ambition. Decisions have been made
by this agency over the past several years that have posted spectacular results.
From runway to editorials to campaigns, the new generation of modeling's most
valuable players Natalia, Edita, Magdalena, Eugenia, Eva J) came flooding out
of DNA
Fashion Magazine Clients:
Vogue
W Magazine
MUSE
555 WEST 25TH ST, 6TH FL NEW YORK, NY 10001 212.226.0080
ELITE NEW YORK
Elite was opened in NY in 1977 by John Casablancas and Alain Kittler. Immediately, Elite made a name for itself by challenging the status quo and
developing the power of a model’s image. This lead to the creation and definition of The Supermodel. Elite has represented and currently
represents many of the most recognized and iconic faces of the past 35 years such as Linda Evangelista, Karen Elson, Andie MacDowell, Agyness
Deyn, Veruschka, Gisele Bundchen, Caroline Trentini, Uma Thurman, Iman, Isabella Rossellini, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tyra Banks, Janice
Dickenson, Naomi Campbell, Jamie Bochert, Carol Alt, Cindy Crawford, Heidi Klum, Paulina Porizkova, Cameron Diaz, Stephanie Seymour,
Amber Valletta, Nadja Auermann, Cameron Russell, and Alyssa Miller.
245 Fifth Avenue 24th floor New York NY 10016 #212.529.9700
SOLIS MAGAZINE FASHION GUIDE VOL#1 2013
One of the most recognized and respected agencies in
the history of modeling, Ford impeccably represents a
wide spectrum of models including Anna Jagodzinska,
Hanna Gaby Odiele, Tao Okamoto, Rose Cordero,
Crystal Renn, Carmen dell'Orefice, Brad Kroenig,
Paolo Anchisi, Lars Burmeister, and Adrian Bosch.
NEW YORK 111 FIFTH AVE., 9TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, 10003 TEL (212) 219-6500
MAJOR MODEL MANAGEMENT
Major Model Management New York
419 Park Avenue South
suite 1201
New York NY 10016
Founded in 1999 and under the leadership of President Katia M. Sherman, Major Models New York has
grown to be among the most prestigious and lucrative boutique agencies in the world. Major's team is
comprised of powerful, seasoned agents, combined with a new generation of creative visionaries that
will lead the agency into the future.
tel 212.685.1200
fax 212.683.5200
Major's philosophy is to offer its models a solid plan of management. From development to placement
in the worldwide market and aggressive promotion to a broad client base, the models are ensured
personal attention not found in the larger agencies. Major succeeds on all levels of a model's career;
from high-end editorial and advertising campaigns to catalogs and the increasing e-commerce
business.
Open Call:
FIRST Wednesday of every month 3pm - 4pm
If you are seeking an agency that puts passion and ethics first - combined with a loyal family
atmosphere, Major Models is the place for you.
NEW YORK MODEL MANAGEMENT
Opened in 1995, New York Model Management is a young, dynamic modeling agency committed to promoting talent and exciting new faces to
the fashion industry.
Sister to L.A. MODELS, an established full-service agency on the United States' West Coast, and L.A. TALENT, a television and commercial
agency for beauty in Hollywood, New York Model Management currently is one of the top 5 agencies in New York. Some of the top models
represented by New York Models are Elle Macpherson, Jaime Rishar, Valeria Mazza, Omahyra, Brigitte Swidrak with new rising stars Tatiana,
Carol S., Erica K, Catrina Stella and Janaina. Their men's division has male stars Will Chalker, Ryan Locke, Noah Mills, Mathias, JR, Henry
Barnacle, Caleb and Andrew Cooper.
New York Model Management's international staff brings a wealth of fashion savvy and experience to anticipate trends in fashion. Its owner,
Heinz Holba, started L.A. Models in 1985, after many years of running agencies in Canada and Southern California, and New York Models in
1997.
Marion Smith, the Vice President of New York Models, started in 1969 at Ford Models, working under Eileen Ford. While there, Marion became
Vice President and handled such supermodels as Christy Brinkley, Rachel Hunter, Jerry Hall, Elle MacPherson, Naomi Campbell and Bridget
Hall, just to name a few before joining Heinz in 2001 in running the New York office of New York Models.
As it continues to develop top talent and promote to clientele worldwide, New York Model Management grows in renown, respected for its
professionalism, creativity, and dedication to the present and future of fashion.
Country:United States
Address:596 Broadway
7th Floor
City:New York, NY
ZIP/Postal:10012
Phone:212 539 1700
Fax:212 539 1775
SOLIS MAGAZINE FASHION GUIDE VOL#1 2013
STEP TWO
STARTING YOUR CAREER
Relocation is a factor in any occupation. In modeling, if you don’t already live in New York, Paris or Milan, be prepared to move once you’ve signed with an
agency. Most companies will help you settle in, but it’s ultimately up to you personally whether you’ll succeed or not, says Caroline Bodet, a booker at Elite in
Paris. “You need to have a strong character,” Bodet says. “In the beginning, many girls feel insecure and weak. They’re far away from home and maybe they
don’t get any jobs at first. We let them know that it’s okay to cry in front of us and try to give them security and trust, but we can’t take the place of a family.”
Agencies are not a 24-hour bodyguard either. Bodet adds that the ambitious model must also be cautious to avoid the sharks of the fashion industry, and be
disciplined enough to regularly attend castings and show up for meetings on time.
“We always tell the models not to believe what anybody tells them and not to listen to anyone who promises them anything,” she said. “The girls that never
make it are the ones that don’t take modeling as a real job.”
PASSION
INSPIRATION
DRIVE
FASHION MODELS
If people have always told you that you should be a model, and you’ve been looking at models in magazines and on billboards,
with a voice in your head saying, “That should be me”, you may be wondering… what’s next? Where do you start and how do you
get your foot inside the door of the modeling world? Here, I’ll lay out a few basic steps that every aspiring model should follow.
In modeling, there are various different markets, and choosing the one that you are most suitable for will have a major effect on
your success. The main markets are for catwalk, plus-size, commercial, and swimsuit/lingerie models.
*CHOOSE A MARKET
*CREATE A PORTFOLIO
*SUBMIT TO AGENCIES
*KEEP LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE & EXPOSURE
Catwalk models are generally at least 5’8″ and, as we all know, quite thin with very few curves. Plus size models also tend to be
about this same height but most wear over a size 10. Commercial models, on the other hand, can be a little shorter and their body
types can be more diverse – imagine the type of models you see in catalogs and television commercials here. Lastly,
swimsuit/lingerie models, often referred to as glamour models, often have larger chests with smaller waists.
Of course, these are just guidelines and there are always exceptions to every rule. So if your body type doesn’t seem to fit that of
a catwalk model but you know you have an enviable strut or a unique look, don’t be discouraged! Your first step should be to seek
out an agency to help you look for jobs that will embrace your aesthetic.
A model’s portfolio is incredibly important, as it includes pictures and past work, and is the first thing casting agents, brands, or
designers will look at, in order to determine if they want to work with you.
Of course, when you’re just starting out modeling, your portfolio, also known as a book, will be sparse. In time and with success, it
will expand. For now, though, ask a friend to take a few snapshots of you to give agencies an idea of your look. Your pictures might
not be up to professional standards, but try to use a nice camera and make sure the lighting is flattering.
CATWALK MODELING
What the pictures should look like will depend on the market you’re targeting. No matter what market you want to work in, your
portfolio should include a few headshots, just of your face from various angles, but if you’re going for commercial modeling, make
sure you include a decent amount of smiling shots, whereas any other type of model should have an equal or larger amount of
straight-faced ones. Then make sure to include some full-length shots; agencies usually like some of these to be swimsuit shots,
but again, it depends on the market. For glamour models, swimwear shots are clearly a must.
Once you have a good set of pictures, put them together in a portfolio and make sure to include a page with your stats in this book,
too: this should list your height and all your other measurements, along with your hair color and eye color.
With your completed portfolio all set, it’s time to get in touch with some modeling agencies.
First of all, do your research and make sure to find reputable agencies that cater to the market you’re interested in. Then, check
out the agencies’ websites to find out how they prefer you to submit your book – some will have you mail it in, while others will let
you fill out forms and upload pictures online.
Additionally, many agencies have open casting calls, which are a great opportunity for aspiring models. At an open call, models
bring in their portfolios and meet with casting agents. The agents then take a look at the models up close, in order to decide which
models are a good fit for the agency.
If given the opportunity, I would always suggest going to a casting call over just submitting a book. In real life, your personality can
shine through and instantly enhance your look. If you do go to one of these castings, be sure to bring a composite card that has
your picture on it, along with your name, number and stats.
Finding an agency can be a long process, so if it takes a while for someone to see your true potential, don’t be discouraged. In the
meantime, look for other ways to get exposure and experience.
Some colleges, especially those in major cities, have modeling clubs where aspiring models share information about castings
they’ve heard of and give each other tips on everything from how to photograph well to what to wear to a go-see.
While a club like this is great, be careful of other scams, though: there are so many “modeling schools” and faux “agencies” out
there that promise to make you a star but really just want your money. In general, if they ask for money up-front, you don’t want to
work with them. So always be skeptical and make sure to fully check out anyone you’re thinking of working with on your way to the
top.
SOLIS MAGAZINE FASHION GUIDE VOL#1 2013
GLAMOUR MODELING
SWIMSUIT MODELING
FOR FASHION DESIGNERS
Starting a fashion career can be a fun and rewarding experience. Experts in the industry
recommend that an aspiring fashion designer begin their career in their own hometown. The
idea is to gain experience in the field in an environment the person is familiar with in preparation
for that person being able to work as a designer in a major city, such as New York or Paris.
Internships are a great way to cut one’s teeth and they are easier to get in small town than a big
one. This will help you build your resume. Aspiring designers should not only try to gain
experience but should also take some design courses at their local college campus, or even
online. The combination of education and experience is the key to breaking into the industry and
becoming successful.
In the world of fashion it can be tough for a beginner to determine if the critics think they are
actually talented or if they are being lied to. Fashion critics are often good at giving false praise
to someone’s face and then trashing them behind their back. Others will instantly decide they
dislike someone, without even evaluating how talented the person is as what they do. Receiving
criticism that is constructive and honest is tough in the fashion industry.
Designers just beginning their career will feel more confident if they have validation that they are
talented enough to be successful in the field. This makes it easier to endure the inevitable
criticism they will receive from a critic. It is the designers that do not let criticism discourage them
that become the most successful in the fashion world.
Jumping into a fashion career without being prepared for it is a likely way to ensure the designer
will fail to excel in the business. Critics and others in the business can sense when someone is
not confident in their own talents and abilities.
FASHION SCHOOL
INTERNSHIP
RESUME BUILDER
EXPERIENCE