New Faces from Dayton

Agent Interview: Shabi Sharyar, Bleu Models, Los Angeles, CA

Q:  What, in your opinion, is the single most important thing a new model should know and/or do to get started on the right foot with their agent/agency?  What is something they could do that would really impress you and make you want to really push for them?

A:  A new model should trust their agent and allow them to do their job.  Asking questions is fine but second guessing is not.  We picked you for a reason and we have faith that you will make it.  I think being humble, available, and punctual (always showing up to your appointments on time and at any given moment) is a great way to get in the good graces of your agent.

Q:  On the other hand, what is a big no-no for models who are just starting out in this business?  What should they NOT do?

A:  As I mentioned before, trust is very important.  If a model starts second guessing their agent then the agent does not have the drive to work for them, nor will they.  For example, meeting people outside of the agency that promise great things and the model conducting their own business behind the agent’s back.  We are here to protect you and keep you from tarnishing your career.  I know that everyone wants that success NOW but without hard work and patience, it’s very difficult to attain!

Q:  What advice would you give someone who wants to be a model but they don’t fit your height requirements?

A:  There are all sorts of modeling agencies that cater to all shapes and sizes.  Research is key!

Q:  Would you ever represent someone who lives outside of one of your city or would they have to move?

A:  It’s important for the talent to be here.  There are many models/actors here trying to make it so clients have plenty to choose from rather than bringing a new face in.  They need to make sure you look like your pictures, you have personality, and it isn’t smoke and mirrors.  Direct bookings happen when you pay your dues and build a strong book!

Q:  What can a model do to make themselves more marketable?

A:  RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!  Fashion magazines, fashion shows on television…  What is your competition?  Who are the models booking these jobs?  It changes every day so you have to be constantly updated!

Dayton Open Call!

Omaha Open Call!

Glamour Shots, Senior Pictures, & "Art?!?"... Oh My!

I could fill a scrapbook with all the entertaining submissions I've received from people who want to be models.  As my friend Shabi would say, "Bless their confidence!"  Some are just obviously not models, while others might be pretty, but their pictures are just too weird or tacky for me to take them seriously.  I once got a submission from a girl who sent in about 20 individual pictures of different parts of her body - hands, feet, ears, eyes, mouth, etc.  I could piece her together and make a cubist work of "art."  Fun for a second but was I really considering calling her in?  Of course not.  It was (sort of) obvious that she wanted to be a 'parts' model, but if she'd done her research she would have known we don't represent parts models.  Kind of like showing up to a swim meet wearing a tuxedo.  Or something like that...
If you stop trying to give agents what it is you think they want, you just might end up giving them what they are really after.  In other words, don't try so hard to look like a model - take off the makeup and costumes, ditch the props and funky backdrop, relax, and show them YOU.  Keep it clean and simple.  Less is more.  A few examples to illustrate my point...

Practice and pick out about five or six of the best and submit those.  Don't send too many, just the best ones.  If they want to see more trust me, they'll ask for more.  Be sure to include your accurate stats - age, height, shoe; bust-waist-hip and dress for girls; waist, inseam & suit for boys.  And, of course, don't forget your contact info.  Don't send pictures you want back.  And don't call to follow up if you don't get a call first.  If you don't get a response it just means they're not interested right now.  Submit again if you want but give it at least 3-4 months before doing so.  Simple as that.  Don't make in more complicated than it needs to be.

"The Model Manual"

A book is in the works which will be geared towards helping aspiring and new models understand how agencies work as well as the proper care and feeding, if you will, of agents. Here's a brief sample from the introduction to whet your appetite...

"I’ve counseled hundreds of young beginning models and their parents who’ve come to me with zero experience. While I always did my best to give a brief crash-course highlighting the most important “rules” and procedures to ensure basic functionality, these newbies were, for the most part, forced to learn quickly while on-the-job. Lessons were given as situations arose. More of my time was being spent holding hands and explaining formalities than on finding work for these models. I saw the need for, and put together, a handbook for new models that they could take home, read, and refer to. It explained agency procedures and listed things they could do to develop themselves. I also included a printed application for a minor’s work permit, information on setting up a Coogan bank account, and blank vouchers. Bare-boned as is was, this reference packet gave new models and their parents the basic information they needed to know and to have, in one concise bound folder, for me to be able to be able to begin marketing them and sending them out. By anticipating the questions these new arrivals would have and providing the answers before they were asked saved me valuable time that could now be spent focusing on dealing with clients and cultivating new business. And it helped them to feel less overwhelmed and better-equipped as well.

This book is an extension of that new model “survivor pack” if you will. In addition to sections on what the business is about and what to expect once you’re signed with an agency, I’ve provided samples of typical forms and documents used by agencies as well as a current and comprehensive list of helpful websites, along with legitimate agencies and respected photographers that I can recommend. I’ve tried to imagine the questions that you, a prospective and information-seeking young model, would want to know the answers to, based on my exchanges with the thousands of inexperienced new faces that I’ve had during my years as an agent. I’ve also shared information on subjects that you may not have even thought about but are important to have knowledge of as well.

You may discover that the reality of the business of modeling falls short of your expectations and decide that you want to focus your energies in a completely different direction. Which is fine. You’ll at least have made an educated decision – and probably saved yourself some time and money as well. If, after reading this book and completing the exercises included, you still want to give modeling a shot, you’ll be able to tackle the challenge head on and will be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to maximize your chance of success in this industry the first time around. The competition is fierce, but so are you. Prove yourself."

Here it is!

Welcome to the Model U blog! This is for all you new, old, aspiring, working, out-of-work, curious, intelligent and beautiful people who have ever thought about modeling as a career. It's also for those of you who are already working but want to work more. The business can be daunting, exciting, frustrating, exhausting, enlightening, and sometimes heartbreaking - but always interesting. Navigating it can be tricky, but education and preparation can help. Read, learn, apply, and succeed.
xo