enter the world of modeling: become a member...  
December 30, 2003
Sarah H.


MDC Member since Jun. 2002
View Sarah's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA
Age: 21
Agency contacts: Agence Christie, Gotham, Karin NY, Q Models, R&L

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Strive to let your personality shine through whether you're being photographed, on the runway, or meeting with agents and casting directors. Inner beauty does count!

How did you become interested in modeling?
After moving to New York City for school, I was spotted in Washington Square Park, and ended up in a fashion show at Macy's. While there, a photographer in the audience spotted me and asked me if I'd like to do a shoot with him. One thing led to the next, and soon I was doing jobs for Cosmo, Seventeen, Loreal, and looking for an agent!

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I've been contacted by Q Model Management, Gotham Model Management, Agence Christie. I've used the agency directory to contact many agencies, including Elite and ID Model Management.

What was your experience with them?
I've been free-lancing with Gotham Model Management along with ID Models, and am being considered by Agence Christie. I hope to continue my contacts and eventually form a strong enough relationship with one agency to work EXCLUSIVELY with them!



Brandon H.


MDC Member since Oct. 2003
View Brandon''s Portfolio
Location: NY, USA
Age: 24
Agency contacts: Aire, Karin NY, Re:Quest, Fusion

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
I think it is important that you just be yourself and that you remain true to who you are. Always act in professional manner and if things don't work out the first time, just keep trying. Furthermore, you should have other interests and aspirations besides modeling or becoming a model. A well-rounded individual will go far. Oh man.....I'm starting to sound like my parents.

How did you become interested in modeling?
I became interested when I saw magazines like Arena Homme Plus. I just thought the photographs were so artistic and interesting that I wanted to be a part of that.

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I have been contacted by Karin NY, Re:quest, Fusion and Aire

What was your experience with them?
I was signed with Aire but unfortunately that didn't work out to well. However, my experience with Karin and Re:quest has been very professional and nice. They both requested more polaroids and I recently visited Re:quest. Unfortunately, I visited them just after I completed an eight day hike across the Adirondack park in upstate NY and lost about 15 pounds. I plan on returning once I recover the mass that I lost. I was also recently contacted by Jody from Fusion who is extremely nice and I plan on visting them in the next week or so.



Eric Taylor


MDC Member since Aug 2002
View Eric Taylor's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA



December 23, 2003
Alida D.


MDC Member since March. 2002
View Alida's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA
Age: 29
Agency contacts: Satchi DC

I have to say that it is like a dream come true to know that I did have the potential to model after all, thanks to Models.com and its members :D!!

How did you become interested in modeling?
The fashion industry became a huge influence in my life when I was in junior high. When I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, I went through many experiences as an apparel design major but then I realized I had more of a desire to do fashion illustration. The models that were in my sketching classes made me wonder what it would be like to be in their position. I even broke down and went to a modeling school but that didn't help! I also had to put off my urge to take acting classes knowing I had no time as a full time student back then. After much heartache from the discovery that I wasn't tall enough to model for my drawing classes or to be a fashion model, I gave up and just concentrated on my art career. Then I suddenly got hit again with the acting bug two years ago and simultaneously found Models.com :). This website had a wealth of knowledge about the other part of modeling that I never knew about: commercial print!

What was your experience with them?
I signed a non-exclusive contract with them in April of this year. I've had a few castings since then. It's just a great feeling to know that I'm with a reputable agency that is part of the Models.com Agency Directory.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Firstly, you need to have the ambition and desire to model before anything else. Then take a look at yourself in the mirror. If you truly have the stats and look to be a model: the right height and age for fashion only, clear skin, great head of hair, proportioned body and a smile that can light up the room, you have a really good chance!! It truly helps to live near a major city of course. Commercial print modeling has so much more as far as opportunities because you can model well up to your 80s! Also, be ready to invest hundreds of dollars and more for photo shoots, traveling expenses and the all important ticket to getting jobs, comp cards. Time is of the essence, you have to understand that getting an agency and booking modeling jobs could either happen in two weeks or in two years! Last but definitely not least, you need to be HEALTHY! And not just physically healthy but emotionally and mentally as well. Modeling part-time or full time, you are a business that you own in this industry. You need to keep it running smooth and looking GOOD if you want to see profits rolling in. To learn more, join Models.com and learn for yourself!



Jason D.


MDC Member since Sept. 2003
View Jason's Portfolio
Location: LA/NY, USA
Age: 22
Agency contacts: Elite, Q Models, Click

How did you become interested in modeling?
I had always been urged by friends and family to pursue modeling, but never thought that an average guy like myself would have access to such an industry. Last November, a good friend of mine entered me into the first ever GAP Casting Call Contest. I never expected a thing. Before I knew it, I was off to San Francisco to shoot for the GAP!!! It was there, that I realized, modeling is a lot like a theatre performance. I was hooked from that point on. I turned up the juices....and won!!!!

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I'm a new member to models.com, but I've had contacts with Elite, Q Models, and Click, all of the Los Angeles Offices. Im Relocating to New York, so looking for rep in the city.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
My advice to any aspiring model like myself: Keep striving, and stay true to yourself. Learn to interpret "NO" as a term of endearment. The industry is everchanging, at an extremely fast pace, so there are many factors that could affect your relationship with a certain agency at any time. If modeling is what YOU want to do, then YOU have the control. Great models arent made over night, its a process. Treat your modeling career like any other...Like one would a career in medicine, law, business, etc. Do your homework,work hard, and join models.com...lol.......it will all pay off in time!!



Jaymes Leavitt


MDC Member since Jun 2001
View Jaymes Leavitt's Portfolio
Location: MA, USA



December 16, 2003
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!



Shannon G.


MDC Member since Apr. 2003
View Shannon's Portfolio
Location: VT, USA
Age: 21
Agency contacts: Karin NY, Re:Quest, Satchi,

From my time on Models.com i have done a shoot with a photographer from Men's Health, and am in talks with a modeling agency from London.

How did you become interested in modeling?
I was spotted in a shopping mall.

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
Karin, Satchi, and Request

What was your experience with them?
Most of these agencies are waiting on a shoot I am meant to do in NYC, after knowing that they will be able to make a clear choice with their direction.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Modeling is a world unlike any other thing. It moves at a rate that no one is ever really sure of, all we can ever do is hope to get swept away in the rush .



Anton Oparin


MDC Member since Nov 2000
View Anton Oparin's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA



December 09, 2003
Tana G.


MDC Member since April. 2003
View Tana's Portfolio
Location: OK, USA
Age: 22

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Get some good pictures or yourself and send them to agencies. Be patient, exercise, and eat healthy!

How did you become interested in modeling?
I have been interested in modeling for several years but until recently I haven't had the time or money to invest in a modeling career.

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I've been contacted by several agencies but then rejected when they found out I live in Oklahoma. However, I have met several wonderful photographers on here and I had some great test shoots! I've been talking to a local agency but I'm still looking for representation!



Justin G.


MDC Member since Sept. 2003
View Justin's Portfolio
Location: TX, USA
Age: 21
Agency contacts: Karin NY,

I have always been interested in modeling, but I wasn't exactly sure how I would get "into" modeling. So one night while I was messing around on the computer I came across Models.com and decided to give it a try. This was about a month ago when I did that and 2 weeks later I was contacted by Karin Models NY. My experience with them so far has been good, I have just been talking through emails right now, sending them different pictures. My honest advice for other aspiring models would be to give models.com a look.

Right now I am a student at the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville, AR. I have just recently become a member. Models.com has already helped me more in that short time of being a member than I would have achieved in probably a year so I am very grateful of that. I just hope in the future I get contacted by more agencies and maybe get some modeling jobs out of that.



Jim Chatwin


MDC Member since Jan 2002
View Jim Chatwin's Portfolio
Location: GA, USA

Fashion & Lifestyles photographer



December 02, 2003
Natalie W.


MDC Member since April. 2003
View Natalie's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA
Age: 23
Agency contacts: R&L, Gotham

I would like to thank MDC for providing such a great networking/promotional tool. I was able to get my return on investment - I've booked 2 paid runway shows recently. One of them was for United Colors of Benetton!!! In addition, I've met great photographers to test with and bunch of other really nice people. As for agents, if you are reading this, I would love to hear from you soon :)

How did you become interested in modeling?
People kept asking me if I am a model and insisting that I should try modeling.

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
R&L, Gotham

What was your experience with them?
I went to see both. R&L said that they would be interested in representing me once they open their fashion division. I have more of an editorial look. Gotham asked me to please gain inches - I am size 2 or 0 - they have a lot of show room clients and I am too slim for showroom pieces usually.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
MDC is great for aspiring models, but do not rely just on that. Go to open calls if you are located in one of the major markets. Do not get discouraged by few rejections. There are so many agencies and they all have slightly different needs/tastes.



Jeff B.


MDC Member since Feb. 2003
View Jeff's Portfolio
Location: OH, USA
Age: 36

How did you become interested in modeling?
I was walking in a mall and was spotted by a talent scout! Through this encounter, I was signed with an agency in Ohio and have been doing print work and TV commercials.

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I have used the agency directory to forward my portfolio to many of the modeling agencies in the directory. I have sent my portfolio to Click, Boss, Elite and many more listed in the US and abroad.

What was your experience with them?
Aire models is one of the agencies that are in your directoryy that I have had conversations with and they were great to talk with.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
My best advice would be to stay focused and to be persistent to reach your goals. Don't give up!



Nicolaas De Bruin


MDC Member since May 2003
View Nicolaas De Bruin's Portfolio
Location: NYC & L.A., USA

New York and Los Angeles based fashion photographer