enter the world of modeling: become a member...  
April 27, 2004
Alla S.


MDC Member since Nov. 2000
View Alla's Portfolio
Location: FL, USA
Age: 29

I have worked as an assistant producer for a few fashion shows with Andres Aquino founder of USA International Fashion Shows in NY City. Have also modeled and has been seeing in Catalogs such as Jewelry World Review in Thailand Issued April 2003. And appear in the new paper El Sol, in a full page La Chica Sol in October 24, 2002. Black Tie Meg. in NY 2003

At the first time when I sign up with a Models.com this is where my modeling begins. In a week I had photographer flying to Miami from NY for test shoot. Then I had few other photographers who contact me and that is how I built up my portfolio and then in a 4 mo. I got together with a great photographer from NY Andres Aquino. www.aaquino.com

On Models.com I learn that you don’t have to be 6” Ft tall and 120 Lb. to be a model. With information on your site I got all details to be a print model or stay in fashion industry. Currently attending classes at the International Academy of design and technology in Tampa Florida where I perfecting my knowledge in couture design. My career is still grooving.



Bubi B.


MDC Member since March. 2004
View Bubi's Portfolio
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Age: 21
Agency contacts: V Models, Fusion

How did you become interested in modeling?
Well since I was little I watched the fashion shows in the TV and loved them and thought the women where beautiful. But I never thought of being a model. When I arrived here in Amsterdam 3 years ago one early morning I had to go to the supermarket, I didn’t even combed my hair and while I was there a head booker of a modeling agency started to talk to me and asked me if I wanted to be a model and I said of course and that basically how it all started.

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
"V Models" in NY

What was your experience with them?
They asked for some more snapshots and Polaroid’s which I didn't already have, so hope to hear from them very soon.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Well the first thing I recommend is to have a high level of self esteem because this industry relies most on looks than other things and sometimes people may critique you and you can take it to literal sometimes. Try to expose yourself enough but not too much. Try to get in a good agency and from there try to have one in the most important Countries of the Fashion World. And last but not least “Be Yourself” that’s very very important.



Christian Holzknecht


MDC Member since Oct. 2003
View Christian Holzknecht's Portfolio
Location: LA-CA, USA /Bregenz, Austria



April 20, 2004
Denise O.


MDC Member since Sept. 2003
View Denise's Portfolio
Location: CA, USA
Age: 20

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
Make sure your pictures show different looks of you and keep trying until you succeed cause the trends change constantly.

How did you become interested in modeling?
The fact that modelling required travelling a lot was the first thing that made me interested. Getting to meet and work with new people all the time is also an advantage.



Ollie K.


MDC Member since July. 2003
View Ollie's Portfolio
Location: HI, USA
Age: 16
Agencies: IMG Men, New York Model Management, Satchi, The Lyons Group, DBM

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
My advice to anyone considering modeling is to make the initial extra effort. If you don't at least try, you'll never know if you may have missed out on a great opportunity!

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
I've had contacts from IMG, Karin New York, DBM, Lyons Group, and some independent agents. I have invitations for New York and possibly Milan.

What was your experience with them?
I'm hoping to set up shoots in New York for this summer.

How did you become interested in modeling?
I became interested in modeling throught the encouragement of friends and family. I have an interest in art, design and fashion, which seems to help too.



Siim Kohv


MDC Member since Aug. 2003
View Siim Kohv's Portfolio
Location: London, UK



April 13, 2004
Kiera H.


MDC Member since Nov. 2000
View Kiera's Portfolio
Location: KS, USA
Age: 17

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com?
Due directly to my exposure on Models.com, I will soon be the new face for Medestetic Skin Care and Cosmetics of Glendale, California. Three different photos of my face will be on all their brochures and posters for their National launch. They are a upper end product sold in dermatologists' and plastic surgeons' offices but they plan to give all skin care products a run for their money. I hope this will be a very big opportunity for me and many thanks to Models.com on this one.

My experience with everyone connected with Models.com has been great. I have made some good contacts with other models and photographers and received some great advice. I get into the forums every now and then and usually learn a lot.

How did you become interested in modeling?
I've been interested in modeling since I won a baby contest when I was 3 years old. A photographer saw my photos and told my mother I should try modeling. There really isn't a market in my town but there is a "school" which I attended in addition to all my dance lessons. Big waste of money on the model school but it kept me interested. Then, the internet came along and I joined another local agency, NuModel and Talent Group, which works the web like crazy. Through them I have done calendar work, represented Sacha Cosmetics in Chicago and worked with many great photographers. I am also represented by All-Star Talent Management who got me cast in "Adrenaline" which filmed the trailer in Canada in 2002. I am also being looked at for another feature film. Currently, I am working in an independent film called "Cursed Waters". I am also on the board for the McCormick Talent Agency in Chicago.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed by these agents?
My advice to other aspiring models is to look for YOUR market. I am sort of short, only 5'8" and am considered too short for a lot of things but my agencies have worked hard to create opportunities for me. I will be doing a huge hair/fashion show next month put on be a local up-scale salone that will be an AIDS research fundraiser. I try to get involved with any local events that are going on even if it is for no pay. You have to start out small and work your way up. Get your face out there everywhere and the right people just might see it. Don't give up.



Silas B.


MDC Member since July 2003
View Silas's Portfolio
Location: CA, USA
Age: 22
Agency contacts: BMG Models

I have been told my whole life I should try modeling and so I finally decided to give a real chance. I have been scouted by BMG models. I am very hopeful for other agencies to see me and be interested. My advice to aspiring models would be that if you know that you have it, then pursue it full force. You will know if you have it within yourself.



Leslie Delano


MDC Member since March. 2004
View Leslie Delano's Portfolio
Location: CA, USA

Modeling is a business, and your are only as good as your pictures because clients view hundreds of books and you want to stand out. It is also a profession, and as such you must invest in the best tools you can to get the job.
Tools for models are portfolios, zed cards and websites geared toward both the market the model is working in AND the strengths of the individual model. For instance, a plus model wishing to work in LA will have more commercial, "pretty" photos than one who is signed to Wilhelmina NY. Models who are multi listed usually have different cards for different markets. Do your homework, know the requirements of your markets and the individual agencies within those markets. CED, for instance, doesn't sign the same type of models as DNA.
When you test for your book, expect to pay pro photographers around $500-$700 in the major markets. You are paying for experience; and professionals-- hair/mu, stylists, etc. I work with several excellent hair/mu peole and stylists, we gear the model's look towards the market she is trying to break into. TFP is fine to gain on camera experience and try out new ideas, but don't expect the same level of quality as you'd get from a pro. If you see a model whose pics you like, ask who shot him/her--word of mouth is a good way to see who's doing good work. And above all, be CAREFUL on the Internet; when I was a model everything was done through agencies, these days, there are so many castings online and while most of these are legit, there are some creepy ones-- so use common sense!! Good luck!