TONN Model Blog

I don’t have too many pet peeves, but I do have one when it comes to photo selections for comp cards. Nothing annoys me more than a model telling me what to put on their composite cards. No. I lied. Nothing annoys me more than a model, who comes in with terrible photos, telling what to put on their composite cards.

Here are the do’s and don’ts about photo selections for comp cards. It’ll explain why your agents have chosen the photos he/she did for you.

1. Don’t use photos that are too similar: Composite cards are just that – composites. In other words – a compound, a merge, a fusion, a combination, a mixture – of photos that you already have. So knowing that definition, the first rule of thumb is ‘Don’t use photos that are too similar’. Similarity refers to backgrounds, facial expressions, style of photography, dress, poses and looks (commercial, high fashion, business, catalog, etc.). Doing so will limit the number of looks that you’re able to portray and might also clue the client in on how inexperienced you are as a model.

2. Choose photos that show different looks: ‘Looks’ refers to characters or roles that you portray. Generally, you should have a business look, an athletic look, a formal look, and a lifestyle or high fashion look (depending on your market), and a clear headshot. These different looks allow clients to see the types of roles you can portray in photos. So, if a client is looking for an athletic model, they can see that you can do athletic photos.

3. Choose photos that show your features clearly: The photos you choose should include a clear headshot that showcases your complexion, a full length with fitted clothes (so the client can see your figure), and at least one smiling photo that clearly shows your teeth. For this reason, comp cards do not often use artistic photos with strange angles and shadowy lighting.

4. Get professional hair and makeup!: I can’t stress this point enough. If you’re going to spend several hundred dollars on a photo shoot, don’t skimp on the hair and makeup. It’s not worth getting shots with blemished skin and windswept hair that you won’t be able to use.

5. Get a good photographer: Needless to say, hire a professional photographer, who specializes in composite cards. Most ‘photographers’ are trained as artistic or journalistic photographers. Some dabble in ‘glamour’ photos because they like to see young boys and girls half naked. All will tell you they do ‘fashion’ or ‘modeling’ portfolios. The best thing to do is to use a photographer that’s recommended by your agent. He or she is sure to know what the agent wants and needs.

6. Do NOT create your own comp cards: With digital imaging and printing these days, I get all sorts of submissions from wonnabe models, who print their own comp cards. This is so wrong, wrong, wrong!! Don’t do it!! For one thing, you probably are picking the wrong photos. Secondly, once you’re signed with an agency, the agency will want you to reprint them using their logos (they will not send out cards without their logos). Finally, if you’re printing the cards, so you can have something to submit to an agent, you’re wasting your money. A few printed photos would do fine. Better yet, I prefer photos to be emailed to me (but in small formats. I hate it when people email me large photos taking up my disc space!).

7. Never put snapshots in a card: Time and again, I have models wanting to put their favorite photos from a fashion event, or from a runway they’ve done onto a card. This is a no-no. Your card should ONLY have professional photos, not snapshots of you at events, which should be used in your book. Even if they are taken by a professional photographer, the photo generally standout amongst the rest. This also clues a client in on your lack of experience as a model. See number 8.

8. Show that you are an experienced model: A model, who has been in demand, will have excellent tear sheets and photos from jobs they’ve done or photographers they’ve worked with. Some of those can be used for comp cards, providing they fit the above guidelines. A variety of photography, meaning different style of photography, which are acquired by working with different photographers, tells clients that you’re experienced. For a new model to achieve this look, the model would have to work with a comp card photographer, who understands the importance of using a variety of looks and backgrounds. So, using snap shots, such as those from events, tells the clients that you don’t have a whole lot of photos to choose from, so you’re using a snapshot that should really be in your book and not your comp card.

9. Make sure your measurements are accurate: As I’ve mentioned in the section about being an honest model, NEVER lie about your measurements. People in the industry can tell what they are just by looking at you. You’ll only make a full of yourself. And, telling them that your doctor gave you those measurements will not only make you look like a fool, but an argumentative diva.

10. Leave it to the professionals: Photography is a form of art, and like all art, it’s subjective. You may like a particular shot, but other people may not, and vice versa. So, just leave the photo selections to the professionals. These are people who look at faces and photos all day long, and who understand your particular look for the market in which you work. Save your favorite shots for your family album. This is business. The goal is to get you work. If you are completely unhappy with the photos selected for you, I would recommend asking some friends and family what they think. We are often our own worst critics.

By now, you should have a basic understanding of what goes onto comp cards. It’s not a matter of just putting in your best photos (that’s what you do for your book, not comp cards). It’s a matter of allowing clients to see you clearly and to see that you’re diverse.

In this digital age, keep in mind too that photos used on web sites may differ from those used in comp cards. At my agency, for example, web photos are generally a bit edgier than the printed comp card photos. Everyone around the world will see the web site, so I want my models to appear competitive, as if they are competing with models in large markets, such as NYC and Paris. The printed comp cards, on the other hand, only goes out to local clients in Boston, which is a very conservative market. They’d prefer lifestyle photos with lots of smiles. Again, these photos are intentionally chosen to increase the models’ marketability. Nothing is random in this business, so keep that in mind before you start complaining to your agent about photo selections. You may have paid for the photos and comp cards, but they have the experience and your best interest at heart.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, models composite cards, modeling comp cards

Posted by TONN at 01:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"What do we have to do to get Heather really going in the Modeling business? She wants to do big things, but where do we start? I like hearing your advice it's always honest."

I get this question all the time from young girls and their parents. My answer is – if you have problems getting to go-sees and castings in Boston, you’re not ready for the big time.

Most models dream of making it big. Well, making it big, unfortunately, means you have to live in a big city. And, you can’t really live in a big city until you’re ready to take care of yourself (and until your parents allow you to take care of yourself).

The problem with starting work in a place like NYC, which is really the only fashion capital in the US, is that you really do have to live there. If you’re a so-so model, you could be going to 1 or 2 go-sees a day. If you’re hot, you could go to 5 or 6 go-sees a day. Imagine having to do that living in northern New England! So, as I had said, if you have problems getting to go-sees in Boston, you’re not ready for NYC. And, if you miss one too many go-sees, your agent will stop sending you all together.

So what’s a girl to do when she’s still in high school and living hours away from NYC, but want to make it big as a model? Well, she can start honing in on her skills and plan ahead for the big time. I’d recommend that she works as much as she can in the closest city that is to her, so that she can get experience and tear sheets. In addition, she should look for a college in NYC, assuming she wants to go to college.

Another option, which is what I did, was to look for a study abroad program. I spent my high school senior year in Paris finishing my diploma while working as a modeling. If your parents are comfortable, talk to your agent about going abroad for the summer. I would recommend Asia. There is a HUGE need for Caucasian models there. Europe is more competitive, so if you don’t have much experience, I would not recommend it.

In summary, take your time, hone in on your skills, and plan ahead. Once you hit the big time, there’s no turning back. It’s not like you can say to a client – oh wait, I have a test Tuesday. Can I do the shoot on Thursday instead?

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, modeling in high school, high school models

Posted by TONN at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I once met with a 30 year old commercial model, who REALLY wanted to do high fashion. From the moment I’d met her, I thought her look was perfect for commercial. She had a great smile, wonderful teeth, nice skin and a pleasant personality. She had all the makings of a fantastic commercial model. Her look just wasn’t edgy enough for high fashion, and she was, frankly, too old.

She had somehow heard about a casting with specs requiring the girls to be 18 – 22. While this is an age range, meaning anyone who looked 18 – 22 would be appropriate, she just did not look 18 – 22. On a good day, she could pass for 29 instead of 30.

She came into my office and begged me to send her to the casting. I told her no and gave her the reasons why not. Then, she said to me, “Can’t you just tell them I’m 22?”. There are just too many things wrong with that question.

Firstly, I don’t conduct my business that way, and I don’t work with models who do. More importantly, from her standpoint, why would you want to be known as the model, who lies about her age??? One look and an agent or client can tell she wasn’t 22. She would just embarrass herself (and me had I sent her)!

Age is just one of the things models think they can lie about and get away with it. Another one is height. Many, many, many girls (and some boys) have lied to me about their height. They come into my office wearing high heels and big hair hoping I wouldn’t notice. They even argue with me when I lean them up against the door where I’d marked inches with a measuring tape; they even argue that their doctors had given them those measurements. I’d say to them, ‘You need to go to another doctor because this one must have gotten his degree in Mexico.”

Agents see people everyday. We see them in person and in photos. It’s what we do. We humor ourselves by asking you about your age and measurements. We already know what they are. Lying about them will only make you look dishonest, unprofessional and frankly…stupid.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, honesty and modeling

Posted by TONN at 08:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Aggi, 26, submitted her photos to the blog inquiring whether or not she would be appropriate as a fitness model. It’s no question that Aggi has an excellent body for fitness ads. By looking at the photos, I can tell the woman works hard to achieve this figure.

However, Aggi makes the mistakes that most models make when they start out. She forgets that her face is the single most important part of the photo. Whether you’re doing commercial, fashion, glamour or fitness photos, your face is what sells the product or service.

Here, I can tell Aggi is concentrating so much on her pose (flexing) that she’s forgetting to relax the muscles in her face. She looks like she’s in pain. No body wants to buy pain. People want to buy pretty and easy, but not pain and discomfort.

I also can tell that Aggi either didn’t have professional hair and makeup, or had a really bad stylist. I can’t stress how important it is for new models, especially women, to have professional hair and makeup, despite the type of modeling you want to do.

Here, Aggi has pink lipstick on, which according to my mother’s generation, was the rule of thumb if you have blond hair. But, this is 2008. Now, we know that darker colors bring out the lips. Aggi already has thin lips; the pink seems to make Aggi’s lips disappear. This is a terrible thing for any model!

Luckily, this can be corrected by using proper makeup applications and techniques. Better yet, a 15 minute visit to my favorite cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Del Vechio, would be even better. With a simple injection, he can make Aggi’s lips look 3 times fuller. You can find his information in my Model’s Corner – www.TonnModel.com/modelscorner.

Why is it important to have full lips for a model? Well, research shows that contemporary cultures value pouty lips (although not too pronounced). Look at Angelina. Her lips are the talk of Hollywood. It’s because they remind us of youthfulness; whereas thin lips are associated with old age.

I may seem like I’m off track here because Aggi had written in about being a fitness model and I’m talking about her face. Well, I think Aggi has an excellent body for fitness modeling, but she needs to realize that posing, even in fitness modeling, requires that the model’s face looks pleasant and attractive.

I would also recommend that Aggi works with a better photographer and stylists. The phrase, you get what you pay for, is very true when it comes to selecting photographers and stylists. For a new model, they cannot afford to NOT have talented professionals working with them.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, fitness modeling

Posted by TONN at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The model’s bag is perhaps the single, most important thing, which distinguishes a professional model from an amateur one. The bag not only carries all your necessities with everything ready at your fingertips, but it also shows clients and agents that you are serious enough about your profession to have these items at hand at go-sees and jobs.

Every professional carries tools of their trades. Visiting nurses carry medical bags. Artists carry essential drawing tools and portfolios. Makeup artists carry makeup cases. Photographers carry camera bags. Professional models carry model’s bags, which keeps them organized and allows them to deal with unforeseen mishaps. This sentence is key. The bag is supposed to make your life as a model easier, not more difficult.

Some models jam their bags with all sorts of items that they would never use. I once had a model, who used to carry her belongings in a large wheelie suitcase. She would take ions digging for items in the suitcase, which really annoyed me when we were backstage trying to get ready for a show. Time is always pressed at go-sees and jobs. I don’t have time to wait for a model to find her shoes.

Keep the bags small and simple. Only carry items that you need, and downsize those items into travel sizes. A quick trip to the local drugstore will allow you to buy most of these items in travel sizes. The bag should be no larger than a regular backpack or a small gym bag. Trust me; you do not want to lug around a heavy bag while you're running from one go-see to the next. It would be great if you have the money and celebrity status of a supermodel. They all have drivers! But, most of you still have to take the subway, so you keep it light.

Below are some quick essentials that should go into a model’s bag. I’ve separated them for men and women. The differences for these appear in the Makeup, Shoes and Undergarments Sections. I would invite you all to write in to suggest other items you have found to be helpful.

Model’s Bag for Men

-Composite Cards

-Portfolios

-Payment Vouchers

-Pen and Small Writing Pad

-Cell Phone (including important contact numbers, such as agency’s number)

-Clear Antiperspirant

-Electric Shaver

-Moist Towelettes (baby wipes)

-Moisturizer

-Black Dress Shoes

-Make-up Kit

            -Mirror

            -Red Chapsticks

            -Brow Pencil (with self-shaver)

            -Tweezers

            -Travel Manicure Kit

            -Foundation and Powder (I’d prefer the Maybelline 2 in 1 Dream Matte Mousse)

            -Baby Oil Gel

-Hair Products (Whatever works best for your hair. The rule of thumb is to use what you would normally use in the morning, but bring them in travel sizes)

-Clear Band-aide

-Undergarments

-Black Socks

-White ankle socks

-Fitted Tank

-light weight robe

-Underwear

-Composite Cards

-Portfolios

-Payment Vouchers

-Pen and Small Writing Pad

-Cell Phone (including important contact numbers, such as agency’s number)

-Clear Antiperspirant

-Electric Shaver

-Moist Towelettes (baby wipes)

-Moisturizer

-4 inch Nude or Black Strappy Stilettos

-Make-up Kit

            -Mirror

            -Lip Balm

            -Brow Pencil (with self-shaver)

            -Tweezers

            -Travel Manicure Kit

            -Foundation and Powder

            -Baby Oil Gel

            -Brush

-Hair Products (Whatever works best for your hair. The rule of thumb is to use what you would normally use in the morning, but bring them in travel sizes)

            -Clear Band-aide

            -Lipsticks (light, medium and dark shades)

            -Eye Shadows Kit (with various shades)

            -Blush

            -Makeup Remover

-Undergarments

-Nude Pantyhose

-Black Pantyhose

-Light Weight Robe

-Nude Strapless Bra

-Sports Bra

-Nude Panties

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, model's bag

Posted by TONN at 06:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When you listen to a supermodel talk about her childhood, you’d often hear her talk about how lanky and awkward she was. She’s not saying this to humanize herself, so we would like her. I’ve heard this from many of my friends, and I truly believe that unattractive kids grow up to make excellent models, and I believe that there is a reason for this.

Attractive kids never have to work very hard to be accepted and to get what they want. They grow up thinking that they would always be able to get what they want without trying. And, why shouldn’t they think these things? We know from research that society does value attractive people more than unattractive people. Attractive people are perceived as being happier and more successful. They are more likely to get promoted and offered assistance from strangers. Some research even suggest that attractive children get more attention from their peers and their teachers, and they get better grades. Let’s not forget, they’re always the first to be picked for teams. These kids grow up to be adults in a world that has always favored them, so why bother trying to be anything more?

Meanwhile, people who grew up being unattractive go the extra mile to compete (for that perfect job, for that corner office, for that trophy spouse). These people are the ones you see spending an extra hour at the gym, visiting the high end salons, and spending endless hours in front of mirrors learning their angles and studying their facial expressions. They do these things as a matter of survival, while the formerly attractive kids see no reason to do anything more.

If you need more proof, just look at the people you had gone to school with. You would see the ex hot jock with the beginning of a protruding potbelly and receding hairline, and the former cheerleader with cellulites forming on her butt as her breasts start to sag. These people didn’t think they would ever need to worry about their looks, so they let them go all together.

So what does all of this have to do with modeling? It’s simple. People who grew up unattractive know they have to work extra hard to take a good photo. They take chances. They squint their eyes, make fierce expressions, strike daring poses. Meanwhile, people who have known that they’re attractive all their lives, never have to try (or so they think). They stand in front of a camera giving the same facial expression as they would while staring at the menu at McDonald’s.

Time and again, when I speak with photographers, the most frustrating thing for them is to work with a model who doesn’t know how to model. These models tend to stand there, assuming their good looks will carry the photos. They couldn’t be more wrong! The only things they’re giving to the photos are the same expressions and same poses.

The secret to taking a good photo is variation. No one can take a good photo 100% of the time. Even Heidi Klum has her bad angle. But, the more poses and expressions you do while the photographer is clicking away, the higher the probability you have of getting some really fantastic shots. So, take chances! Don’t just assume that your looks will just carry the photos. They won’t.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models

Posted by TONN at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whether you’re in large markets like New York and Paris, or in medium sized markets, like Boston and Atlanta, personality counts for 80% of the jobs that you will get!

Agents and bookers are bombarded by pretty faces everyday – in comp cards, portfolios, emails, and at castings and go-sees. If you think your look is all that and a bag of chips, think again. We have hundreds, even thousands of pretty girls and boys on our rosters, who look very similar to you. If we don’t, I assure you, we can get one.

So, in order to stand out amongst the sea of 5’10 Barbies-brought-to-life, and a crowd of Abercrombie-ed stud muffins, you need personality. Research shows that when people listen to a lecture, they tend to retain more information when the lecturer is attractive and has personality. This is true of castings and go-sees.

Well, being a model, you’ve already got the attractive thing down. But, keep in mind that we also tend to remember models, who have personality. Not only that, but good photographers know that the key to getting a great photo, is to work with a model who can translate personality onto film (or digital images, in this day and age).

OK, so what do I mean by personality? I certainly don’t mean the annoying – asking too many questions, or too pushy - type of personality. These people turn agents and bookers right off. Can you imagine being on a set all day with a model, who can’t keep her mouth shut long enough to take a good photo??

By personality, I mean you need to be outgoing, friendly and confident. I have a model that I work with now, who completely blew me away with her personality. To be frank, her submission photos weren’t anything to shout about and her measurements were a bit off. I was hesitant about meeting her, but decided to call her in anyway (It was a slow week).

When she came in, she completely blew me away with her personality. She didn’t’ wait for me to stand up to greet her. She walked straight to me and introduced herself with a smile in a clear, upbeat tone. She looked at me in the eyes (in an assuring way, not in a creepy way that sometimes people do), and she firmly shook my hand. She didn’t have one of those wimpy handshakes, or one that was overly hard, like she was trying to size me up. It was a perfect handshake that denoted confidence, friendliness and respect.

Needless to say, I signed her right away. I just knew that her personality would translate wonderfully well onto photos. And, I knew clients and photographers would enjoy working with her, which by the way, is key to becoming a top model. We’ll explore this later on when we discuss how to build a solid list of clients and how to become a top model.

So, now you’ve gotten what I mean by personality – good personality. What about the type of personality that we absolutely don’t want?? Well, I’ve got a few of those stories as well.

I once met with a male model, whom I thought had everything that the Boston market was looking for and is missing. He had the potential to become... well… the next me. He was 17, 6’1, 29 waist, fantastic cheekbones and exotically slanted eyes; AND, he’s Asian! When I saw his submission photos, I thought to myself, Finally! Someone, who can fill the gap that Boston has!! There is no hot, Asian male model, who fits those descriptions to pull off high fashion in Boston, not since me at his age anyway! So, I called him in, of course.

You can just imagine my disappointment when he walked through the door with a hunched over posture and eyes looking at the floor. I had to get up from my desk and walked all the way across the room to introduce myself. I mean, me, the agent, the owner of the agency he had hoped to sign with, had to get out of my chair and walked across the room to introduce myself!! Right away, I thought this isn’t going to work.

Then, he gave me one of those jellyfish handshakes, and his voice was so soft I could barely hear what he was saying. And, when I asked him why he wanted to be a model, his answer was, I dunno. Right then, I said to him, "Thank you, but we’re not right for you," and I sent him along his way.

So, as you can see from these examples, personality counts a bunch! There was the girl, who didn’t look so great in her submission photos, but blew me away with her personality and confidence. Then there was the boy who looked like he had the potential to be a fantastic model, but his personality turned me off. I just knew that no client in his right mind would hire someone with a personality of a rotting tree trunk.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, modeling personality

Posted by TONN at 05:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hello everyone!
 

Finally! After much anticipation, my blog is up and running!! I hope to make this an invaluable resource for models and fashionistas alike. Many of the entries will be taken from my manuscript (soon to be a book) on modeling.
 

Having been in the industry for nearly 15 years, first as a model and now as an agent and photographer, I will offer much needed and essential advice on modeling. In addition, I will put my Ph.D. in sociology to good use and give tidbits about the sociological and social psychological aspects of the modeling industry. Interesting data and research findings are offered.

Topics for my blog include, How to Get Signed to a Top Agency; What Makes a Top Model; and How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer. And, there will be practical advice, like What to Put in a Model’s Bag; What Goes on a Comp Card; and What to Bring to a Go-See. 
 

I will even give you my honest, professional opinion on your photos. I welcome models and photographers to submit their images for constructive critiques. No worries; I will not blast you with harsh, demeaning comments. Only constructive criticisms are offered.
 

Please check back daily for updates. I hope you will enjoy and learn from this site as much as I will, and I look forward to reading your comments!
 

Posted by TONN at 04:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)