Congrats, Marisa Barnard!

Marisa Barnard by Fadil Berisha

Height: 5’10″    34-25-37   Size 4  

Based in New York

Seeking Representation

Photo by Fadil Berisha

Marisa caught my attention for a few reasons, beyond that pretty face… Like me, she chose to finish college before launching her modeling career, and she loves to write. Marisa has a cool blog, where she posts about fashion, style, philosophy, and my favorite city: NYC, of course! Check out HappensForaReason.com  These days, having a voice is key. Brands want to be associated with models who have something to say. 

Marisa Barnard by Fadil Berisha

I also recognized the style of Marisa’s headshot and sure enough, it was taken by Fadil Berisha—longtime supporter of Tear Sheet magazine and a wonderful human being. He did my headshots many years ago. I recall being wowed by his gigantic studio on a go-see when I first got to New York; later he shot the cover and beauty stories for my magazine there and I came to call him my friend. It was a whole different way of feeling I’d made it in the Big Apple, which is a good reminder that being ON the cover isn’t the only route to success. There are so many players on a photo shoot, and each is exceptional in a different way. (To read about another type of “player,” check out How Big a Role Does the Casting Couch Play in the Modeling World).

So what more can I say about choosing Marisa as my Model of the Month winner, except… it happened for a reason!

Remember, your submissions are still eligible for next month (I received this submission many months ago).  Also, SEND ME YOUR FAVORITE FESTIVE MODELING SHOT FOR MY DECEMBER HOLIDAY MODEL OF THE MONTH CONTEST!

Don’t forget to “like” the page of your favorite Model of the Month