Rivers Signs with the Brown Agency

January Model of the Month Rivers Reid signed with the Brown Agency in Austin, TX, in April. Congrats Rivers!

Rivers Reid

Em Marie Attends NY Model Camp

Em Marie signed with NY Model Management soon after being featured as Model of the Month last summer. This summer she was one of the select few beauties invited to attend their model camp in CT, where the next generation of supermodels is groomed for stardom! Stay tuned for the photo spread in Seventeen mag in November! Sneak peek…

Shooting in CT with Seventeen mag

Are you a Model of the Month with news to share? Let us know what’s new in your career: bookings, new agencies, new endeavors, wisdom to share!   Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search

If you are looking for representation for your cutie patootie in the Big Apple, here are a few questions to ask yourself first:

1. Do you live near New York City? If you are in Iowa, it’s going to be a long trip to get to castings! Most child models repped in the city live in the tristate area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut). NY Models, for example, takes submissions from kids who live within 2 hours of the Big Apple.

2. Do you know what is involved with child modeling? Get educated by reading these posts (scroll back for more): Child Models.

3. Are you realistic? Manage your expectations before you even start your agency search. Modeling is super competitive. Success requires a combination of luck, good genes, the right personality, tenacity, and geographic compatibility (the closer you are to NYC or another large market, like L.A., the better your odds. BUT don’t relocate just to up your kid’s odds. Chances are their income won’t pay the cable bill, let alone rent).

So with those minor considerations behind us, here’s a list of the creme de la creme of kids’ modeling agencies (click on the links to their sites for submission details):

New York Model Management’s Kids Division

My allegiance to NY Models dates back two decades to my own career, so I have to list them first! Actually, that history aside, the fantastic experience I’ve had with the kids bookers there would nudge NY Models into #1. They are professional, organized, and understanding (this last trait is a wee bit rare in bookers, by the way).

James Miller, NY Models (trivia: my son did a movie and music video with James. He is an awesome kid and had a great kid modeling career. He’s now a budding teen actor.)

Generation

I have some history here as well. Generation was a loyal advertiser when I ran Tear Sheet magazine. They are still a top agency for young faces. They also have a TV division. (Most modeling agencies have a relationship with talent agencies, and actor-model crossover is common.)

Wilhelmina Kids & Teens

A division of Wilhelmina, Wilhelmina Kids & Teens reps models and actors, from babies to older teens. Wilhelmina is one of the original “Big 4″ modeling agencies in NYC, alongside Ford, Elite, and Zoli.

Funny Face

Funny Face has been in the biz for 40 years, so they know their stuff. They rep babies, kids, teens, and adults for modeling and commercial print work.

Super happy (or unhappy) with your child’s agency? Comment and give us the scoop! Don’t forget to enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search to gain exposure to agents! Winners of my model search are now represented by top agencies in NYC, LA, Atlanta, Paris, London, and in all major markets in Asia!

Getting Your Child Star Training, Coaching and Representation

Here’s a fun guide I contributed to Westport magazine. It’s great for residents of Fairfield County but also will steer you to my favorite coaches in NYC, so check it out no matter where you live…

LINKS TO ABOVE PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS, STUDIOS, COACHES, MANAGERS

Westport

Ballet Etudes

Cynthia Gibb’s  Triple Threat Academy for Performing Artists

Cynthia Gibb – Voice Lessons

DWKing Talent Management

Jill Jaysen‘s Center Stage Theatre Company

Staples Players

Westport Dance Center

NYC

A Class Act NY

Badiene Magaziner (voice)

Kurt Froman (ballet)

New York Model Management

Thommie Retter (tap) & Retter Entertainment

Trapper Felides (acting/singing coach)

Super Model of the Year: Em Marie!

Em Marie, shot by Emily Scimeca (blog post featured image also by Emily Scimeca)

This 14-year-old had me at first glance, last summer in Maine. She is breathtaking in person and ultra photogenic (those two traits don’t always go together). She is lovely, humble, talented, polite, bold, ambitious, incredibly disciplined and destined to be a superstar—whether as a model, dancer, or both. When I took her into my former agency, I had no doubt she would be signed by New York Model Management. It is rare to be that sure about a new discovery. I have never been that sure, in fact. And, yes, they signed her! So I’m not surprised that my panel of industry judges have chosen Em Marie as Model of the Year!

Em Marie, shot by Jordan Matter

Thank you judges: agent and modeling industry guru Page Parkes (read more here: Exclusive Interview with Page Parkes from Scouted); fab photographer Danny Cardozo (read more here: Danny Cardozo Zooms in on Role Modeling, Modeling, and Photography); and counselor and former supermodel Susan Miner (read more here: Supermodel Susan Miner on Modeling, Inner Beauty, and Page Parkes Model Camp).

Em Marie, shot by Gene Schiavone

This is only the beginning, Em. I can’t wait to see where your career takes you!

Congrats, also, to the People’s Choice Winner: Zoe Mann!

Zoe Mann, shot by Ashley Skatoff

Zoe Mann, shot by Ashley Skatoff

Submit Your Entry to the Modeling Mentor Model Search

(If you entered previously, you are eligible to resubmit!)

Zoe Mann, shot by Ashley Skatoff

Height: 4’9″    Age: 10    

Based in New York

Represented by New York Model Management

Photos by Ashley Skatoff

Zoe just signed with NY Models (my old agency)! When Ford closed their Kids Division a few years ago, the bookers and talent wisely transitioned to NY Models’ fabulous office in Soho. From decades ago, I’ve been impressed with how professional and warm the team is at NY Models and that winning combination continues today. 

Why am I not gushing over this Model of the Month? Well I don’t want too many complaints about nepotism. Yep, she’s my daughter.

Zoe Mann, shot by Ashley Skatoff

Remember, your submissions are still eligible for next month!

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

Zoe Mann, shot by Ashley Skatoff

Zoe Mann, shot by Ashley Skatoff

Congrats to future supermodel Em Marie!

Em Marie, shot by Emily Scimeca

Height: 5’7 ½”    Age: 14    

Based in New York/Alabama

Just signed with New York Model Management! 

I met Em Marie this summer in Maine. She and my son were dancing in a benefit together. I literally did a double-take when I first noticed her. She is stunning. She absolutely radiates fresh beauty. I knew she was the next supermodel, but she seemed to have no idea! Em has such a polite, sweet demeanor, which is always refreshing in someone who looks like they could be on the cover of Elle. 

Em Marie, shot by Gene Schiavone

Go down the checklist of most desirable model traits and Em has them all: wide-set eyes, a pretty nose, full lips, gorgeous skin, high cheekbones, fabulous brows (oh those brows!), a symmetrical face, great hair. Then there is the long neck, the long lean body, and long limbs (and of course I noticed her 5’10″ mom, who told me about her 6’8″ brother. Ok, still growing. Check!).

Em Marie, shot by Emily Scimeca

Add to that her talent as a fabulous dancer and aerialist, and you’ve got a girl who knows how to move, is bold and brave, and is interesting. She has strength and depth—that extra something that makes her memorable. Throw in a dose of ambition—she did long, rigorous test shoots on weekends while also dancing all day Monday through Friday at a dance intensive in New York—and she is unstoppable.

Em Marie, shot by Jordan Matter

Em’s test proofs prove she is extremely photogenic (which is not always the case with beautiful people). Her normal dance training routine involves 24 hours a week of sweat. This kid is a phenomenon and she has only just gotten started! I took her in to my old agency, New York Model Management in New York, and, as I expected, they signed her on the spot. I am thrilled for Em Marie, who will be developed through the New Faces division over the next few years and then be ready to take the fashion world by storm. Don’t forget this face. I promise you will see a lot of it in the future!

Em Marie—doing anything to get the shot! By Jordan Matter.

Want to see what this model does for fun? Watch Em Marie’s Silks aerial routine at the Big Maine Event.

Remember, your submissions are still eligible for next month! Feel free to submit new photos and ENTER as often as you like. 

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

Model of the Year Anastasia Belotskaya

Congrats, Anastasia Belotskaya!

Height: 5’10″    33-24-34   

Based in New York

Represented by Wilhelmina

Stunning Anastasia is the winner! Already represented by a top agency in New York, Anastasia now has the opportunity to meet with Page Parkes (in person or via Skype) and tap into the lucrative Texan market. Working in various markets is a great way to make money and make the most of the travel and cultural opportunities afforded to models. I loved my time in Dallas!

Runner-Up: Taylor Rae Walston

Model of the Year Runner-up: Taylor Rae Walston

Taylor Rae has won an interview (in person or via Skype) with New York Model Management!

People’s Choice Award: Oliver Prasetyo

People’s Choice Winner: Oliver Prasetyo

Garnering 1,100 votes, no one could touch go-getter Oliver Prasetyo for the popular vote win! Check out Oliver’s new Gap campaign—clearly Modelingmentor.com readers have a good eye!

Stay tuned for a Q&A with each of the winners. 

A huge congratulations to all! Look for a lot of love coming your way on social media. I’m excited to see where your careers take you in the future. Get in touch with your mentor—yours truly—whenever you have questions, doubts, or any news to share!

It’s time to kick off the 2015 model search. Get your submissions in for FebruaryModel of the Month!

Meet the Model Search judges:

Erin Lundgren-Scimeca, Director of Scouting at New York Model Management

Erin has been in the industry for 20 years. She worked as a scout at Elite in the Nineties when they represented most of the supermodels in the industry. Erin organized the Elite Model Look contest and then was promoted to Director of Elite Model Look North America. Five years later, she moved to New York Models to run their scouting division.Erin oversees the new faces as well as the movement and placement of the models at the agency.

Page Parkes, Founder/Owner of Page Parkes Corporation

Page founded her agency in Texas 30 years ago and made a name for herself throughout the international modeling circuit. She was one of the first agents to open a branch in the lucrative Miami market (her agency there eventually merged with Ford). She has discovered big-name stars, including Channing Tatum, Shannon Elizabeth, Woody Harrelson, Brooke Burns, and Alexis Bledel. Her finds are placed in major agencies across the globe and her expert eye landed her on E!’s reality show Scouted. Read all about Page here: Exclusive Interview With Page Parkes From Scouted

Susan Miner, Supermodel, Psychologist, Author, and Founder of Susan Miner Beauty

As an international supermodel, Susan Miner graced the cover of numerous top magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Self, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her face represented such powerhouses as Revlon, Maybelline, and L’Oreal. After she retired she got her BA in Psychology (Summa Cum Laude) and MA in Counseling and then became an adjunct Professor of Psychology and therapist.

Currently, as President of Beauty From the Inside Out, Inc., Susan is a keynote speaker, Beautiful Energy workshop facilitator, author and counselor. Her expertise as a supermodel and therapist merged into one passion: To raise your inner peace and beauty! Susan is committed to helping you tap into and unleash your Beautiful Energy. Her book Beautiful Energy: Exercises to Reveal Your Inner Peace contains the step by step of how to reduce your anxiety in written, audio and video format.

Subcribe for free mini energy sessions and beauty tips: Youtube: Susan Miner

Read my interview with Susan Miner.

Jill Johnson: Former Model, Founder of Tear Sheet magazine, Writer, Modeling Mentor, and Stage Mom. Read more about Jill Johnson.  (And stay tuned for a blog in defense of stage moms!)

Subscribe to the free monthly Modeling Mentor Newsletter!

A panel of fashion industry powerhouses are currently reviewing the Modeling Mentor Model Search finalists and voting on Model of the Year!

Meet the Model Search judges:

Erin Lundgren-Scimeca, Director of Scouting at New York Model Management

Some of New York Model Management’s Stars

Erin has been in the industry for almost 20 years.  She worked as a scout at Elite in the 90’s when they represented most of the supermodels in the industry.  Erin organized the Elite Model Look contest and then was promoted to Director of Elite Model Look North America. Five years later, she moved to New York Models to run their scouting division. Erin oversees the new faces as well as the movement and placement of the models at the agency.

Page Parkes, Founder/Owner of Page Parkes Corporation

Models in the Women’s Division at Page Parkes in Dallas

Page founded her agency in Texas almost 30 years ago and made a name for herself throughout the international modeling circuit. She was one of the first agents to open a branch in the lucrative Miami market (her agency there eventually merged with Ford). She has discovered big-name stars, including Channing Tatum, Shannon Elizabeth, Woody Harrelson, Brooke Burns, and Alexis Bledel. Her finds are placed in major agencies across the globe and her expert eye landed her on E!’s reality show Scouted. Read all about Page here: Exclusive Interview With Page Parkes From Scouted

Susan Miner, Supermodel, Psychologist and Founder of Susan Miner Beauty

Susan Miner

During her career Susan Miner graced the cover of top magazines like Vogue and Elle and was one of the faces of Revlon Cosmetics. She then embarked on a journey to heal the insecurities she felt during her years modeling. She studied psychology in college and graduate school and ultimately became an adjunct professor. Currently, as a workshop leader, keynote speaker, writer, and counselor, Susan helps others find “beauty from the inside out.” Read my interview with Susan Miner.

Jill Johnson, Former Model and Magazine Editor; Current Writer, Modeling Mentor, and Mom . Read more about Jill Johnson.

Subscribe to the free monthly Modeling Mentor Newsletter and be first to see who wins Model of the Year 2013!

See the 2013 Modeling Mentor Model Search Finalists