Child Model Pierce Kang

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Age: 6     Height: 48″    Weight: 52 lbs
Size: 6-7
Location: Houston, TX
Represented by Page Parkes
Photos by Bonnie Nichoalds

I seem to have an inbox full of cute boys lately! I love Pierce’s energy and ease in these photos. 

Versatile Model Photos

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Model Website

Check out Pierce’s very professional website: Piercesworld.com. This kid has got it together. I’ll totally vote for him for President!

Pierce is represented by Page Parkes. Page is one of the long-time matriarchs of the modeling industry and repped many of my friends through the years. We all adore and respect her. She’s a force and a beauty! Read more about Page Parkes here.

Remember, your submissions are still eligible for next month. I have a few favorites picked out already!

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

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!)

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!

You’ve seen her beautiful face. Now get to know Abryanna Hodges, the high school senior and aspiring model from Florida, who wowed the judges and won Modeling Mentor Model of the Year 2013!

Abryanna Hodges, shot by Chad Heller

JJ: What inspired you to try modeling?

AH: I ‘ve always been photogenic, since I was a little girl. I remember always dressing up and wanting to be in front of the camera. I have a passion for modeling. It is what I love! 

JJ: Who is your favorite model (current and all-time fave)?

AH: This is a tough question for me. I am inspired by many models, but current I would go with Adriana Lima. My all-time favorite is Gisele Bundchen.

(Read my Interview with Adriana Lima.)

JJ: Have you done any modeling?

AH: I have done local fashions shows.

JJ: What would be your dream modeling job?

AH: My Dream modeling job would be to be a signed Victoria’s Secret Angel! This is my ultimate task at hand. I love what the brand represents, I feel it represents me, and I want to show the world that!

JJ: What do you do to stay in shape?

AH: I love eating healthy and taking maximum care of my body. I work out 6 days a week and eat super healthy—I believe health comes from within! I run, jump rope, boxing, anything that requires cardio. 

JJ: What are your hobbies/interests?

AH: I love to be near the water and enjoy meditation, anything that is relaxing. I like going running on the beach, spending time with my family, and enjoying nature.

JJ: What are your plans after you graduate from high school this spring?

AH: I plan to go to New York and meet with agencies! I hope to have a choice of agents and to move to New York. I have been working hard to prepare for it, and it’s paying off. This contest has gotten me the opportunity of my dreams. I pray for the best! 

JJ: Who is your favorite designer?

AH: Pascal Mouawad! I love the excellence he brings to his masterpieces.

JJ: What do you think the hardest part of modeling will be?

AH: Traveling. To be at so many locations, but I love it.

JJ: How do you feel about winning Modeling Mentor Model of the Year?

AH: I am honored!

Abryanna is having consultations with Page Parkes and New York Model Management, as part of her prize package. Wish her good luck!

Stay tuned for details on the 2014 Model Search. Feel free to submit your photos now!

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

I get many requests for info about commercial modeling. Aspiring models who don’t hit the 5’9″ fashion modeling standard often figure they’ll go the commercial route. “Commercial” does not mean just doing TV commercials, though that is part of it. “Commercial” is a term used to describe a more girl-next-door (guy-next-door), real person look, versus a more extreme editorial look.

Commercial Modeling and Acting Prep

Those same aspiring commercial models who write to me sometimes think this whole commercial modeling thing is a snap. Actually, you need to hone your craft more in this field than you do with straight-forward posing and catwalking. Take some acting classes! Take acting classes before you even think about approaching agents. If you are near New York City, you can attend workshops with actual casting directors, like Jen Rudin. My son participated in her Mock Audition Boot Camp this weekend and got valuable feedback from someone who casts kids for a living. You will NOT get feedback from actual castings or auditions; casting directors are too busy to hand out personal critiques. It can get frustrating wondering what you are doing wrong when you don’t book jobs (half the time you probably just aren’t the right look for the part, but you won’t be privy to that self-confidence saving nugget of truth).

Jen Rudin’s Mock Audition Boot Camp

Stay tuned for a review of Jen Rudin’s book, Confessions of a Casting Director, hitting stores on December 31!

Audition Attitude

I can’t say it any better than Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston:

See a listing of the top New York Commercial Agents

Don’t forget to enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search. Top agents like Elite, New York Model Management, Click, and Page Parkes have contacted me about the finalists. This is your chance to get discovered!

Sign up for my free monthly Modeling Newsletter and be the first to see the finalists!

Congrats Dominika!

Photos by Debra Somerville

Age: 15    Height: 5’9″    Measurements: 34-24-33    Shoe: 8

Ridgefield, CT

Seeking Representation

Rarely do you see a supermodel who doesn’t have fabulous brows, lips, and bone structure. Check, check, and check, for this beauty! Not to mention that a cool name helps too.

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

Only three more months to enter, before Model of the Year will be named. Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search and get discovered! Top agents like Elite, New York Model Management, Click, and Page Parkes are reviewing the finalists and already falling in love with a few

Texas is an enormous state, but agent and scout Page Parkes has got it covered. With agencies in Dallas and Houston, a Modeling and Acting Center in Houston, and now new Modeling and Acting Centers in Dallas and Austin, Page is not likely to miss a single Texas rose blooming in her home state and ready to be picked, prepped, and sent off to New York, L.A., Paris or Milan. She’s equally adept at spotting guys with potential, as gals (eg. Angelina Jolie, Alexis Bledel). Channing Tatum, People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2012, owes his start to Page.

Page Parkes’ Discovery, Channing Tatum

To see how Page Parkes finds her diamonds in the rough and shines them up all nice for New York, watch “Scouted” on E!

Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search for a chance to be seen by Page Parkes and other agents across the globe!

Let me start by mapping out where those markets are:

New York—no surprise, I’m sure. New York is the heart of the fashion world in America (and some would say the globe, but the Parisians might scoff at that!).

Ford Model Contest Open Call

Los Angeles—this market is a great one for those with smokin’ hot beach babe bods and models looking to break into acting.

Vision LA Model Ben Bowers, by Josh Williams

Miami–this is a seasonal market, as clients travel there in the winter to shoot in the sunny clime. Catalog shoots aren’t as common as they once were in South Beach. Tourists have taken over and many of the agencies that thrived in the 90s are gone. Still, it can be a good place to do some testing and get a little work before launching into a bigger market.

Dallas–JC Penney is one of the clients that supplies Texan models with steady work. This is a good place to start if it’s the closest big city to you. You can read about renowned Texas agent and scout Page Parkes on my blog.

Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa, Orlando, and Denver are other cities that have some work, but you’ll have to go elsewhere to kick up your career to bigtime status.

In Europe, Paris, Milan, and London are the biggest markets (with magazines to shoot for, which means they are editorial markets), but there’s also work in Munich (more of a catalog market), Hamburg (more editorial), Athens (editorial), Madrid (editorial), Barcelona, Zurich, and Vienna (all more commercial/catalog).

Beyond Europe: Capetown, South Africa, and Sydney, Australia (in our winter; their summer), and Tokyo, Japan.

If you don’t live near any of these markets, you can call the biggest department stores in your area and ask if they ever have fashion shows. If they do, ask where they find the models. This may lead you to an agency in your area that books work (but if you are in a small city, chances are they make most of their money by offering modeling classes). No matter where you live, you can send photos to agencies in New York. See my tip on photos to submit. I often post agency info on my Facebook page, so make sure you “Like” my page to follow my posts.

Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search!