The Making of a Model

By Bruce Hawkins

It is a must read for aspiring models and actors as well as their parents. What makes the information and advice here so valuable is that it is written by person who still is a model and performer. This is a comprehensive look at the business of being a model by long time actor/model Bruce Hawkins. The book is literally filled with useful information for the new model and it is written in a succinct style that makes the book easy to read and understand. Bruce provides wonderful information on how to build a strong portfolio, testing with photographers, signing with an agency, and other vital information on the ins and outs of working in film, print, video and dealing with magazines and photographers.
Bruce Hawkins discusses all the information that an aspiring model needs to know to launch a successful career . Careful attention is given to the all important first step of finding an agent. If you think modeling is for you, then so is this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312329898

Book preview

The Making of a Model

The Making of a Model

By Bruce Hawkins

The Making of a Model

By Bruce Hawkins

DunnBourne Publishing

© 2014

Copyright © 2014 by Bruce Hawkins

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2014

ISBN

DunnBourne Publishing

1622 Academy Drive

East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

www. Dunnbournepublishing.webs.com

Dedication

For Tanya, Lisa and Cara Mia

Acknowledgements

The following people were instrumental in inspiring and helping me write this resource guide. I learned so much from them.

Dorothy Shi

Michael Keel

Johnnie Mae Allen

Brenda Joyce

Anita Sklar

Emilie Gaskins

Charlotte Fleming

Keith Major

Shailah Edmonds

Thomas Dunn for making me see the possibility in everything

Tanya Kersey who taught me how to put it all together on paper

My favorite longtime agent, Danielle Korwin, PARTS Models

Wally Rogers

Keith Major

Darryl Robinson

Stephanie Alexandria and Cherokee for sharing paint stories

Harrison Lee for teaching me how to physically stay in shape

Udo Spreitzenbarth

Lisa and Cara Mia for trusting my judgment

Brian Johnson and Kahluah for helping me stay on track

Albert, Barbara and Mercedes Hawkins for supporting my dreams

Introduction

I have been a working, professional model for almost thirty years.

I have seen good times and I have had some long, dry periods. I have worked all over the United States and even worked and photographed in Europe. I have had as many as eight agents working for me in several different cities at the same time. I am not necessarily a familiar, celebrity face but instead a working, journeyman model and actor.

During my own personal stint as a model, I have done trade shows, runway shows, catalogue, commercial print advertising, fashion modeling, television commercials, book covers and experimental art photography. I have endorsed major products in the national marketplace; sold furniture, fast food, clothing, toys, computer equipment and hair care products.

I have worked with hundreds of photographers, models, makeup artists, stylists, choreographers and photo assistants. I have also worked as an art director, makeup artist and a stylist, so I know both sides of the camera really well.

On one booking alone I have made as little as fifteen dollars and on a really good day I made over ten thousand dollars for one half day’s work in front of a camera. There were even occasions when I decided I would work for free, if I thought it would guarantee me lucrative future work. Sometimes I was right, sometimes I was wrong.

Modeling for me, happened as a secondary career. I was working as a professional actor and Broadway dancer when the opportunity presented itself. I started off working in a small market and then I parlayed my contacts and experience when I officially moved to New York in the early seventies.

I was rejected almost every day during my thirty years of working. I have spent many nights on the phone with my fellow model friends, griping about work, my looks and missed auditions. I was very lucky to have several experienced friends that helped and encouraged me along the way while sharing their own personal horror stories.

I have never seen myself as the most attractive, fashionable person in the industry but I knew I could represent the average, everyday person that has a job and a family. I also knew my strong points. I was a very expressive person and I had an innate ability to freely move in front of a camera. Now I had to re-educate myself as to how I could best be photographed when working.

When I started working I faced a lot of rejection from people who did not understand my look. And believe me, they can be downright cruel and extremely vocal in their personal assessments.

However, I stayed positive and forged ahead, knowing current events and the ever-changing face of American demographics, I could eventually carve a profitable niche for myself.

I spent countless hours cultivating relationships with photographers and other models. I went to see every agent I thought that could help me. I did my homework and I read every book I could get my hands on.

I was lucky to find two or three agents along the way that really took a liking to me and they encouraged me to continue trying when the going got really rough. To this day, almost twenty years later, I still work with one of these agents and I gladly pay her my commission. I owe my career to her.

I learned to capitalize on my good points and to bring energy and fun into every booking. I also learned how important it is to be pleasant and accommodating when it comes to getting a job done. I learned that