Today on the blog we find out about Building Surveying Student Joe West. New to the modelling industry he shares with us his experiences so far and offers advice to aspiring models…
What do you enjoy most about being a model?
Meeting new people is one of the main highlights. Everyone I have met so far is so friendly and fun to be around! I also enjoy seeing lots of unfamiliar places, it’s pretty cool to see places I would never really go to like Crathorne Hall and Wynyard Hall, I love the huge buildings and gardens.
I love wearing new clothes too, always makes me want to go out and get them!
What is your career highlight to date?
The Metro Centre Fashion show was just one of the best weeks ever! I thought catwalks were mainly serious, but this one was super fun with plenty of smiling and interaction with the audience. It was an awesome experience and hugely boosted my confidence. I made some great friends within that week too.
Who have you worked with so far and what were you helping them to achieve?
I worked with ‘Psyche’ in Middlesbrough to be in their Spring/Summer 2017 look book. It’s so strange seeing myself in the book and online!
I have also been featured in North East times magazine as part of their fashion feature with Union Clothing and Crosseyes glasses. I recently did my first job as an extra in a video about the architecture of Northumbria University campus which was fun. I have done a couple of jobs for Intu Metrocentre, Fashion Week and a shoot at Newcastle Racecourse for Ladies Day. Along with these I have worked with some great photographers based in Newcastle.
What would your dream job be?
Working abroad with a big-name brand would be awesome. It would be an absolute dream to work with someone like Hugo Boss or Ralph Lauren! A professional surfer would be my dream job outside of this industry but with the consistency of the waves you get on the East coast, that is almost impossible.
What advice would you give to an aspiring model wanting to start working in the modelling industry?
Don’t hesitate to get involved, you never know what could be in store for you. I certainly didn’t expect it to be as successful as it has been! I came into modelling without any experience in front of the camera, I was actually quite nervous but I have become so much more confident than I used to be. Every photographer I have worked with has made me feel comfortable and I have had such a good time. I would also say that if you don’t get chosen by a client for something then don’t let that get to you. You have your own unique look and there will always be a client out there that you are perfect for.
Who is your inspiration for being in this industry?
Still being new to this industry I don’t have the best knowledge on particular people and names but Stefan Pollmann (Insta: Stefan_pollmann) has an awesome look and does some pretty cool things. I get inspiration from anyone who is a model really!
Have you been on any bookings where you felt the team worked particularly well together? How did it feel – tell us about it.
Definitely the fashion show week, everyone was always in a happy mood all day and all the models, the clients, technician and everyone else involved got on with each other so well. And by the sounds of the audience it was very successful!
How do you prepare for a booking? What do you make sure you know before you arrive on a shoot? Physically and mentally?
I always make sure I get a good night sleep so I don’t look tired for the camera or any client. I like to eat healthily and smash the gym leading up to a booking as it generally makes me feel brighter and better about myself. Before the fashion show I watched a few videos to see how to look good on the catwalk, it definitely helped and gave me extra confidence. I also like to get friendly with the client beforehand as you feel a lot more comfortable shooting when you can have a laugh and joke around.
