What is your favorite thing about the modeling industry?

All the great people that you get to meet!!! All of these creative minds out there and I get to be apart of it ” )

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would say starting up my own make -up line. I love makeup and all the beautiful colors, I think everyone should have the chance to be beautiful

What is the most expensive thing you own?

A brazilian garnet ring set in whit gold that I got for my sweet sixteen birthday. It’s worth quite a bit.

How did you get started in the modeling industry and how long have you been involved?

I went to a photo shoot to support one of my good friends and I exchanged numbers with the photographer and ever since then I’ve been hooked. I’ve been modeling for about 1 and a half years.

Single or taken?

Taken

Name 3 things you never leave the house without.

My keys, shiny lipgloss, and gum

Whats something we would never know by looking at you?

I’m a huge computer nerd!! I am really good about fixing and working computers 

 What is the worst modeling job that you have had?

I was hired by this photographer from over seas and he wanted me to accept a check that he was sending me for partial payment. I was to take out my half and send the remaining half to this person that was renting supplies and equipment. It turned out that the whole thing was a scam and this person from France was trying to launder dirty money into this country by posing to be a photographer. Man oh man did I ever learn my lesson.

Any hobbies?

I love to cook, and dance, especially to Spanish music like Salsa and Merengue

Favorite “it” girl?  

America Ferrera–she plays Ugly Betty

Best Chicago Bar?

US Beer Company is a cool spot to rock it out!!

What do you spend all of your money on?      

Makeup!!!

Favorite celebrity?

Janet Jackson!!!! I luv her

If you had a million dollars what is the firts thing that you would buy?

My dream car, shiny, new, metallic silver Mercedes

Favorite place to shop?

Sephora or Ulta

Where is your dream vacation?

Fiji

Modeling is a competitive industry, how do you set yourself apart from other models?

I would have to say that I am very friendly and open towards everyone I meet. I am very smart and beautiful and that is very rare in this industry. I also speak and write fluent Spanish which is a huge upper hand since it’s a growing community.

Most memorable pick up line? 

“I bet if I check the back of your T-Shirt tag it would say made in heaven”  

Explain your worst date.

I once was asked to go out to this dinner benefit with this guy and I misunderstood what th dress code was and I was completely overdressed. I wore a long beautiful black flowing dress and everyone else was in like jean or khaki shorts. I felt so out of place, I wanted to die!! Throughout the whole night the guy kept reminding me that I wasn’t dressed properly and tat made me feel even worse. He was trying to be funny about it and light hearted but I was not laughing.

Ever hooked up with anyone famous?

Nope

Email communication can be quite unreliable.  Remember your middle school conversations on AIM?  They were always a jumbled puzzle of miscommunications, “she said that he said that you said”.  Well, while we might all be much older, written communication still holds the same obstacles.  When reaching out to our new, gorgeous Las Vegas models, it is always easiest to use email, but when booking events both parties begin to get frustrated with the email tag game.

Ocean Model Group Las Vegas needs to utilize more phone numbers, and our Las Vegas models need to feel free to call us with whatever confusion may arise.  Another important reminder when dealing with such a diversity of people and ideas is to not jump to conclusions.  Keep your head cool, until you find out the story straight from the horse’s mouth.  Most likely if you’re working with Ocean Model Group Las Vegas there are no ill intentions on either the part of the model or the agency.

Ocean Model Group Las Vegas wants success for our clients and our models!  So remember when in doubt pick up the phone and call us at 312.750.9135.

Also really consider your wardrobe choices, many times you may be provided with something from the client, but if the client asks you to dress yourself; remember there is a way to dress provocatively and sexy without being of questionable taste.  Las Vegas is all about flash, but there are appropriate ways to show off your assets.  Make sure you’re comfortable in what you wear as it will make the day easier for you and most likely result in doing your best.

The second key word is PROFESSIONALISM, which is one that is too often discarded.  This means that you show up on time, at the right place and with a positive attitude.  We all have bad days, but it’s imperative, as a Las Vegas Ocean Model, that you tuck it into your sock drawer before going to work.  As an Ocean Model, you are always center stage and no one wants to sample a product from a pretty girl with a cloud over her head.

Also NO cell phone usage please, you are being paid for your time and attention; do not chat while at an event.  At Ocean Model Group Las Vegas, we ask clients to let us know how models conduct themselves and we do not want to rehire a girl who doesn’t take her work as seriously as we do.

All of these are simple steps to getting a head start in Las Vegas because with all the competition, you will need to be on top of your game.

Atlanta has a lot to offer, and for our once exclusively, Chicago-based modeling agency, there was a lot to learn about our southern addition, to make Ocean Model Group Atlanta successful.  We want to create relationships with the community to guarantee success for our Atlanta newborn as well as our new models.

So where do you go for dancing in Atlanta?  Well the name that kept coming up was Cosmo, also known as, Lava Lounge; apparently it’s the place to check out, if you feel like cutting the rug.  Where do our Atlanta models recommend for shopping?  Well, Buckhead is the equivalent of New York’s Fifth Avenue and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.  All the designers line up for your perusal in this area of Atlanta.  All that exploring will probably make you hungry? Where to eat? Why not try Kyma, a Mediterranean restaurant or for something more local, the Atlanta Grill, has all the southern favorites.

So why Atlanta?  It is a city full of art, culture and, of course, beautiful Ocean Models.  Our Atlanta modeling agency is sure to bring in the sunshine along with that sweet, Southern charm.

You are not off the hook either, because there are several basic rules of etiquette you should think about before booking whether you’re looking for Orlando models!

1. Only start asking for availabilities if you are 100% committed to the Orlando modeling agency, and to the models. Yes, we understand that sometimes you have to gather the information before you break the bomb to your uber-conservative boss before this week’s trade show coordinator’s meeting, but understand that once you ask for availabilities, you should be 90% certain your boss is open-minded enough to want the models.

2. Never dress your female model in a man’s tshirt. Why do you like your Orlando trade show models? Chances are, the first thing you’re drawn to is their beautiful face, amazing body… What is the quickest way to lose it? An over-sized men’s Tshirt. If you want to put you’re logo on something the model is wearing, try  a cute, fitted polo or a women’s, fitted tshirt.

3. Models are people too! I’ve heard horror stories before about clients verbally berating their models by calling them ugly, or sexually harassing them at an event. We have a very firm belief at Ocean Model Group that once a client has subjected our model to any level of discomfort, we pull the models out of the event. It doesn’t matter if your booking is $5 or $500,000– we could never allow our models to be placed in an unfair situation.

4. You get what you pay for. This should go without saying. Don’t expect to pay the minimum and demand a model who can speak 5 languages, knows how to juggle fire and has flawless skin–at the same time. Accept that some qualities are special… not everyone has them, therefor it is an added cost.

5. Listen to your booking agent. If you tell your agent that the most important quality to you is not their looks, but their outgoing personality, then let the agent guide you towards someone they believe will fit well with your event. Every agency should have met with their local models before sending them your way. They should have a good idea of who fits best with what you’re looking for. Listen to them!

Whether your event is at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan or at the Pennsylvania Hotel on 7th Ave you need to pay close attention to how your models represent your brand.  At New York’s premiere promotional modeling agency we have some simple advice when choosing your model’s outfit.

There is one absolute NO in dressing your brand ambassadors and that is in an oversized men’s tee shirt of any kind.  Not only does this look disregard your model’s assets, but it also doesn’t say professional, creative or personal.  You want your potential clients to know you care about your product and in turn care about their business.

This leaves you with three options. The first let your New York Models dress themselves- they do know what looks best on them.

The second- brainstorm what your company represents.  What kind of person uses your product or is a potential buyer.  If the product is cologne, have the girls dressed in cocktail attire.  If the product is a football, have the models dressed in cheer gear.

Your third option?  Ask us at Ocean Model Group New York, we’re experts in the business and know how to craft your brand.  So make your fast paced New York life a little bit easier from booking to styling and choose our New York modeling agency.

So, Vanessa, what is the highlight of your modeling career so far?
I’m still waiting for my “highlight” to come along, but if I had to name something that rose above the others, it would be a promotional gig I did recently at the AVP Crocs Pro Volleyball tournament at Oak Street Beach.

How did you get involved in the modeling industry?
I spoke with a local photographer and did some prints that he made into gigantic magnets and put on his truck.

That’s one of the best founding stories, I’ve heard. So, where do you see yourself in five years? Walking down the runway at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!

Do you have any advice you would give to girls just starting out?
Dream big!

What celebrity do you relate to or find inspiring? Well, I wish I related to her more, but Eva Longoria is my inspiration. She is simply amazing in my eyes! On the other hand, I think any celebrity that takes time aside from their hectic, busy schedules to help others is as inspiring as they come.

What do you love to do in your free time?
Relaxing at night time in my comfy clothes with all the lights off watching something good on TV with my boyfriend at my side.

If you were a superhero, what would your name or special power be?
World Peace!… Just kidding. I’m no pageant girl. I don’t have anything too creative, but I am very passionate about community service, so I would have to say my special power would to be have all the time and strength to help anyone!

What is a new fashion trend that you are excited about?
“Less is more” and it should stay that way!

How do you stay in shape?
I hurt my knee in the mini-marathon this year, so I substitute elliptical Mondays and Wednesdays and incline speed walking as my cardio exercise instead of running followed by a weight routine and a 20-minute sit in the sauna.

Name your favorite book, movie or TV show?
So cliché I know, but I love America’s Next Top Model… Especially Nigel!

How do you feel about the “Brangelina” excitement?
As sad as it is, I had to google “Brangelina”, which shows how much I keep up on celebrity relationships.

What is one of the worst pick up lines you’ve heard? One of my old neighbors who took me to school on occasion was FULL of good “worst pick up lines,” my favorite was “Are you tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day!” That was the only one that made me laugh no matter what mood I was in because I always tried so hard to think of reasons why I would be tired!

What is your worst job experience in relation to modeling? As a matter of fact, it just happened the other day. I was at a social event, and I didn’t know that I was in the frame of a camera that I saw in the corner of my eye, so I didn’t think anything of it…reached for an hor d’oeuvre, then was shown a picture of my bright undies under a black dress! They told me they found their next month’s cover. We just laughed about it. Make the top ten list in a magazine, not the “never do this ” list!

One last question, what is your favorite spot in Chicago for food, dancing, shopping, whatever?
I actually just moved here July 1st, so I haven’t had a good chance to venture out, but I would have to say the Riverwalk. Nothing is better than a late/midnight a walk or a bike ride!

Thanks, Vanessa Aders for all your hardwork and commitment. We are proud to have you as part of the Ocean Model team in Chicago.

Besides, open calls, being long and somewhat unproductive no longer work with Ocean Model Group’s ever expanding list of cities nationwide, including Orlando, Atlanta, San Diego, Las Vegas and New York.

If you would like to apply to Ocean Model Group and work some of the most exciting promotional events and tradeshows or receive opportunities for commercial photography and runway, the application process is simple.  Send us an email at models@oceanmodelgroup.com and attach THREE photographs, one head shot, one body shot and one shot that describes your personality and work.  It is also helpful to attach a list of experiences.  If, of course, you are new to modeling, never fear, we are always looking for new talent to support.

After sending the email, we will ask you to set up an interview time.  This is an informal meeting, just to get to know your personality and see what you look like in person.  Unlike most modeling agencies, Ocean Model Group meets all of our models before we book them with our clients.  This is what makes our modeling agency both unique and successful.

What is your most recent experience with Ocean Model Group? Describe.
I worked at the tradeshow, Hosting Conference, at Navy Pier.  Not only did I get to work with Amanda [a fellow Ocean Model], but a few of our other girls were working a different booth to my pleasant surprise!! It was so much fun and I learned a lot about hosting companies too.  People were so friendly it made everything great.

What is the highlight of your modeling career so far?
Just meeting so many new people and seeing the amount of amazing opportunities there are available. It’s truly incredible how much this country has to offer.

How did you get involved in the modeling industry?
I actually just got started this June. I always wanted to model, but never knew how to change my “want” into a reality. I was working at a tradeshow (I had gotten the job through a friend), and met another girl who gave me the name and number of her manager, Mark Niemi, and said that I should definitely look into shooting with him.  It’s been history ever since!

That’s a great way to start, so, where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself finally being fluent in Spanish (my current minor), and on the cover of Vogue. Just kidding  But I do hope to finally be out of college, and have a much more advanced modeling career, and just having the time of my life.

Do you have any advice you would give to girls just starting out?
Don’t try to be something you’re not. You are who you are, some people will love it, and some may hate it.  In the end it’s all about being happy with yourself.

What celebrity do you relate to or find inspiring?
I absolutely love Angelina Jolie. Aside from being completely gorgeous, she helps the less fortunate out, which is something I really look up to in a person.

So, how do you spend your weekends or time off?
I love just being around friends, I hate being alone. When I am in the mood, I love to work out. I love to go fishing, be outside, and stay active. I also love to dance, it’s my therapy.

Now a less serious question, if you were a superhero, be creative, what would your name or special power be?
I’d definitely want to read minds. It would make my life a lot easier. Being invisible would be a lot of fun though.

What is a new fashion trend that you are excited about?
I never want big sunglasses to go out of style, and I’m starting to love big, bold prints.

So, back to Chicago modeling, how do you stay in such great shape?
I take a visit to the gym about 4 times a week at odd hours to avoid seeing too many people I know because I get self conscious. I do 20 minutes of cardio followed by crunches and the thigh machine.

It’s comforting to know that you get self-conscious as well.  What’s your favorite book, movie or TV show?
Favorite book would have to be “Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea”. Movie would have to be The Notebook, and TV Show would be Nip/Tuck or America’s Next Top Model.

Maybe you’ll be standing next to Tyra someday!  What is your favorite spot in Chicago, for food, art, music, dancing, whatever?
Hands down, Water Tower Place to shop!!

What is one of the worst pick up lines you’ve heard?
The most awkward one I think was when I was approached outside of a Church and a man at least 20 years older than me asked if I would be his date to a wedding that night (which was actually starting in an hour), that he was the best man in. I politely declined.

What is your go-to outfit?
Dark jeans, a cute black top and black heels. It’s very simple, never fails.

Thanks, Melissa, for all your hardwork and commitment!!  Melissa’s beauty and professionalism will be sure to take her places in Chicago’s modeling world and thoughout the nation.

These impressions begin before the interview.  As an Ocean model, you know our agency takes pride in meeting all potential girls prior to booking them to ensure quality.  The moment you contact an agency via email or telephone, they create their first impression.  So, it is best not to use the same email address you use with your friends, instead come up with something simple and professional for your future employer to see.  Email accounts are free so get as many as you need, and save the kinky name for your Facebook account!!

Speaking of Facebook, Myspace and other social networking tools, while they can be helpful in making connections, they can be harmful with the wrong content.  Make sure your accounts are labeled as private, or ensure they don’t have any inappropriate material like last weekend’s party pictures!  No boss wants an employee that may show up sloshed to a photo shoot!

Now, one last reminder… Use spell check!! This is one way that employers can gauge your seriousness and commitment.  If you’re a terrible speller make a draft in Word and then post.  The extra work goes a long way.  These tips will help you succeed at any Chicago Modeling Agency.