June 28, 2009

 

 

Joe Barley: “Behind all that, it´s all business”

 

Written by Edward with Joe

The men´s director of Vision Los Angeles Joe Barley chats with Edward Carl about the backstages of modeling industry. Another very special moment of  this terrific professional

A family guy: his career, friends and modeling world

I moved around a lot as a kid. I have lived in Boston, NY, Milwaukee, Chicago, Kansas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Diego.  My father kept getting transferred for his job, so we never lived anywhere very long.  I love to travel, see new places, go on unplanned road trips through the middle of nowhere. Just to see where we end up.  You meet amazing people that way.  Spending time with my family is very important to me.  I have a 17 month old boy, and my wife and I spend as much time as we can trying to teach him and show him the world.

I think this career chose me in a way.  I worked at a convention in LA back in 2001.  I was in college and was planning on law school.  I met a runway coach who introduced me to an agency, and I was an intern there.  After school finished, they hired me.  And since then I have worked in NY, Chicago and LA.  Since I have been in this business, I have worked with Nico, Justin Poortinga, Joel McMillan, Nicholas Lemons to just name a few. Now that I am here at Vision, my goal is to make it one of the best men’s divisions in the country.  It takes time, but I am willing to take the time to make it happen.

The modeling industry: it´s all business

It definitely has it’s glamorous moments, but it is still a business.  I think that is one thing that some people don’t realize.  You go to the parties, you meet the beautiful people, but behind all that, it’s all business.

A model has to give 110% at all times, or there will be another model right behind them to climb over you and try to take your job.  In this day and age, there are tons of models and a smaller amount of jobs, so you have to give it your all or you will be left behind. A models job is to be in shape, and look good everyday all day.  But you also have to have a good personality, because if you are difficult to work with, most clients won’t want to work with you.

Modeling industry has become more popular

The modeling industry has really grown and become more popular I feel in the past 10 years due to reality television. There are a lot more models now than there was when I first started in this business.  So with the economy in a down turn, the problems that we have been facing is having twice the amount of models competing for half the amount of jobs. 

Up to date in fashion trends and the key of success

 

Its all about a great pair of designer jeans, a fitted v-neck t-shirt and some great Mark Nason boots.  The key to success is to understand this business.  It is based on rejection, so you have to take the criticism and grow from it.  You have to have thick skin.  Male models tend to make the most money when they 16-25 and then not again until they look old enough to be a young dad and can do catalogs.  The “tween” stage for guys tends to be around 25-29.

 

Tips for a guy/girl interested to become a model

As I mentioned before, personality is a very important part of the business.  Be yourself.  Don’t take no for an answer.  If one agency isn’t interested in you, it’s not the end of the world.  Try another.  You will find one agent that believes in you and that is your key to success. 

 

Joe by Joe

An unforgettable moment: Leaving the Gucci after show party in Milano, not speaking Italian, unable to find a taxi, and not having the hotel address. I spent two hours with the taxi driver roaming the city until we stumbled across it.  It was funny afterward, not at the time.

Place you go for fun: My family’s lake house.  It’s so quiet there and in the middle of nowhere.  It’s where I go to unwind.

Your main motto: See the world.

 

Info contact

Web:  http://www.visionmodelmanagement.com/