Being a model scout can be very challenging, but Mcklyn at SMG has a gift for finding talent.  Here is his thoughts on his job, what criteria makes a great model and his journey to the job he now loves.

Interview

1.   How did you get into the modeling field or what inspired you to become a modeling agent?

I began as a model/actor in Oregon while I was attending school at Southern Oregon University.  Eventually I began interning at an agency there and slowly took on more responsibilities as Agency Director.  I moved to Seattle last year and am now doing New Faces and Scouting for SMG.  I love it here.

2.  You’re also a very talented photographer.   Did you get into photography through the modeling business or were you a photographer first?

Thank you so much.  I’ve only recently begun shooting.  It wasn’t until I worked on-site with very talented NY and Miami photographers that I began to develop an interest in photography and developing my creative side.  Since then my passion for photography has grown immensely as I always strive to improve upon my craft.

3.  What do you look for in people that aspire to become models?  What makes one person get chosen over another.

We look for that special spark or charisma that makes a model light up.  Height is very much a major factor (5’8-5’11 for females and 6’0-6’3 for males).  Models must also be able to fit into designer sample sizes and proportion is important.  Great bone structure, unique features, various ethnicities and mixes. Personality, likability and professionalism do go a long way in this field as well.

4.  Tell us a little bit about the Seattle Models Guild:  how it got started, how long has it been in business, its main focus or field (catalog, high fashion).

Seattle Models Guild was established in 1978 by Joanne Myers.  She and her daughters, Kristy and Nicole still run the agency.  We represent models based in Seattle, the US and all around the world.  Our models work for clients like Nordstrom, Amazon, Eddie Bauer, Target, Abercrombie & Fitch and more. We do a variety of commercial work for department stores, catalogs as well as designer high-fashion clients.  We also place many of our models in larger fashion markets like NY, LA, Miami, Paris, Milan and Asia for further development and to expand on the models’ career.

5.  If someone is interested in becoming a model for the Guild, what would they need to do first?

If they are interested in modeling, they can go to www.smgmodels.com, click on the link “Become a Model” and submit their photos online.

We also have open calls here at the agency every Monday and Wednesday between 3-4pm.

6.  Could you tell us how Caleb and Ana’s modeling career is progressing?

We are very excited have Caleb and Ana since your model search in Ellensburg.  It was a fantastic turnout with many beautiful faces.  We’ve been diligently promoting the both of them with many of our clients.  It is still fairly early on in their careers, so we are hopeful that more work will come along very soon.

Thank you Linda for all of your hard work.  You are a very talented photographer and produce beautiful images.  It’s great to see that the beautiful faces in Ellensburg are being shot well.  We look forward to working with you more in the future as you continue to be our ‘scouting eyes’ in your surrounding areas.