Introducing Barbizon Model Chat!

Barbizon Midwest Rising Stars in Training!

Recently we have been traveling through out the midwest to check in with our graduates and see how life has been going since Barbizon Modeling. Barbizon Midwest provides you with the tools you need to succeed and the contacts to do so, but it is your job to keep in touch with your agent and attend as many model calls, castings and auditions as possible. We want all our students, graduates, and parents to know that your Barbizon Midwest experience does not end with your certification... it's really just beginning and we are here to support your journey.

Barbizon Midwest Rising Stars in Training!

Barbizon Midwest Rising Stars in Training!

Actors and Models are their own business. Cultivating productive business relationships requires putting yourself out there - through auditions, yes, but also through a variety of other means.

Top Left: Charles Nemes, Christian Kramme, Breanna Lynn, Sara Niemietz, Patrick Thompson
Bottom Left: Connor Kramme, Jeff Braine's fiance, Jeff Braine, and Michael Viruet
These famous Barbizon Midwest grads visited Director Charles Nemes at IMTA LA 2013

Barbizon Midwest graduate and Super Model Katrina Hunter (center)
stops by IMTA LA to support our 2013 team.

Barbizon Midwest graduate and Actor Brendon Eggertsen
shows his support to our IMTA LA 2013 team.

Merriam-Webster defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business."

Networking doesn't mean you have to schmooze industry insiders at cheesy parties. It simply means building relationships with others in the industry. Are you hoping to make friendships at Barbizon with your classmates? Bingo. You're a Networker. How about indie films? Are you going to audition for those - maybe book one - and then meet some people you like on set? Man you're a networking fanatic!

Back in June, we blogged "Why Actors Need to Understand Social Media" and expressed how you are your own business in this industry. That said, you are never alone. You have already stepped in the right direction by educating yourself about your career and ALL of us at Barbizon Midwest, from our teachers, talent directors, managers, and agency representatives, to the person behind this very blog you are reading are here to support you and your career. 

Barbizon Midwest proudly presents an opportunity for our students and graduates to hear from one another and showcase themselves in our new series 'Barbizon Model Chat!' 

Now, we encourage you to watch and listen as we reconnect with a successful male model, Dominic Strange, a Barbizon Midwest Traverse City location graduate and IMTA NYC 2009 alum. 

Is there anything Barbizon Midwest can do to further assist and support your vision of success as you pursue your creative passion and career goals? Please reach out to us at barbizonmidwestmodels@gmail.com. We look forward to connecting with each and every one of you!

That IMTA Blog: IMTA Alum Gabrielle Senn Star in the Spotlight--an...

That IMTA Blog: IMTA Alum Gabrielle Senn Star in the Spotlight--an...: Nickelodeon's Nick Studio 10 star Gabrielle Senn's shares her IMTA experience: Tell us about your IMTA experience: Being a cont...

Baribizon Midwest Teen Model Shenell Randall Crowned!

Congratulations to Barbizon Midwest Schaumburg location graduate AND 2004 NYC IMTA alum, Shenell Randall crowned 'National American Miss Missouri Teen 2013!' Along with the winning title, Shenell also place '1st runner-up Casual Modeling' and '2nd runner-up Actress!'  Shenell attends Lindenwood University in St.Charles, MO.

Shenell Randall
National American Miss Missouri 2013!

Luis Zuniga's Commercial Booking!

Luis Zuniga

Chicago Talent Luis Zuniga booked a web video for 'Go RVing' through our agency Royal Model Management and checked in to let us know how the shoot went!

"Thank you so much for getting me booked! I had an amazing time shooting the commercial and met some wonderful people. It was a great experience and I had a blast!"

Luis competed at IMTA NYC 2013 where he received an 'Honorable Mention' award in THREE categories: Commercial Print, Sitcom, and TV Beauty! 

Congrats on the booking Luis and thanks for letting us know how it went! Keep up the good work!

Pre-Teen Model & Actress Taylor Castro's Career Take-off!

Taylor Castro

Last week, we blogged about "Taylor Castro's Crowning Moment" as 'National American Miss Illinois Pre-Teen 2013!' Taylor has been booking work with our agency, Royal Model Management, since her graduation from Barbizon Midwest Schaumburg location in 2007! We are so proud of Taylor and delighted she took the time to speak with us about her Barbizon/Royal experience.

What did you gain from your Barbizon Midwest experience?

Taylor Castro
National American Miss Illinois Pre-Teen 2013

"I have gained life changing qualities like confidence through the Barbizon Midwest experience. During the pageant's interview component, I answer the questions proudly with confidence in my answers. I am also very comfortable with talking in front of large crowds or giving a presentation in front of my class."

Can you tell us about some of the many jobs you have done for Royal Model Management?

"I have done a Sears, Luna, and McDonald's commercial along with print work for Walgreens, Weber Grill, State Farm, Good Egg Project, Six Flags and other projects. The Six Flags shoot was so much fun! I loved going up and down the waterslides!"

Check out Taylor Castro's National McDonald's commercial!

What other activities are you involved in?

"I participate in dance and gymnastics. I have been doing ballet, tap, and jazz since I was in preschool. I also have been doing gymnastics since 3rd grade. I have been on the Principal's List for all of sixth and seventh grade. To be on the Principal's List, you have to have a G.P.A. of 3.8 or higher."

What advice would you offer to current Barbizon Midwest students and graduates?

"Be yourself. If you pretend to be someone that you aren't, nobody will be able to see the real you!"

Taylor Castro

Taylor's pageantry title, extracurricular activities, industry work, and academic achievements make her a true star in our eyes. She is a shining example of the type of role model we strive to help our students become. At such a young age, Taylor has already achieved so much and it is easy to see this bright, determined, and talented girl is going places. 

Taylor, we are so proud of you and thrilled to be a part of your journey. Congratulations on recently booking another huge print job for Walgreens and we will be cheering for you as you compete at Nationals in November!

Spotlight on Teen Model Nikky MacLeod!

Nikky MacLeod

This past weekend Barbizon models auditioned for an Aloxxi hair show in Wisconsin. Nikky MacLeod was a chosen model for the show. Nikky graduated from Barbizon Midwest in February of 2011 and was kind enough to check in with us about her Barbizon and Aloxxi experience!

What did you gain from your Barbizon Midwest experience?

"Confidence! A lot of confidence. New friends and great memories."

What have you been doing since graduating Barbizon?

"High school life kept me busy till now that I'm starting college. I was a part of my school's rugby team and we placed fourth at the nation tournament this past May."

How was the Aloxxi Hair Show this past weekend?

"It was wonderful! The stylists were fun and I made friends with all the other models. I ended up with hair I'm in love with. It could not have gone better."

Check out these stunning photos from the show!

What advice would you offer to current Barbizon Midwest students and graduates?

"Be professional, but don't forget to have fun, especially if the stylist or whoever is trying to have some fun with you! They will be grateful and offer you more opportunities."

Thanks so much for checking in with us, Nikky! You look beautiful and we LOVE your hair! 

To find out more about current castings check our Facebook Events Page!

Taylor Castro's Crowning Moment!

Barbizon Midwest grad Taylor Castro was crowned 'National American Miss Pre-Teen 2013' this weekend! In addition to the queens title, she also won spokes model, most promising model, 1st runner up casual wear modeling and 2nd runner up photogenic! 

Taylor has been booking jobs with our agency, Royal Model Management, since she was a pre-teen!!! Taylor will be heading to Nationals in California over Thanksgiving. Congratulations Taylor and break a leg at Nationals!

Teen Model Jen Dau 'Declares her Style!'

Barbizon Midwest Minneapolis graduate, IMTA alum, and model for NY MODELS, Jen Dau appears in Nordstrom's catalogue for the July anniversary edition! Jen recently shot her first photo shoot in L.A. for Forever 21's back to school 'Declare Your Style' campaign! The campaign photos are currently featured in Teen Vogue!

Congratulations Megan Riesner, 'Miss Teen Illinois International 2013!'

Megan Riesner
'Miss Teen Illinois International' 

We are proud to announce Barbizon Midwest Illinois graduate, Megan Riesner placed in the Top 10 for the 'Miss Teen International 2013' pageant! Megan holds the title of 'Miss Teen Illinois International 2013!' She also won THREE other awards at the Illinois pageant including: the 'Photogenic' award, 'Best in Fun Fashion,' and 'Best in Evening Gown.' 

Megan has booked a ton of work with our agency, Royal Model Management! You may remember her as playing "BELLE" for Princess Premieres Parties.

Megan's devotion to helping others has been a true inspiration. According to Megan, "Becoming involved with fundraising to support Children's Cancer Fund, a cause close to my heart, has sculpted me into the individual I am today. I believe giving back is a habit everyone should carry!"

CONGRATULATIONS MEGAN!

Katrina on the Cover!

Barbizon Midwest Merrillville graduate Katrina Hoernig has been keeping quite busy this summer. Aside from being a top model for BCBG, you can see her on the cover of the July 2013 issue of Icon Magazine!

KATRINA HOERNIG FOR BCBG

Katrina also recently shot a new editorial in Chicago for Sheridan Road Magazine! Check out the sneak peak below!

Music Sensation Sara Niemietz!

SARA NIEMIETZ

Barbizon Midwest Schaumburg graduate and IMTA alum, Sara Niemietz has appeared on "Glee" and "The Ellen Degeneres Show," was apart of the cast for the film "Akeelah and the Bee," released an EP of original material, Push Play, and a Christmas Favorites album, and recently performed at The Grand 'Ole Opery. In 2001, Sara was named "Female Vocalist of the Year" National Champion at the National Country Music Association International, and was the "Female Entertainer of the Year" California State Champion at the California Country Music Association. So, we weren't at all surprised to read her feature in Newsound Magazine.

"Singing and performing are so natural to me," Sara commented to the magazine. "Music is that old, worn-out, well-loved sweater we all keep close at hand. I am more comfortable while performing than almost anywhere else. Music is so uplifting, cathartic and powerful - it is the most natural form of expression for me. I love the possibility, the openness. I also love that music is a language of its own. English is beautiful, beautiful, but its nice to have another vernacular to use and another wavelength to communicate on. How wonderful is sound? There is inspiration everywhere - from the swooshing of windshield wipers to the crack and buzz of construction sites."

Sara writes and records all of her own music and according to Newsound, "Her accurate tone and pitch control shows her rare, raw talent, and her vocal power gives you goosebumps."

CLICK HERE for the full article and for more on Sara:

Sara Niemietz iTunes

Sara Niemietz YouTube 

Sara Niemietz Facebook 

Sara Niemietz Twitter 

Sara Niemietz Website