Some models make a living, some make a name for themselves, and some make lasting impressions. “Modeling in Focus” begins a new series where we will offer an intimate close-up of some of our members to find out just how they do it – how they promote themselves, how they find work, how they balance their careers, and how they have achieved a level of success in the industry.

Reanna Mae is relatively new to onemodelplace.com, but she has been a popular fixture on the online modeling scene for years. In fact, she holds the claim as the first teen model to have a website devoted exclusively to her. Only just 18, she has been working professionally for 4 years now, having modeled in national and international markets such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Greece, Prague, and other parts of Europe. She is also pursuing an acting career as well, and is well on her way to getting her big break on stage and screen.

Based on the West Coast, Reanna admits that she had a major head start thanks to her geographical location. “I have lived in California for most my life, so I have always had somewhat of an advantage. It has been easy for me to get into the modeling mainstream, living near Los Angeles.”

She relates that, like many models and actors in Los Angeles, she often has lots of go-sees, or castings, to attend.

“My advice is to concentrate on the most important castings, which will lead to better success. If you still have time for the smaller castings, then you can go, otherwise don’t worry about them. If you don't balance the castings, then you'll have NO hair to model with – you will pull it out due to all the stress. That's one thing I have definitely learned over the years.”

Reanna has worked with a manager and an agent since she started in the business at age 14. “My manager is the one that created me, trained me, and has been my mentor through thick and thin. He has also been my steady photographer since day one. My agent has set up some amazing bookings for me, and I owe him a lot. He found me when my manager put up a few photos of me on the Internet. He asked me for a while to join his agency, and I finally made the commitment so that I could pursue my dreams.”

The 18-year-old’s unique style and singular dedication have won her much praise – and a long list of jobs as well. “I have been very focused on my modeling -- that is my true passion. And it has paid off -- I have done work for publications such as Glamour, TEEN, Surfer Girl, Shape, and Woman's Wear Daily. I have been hired for Union Bay and Skecher campaigns. I also have been featured in modeling campaigns for companies in Greece. In each of those photo shoots, I looked different, and I think that is what I really love!”

Comp cards have also been instrumental in not only getting the model seen, but also helping her keep track of her progress. “In the past, I have had about seven different comp cards. As you change and grow, you have to update them so they will be accurate. You need comp cards because you always give them out at the end of your castings or while on direct bookings.”

In additional to fielding plenty of offers from her OMP page, Reanna has received positive feedback from her personal websites. In fact, the Internet is directly responsible for much of the buzz surrounding Reanna’s modeling career. “I am probably the most photographed teen to this day and I am very proud of it! I was also the first ‘Internet model’ to cross-over into mainstream modeling. My website www.reannataylor.com helps get me noticed, and my agency will refer clients to it when I can't make it to castings. Working on websites has been one of my favorite hobbies, and a great way to express myself to the world.”

She finds balancing her modeling and acting assignments challenging but rewarding. “On top of doing modeling and acting, I have school, too. So everything is kind of hectic. It's hard, but I manage. Another difficult part is the fact that I live in
California where you have to drive everywhere, and the gas ain't cheap!”

Reanna says her favorite modeling gig so far was the job she did for Skechers. “Working with the other models was a lot of fun. We got to hang out on the Santa Monica Pier for the whole day. We made fun of the photographer and the wardrobe stylist -- we thought they were insane because of the stuff they made us wear (especially me, since I am somewhat gothic)! By the end of the day, I made a couple of good friends. It's nice to work with down-to-earth people at photo shoots.”

She discovered that she often draws on her acting skills when she models. “I never really thought about that before, but I guess I do! You always act a certain way in front of the camera when you model, you have to capture a certain mood and essence. Acting, on the other hand, is different. I really never use my modeling skills in my acting. I think sometimes models are so boring when acting on camera. You have to jump out and be an exciting person, you can’t just sit there and smile!”

The most fulfilling element of being an actress for Reanna has been developing her skills. “My acting coach always has me do the dorkiest things, which really helps open me up. I also get the opportunity to look at up-and-coming scripts, because my coach is also a casting director. And I get to meet some of her former students who have become famous – for instance, Leonardo DiCaprio! That is probably better then any acting job I have ever received!”

Reanna is eager to share the following advice with her fellow models. “I do have some advice that I hope other models can take to heart. Over the years I have seen people get screwed out of their money from agencies, photographers, managers, etc. So be careful! You aren't in this business to pay other people lots of money, you are in it in hopes of something great that can happen to you.”

In future “Modeling in Focus” columns, we will see how other OMP veterans and newcomers promote themselves and balance their careers as models with other passions such as acting, singing, dancing, and performance art. If you are interested in adding your comments on these topics, send All Star an email via the link below.

NEXT TIME: Balancing Careers