Dennis
Agencies
Mother Agency (MA): Jäger International management
Toronto: Evangelia
Answers to Q&A
What INSPIRED you to become a model?
I first started thinking about modeling sometime during the summer last year. Multiple people close to me had told me that I had a nice look and that I should give modeling a try. At first, I didn’t really know much about the industry, so I started doing some research and looking at different things on social media.
It wasn’t until the beginning of my senior year that I really started taking it seriously. I had to create a capstone project, and I decided to make mine about modeling and how I could get into the industry. That honestly became the stepping stone that pushed me to actually start applying to agencies.
I also asked some of my close friends if they genuinely thought I had a chance, and after hearing encouragement from the people around me, I decided to take the risk and submit. I applied to Jäger Models, and after my submission, I was asked to join a Zoom call. From there, things started moving faster than I expected.
I was first signed by Jäger Models, and then about two months later, I was signed by Evangelia. Seeing things happen that quickly made me feel like I could actually go somewhere with modeling. Then, when I booked my first commercial, that was really the moment where I thought, “Yeah, maybe modeling could actually be my future.”
I was super excited but also nervous for my first commercial. Once I got there though, I got to meet so many great and wonderful people that I would be working with, and that made me feel much more comfortable.
What are you most excited about when it comes to modeling?
What excites me the most about modeling is honestly the people you get to meet, the photos you get to take, and the feeling of accomplishment and happiness you get from doing something you enjoy.
My biggest dream in modeling is to eventually go international, walk for big brands, and work on commercials with major brands. I think what makes modeling different from other things for me is how fun it is. It also pushes me outside of my comfort zone and has helped me become more confident in myself.
I’m excited to keep learning and see where this journey takes me because I feel like I’m still just getting started.
Can you share with us some advice you have for models wanting to get into the industry?
My advice for anyone wanting to get into modeling would be to do your research. Look at different types of models, learn about the industry, and find an agency that sees your potential and is willing to help develop you and take the time to help you grow.
Something I wish I knew before starting was how essential having good, clear digitals is. I’ve also learned that it’s completely okay to be nervous and make mistakes. The important thing is being willing to learn and improve.
Before I applied to Jäger, I actually applied to another agency and was denied. At the time, I was upset and started questioning if I was good enough. But I decided not to give up and applied to Jäger, and they accepted me. I’m so grateful that they saw the potential in me. That experience taught me that one rejection doesn’t mean you should give up on something you really want.
If you're scared to submit to an agency, I would say sometimes you have to take a risk to get the result you want. It’s okay to be scared, but don’t let fear stop you from trying something you really want to do. Send the submission, you honestly never know what could happen.
Patience is also very important. You have to trust yourself and trust the process. Development takes time, and you might not start booking jobs immediately, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Keep going, keep learning, and most importantly, be yourself.
I’m still at the beginning of my career and I know I have a long way to go, but these are some of the things that have helped me get started, and I hope they can help people who also want to get started.
share a fun fact about yourself!
A fun fact about me is that before pursuing modelling, I have a huge passion for basketball. I love playing whenever I can. I also like singing along to songs, not saying I am a good singer. And if you ask the people who are close to me, they would probably tell you that I can be pretty stubborn sometimes.