Home / #POSHgirls / A MODELS LIFE: Rocky Hes and the Art of Surviving Casting Season.
A MODELS LIFE: Rocky Hes and the Art of Surviving Casting Season.
Meet Rocky Hes, a talented model and author hailing from Saint Andrews, Jamaica, who has made a significant mark in the bustling fashion scene of New York City. Relocating to NYC at the age of
Meet Rocky Hes, a talented model and author hailing from Saint Andrews, Jamaica, who has made a significant mark in the bustling fashion scene of New York City. Relocating to NYC at the age of 13, Rocky began her modeling career concurrently, embracing the vibrant culture and fast-paced lifestyle the city offers. Just before the excitement of Fashion Week, I caught up with the Jamaican model as she navigated an endless series of casting appointments, a routine that most models experience during this competitive time of year. With years of experience under her belt, Rocky has not only graced numerous runways and campaigns but has also penned an insightful book titled “A Models Guide To Modeling : How to Get Started In NY as a Model”, which is currently available on Amazon. This step-by-step guide serves as an essential resource for aspiring models navigating the competitive landscape of New York City, providing valuable tips and personal anecdotes to help them succeed in the industry. Join me in learning a bit more about the young lady behind the book:
POSH: What brought you do modeling?
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ROCKY: it was my mother’s hair stylist, his name was Darryl Washington. He introduced me to an agent here in NYC that I was signed to, that’s how I stared.
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POSH: Have you walked in NYFW before, what shows have you done?
ROCKY: Yes, I did NYFW when it was in Bryant Park, that was years ago. I’ve walked for Kimora, Manuel Fernandez, Marie Claudinette Jean the wife of Wycleff Jean.
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POSH:Â So what’s it like being a model during the casting season?
ROCKY: Oh my god it’s overwhelming! It/s overwhelming because there are so many models here during this time. They are flying in from all over the world. There are so many designers that are looking for models, and different types of models. So it can be overwhelming just choosing models. But I’ve been doing it so long that I just take it as I get it.
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POSH: How do you manage to know what the various designers are looking for?
ROCKY: Sometimes you can know based on the season. For September they tend to use darker skinned models because of the clothing or the season. Sometimes it has to do with the colors that make up the collection.
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POSH: What are some of the things models have to keep in mind when going to castings and seeing agents?
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ROCKY: Well there are things to keep in mind. First, you have to have your walk down, you have to get the walk. Stay hydrated, make sure you;re well manicured, and you look the part. Basically you have to be a slate, clean. Don’t go in with long lashes or extra colorful makeup. Don’t go made up for them, you want to be more like a slate; so that when they see you they see what they can do for the show.
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POSH: What advice do you have for up and coming models and those looking to enter the fashion industry as a model?
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ROCKY: To get signed in this industry you have to know that there are categories. There’s fashion model, catalog model , commercial model. My advice would be to study the industry. Study the industry so you know what they’re looking for, and know your category. I’m 5’10” I know that I fit into fashion. If I have perfect teeth I know that I can fit into commercial or bridal and various categories. So for up and coming models you have to know your categories before going to see agents.
If you say for instance” I wanna go to Wilhelmina or Elite”; Elite wants younger models in the late teens. Ask yourself; do I fit that category, am I 5’10” and up? Those are questions you have to ask yourself before you go out there. You don’t want to go out there if you’re not the category for that agency.
To learn more, before to check out A Models Guide To Modeling : How to Get Started In NY as a Model
