A few weeks ago I had the chance to visit David Ralph, the head male booker at New York Models. He is not only an accomplished agent, but an accomplished model as well! I've included a few pics I took of the men's board, and one very silly one of David himself (who was surprisingly shy, even though he was just in GQ!).


1. How did you get started as a booker/agent? What was the first agency you worked for?

I started out as a model. I did that for 10 years. Then I was a TV host for 1 year. I was sick and tired of being on that side, so I got a job working part time at an agency, and then I was headhunted to come here to New York. My first agency was Boss Models, back in the 1990’s when all the major superstars were there.

2. What was your first major achievement/booking?

I don’t remember my first booking, but the first time I saw myself in a magazine was an editorial in London. The best part of being a model was doing shows. There weren’t too many black men and I was lucky to be one of those guys who had a hold on everything. As an agent, it’s hard to remember…you focus more on the things you haven’t booked, more than the ones you have. I’m proud of booking Gucci several times and Ralph Lauren and others, but there are few we still need to get – but it’s just a matter of time.

3. What are some other big accomplishments you have made throughout the years?

Like I said, I really focus more on what I haven’t gotten – such as an exclusive Prada booking. But, I’ve done pretty much done most of the major campaigns a few times over, like Gucci, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, good fragrance campaigns…I think I was always very proud of the Gucci campaign with Mathias (Lauridson) because it’s such a great amount of money. It also has to do with the model you’re booking…when a model re-reserves a booking it means that much more to you as an agent. There are so many models that are unappreciative. When you get a rebooking for someone who is nice, and they come in and you tell them the good news – that is what I get out of being an agent.

4. Who are some of the models you represent, and what sort of work have they done that might be recognizable?

Mathias Lauridson, Will Chalker, Andrew Cooper.

5. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult model/client? How do you handle those sorts of situations?

Every day. With a model I sometimes tell them to just “see the door”. I don’t like models with attitudes. Having been on that side I don’t see any reason for it. I understand how insecure you can be, as a model, and I have a soft spot, but when it comes to arrogance…no. They aren’t always grateful for having such an opportunity, they always want their egos stroked and they get carried away.

6.As an agent, what does your daily work consist of?

Just management, managing the model’s careers, negotiating contracts and creating hype when it’s needed, and just keeping my team together. I work with 3 other girls. Email has become the more modern way of communicating; it’s a mixture between that and the phone.

7. What are some of the important qualities you look for in a model (looks & personality)?

Aesthetic wise, it depends on the season. There are always the ones that manage to see themselves through one season after another – slightly generic though. I don’t like generic though. At the end of the day, it’s all about personality, and someone who can walk into a room and have that presence. There are a lot of pretty people out there but they don’t always have that.

8. For the prospective models out there, what advice do you have for starting a successful portfolio?

Find a good agency where you don’t have to pay for it. There are a lot of shots out there, and if any agency wants you, you shouldn’t be fronting the money, for the cover of tests and all that. Be realistic about what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re a male who is 5’10, you might get through the cracks, but you can’t expect too much.



9. Do you think agents are more critical of male or female models? Which gender has the hardest time getting a career started?

Men, because it’s a woman’s industry.

10. What is the average lifespan for a model in the industry these days?

I wouldn’t say there ever was a real “lifespan” set. It’s based on the individual model. We represent guys who have been with us for years and years – we represent one who is in his 40’s right now! Men tend to last longer than women though.

11. How do you help the models you represent grow and expand their careers?

Keeping them grounded – that’s what the key to the whole industry is, being grounded. Always go for the big stuff, all the time. I don’t worry about them losing their appeal too fast. No time like the present! I got this kid that I found in Boston about a month ago, he’s already on hold for Prada. He’s never been out of the country and we’re trying to get him a passport. It’s all part of growing up and doing it fast. There aren’t many people in the world who get to have that opportunity.

12. If a model is looking to be represented by your agency, what steps should they take?

Come in. Open call is once a week. Either do that, or email us pictures, very simple snapshots. We know it when we see it – it doesn’t have to be high tech. I can usually tell from just one picture if I’ve found somebody or not.

Thanks to David, and to model Jesper Lannung who set up the interview for me!