We’d love to know how the agency began. How did Mazza Models get started?
Hi hi!
So MAZZAmodels began back at the very end of 2014, I was a photographer for a long time and then I moved to Austin, Tx. I had met a ton of really incredible girls who were interested in becoming models but none of us had any idea how to make that happen. I found a casting online for a small group of shows for NYFW and told the girls they should go try casting for it. They all went to NYC and then ended up getting in! I went out with them for the shows and told them just to tell everyone I was their agent to see how things go. The shows went incredibly well, then I came back home and started an Instagram to see if we had any interest and it took off really fast! From there it was just a ton of networking, making a very large amount of mistakes and learning from them. Even now I'm constantly making mistakes and learning. This industry is constantly changing all the time so every day is something new!
Can you share with us some of your favourite shoots to date?
Hmmm for favorite shoots I would have to say just campaigns the models have done! It's always such an incredible feeling seeing the models on storefronts or websites. My model Robert did a huge shoot for New York Times Fashion which was amazing. Working with brands like Prada, Steve Madden, Skims, Hugo Boss, Levis always makes me feel really great!
Mazza Models is based in Austin, Texas. What’s the fashion scene like in Austin?
About 85% of our models are based here in Austin. The fashion scene is pretty lowkey, lots of vintage but ATX has been trying over the past couple of years to up its game. I just think being in such a small community and working here can be difficult because you want to work and make money which means a lot of creatives have to kind of stick to what works here. But everyone is trying to branch out and try new things which is probably my favorite part of the fashion scene here! It's really nice to be able to be a part of this community and bring whatever I can to the creatives here and help in any way I can.
How has the agency been coping during the Covid-19 crisis?
Ugh, well honestly the entire industry, as you know, is pretty shut down. Luckily during this time we have been able to meet photographers like you from all around the world to do facetime shoots with! It's a new thing for us for sure, but it has been such a great experience. Not only do we get to work with creatives from around the world that we haven't been able to before, but it also makes the models really think out of the box on how to be creative and shoot in your house, style your own shoots and what not. Even though its been difficult not being able to really do much, the models have all been totally willing to try new things and same with the photographers!!
Do you have some exciting shoots coming up you can tell us about?
We don't have many big shoots coming up, BUT we have had some models get placed here recently in Tokyo, London and NYC so hopefully we will get to see them out working soon!! Everyone is ready to get back to work and travel.
What’s the best way of getting started for any new models?
For new models always make sure you do research on agencies, sign to a good mother agency. When applying, always have digitals like they ask, don't send selfies or anything with makeup on or friends in the photos. Less is always more when it comes to submitting to an agency! I think giving a bit of background on yourself and sharing things you're interested in is also really important. We want to see what you love to do and what you are passionate about. Also, always be mature and responsible. The worst thing you can do when you sign to an agency is not take it seriously. Modeling is a really difficult job, it takes time and if you don't put it as a priority you won't succeed.
See more of the agency here: www.mazzamodels.com