Menagerie Models: Putting Local Kids and Families in the Spotlight
Camille Adams founded Webster-Groves based Menagerie Models two years ago.
St. Louis Kids Magazine is proud to have forged a new relationship with Menagerie Models
for covers of our magazine. Menagerie Models, a Webster-Groves company, prides itself in connecting real people with modeling
jobs in the Midwest.
"We’re
a commercial model agency, not a fashion agency," said Camille Adams,
Menagerie Models founder and master stylist. "We're interested in all
people of all ages, sizes and physical abilities. Advertisers are not
particularly interested in Barbie and Ken dolls in every single ad
anymore. They want models that look like people that purchase their
products and services."
To make modeling affordable for real
people, Adams, a former model herself, keeps the fees low and the
process simple. "We don’t believe that anyone should have to pay to go
to a modeling school in order to get a job as a real person model,"
Adams said.
Menagerie Models provides a photo shoot for new
models, costing $300. Models keep the photos from the shoot, and
Menagerie uploads the models' photos to their Web site, which is used by those selecting talent in the St. Louis area. Average pay per modeling job is about $400, Adams said.
In
demand, Adams said, are complete family units, and women between the
ages of 30 and 50. Nobody is turned away from the Webster Groves-based
agency and Menagerie does not exclude anyone based on their appearance
or abilities, she said. "We just don’t know who the advertisers might
be looking for."
Menagerie Models has worked with every major
corporation in St. Louis, including Edward Jones, Schnucks, Energizer,
Build-a-Bear and Anheuser Busch. They’ve placed models in over 1,900
jobs in the past two years. They’ve even been tapped to provide extras
for the filming of “Up in the Air,” starring George Clooney.
More About the January, 2009, Cover John*,
an honor student in Rockwood School District, was selected to portray
the fun and excitement of summer camping and opportunities on this
cover. The 9-year-old is an athlete who enjoys baseball, biking, music
and animals (including frogs and turtles!). He has five modeling jobs
under his belt, and his mother and sister also model for Menagerie
Models.
Professional photographer Clark Kincaid of St. Louis
captured our cover image. Kincaid, an award-winning photographer, has
also shot covers for Time, St. Louis Magazine, and
numerous other titles. His photographic subjects have included
everything from cantankerous toddlers to Bedouins and U.S. Presidents.
Throughout the magazine, St. Louis Kids Magazine always features local kids and families, and local companies.
* To ensure the safety of their young clients, Menagerie Models does not release last names of their talent.
