Weekly Reporter: Rogelio Castillo

[As creator and president of the website: Secrets of the Modeling World, Rogelio Castillo has seen and heard it all. Rogelio comes from a family of models, has worked as a scout and in Public Relations for several large agencies, and has experienced life within the modeling industry himself. He knows the “in's and out's” through his own experience and his many, many contacts.]

What was the purpose of your website and how has it helped aspiring models and talent?

It began to inform people about what it really takes to be a model and what it is all truly like. Everyone thinks it’s easy, or that it’s not a “real” job or that if you're attractive, it'll be easy to get in, when it’s actually not like that. People see that it’s a lot of glamour, but people never see that it’s actually a lot of work. If you have a good look and you work hard for it, you can achieve success, but it’s a business like any other. The site is about teaching models how to take advantage of the good things, so that they can have a better career.

Why did you want to create a website like that?

Well, I used to work PR for several agencies and I've scouted for several agencies. I saw and heard positive and negatives of the industry and I thought it was surprising. When I went back home to talk to my sister, who was with the same agency I was with in Mexico, she told that she wanted to model in New York.

I said, “No, you have no idea what it takes to become a model.” She said, “Yes, I do. I watch America’s Next Top Model.” A lot of people think that's the reality. She called some girls from the agency, I told them what I saw and they had no idea. So I came back to New York and started the blog, out of the blue, just to get some of the info out there. That blog turned into an online magazine, which turned into the company I have now. We scout, develop, train, and provide the magazine outlet for girls or guys who want to learn about the modeling world.

What qualities do you look for when scouting models?

We scout a lot of high-fashion models. I represent commercial models, too. Finding a girl with a good look is easy. I look for a girl or guy to have a good head on their shoulders. If you have a model who is on top of their game and is taking care of themselves, for me that’s very important. You need to have a good personality, good ethics, a good support system and have goals. Not everyone is going to be famous, but models and talent can make money. If you have a goal, you can do it. You may not be signed with the biggest agency in the world, but you can be signed with a medium-sized agency and make it.

What tips can you provide to aspiring models?

You should look for a strong development center or firm. A good place like Nijah / New Faces Development. I know that good models come out of there, and have success at auditions and larger events like the IMTA. They'll guide you, if you have a good head on your shoulders and help you develop relationships with agents. Nijah / New Faces Development can prepare you for the world of modeling. It’s always good to learn, before you jump in.