Winnipeg’s model citizens

Models and agents discuss the state Winnipeg’s modeling industry

Since being scouted in Grade 8, local model Heidi Dyck has done work for Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Prada and more. Daniel Cianfarra
Since being scouted in Grade 8, local model Heidi Dyck has done work for Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Prada and more. Ishi for Wedding Bells Canada
Jane Campbell. Tony Nardella

Though Winnipeg’s modeling industry is less affluent than others, the city seems to have a knack for producing international talent.

Heidi Dyck, a model who has done work for Abercrombie & Fitch, L’Oréal, Hollister, Prada and Levi’s, says Winnipeg’s modeling industry is lacking.

“Winnipeg does not have a large market. Most successful models move out of Winnipeg,” she said. “There is a commercial market, but we don’t really have any campaigns or magazines.”

Grant Calder, another model from Winnipeg, says most of the work in Winnipeg for male models is commercialized.

“For males, you would have to do a lot of clean-edge commercial work to do it full time. They want to turn you into a category,” he said. “For me, that would be conforming. I would rather do what I want to do.”

Calder is far more interested in the artistic aspects of modeling.

“Modeling is about capturing physical emotions and making an art with them. I can express myself through a photo and create something,” he said. “It’s all to do with body language – how you move your face, how you control your body, how you work with the photographer’s props and control them.”

Calder says European communities are more accepting of artistic approaches to modeling and has moved to Holland as a result. Calder explained that Canada and Winnipeg modeling agents seek to maintain a mainstream image.

“Out here (in Holland) they are more accepting of flaws and uniqueness,” said Calder. “It’s more raw edge.”

Jane Campbell, owner and director of local modeling agency Panache, believes that Winnipeg’s mix of clean air, healthy food and ethnic diversity make it a great city for new talent in the modeling industry.

“We have a diverse ethnic background so we have some very interesting faces that evolve from the mix,” said Campbell.

Campbell also states that far more is required of a model than just physicality. A model must be intelligent and business savvy too.

Dyck agreed.

“There is a huge difference between an intelligent model that knows how to work in front of the camera and knows how to network. The ones that don’t network are not successful.”

Dyck also notes that there are other demands to the job. When she’s traveling, she will attend up to 12 casting calls a day.

As well, because the job demands that she spend time in various countries for short amounts of time, she rarely has the opportunity to keep close friends.

Campbell contends that many attend Panache for reasons outside of modeling.

“Lots of people take it for professional development,” she said. “Moms will put their daughters through our courses to help them build confidence.”

Dyck says that Panache had a positive influence on her modeling career.

“I was scouted by Panache when I was in Grade 8 and they developed me, taught me how to walk and how to carry myself in interviews. Now Jane (Campbell) is like my second mom.”

For Calder, modeling will continue to be more than just a job.

“I feel at peace with myself while in front of the camera,” he said.

“Besides, I’m the type of person that likes to make faces in the mirror anyway.”

Panache will be holding a talent search on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 at Portage Place. Applications for the event will be available the second week of March through the Panache website and Portage Place. Visit www.panachemanagement.com.

Published in Volume 65, Number 22 of The Uniter (March 10, 2011)

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