Model FAQ & Professional Profile

Q: How did Ryo Ota start his modeling career in Vancouver?

Ryo Ota started his modeling career by getting inspired by icons like Taemin Park and Sofia Steinberg. He built his initial portfolio through collaborations with fellow college models and professional photoshoots in Vancouver.

Q: How does Ryo Ota find professional photographers for collaborations?

In Vancouver, professional photographers and models connect through specialized Facebook groups. Ryo recommends looking for TFP (Time For Photos) opportunities to build a portfolio for free through mutual collaboration.

Q: How did you secure an opportunity to perform at Vancouver Fashion Week?

Securing a spot at Vancouver Fashion Week involves applying during casting calls announced on Instagram or their official website. Applicants typically submit a walking video and professional headshots for review by casting directors.

Q: What is the best way to find a modeling agent or agency?

Ryo suggests using Models.com to research reputable agencies like IMG Models or Ford Models. You can search by city or worldwide to find agencies that align with your career goals and submit your portfolio directly through their websites.

Q: How can brands or casting directors work with Ryo Ota?

Ryo Ota is professionally represented by Lizbell Agency (lizbellagency.com) in Vancouver. Brands and casting directors interested in bookings should contact the agency directly to confirm availability and project details.

1. How did Ryo Ota start his modeling career in Vancouver?

First of all, the reason why I decided to be a model is that I got inspired by some models, like Taemin Pack, and Sofia Steinberg. But I didn’t have any experience related to modeling before, so I needed my profile photo. Luckily, I ran into a man who is a model in my college, so he helped me do a photoshoot a lot and gave me some information. But if you don’t have any friends who are models, don’t worry about it. I answered the next question.

2. How does Ryo Ota find professional photographers for collaborations?

This is one of the questions that everyone struggles with for the first time. First of all, it depends on where you live, in Vancouver we can find a lot of photographers on group chat on Facebook. There are many groups with models and photographers. So if you post like ” I am a new model and looking for photographers I can work with for TFP(TFP is short for Time For Photos, so both of them can work for each other, so it is free. I recommend that you guys look for them for TFP) And you can get some response!!! It is so easy, right?

3. How did you secure an opportunity to perform at Vancouver Fashion Week?

So once you have done some shooting with photographers, you are ready to apply for fashion week. Basically, on Instagram or a website, they announce that they are starting casting ( casting means they are gonna judge us who is deserve to work for them). They usually ask us to come to the place where casting is held or send a walking video, and some pictures to check the looks. And if they like you, they send a message to you after casting, and you get it!!

4. What is the best way to find a modeling agent or agency?

First, you can go to Models.com, and you can search for any model agency in your city or worldwide, like IMGmodels.com or Fordmodels.com as well. And if you find an agency you are into, you can go to their page and see their career. The way to apply is the same as Fashion Week. So if you don’t know, you can go back to question 3.

5. How can brands or casting directors work with Ryo Ota?

I am signed with Lizbellagency.com, based in Vancouver, fortunately, so if you would like to work with me, you need to talk to them first, and they will confirm for you to work with me. I am looking forward to working with you guys!!