“I am thrilled to be a part of the About.com team and to have the ability to offer expert advice and guidance to aspiring models worldwide”, says Vanessa. “My About.com Modeling Site was just launched this week, so there are still a few kinks, but I hope to have everything running smoothly in the coming weeks. I hope everyone will come and visit me at About.com to read my articles and send me their questions. I may not be able to answer everyone personally, but if I get enough inquiries on a particular topic I’ll be sure to write an article about it.”

2016 Update – About.com has changed it’s name to TheBalance.com

Vanessa Helmer Bio:

International model scout and agent Vanessa Helmer has 35 years experience scouting, developing, managing and placing models with the world’s top international agencies. She has owned several successful agencies and is the owner and founder of ModelScouts.com.

Vanessa has placed models with many of the world’s top modeling agencies including Elite Models, IMG Models, Ford Models, Wilhelmina, New York Models, L.A. Models, Next Management, Q Model Management, Fashion Management, Joy Models, Marilyn Agency, Models 1, Metropolitan Models, Louisa Models and many more. Her discoveries have appeared in all the major magazines including Vogue, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Numero, GQ, Details, Cosmopolitan, Elle, InStyle, and Seventeen, and have worked for the most prestigious clients including Armani, Gucci, Valentino, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Prada, Chanel, Burberry, YSL, Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, Cover Girl, Clairol, Disney, CBS, Bravo, and Project Runway.

Throughout Vanessa’s 35 year career she has managed the careers of hundreds of fashion and commercial models, male models, petite, plus size and child models, and fully understands the various aspects of the modeling industry from portfolio development, contract negotiations, the relationships between international and mother agencies, travel arrangements, overseas accommodations, work visa’s in foreign countries, and much more.

Education:

Vanessa studied Law at Northwestern California University School of Law, and Canadian Law and Business Administration at Athabasca University. She is a graduate of Hollingshead Business College and has a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Vanessa has also studied Business Management, Information Systems and Computer Applications, and Fine Art and Humanities through various independent programs.

Professional Memberships:
Awarded the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for 10 Years of Ethical Business Practice
Member of the Better Business Bureau – A+ Rating
Managers and Models Association (M.A.M.A.)
North American Modeling Association
New York Chamber of Commerce

Charities:

Vanessa is active in and supports numerous animal rights charities including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), World Wildlife Federation (WWF), The Humane Society of the United States, Sea Shephard and others.