by: Phillip Wong 

fotos: Phillip Wong

Verve Opinion – Industry

August 2025

Rocky Hes’

A Model’s Guide – How to get Started in New York

Step by Step Knowledge

                    For aspiring models seeking a reliable roadmap into the competitive world of modeling, guidance from experienced professionals can prove invaluable. Rocky Hes’ recently released book, “A Model’s Guide,” stands among such resources, offering practical advice and insights tailored to both newcomers and those wishing to refine their craft. Among resources, Hes’ straightforward approach, blends motivation with actionable instruction.

When Rocky Hes launched her book, “A Model’s Guide – How to Get Started in New York,” she had a panel of models, agents, scouts, stylists, photographers, both on her panel and among the select audience. Among those in the audience were a few models who we asked their thoughts, as the girls and women (and boys and men) who would be impacted by a guide into their industry.

The Hes book is a very good foundation for how to approach it systematically.

Comprehensive Foundation:

• “A Model’s Guide” provides readers with a thorough overview of the modeling industry, demystifying the path from first steps to professional success.
• The book balances realism with encouragement, outlining opportunities but also common pitfalls and misconceptions.
• It serves as a reference that models can revisit at different stages of their careers, adapting its guidance as their experience grows.

Industry-Relevant Advice:

• Rocky Hes draws from personal experience and industry standards to detail the expectations placed on models—from maintaining professional relationships to handling castings and portfolio development.
• The book emphasizes the importance of persistence, resilience, and adaptability, all essential for success in a field known for its challenges and rapid changes.

One of the models we spoke with: Gabrielle Li Navarro, “found the ‘step by step’ guide . . .  highlighting the important aspects of modeling,” was helpful. “Ms. Rocky Hes, a role Model I didn’t know I needed,” she says.

Practical Tools and Techniques:

• Readers find actionable tips on building and maintaining a strong portfolio, including what types of photos to include, and how to present oneself to agencies and clients.
• Hes provides checklists, sample resumes, and advice on attending castings, auditions, and photo shoots, ensuring models can approach opportunities with confidence and professionalism.
• A section on self-care and work-life balance underscores the importance of health—mental, physical, and emotional—when pursuing a modeling career.

Two sections, on “Research and Networking, and another on Legal and Financial Considerations,” drew the attention of  Navarro, one of a few models who attended the launch, “due to the importance of financial literacy.”

Navigating the Business Side:

• The book instructs models on understanding contracts, rates, and negotiations, arming them with the knowledge to advocate for themselves and avoid exploitation.
• Information about reputable agencies, red flags in the industry, and the process of finding legitimate representation helps readers make informed choices.

Modeling, like some other industries, needs to take people when they are young, and like other potential career paths, put them to test, and work, to find out whether they have the will, the discipline, the willingness to work, but unlike other paths: learning musical instruments, gymnastics, team sports, the modeling industry doesn’t have many organized paths (or guides) helping to move them forward. Young models are often left on their own to “figure it out.” Without guidance, it becomes a road filled with “trial and error” situations.

Another model we met, Delyn Saffa, said: “walking into a whole new world, can be nerve-racking . . .  knowledge within the industry is the level this book will elevate you to.”“This guide,” Saffa said, “gives you insight on what to expect, what to avoid, where to look, and when to say “no.”

Personal Branding and Self-Confidence:

• The book encourages models to develop a unique personal brand, understanding how to stand out in a competitive environment without sacrificing authenticity.
• Exercises and anecdotes illustrate methods for building self-confidence and coping with rejection, an inevitable part of the modeling journey.

“I admire Rocky’s devotion to uplifting the next generation of fine models, especially women of color.” Saffa muses, reflecting on her own experiences, “We face more challenges in the industry, and hearing and seeing the testimonies of successful models who have overcome the trials and tribulations is the eye-opening hope we all yearn for.”

Continuous Learning:

• Rocky Hes advocates for ongoing education—whether learning new poses, studying fashion trends, or taking workshops—to remain relevant and competitive.
• Models are urged to seek feedback, invest in their skills, and remain open to growth and adaptation.

“A Model’s Guide” by Rocky Hes is a valuable companion for anyone pursuing a career in modeling. Through its blend of industry insights, practical tools, and motivational support, the book equips readers with the knowledge and confidence to thrive. Whether one is just starting out or looking to elevate their career, Hes’ guide offers clear instruction, actionable strategies, and the encouragement needed to navigate the modeling industry’s unique challenges.

Delyn Saffa applauds “A Model’s Guide, by saying “The dedication that Rocky has to spreading knowledge and testimonies to fellow models is inspiring in itself. We celebrate a strong, intellectual Black woman who doesn’t gatekeep but opens the gates-and that woman is our Rocky.”

Ironically, while the public view of the modeling industry is that of “pretty faces and bodies,” the essential core to success, is a strong discipline, and understanding of yourself. It is critical for young people to both be able to follow direction, but also understand when, and how, to say: “No,” as Saffa points out.

The opportunities of seeing many places in the world, and being exposed to many experiences, is an unusual attraction for many, and Rocky Hes’ book, allows newcomers to consider their options. In many ways, it’s a guide to Life.

Rocky Hes styled by: DaNisha Greene/ Assistant: Delyn Saffa

White two piece pants and top - Ayeakah, shoes - Pierre Phillip
Red peasant blouse - Ayeakah, embroidered shorts - Le Catou, shoes - Tory Burch
Blue trench coach - Max Mara, floral dress - BCBG Max Azaria, shoes - Zara
Gold blazer and pants - Le Catou, shoes - Christian Soriano
Green loose blouse - Tobi, Shimmer pants - Finesse, shoe - Zara
White top - H&M, Embellished skirt - English Rose, shoes - Pierre Phillip

Make up provided for, and done by MAC Cosmetics and MAC team: Gabby, Justyna and Sabine

Skin Prep: Fix Plus Original & Fix Plus Stay Over Spray, Natural Radiance Primer, Fast Response Eye Cream, Hyper Real Serumizer, Fix Plus Original and Fix Plus Stay Over Spray

Concealers: Studio Fix 24 hour concealer: in shades NC48, NC55, NC58, NW45, NW47, NC55, Pro Longwear Concealer in NW40 and NC50, Pro Face Palette Contour

Foundation: Studio Fix Fluid in NC58, NC55, NW45 and  NW47, Pro set and blur loose powder in shade: Dark, Blush: Raizin, Mineralize skinfinish Powder Dark Deep (Bronzer), Studio Fix Powder in C55

Cheeks: Strobe Cream Bronzelite, Glow Play Cream Blush “Pinch of Marrakesh”, Mineralize Blush “Hey Coral Hey”

Eyes: Pro Longwear paint pot: Soft Ochre, “Contemplative State”,  Eyeshadows: Natural Wilderness and Embark, “Saddle” and “What Clout!”, Kajal liner in “extreme black”, 24 hour brush stroke liner “Brushblack”, Mac Stack Lash Primer and Mascara,

Brows: Brow Pencil in Spiked, Brow Gel in Stud, Onyx Brow Gel

Lips: Coffee, Chestnut and Nightmoth Liners, Glow Play Lip Balm “Introvert” and “Candid”, Macximal Matte Lipstick “Taupe”, Clear Lipglass