The Agency

the AGENCYA publication following lives and dreams.

ISSUE 1Male Storms

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Editors Letter

Dean Hindmarch

Afnan Iftikhar

Chris Baber

Costa Toulis

the AGENCY37 Unified Escapism

Here at The Agency we are so overwhelmed to launch our first issue!

The Agency is a biannual publication showcasing new faces in the North East of England. Founded and created by industry professionals, The Agency bring something new and exciting into the fashion field. Each issue will run with a different gender and theme throughout.

Focusing on the personality and background of contempary models, shown through a mixture of innovative photography and sidelined with creative writing, this publication is aimed at new age creatives in the hope to inspire and excite.

Our first issue, Male Storm is dominated by many fantastic male models which have the same thing in common yet many other talents to offer. We also bring you contributions from the models themselves, including original photography and illustrations.

We hope that the images you see, complimented with the words that you read, evoke many senses and keep you returning in the future!

Enjoy!

Maggie Ibbetson

Maggie IbbetsonEditor

FROM THE EDITOR

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DeanHindmarch

Words and Photography by Maggie IbbetsonClothes all Models’ own

Illustration by Afnan Iftikhar

d.hLeaves crunch underfoot on the damp dewy path as I take the familiar steps of my weekday routine. This morning the sun is low, creating a beautiful collage in the sky, marking the start of another day. Birds soar up above creating silhouettes in deep blue and candy pink.

I carry with me key pieces from my wardrobe. Knitwear, a denim jacket trimmed with sheepskin and a tartan shirt. Forest green, deep red with a touch of blue marking the start of winter. The colours go darker as does the sky, in sync with the depressing weather.

The elements are something that I like to capture. There is a strong differentiation between photographing models and landscapes. All of the focus is in your control, but if you don’t strike at the correct moment your masterpiece will be tainted.

Today is out of my control. I will be hanging up my camera and letting someone else take the lead. I much prefer being behind the camera, rather than in front of it, but I suppose I am lucky and see the industry from both points of view. A model and a photographer. The controller and the focus.

Born into a family of creatives, I knew photography was something I wanted to explore from a very young age. And now working at The Agency, I get to be at the forefront of all of the best shoots and have had the experience of working with great models, while learning from industry professionals.

As I arrive at work this morning, the photographer will be trying to capture my personality in a range of shots. In my working environment, but with a different

routine.

As we explore my place of work and engage with the surroundings, I realise just how lucky I am. To be doing something that I love everyday. Although being in front of the camera is not the norm for me, I do enjoy it. It is a source of creativity, thinking what I could do differently at my next shoot, a remedy for improvement.

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AfnanIftikharWords and Photography by Maggie Ibbetson

Clothes all Models’ ownIllustration by Afnan Iftikhar

The Location

We meet upon the highest point of the sand dunes in the refreshing October wind, the scenic town of Tynemouth our playground. My unruly dark curls are intangible this morning, so the just-out-of-bed look will be today’s attire. We settle in surroundings of crumbling brick, the fresh sea air and historic ruins. There are many passers by enjoying a crisp walk along the heights, but my mind is focussed. The surrounding space seems so comforting and calm in comparison to my usual audience.

As well as modelling, my heart lies with my music. I have had lyrics crawling through my mind since I arose this morning, clearly preparing myself for my band’s gig tonight. We are opening up the Christmas Lights in Roker, a great step for our band, Seabones...

The Music

“Have you ever just tried something new and you wondered what you ever did without it? That’s what happened when I found music, or it found me, I’m not really sure. At a time when I was struggling to find my purpose in life and reflect the changes happening around me, there it was. And I have never looked back.”

It now consumes me and is a vital element in my life. I wake up thinking about it and it’s there when I sleep too. Something happens and I think, “I must share this experience with my followers- Ever thought that? Maybe that’s just me! From the first note I was hooked, and like an opiate spell it consumed me.”

“I craft my writing material from my experiences, mostly of romance- good and bad, finding myself at the heart of every one of my songs. I can totally lose myself and find myself again with music, get lost in creating it as well as receiving it.”

a.i

The Shoot

As with music, I find the experience of modelling invigorating, each shoot a different story. Today’s activity is no different however the focus is on me instead of on a brand. Capturing my persona and identity through the art of photography.

So, encased in a creamy leather shell and my lucky bandana cuff I portray myself the best that I can; a musician, model and twenty something, rolled into one.

ChrisBaber

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c.b“My position is taken on the track, in a row with my opponents and the fresh smell of determination in the air. Adrenaline runs through my veins. The gun sounds, the fight for my place begins, a prompt start the key to success. If your focus is not defined and your footing imperfect, the chance to lead to the finish line becomes unlikely, heaving breathing, hearts beating and the sound of the impact between the ground and your chosen footwear quashes the noise of the crowd.

Today is not one of those days. Surrounded by fitness fanatics, muscles heavily defined as if drawn by an artist, I feel in my comfort zone. I have never been to this gym before. They welcome me as if one of their own.

A sports enthusiast from a young age, I have always been enthralled by exercise

and athletes. In the future I will create my own clothing line. Reflecting sport from my perspective. There is no greater feeling than running. Feeling the chilling wind in your hair and the freedom running through your veins. The gym is a great release for stress, but nothing invigorates your mind like running.

I took to sports like a fish to water. I have always been brought up to be fit and healthy and this is something that I will continue to do.”

As I go through my routine, this feels like the most natural shoot I have done. I don’t feel pressured or conscious. I just feel like me. Doing what I enjoy. I make my way around the many machines, almost unaware of the camera capturing my every move.

I retreat into my own thoughts with only the occasional interruption as the photographer asks me to turn or tilt for the lens.

I act naturally, making my way round the gym. Fuelled by a determined mind as the faint smell of sweat fills the air. For now I am a model. Later I will be free as the wind.

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CostaToulis



c.tNewcastle seems like a million miles away from my hometown. Although the distance of a plane ride of only a few hours, the differentiation between this city and Athens is spectacular.

I grew up surrounded by breathtaking architecture and historic ruins in a thriving capital. Everything in my new home is different. The culture, values, surroundings and interests. I still can’t get used to the cuisine, there are a few Greek restaurants in the town centre but nothing beats the real thing!

I had always wanted to live and work in the UK, so when the chance came to work as a volunteer in Newcastle I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and I have never looked back. Although Athens is a beautiful place to live and holds a huge place in my heart, the possibilities for my career in

the UK were endless.

So, after completing time with homeless youths in Newcastle, really making me appreciate the upbringing that I have had, I moved on to something new.I think it’s really important to walk on untrodden ground and find out who you really want to be. Keep things interesting by changing career path, and never walking down the same road again. Maybe this would change if I found something I couldn’t imagining leaving, who knows?

I thought I would try modelling as a new venture. Something invigorating full of surprises! I seem to have settled into the role quite nicely, but I like not knowing what the future will bring. The feeling of uncertainty and the element of awe keeps me on my toes.

I have always loved art. The way someone can capture something so unique and present it to others is so captivating. To me modelling is a way of expressing art, that way I feel like an artist myself.

In the studio, I am faced by flashing light and movement around me. The hustle and bustle of busy bodies on a Tuesday evening. Outside is black, it’s mid-November and the darkness has cast its shadow all over the city. The light only makes buildings visible.

I can’t help but think of where my next venture will take me. To a new city or career perhaps? Everyday is different, and if an opportunity comes your way, I believe you should take it and see where you end up. You can always go back but if you do not take a risk, you will always wonder what the outcome could have been.

UnifiedEscapism

Photography by Dean HindmarchClothes all Models’ own

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“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is

that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.”

Oscar Wilde

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