From runway, to the beach to behind the goal at the soccer stadium, this month's model Amy Harber has always attracted attention. This Springfield, OH resident (No, she doesn't know the Simpsons - that's a different Springfield)started modeling at the age of 13. Her first show was for a local department store where she was working on a Girl Scout badge. She's since signed with Source Model Management and has been making a name for herself in both the fashion and commercial genres.

However, after her start, she didn't take modeling seriously for 10 years. She shot her first portfolio at the age of 23, and created her first website. A hard working model, she updates frequently - usually after each new shoot. She has worked with a lot of great photographers: Andy Chabot, John Fisher, and JT Smith, to name just a few. She prefers an artistic, creative and 'edgy' look, more fashion than anything else. Of course, her current home of Columbus, OH isn't exactly the fashion capital of the world. In between modeling assignments, she practices the traditional occupation of models and actresses everywhere by waiting tables at a posh local restaurant.

Amy promotes herself as much as possible, both through her website, and in person:

"I mostly do things to get my name heard like helping other people, carrying comp cards with me, and by telling people my URL."

Her agent at Source, Kathy Roberson, has also been a source of work for Amy. Although she flirts with glamour modeling, Amy only accepts assignments that do not include nudity:

" Especially online, I get many requests for jobs involving nudity which I don't do. I like to leave some things to the imagination. In general, sometimes, nudity helps. Other times, it hinders . . . it depends on the job."

However, Amy's true ambitions lie in broadcasting. Her dream jobs would be either as a host,co-host or reporter for a sports-related show like NHL Cool Shots or MLS Extra Time. Until then, she performs at local MLS games as a character known as "The Diva":

"I'm definitely NOT a cheerleader. The team has dancers and cheerleaders but I'm in no way involved with them. I'm part of the main fan group for the team called the Northend. I usually distract the opposition with my wild outfits - glittery dresses, sequined skirts, or pleather pants. I also take signs to the games with comments about players, coaches, and so on."

"Diva" has also attracted the attention of several sports writers and cameramen.

However, the road to fame and fortune has not been easy. In attemting to give back to the modeling community by alerting people to modeling scams, she attracted the attention of one scam artist who has made her life a living hell. She had posted a message on a board warning about one scam that had taken several people new to the industry. As she tells it:

"Shortly afterwards, I began receiving harassing emails. That was followed by fake postings on message boards using my name and email. After that, Yahoo clubs were made about me."

The postings, which many people have seen, were supposedly Amy advertising to do hard-core adult work. The clubs were supposedly Amy advertising for escort work. Amy contacted the authorities at Yahoo, and eventually the clubs were deleted. She had also contacted the Federal authorities, who claimed that nothing could be done to stop the perpetrator, as he was not located in the United States. Amy's main defense was posting messages that explained the situation, and asked people to contact her for details. For the rest of the story, you'll have to watch your local news for her TV interview with Ivanhoe News Service

Besides watching out for scams, Amy has this advice for new models:

1. Avoid modeling schools

2. Check references

3. Put education first

4. Learn to graciously accept rejections (this will also prepare you for life after modeling and real world job searches)

5. Don't be pressured into doing anything you don't want to do (you don't HAVE to take off your clothes to be a model)

Amy Harber joking uses this as her motto: "It's not ego, I'm just that good." Although it's supposed to be an inside joke among her friends, I'm sure you'll agree with us - she really IS that good!

Amy Harber
aimer@aimercat.com

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