Complaint Review: David St. John

First of all, I seriously doubt the PhD.  If Ms. McFarland has one, then the "PhD" must stand for Phony Diploma.  Secondly, Ms McFarland is probably David St. John's alter anyway, so....  (*waives to David*)

But aside from that speculation, David St. John still owes me a salary for many months of being his employee (before he fled to Hawaii), from back in 1972.  What with interest and inflation, the total sum is going to be a whole lot more than what it would have been if he'd paid me 50 years ago.

David says that not everyone can be a model, and that's very true.  But if someone doesn't have the goods to be a model, then why sign them on with your agency?  Was it just to collect their fee?  And why sign me on as your model instructor when I barely had any experience myself?  And if you were impressed enough with me to sign me on as your school's 21-year-old modelling instructor, then why did you never once send me out on any go-sees? 

So many questions, David.  

I had very little modelling experience, when I moved from the Washington, DC area to Denver, Colorado in 1972.  I had a full-time job at a brokerage firm, but wanted to sign up with a modelling agency for a second source of income.  I was newly married and wanted to contribute to our household income as much as possible. 

When I interviewed with David St. John, he asked me if I would be interested in teaching one of the modelling classes!  I didn't think I was qualified to do this, but he convinced me that I knew enough to teach the basics of walking and turning, etc.  I figured that he was the "expert" and that it was his business, and so I agreed to give it a try. 

Long story short, David St. John went off to Hawaii, theoretically to check out expanding his business, and he never returned.  His girlfriend (the receptionist) was also left hanging (I felt sorry for her at first, but then I began to feel relief for her instead), and I was never paid for my many months of teaching.  (I asked Google what my paycheck's value would be in today's money, and it said $1,417.59, so that's the equivalent of what I didn't get back in 1972.)  I was never booked for any actual modelling jobs either. 

So yes, this guy is a scam artist and has been for many decades.  I'm honestly amazed that he hasn't been prosecuted by now!      

I was pointed to this report by Mr. St.John for my opinion on it. It is the exact writing style of Lola Rose Tatylon a Russian girl who worked for St.John's former LLC where she upset his associate photographer, Michael by complaining to him that David didn't understand the modeling business. She was subsequently fired for incompetence, vindictiveness, and stupidity.  St.John was warned by others about how long she would dog him over it. You may think me unkind for calling her stupid but what else is it?

I feel very sorry if her anonymous report influences anyone negatively about Mr. St.John or his business. Lola is quite sick and tends to try to get even.  If anyone know the Russian Consulate it would be wise to report her conduct because she is a very bad example of Russians.

If you are wondering about Mr.St.John's integrity or knowledge of his industry, the wise ones will go meet him to find out for themselves.

My St.John is not nor has he ever been bankrupt and he has never been run out of anywhere. These were very mean things to have claimed with no proof at all.

The good news here is that if you are shallow enough to believe an anonymous report you should not waste a talent agent's time anyway.

What could be fake about a recognized agency that charges no membership fee and no fee to put you on their site but charges standard placement commissions only.
They have proof of placement and a worthy website, real phones, and a County license.

Karen M, PHD

Hello, I am David St.John. I was never asked to leave Hawaii in any way. I have never had any real estate schemes for anyone to invest in. I moved to Portland from Maui in 07. My references there can be Councilwoman JoAnn Johnson or Senator Roz Baker. There was never an issue in Maui OR ELSEWHERE. Please look it up if you can.

In two states I was the director of Police Athletic League for kids, directly supported by both police chiefs. If you inquire I will give you their names. There were endless newspaper articles about our accomplishments. I have been in this business since 1966.

On Maui I was a member of the Kiwanis club and a member of Unity Church as well as the Chamber of Commerce. There has never been a complaint about me that I know of. In Portland it is very common for competitors to file an anonymous report about another - said report is designed only to injure my business. If they really cared about you, the reader, they would tell you who they are as I do here.

Many 'would be models' register with my agency thinking that looks will carry them and they do not realize that they must act like a model, own the supplies required for models, most need some photos, some need braces, some need training, portfolios, etc.. We tell them the truth.  This year alone I have sent out over 300 emails called job 'breakdowns' for models to respond to. Less than 10% ever respond. The ones who respond get to go to the casting directors to be screened for paid gigs. If I have disappointed anyone I am sorry.

We are not a scam, in fact the truth has upset some applicants. Not everyone is cut out to be a model or an actor, especially those who could write the above report out of sheer mean spirited-ness. Please come see us and decide the truth for yourself.
David St.John, M.A.

Do not believe his rebuttal. David St. John IS a scam artist. He has left nothing but empty promises and shattered dreams in his wake. He takes advantage of people with an entrepreneurial spirit by giving them false opportunity to be a part of a blossoming business. He then uses them until they give up hope of ever seeing the pay they were promised. He has burned bridges with his former photography partner, Michael. He doesn't follow through on fashion shows and any part of his business that looks legitimate was put there by someone else's hard work.

This set of Rip Off Reports are nearly identical and should be compared with the following: Report #556988 about UPIA and Report #547895 about Gene Newell of Model UP.tv, both are modeling companies in Portland.
Here's what the reader needs to know.
1. All 3 reports were maliciously authored by a competitor.
2. All 3 reports dwell upon the agent's age, etc. instead of any money lost or ripped off.
3. The fact that they are similar is grounds for a serious law suit against rip off reports as well as the malicious poster.
4. Michael W. Fox of Vault Artist Management did this to my company last year.

The author is counting upon you not reading the full report or thinking for yourself.

Americas Print Models is doing active placement and charges zero fees to register.
David St.John - come see for yourself.

Anything that you pay your photographer is not an agent fee.