Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Queen of the Night "Miss Nova" Wrote: Is this for women only? Hello! Miss Nova's question (for those of you that aren't sure what she is asking about) is in regards to my post about how to become a JET Magazine Beauty of the Week. To answer your question, Miss Nova, yes, the JET Magazine Beauty of the Week is only for female models. I believe they have projects dealing with male models but that is different than Beauty of the Week.

I decided to do a quick post to address female models of color in regards to hairstyles and the modeling industry. There are no hard and fast rules but there are some things I want to point out that you as an aspiring or established model should keep in mind as you pursue your modeling career. Black hair is unique and can't be treated like any other. There are various styles and ways women of color wear their hair and in modeling it all depends on what you feel most comfortable with. As far as I know there aren't any strict rules as to hairstyle preferences according to the different types of modeling. But what I think is most important is sporting a style that you feel represents you. Never try to alter your hair dramatically to fit a look that may not suit you. As I've pointed out in past posts, if an agency falls in love with you as you are, then chances are you don't have to change a thing. I've seen models of color sport different styles in all types of m...

For some reason I'm noticing that many aspiring models that want to be plus size feel they can do so simply because they are larger in size and measurements. And that bothers me because it's a notion that isn't accurate. While I have posted about this topic a couple of times throughout my blog I think it will be helpful to do an updated post to discuss why there is more to plus size modeling than simply being "bigger." In order to be taken seriously as a plus size model, you'll want agency representation. While not all modeling agencies have a plus size division, there are a good number that do so trying to break into this field of modeling isn't impossible but it is important to realize the reality of what the requirements are and if you really do fulfill them. I think it's easy for a larger woman to think she can be a plus size model because she wears plus size clothing. But it's more than that. So much more. Put it this way: plus size mode...

Adriana Marcela Wrote: Dania, you are a pretty and intelligent young woman. Both qualifications are difficult to find together these days!.. Congratulations! and I wish you the best in your career. I came by your blog while looking for ideas to design a composite for each of my kids (5 and 6). Your advice was very helpful. Thanks! You writing is excellent and shows that a good education have you in the right path for success... Never give up... What do you think was the best thing you received in the education from your parents that helped you focus on what-you-were-good for and what-you-like in life? Hi, Adriana! Thank you so much for your compliments...I am very flattered and glad that I could offer you some advice. I am guessing your children are in the industry as well or are about to become involved? As for your question, that is a very interesting one that I would love to answer! Let's see...I think the best education I got from my parents in terms of helping ...

Some time last week I got a random call from a well known modeling school, asking me to come in for a free audition for a casting director who was looking for new faces for television shows and modeling assignments. At first I was going to outright reject the offer but then got an idea. I explained to the man that I had already been acting and modeling for many years and currently got out of my contract with Ford and was looking for new agency representation. He seemed really surprised that I was already working in the industry so he said that if I auditioned I would be meeting with the casting director herself instead of one of their other scouts. I firmly told him I had no intention of paying for any classes or training. He explained that if I did a good audition I would get a call back and they would then determine whether I had what it took or if I needed to take classes. He reassured me that I would not be forced to sign up for classes if I did not want to. After giving this...

I know that my blog gets visited regularly by models, both new and established, but there have been others in the industry that at one time or another have come across Modeling 101--photographers, stylists, randomly curious people, etc. So I figured that maybe, just maybe, there are those that may find themselves in need of models for various projects. Now, I can't cure all the ills in the world relating to the modeling industry but maybe by making this post I can positively influence clients into taking the time to post worthwhile castings for models. Goodness knows I've come across so many wrong ones that I felt it may be helpful to future clients out there if they had some helpful tips to assist them in this often intimidating process... Think Out Your Casting Call Carefully  There is nothing wrong with writing a draft version of your casting. Make sure you know what you want and that you are properly communicating that in your post. Regardless of whether you use Cra...

laliafiction Wrote: #1. Thank you so much for this post! You are not only beautiful and insightful, but also a very effective writer! Well done. #2. I need some advice - I am a freelance model myself, but lately haven't been able to get much work. I know your time is very valuable, but if you have a moment to respond, I'd like to ask you some questions. Thanks! Hello and thank you for the compliments. I really appreciate it! If you have any questions or need advice, you (and everyone else that reads my blog) can always contact me at the following email address: daniadenise@gmail.com. I'll be more than happy to help you out and hopefully get you the answers you're seeking. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hey, all! So it's been a while since I've posted but I've been super busy lately between castings, shoots, and my art and writing business. I've wanted to do posts relating to my recent shoots but won't be able to get copies of the images for a while so I'll wait until I get the pictures and will do detailed posts then. But I can say that I've been involved in some pretty fun shoots: catalog work, website stuff, and stock photography. I just finished a lifestyle shoot in Santa Cruz yesterday and this weekend I'm doing a handbag shoot for a catalog and, if all goes well, I'll be doing a runway show modeling swimwear for a Japanese designer, modeling her line of crocheted swimsuits. Still no agency representation, but I'm not doing too bad for myself with freelance, but I do plan on attending an open casting call for an agency near me soon. Just need to update my portfolio images and have them printed out, along with comp cards, and I'll be...