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

(This post is mainly for male model hopefuls that want to pursue the high fashion and editorial market.) So fellas, you think you want to be a male model? Just as I tell my female aspiring models, it is important to do research and get familiar with what you could be doing as a male model. Most men think, "All right, I get to look all sexy and chiseled, show off my muscles and pose with hot women!" Ummm, yeah, sure but there is so much more to being a male model than that. Along with perks come the other things that you may not like but come with the territory. For example, most female models dread having to wear next to nothing in freezing temperatures but pretend like they are on a beach in 90 degree weather. For male models, the following are some aspects of the job that you'll have to be cool with if you want to seriously pursue a career in the modeling industry: - Makeup: You better believe it! Just as women need to wear makeup, so do male models--not all th...

Looking for agency representation can be exciting and stressful all at the same time. However, it is important to know that not all agencies are the same or look for the same things. During your search make it a point to submit yourself according to each agency's preferences. Doing otherwise will more than likely send your submission into the trash. When it comes to open casting calls, it is especially crucial to follow the rules in order to put yourself on the agency's good side. Remember, part of being a good model is having the ability to follow directions. If you can't fulfill the requirements for an open casting call, this makes a bad first impression and could lead the agency staff to believe that you don't follow directions well. Don't know what an open casting call is? Check out my post on the subject so you'll be up to speed: Casting Calls Okay, now on to the tips! 1. Make Sure the Agency Holds Open Casting Calls: Surprisingly, not all agen...

I finally got a hold of some of the images from a shoot I did for photographer Geri Lavrov. The nature of the shoot was for stock/lifestyle. In case you don't know what stock photography or lifestyle modeling is, check out my posts on these two topics: Stock Photography Lifestyle & Mature Modeling You'll notice that these shots also classify as being commercial/print in nature so if you want to specialize in any of these fields of modeling, the poses below will be the kinds you'll have to do (among many, many others). The shoots are on-location, candids as well as posed and doing activities that normal, everyday folks do, although some may be quirky/cutesy: The male model in the photos with me is my buddy, Lyndon. He's a very accomplished, successful model and I love working with him--in fact, we've got a couple shoot coming up this week!

Freelance modeling is an entirely different beast than being represented by a modeling agency. Choosing this approach to modeling is ideal for those who only want to model part-time, for fun or simply don't want to commit to or deal with an agency. Whatever your reasons are for being freelance, you'll want to make sure that you have everything up to par so that you put yourself in the best possible position for getting hired. What you need vs. what you don't may vary from peson to person so include the items below according to your situation and goals: Headshots (Mandatory) : When you're signed to a modeling agency, headshots are put together for you. This is a luxury freelance models don't have. Because you are representing yourself you are the agent as well as the model. You can't submit yourself to professional modeling gigs without a professional headshot. Unlike models submitting to an agency that don't need to have pro images, freelance models...

I'm not quite sure why I'm so surprised but I have to go through my Facebook friends list and delete a lot of people that I managed to confirm but don't actually know. Needless to say, if you want to add me on Facebook, definitely do so--I'd love to connect with you! But if you want to make sure that I don't skip you over or deny your request, please, please, please make sure to send me a message along with your request. I don't need a bio or anything, just a simple, "Hey, I read your blog, would love to be friends on FB!" Anything that lets me know you're not just some random person looking to add one more profile to their infinite list of friends. Facebook is definitely a good way to get a hold of me to ask for advice for your own situation and to keep in touch overall. When I finally do get around to deleting folks on my FB, if I end up deleting you for some reason please shoot me a message and remind me who you are and that you're a r...

When I look at the list of my followers, I must admit I get really excited. And now that the number of Modeling 101 followers has passed the 100 mark, I am ecstatic! I never thought in a million years that when I started my blog back in 2007 it would grow to be what it is--nor did I expect anyone to really care that much. I knew there was a lot of misinformation about the modeling industry and that tons of folks were either being misdirected, given false hope or outright being taken advantage of. What started as a couple of posts about my feelings and experience in the industry has transformed into one of my passions. I really didn't know how readers would react to me...I expected a LOT of criticism or skepticism of some sort--I mean, how many people would really take advice from a shorter model seriously since I wasn't strutting down a catwalk in Milan or New York? But you guys really surprised me! Of course I have my fair share of Debbie Downers (hah, I love that term!) ...

Anonymous Wrote: does an agency care if a female model doesn't have pierced ears? great tips!!!!   Hi, Anonymous! Not having pierced ears won't keep a modeling agency from signing you but it is usually better to have your ears pierced in general. If you don't, then clip ons will be used if needed but just don't expect to do much in the way of jewelry modeling since those kind of clients will specifically request models whose ears are pierced. Otherwise, I don't believe having ears that aren't pierced will jeopardize your career.   Hope that helps and good luck to you!

Michele Wrote:  This is wonderful information. I have just turned 60 and am very interested in lifestyle modeling. I am currently in PR, and was referred to a local agency by a makeup artist who prepared me for a television interview. She said that even though I lack modeling experience, my background in public speaking, being interviewed, and working with the media could be helpful. Are there other types of experience I should highlight?  Hi, Michele! How exciting, it sounds like lifestyle modeling is definitely something you would enjoy doing! Aside from your extensive background in PR, I don't see much else you can highlight that won't already work in your favor. The type of work you do means you more than likely have a great personality, aren't shy and can work with people from all walks of life...those are huge pluses when it comes to modeling. After a test shoot or two I have no doubt that you will pick up quickly on modeling and add that to your already impressiv...

I know that many of you aspiring fashion/catwalk models want to learn the best way to walk. Since I can't be there in person to show you, I decided to browse through YouTube to see what they had to offer. There are tons of fashion show footage on this site but a lot of them focus on the behind the scenes fluff instead of getting right down to the walking. However, I came across this great video tutorial that deals only with the different methods/techniques for doing a runway walk. I wasn't able to embed the video in this post but here is the link to it. I highly suggest checking it out and practicing on your own until you get comfortable enough to do it on cue (ladies, to be the best catwalk model, practice in 4-inch heels--hey, beauty is painful!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px69eKV5lWk For the aspiring male fashion models, I came across this YouTube video for one of Versace's runway shows. Luckily, I was able to embed the video so here you go, fellas: (Yo...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, Thanks for your post about jewellery! You do a great job making everything look fabulous! I do have a question that I would appreciate your input on - I am a jewellery designer who is about to do her FIRST (eek!) show and I'm expected to wear the jewellery and model it on a runway! Do you have any helpful hints for those of us who have no experience just in the walking part, let alone how to professionally showcase your jewellry? Your thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks Norma J Beads  Hi, Norma! Thank you for your questions and kind words, how exciting to be doing your first show! Yes, it can be nerve wracking to be on the runway for the first time and the fact that you'll actually be modeling jewelry can be super intimidating. However, with practice I am sure you will knock 'em dead! When it comes to walking on the runway, the most important thing to remember is to place one foot in front of the other. It's one simple t...

It continues to amaze me how people are just so in the dark when it comes to trying to get started in the modeling industry. Lately, I've come across many questions online (not necessarily my blog) that come from people that seem to want to go in the most round-about way to try and break into modeling. Questions such as: - Where can I get the best exposure to get discovered? - Should I post my pictures/videos on Youtube for agencies to find me? - What is the best modeling convention or school to meet with agencies? And so on and so on...PEOPLE LISTEN UP: modeling agencies around the country are literally just sitting there, ready and waiting to find new models! You don't have to go through middlemen or try to find outlets/resources in an effort to get discovered. Unless you get scouted and handed a modeling career, take your dreams into your hands and dive in head first! That means finding the agencies yourself--they are out there. Savvy Internet searches will turn up...