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Showing posts from February, 2010

Answering a Reader Question #66

Sojah Wrote: I was chosen as a model for a Pgh fashion show and would like to know where I can purchase a quality photo portfolio for my tearsheets? Hey, Sojah! Congrats on getting booked for the fashion show...I hope you rock it and have a great time! As far as finding a portfolio case for your tearsheets, you may be surprised (and relieved) to know that you do not have to spend a small fortune on this product. Your portfolio case should be very simple. This type of product can be found in any office supply store (Office Depot, Office Max,etc.) or arts and crafts store (Michael's, Aaron Brothers, etc.). The portfolio case you choose should be all black, with no logos, designs or images on it. It doesn't matter whether it is the floppy kind that zips closed or if it is the kind that resembles a binder. So that part is up to your personal preference. I find that portfolio cases with pocket sleeves on the inside are great for holding business cards, comp cards and headshot a

"Mom/Dad, I Want to Model!" Tips for Parents Dealing with Aspiring Models

(This post is for parents of underage models--age 17 and younger.) Hearing the phrase, "I want to model" is perhaps one of the few things that any parent wants to hear. However, completely shooting down your child's dream is not the best approach. I'll admit, I am not parent but just because I don't have kids of my own does not mean that I can't empathize with what you're going through. If your son or daughter has expressed interest in becoming a model, I think you'll find the following tips helpful. Listen As a parent your first instinct may be to react to what your child has just said. However, instead of diving right into a lecture, simply give your child a chance to explain. Trust me, the world is not going to end and your son/daughter isn't going to wind up a loser because they are interested in modeling. Listen to what he/she has to say and then take a moment to think about how you're going to respond.   Negativity Isn't Nec

Answering a Reader Question #65

Anonymous Wrote: What about body acne? of course not like full on break outs, but if there is a blemish here or there or slight scarring/unevenness because of old blemishes? This is a great question, thank you for asking it! Having an occasional blemish or pimple on the chest or back is not a big deal in most cases. Slight scars and discoloration is passable as long as it is minimal and can easily be hidden with body makeup. Photoshop also has the ability to hide these kinds of issues. If you have this kind of body acne it more than likely will not count against you if you want to pursue modeling. Having acne on your face is much more serious because it is obviously the first thing people see. On the flip side, unless you are a swimwear model, chances are you won't always be showcasing a bare back or chest so in those situations minor blemishes and breakouts on the body can be easily covered, hidden or airbrushed. I have one or two pimples that scarred slightly on my chest bu

Modeling & Acne

While I'm adamant about stating that there is no such thing as "perfect" skin, I will say that having "good" skin is a huge requirement for the industry. Acne is a troublesome skin problem that teens and adults alike suffer from. If you want to model but have acne, this could definitely be something that will work against you. However, it all depends on the type of acne you have, how severe your breakouts are and a couple of other factors. That being said, it is completely okay to have a pimple every now and then. Heck, whenever I have a beauty shoot in particular, I'll always wake up that morning with one lone pimple somewhere on my forehead where it can't be hidden--go figure (thank my stars for Photoshop)! But there is a big difference between a pimple or two and a full-on acne breakout. For those that are aspiring models with acne, I would suggest taking care of your skin first and getting your skin condition under control before attending any

Answering a Reader Question #64

Anonymous Wrote:    Hey, I'm 5'10" and kind of skinny. I have a 28 waist, 39 hips, and 37 chest and I'm barely 15. Would I have a good chance of being a Victoria's Secret model?   Hello, Anonymous, and thanks for the question. VS models have to be at least 18 years of age or older so you still have a while before you can pursue this goal. Your height is perfect, however your measurements are larger than what the ideal requirements call for. Even though most VS models have curves and are more voluptuous than runway models, they must still meet the strict measurements that fashion and runway models do. VS models are represented by top modeling agencies, including Elite and Ford. Because of this you will only be considered if you fall within the following measurements: 34 (bust) - 24 (waist) - 34 (hips)...and that's in inches.    You can be smaller but no larger than one inch in any of these areas (of course many of the VS models have larger busts, whi

Take It One Step At a Time...

Discovering that you want to model can be an exciting time in your life, regardless of how old you are. When it hits you, it ends up becoming all you can think about. Of course if you are not familiar with the process or the industry in general, your thoughts may end up running around wild in your head. Most people go straight for the Internet to find out how to become a model. However, as fun as the thought of doing photoshoots and other perks may be, it is important that you slow down and take things one step at a time. The answer isn't simply to find modeling agencies and start sending them your pictures. I often get emails from aspiring models talking paragraphs about how much they want to model and need to know this, that or the other about the industry. Based on what they write, I can usually tell whether they have an inkling of how things work. Most of the time they don't, which is okay since no one is expected to be an expert on this stuff right away. But I do hav