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

I don't know how many of you are familiar with the news radio station NPR (National Public Radio) but I listen to them from time to time to keep updated on various issues and news items both locally, nationally and internationally. My Dad actually called me to let me know that they were doing an interview with a former model, turned professor, who wrote a new book about her journey in the modeling industry. Click the link below and it'll take you to the NPR website, where you can listen to the interview or read the transcript. It's a very informative and insightful account from yet another industry insider who has "been there and done that." NPR: The Life of a Fashion Model: Grueling, Not Glitzy

No, it's not because she's this amazingly talented supermodel. I love Doutzen Kroes because she is one of the prime (and my favorite) examples of how to get into the modeling industry without being scouted, "discovered" overnight or by going to a modeling school or convention with the hopes of making it big. Doutzen made it into modeling by simply submitting non-professional, digital snapshots to a modeling agency in her town. Before sending in those photos, she had NO previous modeling experience. I don't know, but sometimes I think people simply don't believe me when I say the most powerful tool a newbie model has is his/her snapshots. Not a professional portfolio or amazingly retouched images--snapshots! Doutzen Kroes is one of the models who was fortunate enough to make it to supermodel status but getting her foot in the door in the beginning was all thanks to her own efforts to follow the most basic rules for submitting to a modeling agency. Below are...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I was wondering how I could apply? Can you tell me how? Please and thank you!! Jenny  Hi, Jenny! Please watch the video that you posted your comment/question on ( "T.I.L. Darling Model Search 2011 Contest - Now Accepting Applications" ). The video, starring myself, explains the instructions for applying for the model search.

Footage from the San Francisco bridal show I did back in March of this year. Fast forward to 2:10 to see me. Hope to have updated video footage of the most recent San Francisco show I did for the same company, which took place on September 11 of this year.

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I was wondering, if you're attending an open call during the winter months and it's snowy outside, should you still wear a solid coloured tank top, or should you upgrade to a long sleeved shirt? Thanks!  Hey there, Anonymous! Oh, man...I do not do snow...LOL! But to answer your question, yes, you can dress weather appropriate with a long sleeved shirt, as long as it is still form fitting. Or you can wear a solid colored tank top and just bundle up with a big jacket and simply remove that once you get inside. Another alternative is to wear whatever you want over your tank top to keep you warm and then simply remove those layers before going into the agency's office. So you've got a couple of options but as long as the clothing you choose to wear inside shows your figure, that's what matters. So stay warm! ;-)

Anonymous Wrote: Hi! I would love to work my way up to victoria's secret, but I don't even know if I have what it takes to model! I have Laetitia Casta's body (the hourglass/not so model-perfect measurements) and her slightly shorter height. They overlooked it for her since she's so drop dead gorgeous! But I have Tyra's big forehead, and I don't really know if my facial features are "defined" enough. I don't know anyone in the modeling area; so is there a way to find out if I have any potential?  Hi, Anonymous! The best way to find out if you've got potential is to seek agency representation. The major opinion that matters is that of an agency's. For now, don't worry so much about pursuing the Victoria's Secret route, unless you live in New York and are able to submit yourself to Elite or Ford. If that is the case for you, then visit each of their websites and see what photos they require or attend their open casting calls...

A reader asked me to address this type of modeling, so here is it! There are many other niches of modeling aside from the typical fashion, runway and even commercial/print. Because models are needed for advertisement purposes, this means the types of looks in demand can vary widely from company to company. As we all know, sports is a very profitable industry, both within the USA and in other countries. Brand giants like Nike and Adidas, as well as other reputable athletic companies have their own line of accessories, products and clothing that targets a specific demographic. And in order to market those products to the masses, guess what they need? Models! The great thing about fitness and sports modeling is that the requirements aren't as strict as with other categories. In general, female fitness/sports models are between 5'5" - 6'0". Male models typically range in height from 5'10" to 6'3". If the male models are actually professional at...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! Great Blog. I noticed you did not speak on fitness or sports modeling. Do you have any insight on this field of modeling? This is a small field but if a girl is athletic it can help get her foot in the door. That is what happened to me. Hi, Anonymous! Thank you for pointing that out...you've asked and I will deliver! My next blog post will address the niche category of fitness/sports modeling instead of talking about it here (I want to make sure my readers are able to find this topic easily as a stand alone post). Thanks for letting me know I was missing this piece of info from one of my other posts and I'm glad you were able to find a part of the modeling industry that worked for you. Keep up the great work!

Oh, my word, I cannot stress enough how important it is for models of all experience levels to have the ability to follow instructions. As I've said before, good models know how to do this. Another duty that comes with pursuing a modeling career is following all kinds of instructions. In addition to taking direction from a photographer/client during a shoot, models have to deal with this task when it comes to submitting themselves for castings and putting together submissions to agencies, etc. In modeling, DETAIL COUNTS! It may seem harsh but again, this is the modeling industry we're talking about and they're not exactly known for being kindhearted. To a client, photographer and agency, if a model cannot follow simple instructions for sending photos, information and other materials, what makes them think he/she will be able to properly follow instructions given to them on a serious, professional modeling level? We all make mistakes but if you have a tendency to mis...

B Wrote: Hi, I was wondering if you would be able to tell me what Jet Magazine likes to see in a Jet Beauty. I would like to be a Jet Beauty and I would like to make my submission as competitive as possible. Can you please give me some pointers? Thank you, B Hi, B! The great thing about being a JET Beauty of the Week (BOTW) is the fact that they don't have any specific physical requirements. My best advice for you is as follows: Follow the submission instructions to a tee! The submission guidelines say to submit photos that are ready for publication or in other words, professional quality. That means don't send in snapshots taken with a regular point and shoot. They ask for 4 full body photos and 1 headshot...that's a total of 5. Do not send 4 and don't send 6. Be sexy but tasteful. JET is NOT a men's magazine. That means choosing swimwear that is flattering to your figure and shows skin but not so much that you wouldn't show it to your parents. Avoid ...

...that high fashion and editorial models, especially in other countries outside the USA, make very little money--even for walking in big shows? Because of the high taxes in places like France, the modeling agencies sometimes take as much as 70% in commission from each job a model books! Even more surprising (although I have been trying to tell people this for years), it that the print and catalog models make the most money ! (BTW: This is obviously not the case for supermodels but here I'm solely referencing the average, everyday working model) Don't believe me? Check out the last page of this forum topic, where actual working, agency represented, international fashion models talk about their experiences and lack of pay for their efforts: How much can a model expect to get paid, on average?

As you'll recall, earlier this year I did some online catalog modeling for the store T.I.L. Darling (www.theonlineclothingboutique.com). Well, I've partnered up with the owner of the company to find the next face for its site...and it could be you! Check out the video below to find out what the requirements are and how to submit yourself. Sorry, at this time the model search is only open to female models local to the San Francisco Bay Area. Good luck!!!

I've been doing bridal fashion shows for about two years now and I was very excited for the Fall season, especially for the San Francisco venue, which is the largest and most popular show of the season. The Bay Area Wedding Fair took place last Sunday, September 11 at the Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco and did not disappoint! We had a smaller crew of models on hand for this show and I was happy that the accommodations for us were very spacious, compared to smaller venues that the shows are sometimes held at. The team of makeup artists and hair stylists were set up in the changing area for the female models so we had access to their skills throughout the duration of the show. The male models' changing rooms were on the opposite side of the room divider and luckily the stylists agreed to also double up as dressers so we had extra hands available for quick changes. My call time was 9AM so I got to sleep in for a little bit, which was so lovely since I've been ripping and...

Category: Agencies For: Male & Female Models When it comes to photos for open calls or submissions online/offline, make sure you've got digital snapshots...even if you're a professional model with an established portfolio. For newbies, snapshots are a must! If you have some pro images from test shoots, definitely bring those along as well but having the snapshots handy will really give you an advantage. Agencies can always tell a true model's potential by how she/he photographs without fancy makeup, hair and extensive photo retouching. While most experienced models with portfolios can usually get away with that alone, don't count out the power of a good ole snapshot. Headshot and full body frontal are the bare minimum. Full body profiles of each side aren't mandatory but helpful. Remember, there's nothing wrong with wanting to cover all your bases in order to impress an agency!

Anonymous Wrote: hi I was wondering if it's tough to be a model if you have hyperpigmentation. I used to have acne so i have some marks left over, they aren't scars. I'm almost 16 and they are fading slowly but surely.  Hi, Anonymous! Hyperpigmentation is no fun--trust me, I have it as well. While it may make things a bit challenging, it won't make modeling an impossible thing to pursue. That's good that the marks are fading so at least you know that in time they'll eventually disappear altogether. Until then, there is obviously makeup/coverup that can take care of that issue. Since they aren't scars, you are definitely in the best case scenario.

Anonymous Wrote: I have always wanted to be a model,unfortunely life got in the way. I am now 37 and would really like to do modeling. I have a 17 year old daughter who everyone thinks is my sister, I'm 5'7" about 135lbs and of course have started getting some minimal wrinkles under the eyes. Do you think it is realistic for me to persue a modeling career this late in my life? Thanks so much for your input!!!  Hi, Anonymous! Based on your info, you should definitely look into modeling agencies that represent lifestyle/mature and/or commercial/print models. For more info, check out the link below to another blog post I've done on the subject: Lifestyle & Mature Modeling This type of modeling is very much in demand these days and you don't have to worry about trying to look younger than you are. Agencies want their lifestyle/mature/print models exactly as they are, so no pressure there! Hope this helps and good luck to you!

Being a journalist in addition to other titles I carry, I'm always out to support others pursuing similar paths I have. My friend, Kizuwanda Raines, is a talented, budding writer who started her own blog called "News on Dead Trees," where she provides readers with news items and in-depth interviews weekly. I was honored to be her first interview! Click the link below to check out the blog post/interview, where I talk about the ups and downs of modeling and advice to those wishing to pursue the modeling industry: News on Dead Trees: Dania Denise on Modeling If you're looking for a new blog to add to your list of subscriptions, I definitely recommend News on Dead Trees . I can't wait to see this blog grow by leaps and bounds in the near future...keep it up, Kiz! :-)

Anonymous Wrote: hi dania thanks for answering my question:) the fat on my back is right behind my breast like right below my shoulder blade i hope i explained that well:). i'm frustrated because i dont have a big back as you read my band is pretty small 31.5 so im annoyed with my body it's being too stubborn. i have another question regarding my back I have a huge scar below my left shoulder blade due to childhood surgery. I figure clients wont want to use my back anyway because of that issue so should I be so obsessed with my small pockets of fat? Hi, and you're welcome! As far as your scar, body makeup can take care of that, so no worries there. I think in your situation as long as you pursue modeling that doesn't involve focusing on that part of your body, I think you'll be fine. For example, regular commercial/print and fashion modeling (depending on the type of outfit) as opposed to swimwear and lingerie. I don't think you need to obsess so much about ...