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

For you young, aspiring models out there, please don't be so fascinated by the air-brushing and Photoshop techniques that are so obvious. In terms of health and fitness, it's easy to say, "Hey, I want to have a body like Giselle!" But that's easier said than done. First off, please realize that using supermodels as examples of body types you want to have is pretty unrealistic and setting too high of a standard for yourself. Start off slowly with getting fit and trying to get a hard, toned body. Know that it won't happen overnight and you have to be disciplined and dedicated to whatever exercise and diet plan you are on. Sure, we'd all like to have bodies like the ones found on the inside of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition but you also have to keep in mind: 1) More than likely, these women were born naturally thin. Because of their genetics, they inherited their body types and their height. If such genetics don't run in your family, th...

It's so interesting to me that young girls are always asking if they're pretty enough to model. I wish I could make them see the reality that it takes more than looks to be a model. Obviously, the physical aspect is the first thing that will get you in the door, but there's more that comes afterwards. The world of modeling is filled with superficiality and intense competition. Out of the millions of girls and young ladies who try out to be models, only about 1% make it to the Tyra, Gisele level. All looks aside, it takes attitude and self-confidence to be a successful model. You have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and accept every good and bad thing about your body and appearance. If you love yourself, that's half the battle. For you model-hopefuls out there, ask yourself these questions: 1) Can I handle rejection from an agent or a gig? 2) How would I handle multiple rejections? 3) Do I think I'm fat? 4) Am I insecure in any way?...

One of my goals was to pursue modeling/acting in the music video world. I remember growing up watching beautiful young ladies playing opposite the singer and the story lines following the song lyrics.  Then as the dance videos came into popularity (aka Sean Paul's "Give Me the Light"), I admired the way the background dancers were able to move their bodies. That was about 5+ years ago and I have since stopped watching music videos. Why? It's pretty simple. There was a time when all I wanted was to play the leading lady, the "Video Girl" who played the artist's love interest. The Video Girl was sexy and classy and didn't have to bare all. Video Vixens have now come to dominate this role and not really in a bad way but not really good, either. Most of them still follow the same behavior and mannerisms as the Video Girls but now the sex factor is WAY up. And besides, to be a Video Vixen is to be a woman who has been in numerous mainstream ...

I am absolutely disgusted at how much controversy there is over Tyra Banks gaining weight. While I did notice she had packed on a few pounds during the last season of ANTM, I pretty much forgot about it. But sadly, I see that no one else has. I, for one, commend her on talking about the issue on her show and for showing everyone that she has the ability to laugh at herself. She's spent years with self-image issues and is now older and wise enough to know that she doesn't need to please anybody but herself! And for all the critics, HELLO! Tyra's a retired model so who are we to be harsh just because she doesn't want to fit into an impossible standard? Since when did being a sex symbol, model, etc. mean that you have to maintain it for the rest of your life just to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye? It's pathetic and unrealistic. Critics, negative people, haters and all others who apply, just let it go and stop wasting your breath! Tyra's weigh...

Probably one of the most annoying things I read and hear when it comes to who can be a model is how people automatically think that if you're not 5'7"+, you can't model and may as well give up. That's a stupid way to think and I hope that view changes. There is more to modeling than fashion and runway. Sure, it looks glamorous but it really isn't. And for girls who aren't tall enough, that doesn't mean you need to throw in the towel. Commercial/print modeling, petite and plus-size models are all models within their own right and I hate how so many people dismiss these categories of modeling. Commercial/print models are in more demand than fashion models and is a legit and great way of getting exposure. For the young girls out there who pray every night to get taller, don't stress yourself so much. Don't count commercial/print modeling out. Besides, why would you want to lead a life where you have to limit yourself and stay in constan...

There are some terms that you'll need to know if you want to be in the modeling world. Here are some of the most important: 1) TFP: Stands for "time for prints/photos", also called TFCDs "time for CD of images". This process involves a photographer taking your pictures and instead of paying him/her, you get a copy of all your images from the shoot and the photographer gets to use those photos to expand/update their portfolio. TF arrangements are free for both parties and may or may not require a model release form. Most models get a CD of all the images or their choice of their favorite shots, which are retouched by the photographer. TF arrangements are not black and white and the terms can be flexible as agreed upon by the model and photographer. If you see TF*, that means you can negotiate what you want out of the shoot, whether it is prints or a CD of photos. 2) Model Release Form: This is a document, usually one page, that lists the conditions agreed ...

For models, looks are an important asset. But there is also information about yourself that you need to commit to memory because you'll be asked this same information over and over. And don't expect anyone else to remember it for you: WOMEN - Height - Weight (be honest) - Bust/Chest - Waist - Hips - Inseam (this is the measurement from the inside of your thigh near your crotch down to your ankles) - Shoe - Dress - Pants MEN - Height - Weight (be honest) - Chest - Neck - Waist - Hips - Inseam (this is the measurement from the inside of your thigh near your crotch down to your ankles) - Shoe - Suit - Pants And if you don't know, don't guess!