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

Just thought I'd share some fun pictures from when I was a co-host at the BET Awards Show in Los Angeles a while back and to show that even if you don't make it big right away, that doesn't mean you can't still go on to do big things... Flavor Flave!!!!!!!! Me & the Crew Posing with Gabrielle Union My Co-Host Interviewing Dave Navarro (I was too busy staring at his body...that man is hot! LOL) Me & Hip-Hop Violinist, Miri Ben Ari Me and My Co-Host with Director Bryan Barber Me and Fantasia The Crew at The After Party After a Long Day's Work

Well, here I am 100 posts later...who would have thought I could find so much to talk about when it comes to modeling?! Obviously, you see my passion for this field is strong and as long as that passion is in me, I will continue to update this blog and share my latest photos and experiences as a commercial/print model. For me, there's more to modeling than just being in front of the camera striking a pose. Luckily, I have a lot of experience in broadcasting and working in the television field. This has led to many exciting projects and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, one of the most memorable was as a co-host live on the red carpet conducting interviews with celebrities at the 2004 & 2005 BET Awards Show in Los Angeles. If you just want to stick to modeling, there's nothing wrong with that at all but for those of you who are like me, there are ways to use your modeling career to cross over into new territories. Many supermodels and other top models have been ver...

I've already made a post similar to this one but I want to focus more on the actual physical working relationship between an agent and a model. Having an agency at your side is the ultimate asset any model can have, male or female, young or old. However, it is a business relationship and only the most successful modeling careers continue to flourish when there is mutual respect and trust between an agency and its models. There is such a thing as a model being fitted with the wrong agency. That's why it's important to do your homework and make sure that you find an agency that is right for you. That being said, when you're attending open casting calls, interviewing with modeling agencies, or are going over your contract, there are a few things to keep in mind, aside from trying to keep yourself from getting scammed. Because you'll be working one-on-one with your agent, make sure that you are comforable around him/her. You may be working with different bo...

Plus-size modeling, unlike petite modeling, is gathering a huge following in the fashion world and more and more agencies are developing plus-size divisions. The reason for this is simple: in America people are getting bigger in size, not smaller. That's not to say that anyone is promoting obesity, but with the average sized woman being larger than your typical fashion model, the modeling industry is starting to cater to this large target audience. Plus-size models must meet almost the same requirements as fashion models: they must be tall (5'8" to 6'0"), with a great face, nice bone structure, clear skin and a well proportioned body. The size requirements may differ from each agency but the general range is somewhere between a size 10-18 (some exceptions are made for size 8). Plus-size models get booked for runway shows, fit modeling, print work and a score of other well-paying gigs. The best way to find out if you have what it takes to be a plus-size ...

I have a petite build. Always have, always will. However, I am not a petite model. I am a commercial/print model and I think that there is some confusion between the two. Commercial/print modeling is a very in demand part of the modeling industry that uses models of all sizes to promote products through catalogs, flyers, magazines, etc. and are aimed at the general public. Petite modeling operates in the same way, except that the target audience is smaller and the requirements aren't as open as commercial/print. Think of commercial/print as a "free for all" and petite modeling as a "select few". This type of modeling does include runway but because this part of the modeling industry isn't as well-known or popular, these types of bookings are very rare. Many agencies have a special petite models division and there are some that solely specialize in petite models only. The general requirements vary but the rule of thumb is that anybody who is unde...

Okay, fellas, I found another topic for you! Although some of the information I give the ladies also applies for men as well, there are a few topics that do need to be addressed separately. The best advice I can give any aspiring male model is to take care of your skin. If you haven't had any skin issues in the past, then congrats, you're one of the lucky ones. But if you're like many other guys out where who are dealing with breakouts, acne or other skin problems, the first thing you should do is visit a dermatologist or other skin care specialist who can help you figure out the best way to take care of your complexion and what types of products you should be using. Your face is your greatest asset so your skin needs to be on its best behavior. If you have facial hair of any kind, keep it well groomed by a professional barber or other type of hair stylist. You never want a hair out of place. Of course if you're able to maintain your facial hair by yoursel...

In order to be a successful fashion/runway model, you have to learn how to walk down a runway. The best advice in a nutshell is to watch fashion shows and take note of the various ways the models walk. No two models walk the same and as you get more experience, you'll be able to own your own style or throw in a little nuance that will set you apart from the other girls. Of course there are a few basic rules of thumb that every runway model should know: Posture There's nothing glamorous about a runway model that is hunched over. Anytime you set foot on that runway, your whole body needs to be upright and alert but not so rigid that you look like a robot. While walking, keep your chin tilted down slightly but not in a way that your whole head is looking down. The audience sits below you during a runway show and you don't want them completely looking up your nose the entire time. It's all in the eyes Anytime you watch a fashion show, the model's eyes are...

Signing with a top agent is every model and aspiring model's dream. But unless you live in one of the hot spots--Los Angeles, New York, Miami--chances are, you'll have to sign with a smaller agency in a smaller market. First thing's first: learn to be grateful for the opportunities that come your way. There are entirely too many people reaching for the goal of pursuing a modeling career for you to be whining about the kind of representation you have. By simply having an agent, no matter what size market you're in, opens up more doors for you than you could ever hope to find on your own in most cases. It always annoys me to hear about models who complain about their agencies when there are so many others who dream of just getting signed. Any legit and reputable agency will get you work, no matter what size market you're in. Even if you're getting work in a city that isn't easily found on a map, you're still booking jobs that cater to that spec...

I can't stress enough how important it is to have an escort or friend along when going to a shoot. If you're underage, then obviously you'll need to have a parent or guardian present but this isn't always the case if you're older and/or freelancing. As I've stated in a previous post, networking or corresponding with any photographer for shoots, tfps/tfcds is a necessary building block for your portfolio and career, but until you meet that person, he/she is a stranger. It's always best to play it safe and arrange to meet with the photographer in person BEFORE you shoot together. Everyone has busy schedules and there will be times when this is not an option but I've found that making contact with a photographer beforehand really makes things go a lot smoother. Get to know him/her and ask to look at past work and use that time to ask any questions, as well as to let the photographer know what you will and will not do and what your comfort zones a...

In addition to a portfolio , many models also have comp cards, also known as zed cards. These act as your business or calling card and are widely used by all aspects of the modeling industry, especially high fashion models. In a nutshell, a comp card consists of: - headshot and - 3 to 4 of your best shots from your portfolio - name -  basic stats : height, weight, age (sometimes), and your measurements - website (if you're a freelance model) - email/phone number Comp cards serve as excellent marketing tools to get models noticed and booked for jobs. They are normally printed on card stock or other high grade paper so that they aren't flimsy or bend easily. Agencies tend to display their models' comp cards in the office for easy access to potential clients to see the various people the agency represents. These cards can also be sent out to photographers, casting directors, and anyone else in the industry who may be in need of models. The type of photos ...

Once again, this particular topic is for those who are 18+. I made a post a while back about getting into music videos as a video girl or model. I figured it was time to update my information and provide a resource that I hadn't thought to bring up in my past post, "The Video Girl, The Video Vixen and the Video Ho." There are three parts a woman can play when it comes to music videos: 1) Lead Girl 2) Background Extra 3) Dancer The Lead Girl is usually a model and/or actress who is featured in the video, mostly playing opposite the music artist. She is sexy, confident and normally doesn't have to shake her junk. Essentially, she is the star of the video, next to the music artist, of course. These models/actresses are paid the highest among the three roles and they are usually represented by an agency that makes sure their talent is treated with the utmost respect on set. The Background Extra is the easiest role to get and involves being in a sea of oth...

If you've ever been complimented on how lovely your hands are or how cute your tootsies are (that's toes/feet in case you're not following...lol), then you may be able to use that to your advantage by being a body parts model. No, I'm serious! Ever notice the ads where all you see is the person's hand, foot or even their ears or neck? That is the prime example of parts modeling. Not all models have great hands, fingers or toes and in many cases, parts models are used almost as body doubles to make sure the product looks good. This relates to gigs that have to do with jewelry, smartphone, food, footwear, watches, etc. and can include legs, arms and any other part of the body that needs to be specifically shot without the need for the model's face. While not as plentiful, there are modeling agencies that have a specialized division of parts models on their roster -- a select few only represent parts models. Los Angeles is one market these types of agencies...

This post will mostly be helpful for models who are doing more freelance work and are over 18. Networking is key in building not only a good name for yourself but for also getting more opportunities for paying gigs, whether it's with a photographer or with a client. If you do a shoot with a photographer or work a gig for a client and all goes well, that is a definite plus for you and a green light to make as many connections as you can. When you freelance, you are your own agent and you need to represent yourself in the best light. Being professional and carrying yourself with class and respect, as well as producing great images, will make a client remember you and want to come back to you again in the future. During breaks on the shoot, talk to the client or photographer--if they are in the mood to make casual conversation. Show them your personality and if they ask you about yourself, use that as an opportunity to showcase the type of work you do or any other fun fac...

Your portfolio is your most important asset. It represents you and the type of work you do. It may seem as simple as putting together some pictures into a book but there are a few key things to keep in mind. If you're a newbie and haven't done a photo shoot before, you don't have to worry about that hurting your chances if you're looking for an agent to sign with. They love to sign undiscovered talent and will set you up with shoots for your portfolio right away. If you are already modeling, then this post will most likely be more helpful to you but newer models can definitely take note as well! The first thing your portfolio must do is reflect the type of work that you fit. For now, forget my whole thing about defeating stereotypes and requirements. In this particular case, only include images in your professional portfolio that you meet the requirements for. If you have an agent already, this will help them immediately submit you for bookings that are app...

Nothing seems more exciting than being randomly approached by a model scout who tells you that you've got the looks to make it big. Getting scouted can be a great boost to your ego, but after the initial shock of possibly "getting discovered" wears off, take everything with a grain of salt until you see the bigger picture. When talking to someone who claims they are a model scout, be polite and answer any questions they ask, but be sure to not give out any personal info like your home address or your phone number.  Legit modeling scouts will tell you their little spiel (speech) and give you their business card with instructions on how to go about being represented by the agency. They will never ask you for your personal information when they meet you. Modeling scouts get paid on commission, which means that they make money only when the people they've scouted sign up with the company. So keep that in mind. You may have the looks but chances are that he/she ...

The first thing you'll need to know and must always remember is that it is illegal--AGAINST THE LAW--for any modeling or talent agency to charge potential models and talent an upfront fee. No matter what any "modeling scout" tells you, if their company asks for any money upfront in order to represent you, they are not a legit agency and are most likely going to rip you off. **Keep in mind that I am not talking about sites such as One Model Place or Model Mayhem. These sites are fairly legit and do not force you to pay a fee to have your photos on their site.  While the free accounts may be more limited, it is still available nonetheless. The types of operations I'm talking about DEMAND that you pay in order to have any affiliation with their site or to use their services.** Because it is against the law to charge upfront fees, this helps to distinguish the real agencies from the fake ones. But at the same time, these fake companies have learned some new ...

One great way to make good money and not have to worry about having "model looks" is fit modeling. The key to this type of modeling involves your size. Clothing manufacturers don't use supermodels to fit the garments on--that's all for the runway! When it comes to everyday clothing lines such as Old Navy, Banana Republic, GAP and many others, they need real bodies to put their designs on. Fit models act as the real life dummy (no pun intended) who showcases the latest styles and threads in front of the company's head honchos and focus groups to see if they approve of the material, cut, style, colors and other tedious factors. There are both male and female fit models. What does that mean exactly? A fit model reporting for duty will arrive at the client's office, where they'll be taken to a room filled with different garments. Their contact person at the company will assign the fit model a number of outfits to try on. For each outfit tried on, the f...