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

Even though I've already made a post about Bathing Suits , I felt it would be helpful to do a post with suggestions for the right swimsuits for the right body type. Please keep in mind the age appropriateness of the subject. I am in no way encouraging 14 and 15-years old to go out and buy a string bikini! It is very rare that any model under the age of 18 is going to be asked to do a swimsuit shoot, unless it's for a safe and age appropriate swimsuit line. So for the gals who are under 18, please stick to a one-piece or a tankini, as these styles are very suitable for younger body types and won't cause any waves. The problem: small bust The solution: Victoria's Secret was really on to something when they came out with their padded, push-up bathing suit tops. Any bikini top with an underwire or pads will give you the boost you need without looking fake. Adding horizontal stripes or ruffles around the neckline also help to give off the illusion of a fulle...

It didn't really hit me that I was a FORD model for a while. Because FORD decided to include a commercial/print division in its company, they went to San Francisco to tap into that market. Instead of taking the time to establish its own office, FORD decided to merge with an existing agency that was doing well. Lucky me, they picked my agent, Generations Model & Talent. So I technically have two agents--Generations for television, commercial and film work and FORD for commercial/print work. I actually signed with FORD last year but because of all the paperwork and things involved, they're just now getting things together so I, along with the other models and talent, were in limbo. I was finally able to get some feedback and instruction on my modeling career from my agent sometime last week. Of course with me being 5'4", FORD cannot submit me for fashion/runway print work so I've been instructed to update my portfolio (which I've been needing to d...

One of the most common answers to that question is usually: "You have to be really beautiful and really tall." Eh, not really the truest answer but the physical aspect does account for a lot in the modeling world. But there are many other factors and traits that you must have in order to not only be a model, but to be a good model. Personality No photographer or client wants to work with someone who has a dull or boring personality--or worse--no personality at all. If you're not the type of person who can open up and get to know others or if you aren't excited or enthusiastic about the work you're doing, modeling is not for you. The ability to take criticism    If you have soft nerves, you'll be sorely disappointed if you want a modeling career. Not everyone is going to love your look or your photos. There will be jobs that you just won't be right for, and they'll tell you so. Your agent may tell you the things they don't like an...

One of the most important assets a model has is his/her self-confidence. There is no room for jealousy, intimidation and insecurity . I'm not saying you need to be a robot because it is human nature that allows us to have these feelings, but they are feelings that you need to keep in check if you want to be successful. Even after all these years, I still take a second look at girls who are my competition. I do my best to acknowledge and give respect to them because they are there for the same thing I am. But that's about as far as it goes. As a working model, you don't have the time to wonder about what the other models are doing, what jobs they're getting and so on. The best thing you can do is focus on you and the progress you're making. If you're just getting started, it will undoubtedly be super intimidating to be at an open casting call or other venue where you are among a group of girls (or guys if you're an aspiring male model). And it...

So you want to model but don't know where to begin? The process can be somewhat time consuming, but definitely not impossible. Figure It Out The first place to start is to figure out what part of the modeling industry you want to pursue. This includes fashion/runway, commercial/print, petite or plus-size. Then you have to research the requirements (which you can find on my post titled "The Different Types of Modeling" ) to see where you fit in. And be realistic--if you're short and know you aren't going to grow any taller, then go for the commercial/print industry. If you know you'll grow taller but not right away, try out for both commercial/print and fashion/runway and see what happens. If you're a female and between 5'5"-5'7" then you're ideal for commercial/print. If you're a female and between 5'8"-6'0" then you're ideal for fashion/runway/editorial. If you're a male and between 5...

Modeling contracts can be very intimidating for new models so I've decided to clear a few things up about them. What is a modeling contract? A modeling contract is a piece of paper (usually more than one page) that establishes the professional and official working relationship between the model and agency. It also contains the rules, regulations and guidelines as to the duties and obligations the model must fulfill as a committment to the agency and vice-versa. What does a modeling contract talk about? These contracts basically give the essential information such as how much the agency will take as their finder's fee from the model's booking (also known as "commission." The current percentage agencies are allowed to charge per booking they get their models is around 20%), the way payment works , the types of bookings and jobs the agency will get for the model and the way the working relationship will be run. What is an exclusive modeling contract? An ...

A model's body, face and skin are his/her most important asset in the modeling industry. As with any job, it's important to maintain the factors that allow you to remain employed. While everyone's skin and bodies are different, I've decided to list my skin care and beauty regimen here to help those of you who may want to start your own skin care routine but aren't sure where to begin. (Morning - Night) - Cleanse with Clean & Clear Morning Burst with Shine Control - Tone with Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 - Moisturize with Dove Deep Skin Moisturizer - Exfoliate once to twice a week with St. Ive's Apricot Scrub (Skin care/beauty regimen before a photo shoot) - Shower/shave the night before and moisturize entire body with St. Ive's Renewing Collagen & Elastin Body Lotion - Cleanse, tone and moisturize face once I get out of the shower (I don't wash my face in the shower because I like to treat my face and the rest of my body separ...