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

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I just have a random question for open calls- what should I do with my nails? Should I paint them a colour, or is it better to just use a nude polish or leave them bare? Thanks!  Hey, Anonymous! I would recommend leaving your nails bare or using a clear polish. The most important thing is to make sure they are well groomed--no hangnails, dirt/grime under your fingernails, etc. You don't want a funky nail polish color or fake acrylic nails to become a distraction. As long as your nails are clean and presentable, that's what matters. The same goes for your toes if you wear open-toed shoes. I personally always keep my toes freshly pedicured with white, French tips. :-) So keep it simple and you'll be good to go!

(This post is directed towards individuals that model but also hold down a full time job/career.) Modeling usually isn't stable enough of a career to become a person's full time source of income in most cases. As a result, the majority of working models (regardless of the type of modeling they do) have full time jobs and simply use their modeling for supplemental income or to buy time until their modeling career really takes off. However, if you're dipping into both of these types of jobs, do you have to worry about your modeling images getting you into trouble with your boss? Could it even cause you to lose your job? The most common examples/stories you've probably come across deal with female models getting fired from their jobs because of their decision to pose nude in publications like Playboy, Hustler, etc. I will say off the bat that if you are doing (or plan on doing) any type of glamour modeling that involves showing excessive skin, partial, implied and/or...

Anonymous Wrote: Dear Dania, ( i hope i spelled it right) You inspired me to dream big. I never thought that i could be ALL the things i loved. I love playing the instruments, art ( i take lessons in both) designing, singing dancing and writing. But i never thought abut modeling. I thought i had to be perfect. I am tall but i think my stomach pushes out to much. My mom says i am a stick and is beautiful but dont think im skinny. Can i have some advice on modeling? Thanks, Abbie  Hi, Abbie! I'm so glad that I could help inspire you! And yes, you did spell my name right lol. =) Do you happen to know what your measurements are? For example, the ideal measurements for models is 34-24-34, which is your bust, waist and hips in inches. Have your mom or a friend use measuring tape to help you figure out those numbers if you don't already know them. If your stomach sticks out a bit, one of the secrets many models practice is to suck it in. Not only does this obviously flat...

Sometimes in modeling we take things too seriously. Being the huge goober I am, I'm always down for any spoofs that put a humorous take on what we as models do. The show "Everybody Loves Raymond" is one of my all-time favorites and this particular episode, titled "The Model," just goes to show why. For those of you that haven't seen this episode before, Ray's brother, Robert, gets scammed by a fake modeling agency. He ends up paying over $2,000 for a professional photoshoot but when he shows up to the agency's office to get the pictures, he discovers that they've left town along with his money. Afraid to tell the rest of the family that he was conned (he's a police officer, hence the embarrassment he's feeling on top of being duped), he and Ray decide to do a "professional" photoshoot in the basement. Ladies and gentlemen, while the show is fiction, what happened to Robert is very real and occurs all the time. However, they ...

I'm kind of on a roll tonight with the whole concept of not squandering money when jump starting a modeling career so this post is your go-to guideline for where any expenses may come in and affordable ways to handle it. The following information applies to both freelance and agency represented models, although I mainly mention dealing with agencies. The Expense: Modeling Portfolio  Why You Need It: When you get signed to an agency, they won't be able to get you any work until you have a portfolio of professional images they can showcase. There are a few different ways this situation can be handled. Either the agency will cover the cost of putting together the test shoot, which they'll later take out of your bookings through their agency commission or they'll allow you to find your own photographers. For more info on this, check out this post: The Deal with Agencies & Test Shoots for Portfolio Building How to Do It: If you get lucky enough to choose your...

It still baffles me how people are so ready to whip out their checkbooks and credit/debit cards when it comes to getting started in the modeling industry. Hopefully this post will shed some light on why I, and many others that practice common sense, emphasize the importance of approaching modeling in the most cost-effective way possible. Getting into the modeling field is different from any other type of occupation so you'll be dealing with an entirely different set of rules. Some people think that the more money they spend, the higher their chances are of becoming successful as a model. But it's simply not true. Here are the top reasons why: 1. Dealing with agencies is FREE! That's right, attending open casting calls, emailing or snail mailing your pictures and information and getting scouted are all free of charge to you. Not only do these methods of getting in front of an agency keep money in your wallet, it gives you a direct connection to the agency itself. No mi...

Cass Wrote: Hi so i am interested in trying to become a runway or fit model in ny. I know a person that works in the fashion industry in ny so she could help me get in. but my question is am i what they look for? i am 15 (16 in 2 months :D) i am 5'7 or 5'8 (not sure) i weigh 103 lbs i wear a size 00 or 0 in most clothes any advice would be lovely cause i really am inspired and admire you!  Hi, Cass! Thanks for the kind words...you're so awesome! =) Your age and height are ideal (5'8" is the minimum height requirement but there are some fashion agencies that lower it to 5'7" if you are between the ages of 13-16). To do runway modeling, there are specific measurements that agencies will want you to meet. The ideal numbers are 34-24-34...that's bust, waist and hips in inches. You can be smaller but no larger than one inch in any of those three areas. So it is important to know your measurements because agencies will always ask for them. ...