Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Off to Airport to Rome!

Never been overseas this much, so excited for Rome!

Only bringing a few outfits and two boots, and maybe only one pair of heels. (I know it will be hard!) I think I can manage, but I will miss my cute heels during the 4 day stay in Rome.

I will have photos to share when I return next Monday, December 1st.

On December 3rd I have a shoe modeling job for an ad campaign and I am super excited for that.

Don't forget to tune into Model Talk Radio and listen to my segment today with Ava Garter.

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/11/ava-garter-burlesque-performer-of.html

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Preparing for the shoe modeling job

Next week I have a shoe modeling job with a top shoe retailer. Even though it is a week away I am preparing now.

Stretching is something I try to do before a shoot, because modeling, holding a pose might not hurt on the job but afterwards you might be sore. It is best to stretch your legs, feet, body before you do a job.

I also limit my high heel wearing, I try to do this anyways to keep my feet looking nice but I am extra aware days before a job.

I lotion up my legs after showering, like normal, and give special attention to my toes, putting lotion on each one, and my heels.

To prevent razor burn on my legs, I might not shave until the night before the job for extra smooth skin.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Modeling Casting Confessions: Smiling

How to smile at a casting can be a tricky thing. For beauty I tend to just be plain faced, open eyes, and calm as possible. Watching the jaw, making sure I am relaxed. I don't chew gum, but if you want a relaxed face chew some then spit it out before the casting maybe. Sometimes it can be tricky when it comes to knowing your face. Do you know what you face looks like without looking at it? It helps if you do.

Staring at the mirror always helps for practice. But don't just stare, try to feel what you face looks like when you look a certain way. Does that make sense?

If there are tall models at a casting I always just assume to be more straight faced, maybe lips pouted, or closed with a staring-you-down-look. Not pissed just not fully happy. Amused? Wondering. If the casting is for more a lifestyle product I tend to be more happy, energetic, showing my personality.

If there is a wall behind you, do you lean back against it, get comfortable and pose like a jeans ad. Or stand straight like a soldier at attention at the camera. I hate it more than anything when the casting director or person behind the casting camera says, "hands down, just straight down. Face straight to me " I hate that. I don't want to stand like a stiff hanger, I want to give you something more of me than Blah...

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Maya Angelou poem: overcoming, growing, learning

My sister shared this poem with me today, I think it is inspiring no matter who you are, and where you are going.


"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Saturday, November 22, 2008

film set confessions: Thinking of your reel


Sometimes you have to take it upon yourself to get seen.

What I got on set, even before I disrobed, I told the Production Casting Assistant that I had a great ass, opening my robe a little and showing him my sexy short black boy-shorts snug against my curvy behind. He noticed and I said," You know, you really shouldn't waste this. Maybe you can start the scene with my ass." He nodded, digging what I had said with curious thought, and went to the man behind the camera and the director or some very important looking people. A few minutes later, robe off, hair teased again and with a little more lip gloss applied, I stood at my tape mark on the ground, ass facing the lens. On "action" I walked away from it and the scene started.

Maybe it will be something later to add to my reel or a still that could be good for my body part modeling jobs.

Acting/Modeling Costume Safety tips on set

Toilet tissue comes in handy when you are given a silver thong to wear as part of your costume or outfit for a shoot or on a film set, wanna know why?

Sometimes you are not given a panty liner, and this can be added to the list of things a model or actress should purchase and keep in her bag on the job, so you need something to put between you and the thong.

Yesterday while filming on a TV series set I used tissue as my safety-sanitary- net.
I put a few squares folded carefully in front of my private areas, yup both of them, because I do not know who might have worn this thong before and even if washed or new, still you have to be safe, especially when it comes to down there.

NUDE Magazine's Annual Photography Contest


Any photographers with great skills looking for some extra money while working with a great magazine?

I recently interviewed Nude Magazine's Carrie Leigh on Model Talk Radio, and I will be in their next issue. Currently Nude Magazine is having their Annual Photography Contest, and it also involves cash prizes. Nude is the only magazine in the US that involves -a coffee table book quality- fine art black and white nudes.

You might want to get in the know an submit! Here are the details.


NUDE Magazine's Annual Photography Contest Includes Cash Prizes


LOS ANGELES, Nov 21, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Carrie Leigh's NUDE Magazines second annual fine art photography contest now includes cash prizes for the winners and runner ups in each category as well as a much coveted feature exhibit in the Summer's Issue. According to Billy Durham, an editor at NUDE, "Publisher Carrie Leigh has decided to give back to the photographers and models that have made NUDE so successful." Durham adds, "With the world's economy in such turmoil and NUDE doing so well Ms. Leigh has decided that this would be a way of helping out those in the artistic community who have the desire to exhibit their work."

According to Master Photographer and seated juror Kim Weston, "To exhibit in Carrie Leigh's NUDE is an honor in itself." NUDE'S fine art competition is the most prestigious print event in the world of black and white nude photography. For the publishers to include cash prizes is really a very gracious gesture."

Carrie Leigh's NUDE Magazine is the world's best selling high end fine art quarterly of its gender featuring exhibits from some of the most recognized names in their field. The publication is printed on heavy stock paper using old style plates to insure a gallery quality visual presentation of fine art. In addition to Kim Weston the juror's for this prestigious contest include renown fine art photographer Carrie Leigh, Master Figure Painter Craig Srebnik and other distinguished photographers who have exhibited in NUDE.

Carrie Leigh's NUDE Magazine is distributed throughout North America and can be purchased in Barnes and Nobel, Borders, Chapters, Joseph Beth, Hastings along with other book and magazine stores. NUDE is also distributed in half a dozen foreign countries.

The contest entry applications can be found online at www.carrieleigh.com.

http://www.carrieleigh.com

SOURCE Carrie Leigh Publishing Group

Friday, November 21, 2008

fake eyes lashes are so fun

I love pulling off my fake eyelashes at the end of a shoot or filming, I really get a thrill out of how it feels.

recycling miso soup cups

I love that when I order sushi and miso, I can recycle the foam cup!

Half naked on Life on Mars

Trying to get SAG and off to work on Life on Mars today, excited about it, the show is cool.

In my bag today are alot of travel size items. I call them my 'modeling tools' some not to forget are:

a comb
my own foundation and makeup
tweezers
clear nail polish
Lush Lemony Flutter
for legs: Jergens natural glow travel size
tooth brush, travel size tooth paste
A few copies of WWD to read and my journal to write in
iPod
flip flops, for before the high heels go on
sweat pants, for before the outfit for the role goes on
extra pair of contact lenses, just in case!
Deodorant, travel size

At the fitting a couple days before the stylist was trying to find the right shoes for another girl who is in a sexy gold body suit thing, and they were stumpt.

I offered to bring in some shoes for her, so the heaviest thing in my bag is a pair really fun gold sequined tall boots, and also a pair of hot platforms from Report Signature, which I will wear, can't wait to wear them.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Modeling Tools -whats in the models bag?

Daily you will find so many weird things in my bag, it all depends on where I am going.

Extra pair of shoes, tissues, a shaver, a comb, thigh highs, extra pair of nude colored panties, St. ives lotion, or Lush Lemony flutter (my favorite these days) and always my journal.

Being a model is not just in your face, in your smile, or eyes, or curves, it is in your bag.

Looking in the mirror

I don't have hips, I have a hip bone though, and a curvy ass.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Learning to Dance, Preparing to Strip- my day

Learning to Dance, Preparing to Strip- my day
Today I had an audition for a role in a music video that involved burlesque. Not having much dance experience at all, I submitted for the role of “close ups of burlesque dancers." Hoping this wouldn’t involve too much intense dancing or skill to get the role. I thought I would just drop my photo off, take a quick snap shot at the casting.

Nope!

Well I showed up today at the audition and there was a very tall beautiful girl who welcomed me. Another girl was in there with her dancing some steps. I thought maybe they were seeing us one at a time so I waited. But then peeked in and I asked 'Should I come in or wait out here?" They said, 'come in!" So I strutted inside, with my portfolio and compcard and headshot, giving the casting director a choice of what she wanted. I thought that was it. But it wasn't.

The tall dancing instructor wanted me to line up..umm..ok... I stood next to the other girl, she had short hair a cute pixy; it reminded me of my own short hair days. I have my new bangs which I am super excited about,-especially that they only cost me 5 bucks to get- and I felt I looked edgy and hot. I didn’t however feel 100% prepared to learn a dance routine. I was wearing tie up Michael Kors boots, really not dancing boots, more like sexy snow boots. But what the hell. I whipped off my sweater and in an Express tank top and Mango tight pants I tried to follow along to the dance routine. It was fast, jazzy, honky-tonky at the same time. And confusing. Lots of cross steps, and back arches, and slaps on the butt, and such. I felt like I needed a feather and some head-dress or some thigh highs to complete the dance or something.

I guess my nights dancing on tables at clubs in the city paid off at that moment. In about 20 minutes I still didn’t have the dancing down. Looking to my sides it appeared the other girls were no pro's either. I joked off my lack of dance skill, saying "please be easy on me, I thought this was just for a close up." I had worked so hard making my eyes look perfect and it didn't even f*ckin matter. I was starting to sweat.

Another girl showed up and joined in. Another short hair girl. It was weird. Short hair girls still shock me, because I remember how much I had to adjust to it.

As she got the hang of it, I practiced the quick slinky moves, thinking about Dita Von Tease, and visiting The Box, and The Slipper Room, and how this stuff isn't easy!

The camera guy faced us, it was time for us to do it for the camera, like we would for the music video...oh shit, -he asked us to slate: whats your name, and # ?

Dancing with the tall dance pro was easy, just follow her, look at her legs, look in the mirror, pretend you know this shit. But when she wanted us to do it ourselves, I felt like a 5 year old at my first dance recital.

Anyways the 3 of us. I was # 2 faced the mirror and did the steps a few times. It was fun but seriously I don't think I had it down, there was a lot of step details. But when I didn't know what I was doing I just did a graceful exotic sway.

The Dance Pro said we could practice the steps at home. Did that mean we got the job? Well, I hope so, I am prepared to do the routine for my BF later, and perfect it, and I would really like this role. But right now I am pooped and tired just thinking about it.

After that audition, I jumped on the train and went back downtown, and prepared my radio show Model Talk segment with photographer Robert Milazzo, then I got an email from my agent, I went to the post office because my agent waas asking me to over night my portfolio to a shoe company with the agency Fed Ex #. It's with a REALLY good shoe company, so waiting on that (crossing fingers!) Then I did some research for some freelance pr work. I love marketing and pr, and I feel a gig that excites me for a few hours a week would be fun.

And then I had a doctor’s appointment check up, since at the beginning of the month 6th, 7th, 8th I had pneumonia, and I had to make sure I was ok. All is good. They did take some blood tests though to make sure my immunity is ok. I feel healthy and as a past track runner it isn’t like me to lose my breath, so getting sick was really weird for me. I think I got sick from doing some work on a film overnight from 6pm-8am the next morning, and I was outside and the temperature changes might have had something to do with it and fatigue and being very exhausted. Anyways after the doctor’s appointment, I went to the fitting for a feature on Life on Mars that shoots Friday. The role is for a stripper, I never swung on a pole, and it is prime time TV so it can’t be super sexy but I am wearing a pretty damn hot bra with cool beads!! I am really excited about it.

I learned to dance, I hosted my radio show, I had blood drawn. Sort of used to being stabbed with a needle, the pain kinda feels more "interesting" than painful now," I watch the nurse draw the blood; it fills the whole vase quickly. With my band aid, I went to a fitting, back in my hood, Astoria, for my role on Life on Mars that shoots this Friday.

There the outfit was already picked out. Good this might be fast. And I tried on the bra and my whole tit was hanging out of it because it was soo big and the beads were weighing it down. I sort of laughed at it and the stylists pinned and added a chicken cutlet to me, and soon we were all set. It is hot!

Almost fell asleep on the train.

I am home now and tired, and hungry, and shit I really need to do laundry!

Today was nuts! What did I learn?
Water is great but Powerade can be better when it comes to running around the city.
Putting on makeup on the train makes me feel like a hooker.
Carrying snacks in your bag is a good idea.
Showing up early can really be a benefit especially if you happen to have another casting, or meeting planned near the time of the first because sometimes things can happen at auditions you do not expect. Like learning dance routines or it taking longer than expected.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Models and Eating

You know I eat. I love food. Sometimes I eat so much it amazes people at the table. They wonder, "where do you put it?"

Well being high energy is a good thing, it means I do not gain weight easily and I am the skinny bitch you can't stand to look at. I am lucky. Honestly I feel blessed. My family members are not as tiny as me. I feel like the runt in my family and cicle of friends. No one I know is as tiny as me. In measure of height and weight. I feel different than alot of people. Being slim has helped me look taller in photos though.

But it is 2pm and I haven't eaten today. I guess the two cups of coffee hold me off, fire me up, and take away my hunger sometimes. Other times I am so hungry I eat all day. Especially at events, and dinners, and art events, fashion events, anywhere there is free finger food I am there, and I love, love macaroni salad, some of my other favorites are: fruit, veggies, soup, pasta, steak sometimes, salad, cheese, mac and cheese. I think anything within proportion is a go!

I try to drink milk a few times a week. I try to drink water as much as possible. And I drink a lot of coffee. And I am always in the f'in bathroom pee'ing.

I just bought a Soupman medium soup, can't believe it cost 9 bucks! It is still sitting on my coffee table. Jeez, I have to leave in 30 for an audition and I have like 30 emails to write right now, so I really don't know if I will have an extra time to eat it. I know I will be really hungry at like 5pm.

TV audition "I have a great ass" - might as well use it

I have casting today for a TV show( wish me luck) if I get it- it shoots this Friday and I get SAG. The role is to portray a stripper, they are casting 5 girls. I have to go all the way to Astoria, my old hood, for the casting. My boyfriend said to pad my bra, but whatever I have a great ass. (ok, I will pad it alittle!) Anyways,I have never swung on a pole but I think I can handle it...I mean shit, I have gone naked infront of a live audience on the Stacy London show body part modeling, and use my body in so many ways as a model. Showing it is normal. But only for the right jobs and good ones. I think I can f**kin handle it! :)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Hand Model confessions


I had a great shoot today with Bon Appetit Magazine, my third time working with them and it went great! You know being a hand model is pretty easy. And for a petite girl it is a great gig. Hands come in all shapes and sizes but if your hands are proportioned, and your nails are nice in color and shape you should try hand modeling.

Maybe you have heard that hand modeling means you can't use your hands, but this isn't true. You can have a life, but you should be careful and aware of your hands. You do not want to get scars or scratches or damage your hands so it is important to be careful and aware. This means you probably should not go bowling all the time without gloves and you shouldn't carry heavy things that could bruise your hand, and you want to keep them looking pretty. But in your daily life, you can live, be active, and use your hands, just carefully but you don't have to obsess over it.

A good hand model not only has good skin and proportioned hands, but she has personality and she is easy to work with as well.

I think being able to quickly understanding the theme and idea behind the ad campaign, print job, editorial or commercial is a skill a model should have as well.

Having a creative eye and thinking of the camera perspective is also important. Camera perspective meaning, 'do you know what your hand or parts or self looks like from the camera perspective?' You should. Check out the Polaroid helps, but also having a creative eye and ability to be perceptive is important as well.
Now you will want to take care of them. Moisturize them and keep them looking soft and supple. Today I worked with two other hand models and we all checked out the Polaroids before the shot. It is good to know the perspective of the camera when you are shooting parts, (or anything really).

I asked the photographer when the issue was planning to come out. She said "March."
I also asked her for a Polaroid. The other models were not asking for a Polaroid but I was and I also gave the other two models one to keep as well. It is nice to take something away from the job the day of the job if possible. For your own credibility.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Anand Jon- Bad casting experiences confessions

I recently read a headline in WWD that read Anand jon was found Guilt in Sex Assault Case, his name quickly reminded me of a friend of mine.

She is a part time model, and works with a well known commercial print agency in NYC sometimes. I remembered her telling me that she was sent to a casting at his showroom. She said that he was upset that she was there at 11am, and proclaimed tired eyed and hung over from probably the night before’s partying that the casting wasn't until 11:30, and bitched about why she was so early.

My friend was told to be there 11 am sharp from the agency and so being punctual she was on time. He was just a flat out jerk, she told me. And a pissed off one.

He was very mad that she showed up at 11, and then he was mad at her body. (My friend has a great body, she should be on the cover of Fitness magazine, she is proportioned for her height, great boobs, and curves in right places, although I joke to her that I have a better ass.)

My friend told me that he didn't know how to make jeans, and the sample size jeans did not fit her. She had been a sample size model before for jeans and lingerie so she knew something was wrong. She hadn't gained any weight.

He told her she didn't fit right, and she was too fat for the job, and kept saying how 'un-right" she was, complaining how he had to now "find something that would work for her," in a huffy hissy fit.

I remember her calling me, and after I read about his sex assault case in WWD on Friday I had to call her and confirm it was him, the right name, and everything.

She said yes, and that "His jeans sucked." She told me she called the agency after the horrible experience, and told the agent that the guy was 'such an asshole.' (By the way WWD said that “his work was more flash and self promotion than substance.") Maybe he was a designer, or called himself one, and tried to make some jeans, -just so he could be around pretty girls that he could bitch at and treat like shit?

Well he most likely put out a casting breakdown that the agency read and they assumed he was quality. Yet looks and fine print can be deceiving.

The moral of this confession is that:
Even your well-respected agency can send you to a bad sketchy casting. In the middle of no where and in the presence of an asshole. So beware. Because at the entrance and exit of your experiences you always have to watch your back and be cautious and careful no matter what.

You can read more about this creep here in NY Magazine.

Friday, November 14, 2008

booked hand modeling jobs - modeling booking tips

Booked the hand modeling job for a magazine Monday. Just received the details from my agency and it reminds me to share some tips for "when you have a booking."

1. Even though I am booked for just a few hours I do not schedule anything else in my schedule that day. Up to 7pm. You never know if a job might go longer and you want to be prepared. Bring food, water, magazines, light work to do, you do not want to be gabbin on your cell phone (thats rude!) when the set crew is setting up.

2. On set, listen to know or ask to know, when the issue is coming out. Sometimes your agent might not even know so while you are on set, it is a perfect time to casually and kindly ask "so when will this be out?"

3. Get a copy. Accept the polaroids or copies the photographer or art director give you. The times I didn't take them I regretted it. Just incase the job doesn't appear in print ( because these things do happen) you want to have some proof somehow of the day and experience and credit for your portfolio.

4. Save your emails and confirmations to confirm the rate for the job so that you have your accounting information saved if needed.

5. Bring compcards and your portfolio book but don't flash it around like crazy. If asked by the art director or photographer if you have your compcard or portfolio with you, it could mean another job!

the $40 lipstick - what the heck?

I can't imagine paying $40 dollars or more popular advertised: $48 dollar lipstick!

Shoes yes. A bag, a great pair of earrings, but lipstick, hell no.

I don't know where the concept of paying more for lipstick than your electric bill came from, but it is truely available and advertised all the time.

I am girly, and I like girly things, I love red lipstick and with it I feel powerful and beautiful but I will stick to my favorite brands that at $2.99-$10. I like my lips with some vibrant color or shiny gloss, but honestly $48 for a lipstick. You have got to be kidding!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Hand Modeling Job on Hold


I am on hold right now for a hand modeling job. The job is Monday. Being on hold means that the client has seen your photos, is interested, and wants you to hold the day because even though the job isn't 100% confirmed that you are booked, the client still wants to make sure you are available.

I just found out the way the manicure should look from my agency, so usually when I know this much, it means I am booked. Still until you get the 100% confirmed booked, you are still on hold and the job is not yours yet.

Modeling Tips for Using the Internet

Alot of girls post their photo on these little amateur internet so-called casting sites, or use Myspace as their modeling photo page and try to build a fan club or something. I find it weird. Getting answers and getting ahead is really just found in a Google search. You don't have to flaunt your photos on a social site to know that to be a model you need an agent. The top brands and magazines cast through agents and you need to have one to get quality modeling work.

Of course there are exceptions and sometimes on rare occasions I have found the random "golden" posting on Craigslist. (I booked a gig as a lead in the Coheed and Cambria music video, another for Univision, White mountain shoes and a few other quality gigs for my resume)

I wish girls would put more time into submitting their photo to real legit modeling agencies and casting directors than trying to count their hit and clicks on their little social site page, that doesn’t make them a model anyways. I think the word model has become a word that means “comments, hits, clicks, and showing as much skin as possible.” It really is sad. Real modeling involves brands, a point to the shoot, and it involves getting off the computer and running to the post office and mailing your photos to the agency. If you haven’t done this, haven’t tried then you are not using the internet in the right ways and now going about modeling in a proper manner.

Maybe these girls don’t really want to model and just want to show off? Feel cute? Maybe it is a self esteem boost to get a comment or a fan on their social site or casting site profile page?

But that doesn’t make them a model.

Using the internet as a research tool is the best way a girl can use it. I love Google, I google everything and when it came to my modeling pursuits I used Google towards them to research the names of agents, get addresses, and to research examples of the photos I need.

Trial and error is the best way, honestly. If you don’t try you will never know. So even if you just have a snap shot, or a couple photos, it is better to make a compcard, or headshot, and try and mail them, and continue to try. Trying is such a big thing. It is not how many comments you got on your social site, modeling is about working with brands and you need an agent to do that.

Sure you can self serve and do your research and be persistent, mail your pics to mags and try to get your own tear sheets too, but don’t forget to think about the jobs you want and ask yourself “are my photos representing this?” And think ahead, dream big, and if the photo you are presenting doesn’t speak towards the direction you want to go, then work on your pics, and continue to mail. The real modeling happens off the internet.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Modeling with top brands

I am all for self promotion and finding the way! But when it comes to models approaching brands you have to be realistic and savvy about it. Most likely a top mass marketed brand such as Target, Macy's, Victoria's Secret will not take model submissions, and when a model asked me recently, "Do you know how I can go about submitting myself for the Victoria Secret leg ad's without an agent?"

Well I have leg modeled for Victoria's Secret, so this was my answer "Top brands like Victoria's Secret and Marshalls, want to work with good models, so they go to agencies because they figure the best models will be there. The best way to start working with top brands is to make a compcard, or parts modeling card and submit it to agencies. The brands go to the agencies, so if you are not with the agencies then you usually will not know about the casting or be booked for the modeling job. You could however try to find the marketing department at the brand you want to model for and ask if you can submit a photo, or ask which agencies they use. It is better to hit up a smaller company when it comes to self promotion success. A small company might be willing to work with a model without an agency. But top brands usually go to the agencies, hold a casting, or direct book the model of their choice."

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

modeling confessions Boob jobs

I am out of town this week but I got a casting notice from my agent about a body part job for a Breast implant company looking for a small busted model for their ad campaign. It was a side breast shot and it was probably a before and after shot for their booby ad campaign, the side of the little model's boob as the before shot, it was paying around $1,200, and it shows that even though the economy is struggling there is still work out there for models. And you don't have to have big boobs to get the job.( I regret not being in town because I actually really want to put my little breasts to work and the money is pretty damn good)

Isobella Jade advice for the aspiring models out there

Usually the more you believe in you, the more other people do too.

Take the No's in stride, let them be even more inspiring to chase what you want, learn from the No's and grow from them. Just like an athlete you might not win every game, but if you really love the game you fight and love to play it anyways.

Be realistic with your self, if you are 5'3" don't strive to be in a fashion magazine, strive to be in a print ad for a shoe company or a skincare, or with a lifestyle product.

A headshot will get you further than a Glamour shot.

Your not too short to model.

Less is not always more, a shot of you in jeans and tee shirt can book you a commercial print modeling agency quicker than one of you in a thong.

The more mailings and submissions you do the better.

Do your research and be prepared for work, the days of being discovered are over, it is about discovering yourself.

Getting your own tearsheets, not being afraid to submit to magazines, and approach brands, and being ambitious to create the shots you need to better market yourself are important.

If the photo doesn't say you can model it, then people, agents, art directors, editors, marketing professionals will assume you can't.

If you want to model something create the photo you need to present yourself in the direction you want to go.

At the end of the day you are your own agent.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Plus Size Models and the meaning of Size

If a Plus Size model is also called a full figured woman, then is a person who is not a plus size model half figured?

Mmmm

I really wish the modeling business would accept more sizes and understand that the women they are marketing their products too are many sizes, shapes and colors.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

I had pneumonia

I was at the ER and Hospital from Thursday afternoon, l until 2pm Saturday. I got to the hospital on Thurs around noon because I had a fever, and coughing, and I thought perhaps it would be quick, or I would get a prescriptions and be home soon, but I have bad pneumonia. I had a fever and cough, but I guess it was a lot worse that that. Anyways, now a few days after of IV and Medical care, I am taking prescription for 7 days. Young people don't usually get pneumonia, so I had to stay over night in the hospital for the first time in my life. It was a very emotional few days. But I feel alot better now.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Obama's victory speech

Democrat Barack Obama has become the first African-American to win the White House. Here are his remarks to a huge crowd in his home city of Chicago:


CHANGE HAS COME


If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.


PARTNERS IN THE JOURNEY
A little bit earlier this evening I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him, I congratulate Governor Palin, for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my sister Maya, my sister Auma, all my other brothers and sisters - thank you so much for all the support you have given me. I am grateful to them.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best political campaign in the history of the United States of America. My chief strategist David Axelrod, who has been a partner with me every step of the way, and to the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.


VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; it grew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organised, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.


THE TASK AHEAD
I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for their child's college education. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.


REMAKING THE NATION
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.

And above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.


ONE NATION, ONE PEOPLE
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity.

Those are values that we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours: "We are not enemies, but friends… though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection."

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president too.


AMERICA IN THE WORLD
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those who would tear the world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you.

And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.


A HISTORY OF STRUGGLE
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the colour of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes, we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbour and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes, we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "we shall overcome". Yes, we can.

A man touched down on the Moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes, we can.


THIS IS OUR MOMENT
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: yes, we can.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Modeling Castings and Google check list

Yes I live on Google, I really do. Every day I am using it for something, some way or another. If you could make a list of everything I Google in one day I swear it would be taller than me!

When it comes to modeling agencies and casting directors, it is a good idea to always do a Google check list on addresses and names, and to know if someone is still working at a certain location.

I used Google today when sending my headshots out, to confirm the address of a few places and if you need a fact check, a legit check, a scam check...go to Google before you write the address, name and put the stamp on the envelope.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Models and the Recession - Marketing Yourself

Gawker recently posted on my thoughts on the Recession here:

Here are some tips on modeling through out the recession:

1.Be aggressive, just because the economy is spinning downward doesn’t mean you can’t get modeling work. My agent recently contacted me about modeling on a Saturday or Sunday for a job with a top fashion magazine, -so while many companies might be not spending as much on marketing, there is still modeling work out there. This leads me to #2.

2.Being available right now is key! The more available you are the better. Being available can mean booking a job or not booking it.

3.Keep your mailings going, keep your persistence, and keep pushing to promote your own marketing materials. Get a new compcard, fresh up your resume; submit your headshot out to casting directors and modeling agencies and the photo editors at magazines. Set some goals. Buy some stamps and keep your submissions rolling.

When building your portfolio: Focus on the quality of the work you are doing.