Wednesday, September 30, 2009

LATIMES Petite model, Isobella Jade, on ANTM and how shorties can make it as models:



Whoo hoo got this feature in the LA TIMES today:

'America's Next Top Model': Petite model, Isobella Jade, on ANTM and how shorties can make it as models:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/09/americas-next-top-model-petite-model-isobella-jade-on-antm-and-how-shorties-can-really-make-it-as-mo.html

On Glamour.com Pint-Size Model Isobella Jade On How To Make The Most Of Your Teeny Stature





Petite Model Isobella Jade gives insight and tips and insight towards how a shorter girl can look longer in photos.

Tip # 1. Know your body and what you’re working with. Before you get in front of the camera, take a look in the mirror. You can look five to ten pounds slimmer and lighter by simply turning your body at an angle. For other short-girl-look-longer-in-photo-tips stop by Glamour.com:



http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2009/09/pint-size-model-isobella-jade.html

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Isobella Jade on tonight's Radio Happy Hour LIVE


9/29/09 tonight 9pm EST, speaking on Dr.Blogstein's Happy Hour on Blogtalkradio.com, tune in if you can no matter where you live.

Just Twittered: Tiny model @IsobellaJade and singer @kimcameron on tonight's Radio Happy Hour LIVE.

Tune in to listen here at 9pm EST but with Internet radio, podcasting, you can listen anytime, 24/7 if you happen to miss it, no matter what time zone:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DrBlogstein/2009/09/30/Kim-Cameron-Isobella-Jade

Monday, September 28, 2009

You Could Be a Victoria’s Secret Runway Model! NOT!!


You Could Be a Victoria’s Secret Runway Model! If you're 5'8"! :(

Ok, so NY MAG featured an article on Victoria's Secret having a Model Search, so I think it is so cool that Victoria's Secret is offering a girl a chance to walk in the Victoria's Secret runway show on CBS this December. The Victoria's Secret Runway Model Search is thoughtful and all but you have to be 5'8" barefoot to enter or even show up.

On the website to enter, it reads: "Entrants must be 18-30 years of age, 5’8’’ or taller in bare feet and come ready to pose and walk in your swimwear and high heels."

Are they just saying this to scare the short girls or do you think a few will show up?

What the heck, that means all the agency girls from Ford, Elite, etc can show up but the girls who are shorter can't?


That sucks,

Isobella

On Dr. Blogstein's Happy Hour on Blogtalkradio 9pm Tuesday!

Meet me 9pm on Dr. BlogStein's Happy Hour on Blogtalkradio.com for a fun chat about books, modeling as one of the shortest girls out there, going to the Emmys, and much more. Tuesday, September 29th, 9pm baby!

Right here to tune in:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DrBlogstein/2009/09/30/Kim-Cameron-Isobella-Jade

Photo tips for short models



A photo concept might be cool, but that doesn't mean a modeling agency will like the image of you. For print modeling it is better to stick to natural looks and not trying "so hard" to pose, too much posing is actually a bad thing in print modeling sometimes. Being "more natural" -bringing a smile to your photos, can help you attract an agency as a shorter model.

Many times shorter girls take off their shirt before using their smile, their energy, personality, and before stopping to think what can I "really model." And asking themselves " How can I use what I have to get ahead."

In any pursuit in life using what you DO have and marketing it will help you get ahead. The same with modeling. When you are preparing to make a compcard and submit photos to agencies here are some things to consider:

1. Does this shot have a commercial print modeling feel? (Print agencies are best to send photos to as a shorter girl and a print agency will actually be turned off by your half naked photos or too fashion posed photos, they actually want to see your smile and energy more than you ass.) Unless the shot looks like a product ad for skincare, a catalog shot for lingerie, or something with a product ad feel, don't shoot it or send it to an agency.

2. Do your shots only show skin, or show smiles? Showing your energy and personality might sound corny but actually print modeling agencies, and talent agencies want to use your energy, smile, and personality. The real you. And they will market you as someone who can model for lifestyle products and many of print models are not all tall but they do show their smile in their photos.

3. Are you photos taken with good lighting and with a professional. It is worth it to invest in yourself if you are serious about modeling and getting a modeling agency to work WITH you. Modeling as a shorter girl is a self-made pursuit many times and it is a self marketing, self promotion type of pursuit. You have to becareful who you let photograph you. You have to be careful the way you market yourself, and aim high. It is easy to be called hot on the Internet, but is that really modeling??? To me. It is not. You are not a model until you are modeling for something, a product, a national magazine, and showing your look and personality and even your smile, and positive appeal can be used to model for brands, ads, campaigns, and mags.

Ok, one more thing. When you are shooting think about who will see the shots and ask yourself. Would I hire me? Would you hire yourself to model for a certain brand, for the magazine, would I call myself back if I was the agent? If you want to model for skincare, beauty, and accessories and lifestyle products and do print modeling, you have to think of perfecting your photos,---*** because what you show, is what people will think you can do. If your photos are not easy on the eye, have a print modeling appeal, if they do not represent someone who can work in the print modeling world and do not bringing out the best of your assets (no matter your height). Then you most likely will not get a call back.

Modeling is more than showing off. It is showing you can model for something.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Went to see Fame the movie

Went to see Fame, the movie last night. It was cute but some parts were a bit corny, but I did cry when Naturi Naughton sang at the piano. Covering my tears with my hair

Friday, September 25, 2009

Self marketing is key for short models


Short models have to be even more energetic and positive about their pursuits.
It takes a lot of self-effort to get ahead. There is not short-cut and if you think self promotion on the Internet is enough you are totally mislead. A shorter girl has to focus on making the best photos possible that show off her assets. Not just her ass. The photos have to come off to look "as if" you are a model who can model products, and have a natural way of working with them. Including a smile, a product such as a handbag, or making the shots look like an ad for a lifestyle product, a hair ad, jewelry, ect. Items every day people use is best. You want to show the print agency that YOU CAN MODEL, that you have personality and use that personality within your photos. Show off that smile, show you are more than just a pretty face, body,etc, but that you know your assets, you know that beyond height you can model for product ads and editorials in magazines. It is not easy. It is extremely hard, it takes time, effort, and energy, mostly a positive attitude. Rejection is Modeling's best friend so be prepared for massive rejection, but hold on to and believe in what you DO have, focus on what you CAN offer the industry, it might not be your height for the runway, but did you know leg models are not all tall? I have leg modeled for many major brands, and I am the tiniest girl in the room.

Show you can, believe in you and they will believe it.

Isobella

Isobella on Zap2it.com ANTM cycle 13 recap #3 here



Here is an excerpt from my recap of America's Next Top Model cycle 13 last night, the runway challenge on Zap2it.com:

Instead of the "You wanna be on top" theme song, the song of the night should have been Run DMC and Aerosmith's "Walk This Way."

Never too much self analyzing.

The show starts with Bianca admitting she needs to focus on modeling her facial features and creating a more relaxed presence in her photos. Ashley mentions how nervous she is about walking because of her dancer background. I think Ashley's dancer background is actually a benefit. Haven't you seen many dancers in ads and in commercials? I have even seen a girl dancing in the air in a tampon ad, ads for music brands and clothing. Also understanding your body, knowing how it moves, what it looks like when you move, understanding balance and proportion is a good skill for models to have. I just don't see the flaw in her dancer background. I wish Tyra would show the other girls how using other skills can be applied to modeling.


Read the whole recap here:
http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/2009/09/americas-next-top-model-the-runway-challenge.html

Wilhelmina is looking for Hot Body Models



EXTRA, EXTRA read about all about it. Tomorrow, Saturday September 26th, Wilhelmina is looking for Hot Body Models. The agency does not welcome petite's and stresses this on their website bluntly, but I don't see a height requirement for this contest, and in fitness and body part modeling sometimes a shorter girl can get in the door. If you want to do it, it might be worth it. Up to you. Here is the headline:

Wilhelmina International Expands Special Event Activities in Partnership with
American Media Inc.

Here is the scoop:

DALLAS, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wilhelmina International, Inc. announced today that its special event activities have been extended to the category of fitness, and that the first-ever Wilhelmina Hot Body Model Search presented by Shape and Men's Fitness is off to a firm start. In partnership with American Media Inc.'s leading publications, the Wilhelmina Hot Body Model Search seeks to discover the next hot body and it could be you!

Through Wilhelmina Models and its other subsidiaries, Wilhelmina International is one of the world's leading model and talent management companies. Wilhelmina Models represents a wide range of talent including top fashion models and celebrities, as well as professional athletes, fitness models, Olympians, personal trainers, yoga instructors, and fitness enthusiasts.

The Wilhelmina Hot Body Model Search presented by Shape and Men's Fitness is Wilhelmina's first model search focused on the growth category of fitness. Model searches play an important part in Wilhelmina's special events business and its scouting activities, and also highlight the power and dynamism of the Wilhelmina brand.

Men and women ages 18 or over can enter the search in person at one of several nationwide open call events, online by visiting wilhelminamodelsearch.com or by submitting an entry in the mail, subject to applicable rules. The first open casting calls are in New York City and Salt Lake City on Saturday,September 26, 2009. A complete schedule of open calls is located at wilhelminamodelsearch.com/pages/opencallevents.

Event sponsors include Bulova, The Vitamin Shoppe, Beaches Resorts and Gold's Gym. LifeStyle Beverages' TrimWater -- an emerging four-calorie water beverage for health and weight conscious people -- will be available at selected castings for the search.

Locations:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
Wilhelmina Modeling Agency
300 Park Avenue South (bet. 22nd and 23rd Sts.)
New York, NY
Hours: 10AM – 3PM


Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Wilhelmina UTG
6415 S. 3000 E. Suite 210
Salt Lake City, UT
801-456-1500
Hours: 12pm–3pm***

Saturday October 3rd, 2009
Wilhelmina S2
2029 Riverside Drive, Suite 201
Columbus, OH
614-294-0100
Hours: 10AM-3PM

Saturday October 10th, 2009
Wilhelmina Modelogic
2501 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA
804-644-1000
Hours: 12PM – 3PM

Saturday, October 10th
Wilhelmina Harman Agency
101 S. 38th Street
Harrisburg, PA
717-234-4417
Hours: 12PM -2PM***

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24th, 2009
Gold’s Gym
4817 West Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75903
469-467-1800
Hours: 10AM – 3PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14th, 2009
The Vitamin Shoppe
1101 5th Street
Miami, FL 33139
Hours: 10AM – 3PM

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Video recap of ANTM cycle 13 episode 3 Isobella Jade

Isobella shares her petite perspective on America's Next Top Model cycle 13 recap of episode 3. Her favorite moment, "when littleDiva Davanna showed up with her catwalk!"

Model Talk Radio ANTM cycle 13 Walk this way


On Model Talk Radio the chat will be about how girls of America's Next Top Model cycle 13 learn to walk with the Tall Giraffes for episode 3.

For a petite perspective with Isobella Jade, Tune in here to listen live or anytime to the archive:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/24/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-recap-episode-3

Also Isobella will be sharing insight on her experience attending the 61st Emmy Awards this past weekend. Petite Kristin Chenoweth won an Emmy!

Coming soon is Isobella's graphic novel Model Life: The Journey of a Pint Size Fashion Warrior and her original memoir Almost 5'4" captures her experiences as a petite model.

For more www.isobelladreams.com

Tonight is the NYC Sass N Style Launch Party



Tonight check out the NYC Sass N Style Launch Party. $35 well spent!

Amy Salinger is a nationally recognized fashion expert. Tonight she will be teaching an informal fashion workshop on how to "Buy what you need and use what you have. Having worked or appeared on What Not to Wear, Oprah and The Today Show, I know fashion! Learn insider styling tips, recession- proof shopping secrets and how to dress the best for your body type.

Sip champagne and wine, leave with a take-home booklet and a goody bag with fabulous treats for your fall makeover! Please bring one item of clothing that you love or are confused by for answers from the expert!

Please RSVP here: http://whoscoming.com/sassnstyle
Space is limited.

PLEASE INVITE ANY FASHION- LOVING FRIENDS!

Price: $30 Pre-Pay, $35 at the Door
Date: Thursday, September 24th
Time: 7pm-9pm *please be prompt*
Location: Kathlin Argiro's Design Studio, 265 W. 37th St. (at 8th ave.)

Check Amy's blog for more events here: http://amysalinger.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

My ANTM cycle 13 Predictions on Lemondrop.com



I've been away for a few days from my ANTM comments, but today on AOL's Lemondrop.com you can find my winner predictions posted for cycle 13 here:

http://www.lemondrop.com/2009/09/23/smile-with-your-eyes-we-predict-the-winner-of-americas-next/

Attending the Emmys was amazing (Photo)


Attending the Emmys was amazing, worth it and I might be now addicted to award shows, I would love to now attend the VMA's or something.

When Venessa Williams, walked by me I couldn't help but stare at her body and beautiful skin and star-lite eyes. Kristin Chenoweth is a favorite. She won! She is so classy and also a follow petite and also has a memoir, and her dress was stunning on her.

It was great to see some mature aged winners at the Emmys last night! Kristin Chenowith, one of my favorite shorties won! Her sparkle dress was so cute on her. Jessica Lange wore a beautiful green gown. I loved how the speeches gave props to writers ...and how they go where good writing is. I liked it when Cherry Jones said holding her Emmy award statue: This will be on the craft service table tomorrow!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Model Talk Radio ANTM cycle 13 Seabiscuit and Models




I love Seabiscuit, and ironically this week's photo shoot on America's Next Top Model takes the girls to Santa Anita Race Track where they give Lady Godiva a run for her money. This week's guest judge is "The Hills" star and clothing designer, Lauren Conrad. I'll let you know how I thought it all went. Oh jeez, you know America's Next Top Model is not in touch with reality. Enclosed the show here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/17/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-recap-episode-2

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Video: America's Next Top Model cycle 13 episode 2 recap

My thoughts on America's Next Top Model cycle 13 episode 2, and how Tyra kicked off one of the shortest girls too soon, and discusses their horse photoshoot, and also the smile with their eyes and Wilhelmina presentations. Why did they kick off one of the shorter girls so soon? Stupid on Tyra's part.

cycle 13 at Santa Anita Race Track Seabiscuit's spirit

Seabiscuit was an under-sized thoroughbred that became a racing sensation. Despite his size he won the Santa Anita Handicap, California’s most prestigious race that can define a horse’s career. Seabiscuit went on to not only bring hope to the country during the Depression but proved the underdog can prevail. Tonight at the Santa Anita Race Track the itty-bitty contestants of cycle 13 each posed with a horse...and I think they will be naked or half naked. I will be sharing my commentary on the photo challenge on my radio show after the episode:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

So what if I am a short model

So what if I am a shorter, height challenged, itty bitty, petite, teeny, tiny, miniature, pint-sized or a half pint, little foot, small fry, punitive, peanut, mini me, pocket-size, wee, munchin, modelette, modelita, Thumbelina, or a pipsqueak, I can still model. And so can you!

Patrick Swayze: You take the love with you


Patrick Swayze, the "z" just sounds moving.

I like it when Patrick Swayze said to Barbara Walters: “You take the love with you when you die.” Hence his role in Ghost. I loved his work.

Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing. Sam Wheat in Ghost. Long after the hype of his movies that follow the media over his death, I will be watching Dirty Dancing and I love the LOG Dance! I also plan to read his memoir that he wrote with his wife Lisa Niemi called The Time of My Life.

Tyra is NOT doing a revolutionary thing for models

Word up. Tyra is NOT doing a revolutionary thing for shorter models. Being a petite model is no new news to me. Shorter models have modeled for ads and magazines and in commercials long before her show and will long after. Maybe not on a runway but shorter models HAVE in deed been in ads and commercials modeling lifestyle products. It's nice to see her "include them" but she not starting a revolution. Fashion might always hate the short chicks, but print modeling welcomes them and if you are ambitious and know how to market yourself you can find opportunity, with or without ANTM. I will be giving commentary on the short chicks for cycle 13, will I be giving commentary on cycle 14? No. I support the short chicks. Remember not winning Tyra's crown is not the end all.

America's Next Top Model is not in touch with reality


America's Next Top Model is not in touch with reality but tomorrow night is episode 2 of "season of the short chicks" and at 10:30pm EST I will be giving a recap of the cycle 13 contestants. Here is the scoop:

I love Seabiscuit, and ironically this week's photo shoot on America's Next Top Model takes the girls to Santa Anita Race Track where they give Lady Godiva a run for her money. This week's guest judge is "The Hills" star and clothing designer, Lauren Conrad. I'll let you know how I thought it all went. I hope Tyra doesn't still my quote: "When the little guy doesn't know he is the little guy he can do great things"- Seabiscuit

I will be pissed.

Tune in here or listen to the archive later my shorties,
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/17/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-recap-episode-2

Isobella

power of your self can surprise you

"Instead of asking" What have you done for me?" Ask yourself: "what have you done for you?" The power of your self can surprise you!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Model Isobella Jade at the Gottex Fashion Show 2010 tonight

After my interview with Sirius Cosmo Radio I scooted over the Bryant Park to watch the Gottex show, I enjoyed it.







Thank you Glamour Magazine for some belly fat!


Hell Yeah! I am posting it all over my blogs and pick up the September issue of Glamour when you're done. I hope more magazines flaunt models of all shapes and sizes soon! Featured in Glamour Magazine, beautiful and nude and comfortable in her skin, is plus-size model Lizzie Miller and the interview is amazing:


http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2009/08/what-everyone-but-you-sees-about-your-body


No airbrush needed!

I love this op article in the LA Times with plus-size model Lizzie Miller!

Shoe Modeling contest winner



Petite Models are perfect to model shoes. Most shoe companies hire a size 6 shoe model, because the samples of shoes are a 6 usually and a model is needed to wear them in the showroom or in the print ads. I have modeled shoes for Marshalls, Easy Spirit, Victoria's Secret and many others. So on Facebook I recently asked "shorter models" to submit to me photos of themselves modeling their favorite pair of shoes to win a signed copy of my memoir Almost 5'4". Above is the winner Maria, because she shows the shoes with smile and personality and the shot has a commercial print vibe that looks like an ad.

Here are some other submissions that I think look very nice and would be good shots to apply when marketing themselves as a model to a print modeling agency.


Jillian.


Skylar.


Shannon.


Joia.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Isobella Jade on Sirius Cosmo Radio September 14th



On Monday September 14th at 6pm, Isobella Jade will be speaking on Sirius Cosmo Radio on Cocktails with Patrick
about her memoir, modeling, and sharing stories of being a petite model.

Ch. 111

Tyra misleads the short girls to Wilhelmina Models

Tyra mentioned on the first episode of America's Next Top Model cycle 13 that Wilhelmina Models works with models of all heights and the winner of this cycle will get a contract with the agency. However, Tyra is misleading girls to think Wilhelmina actually does represent petite models. In fact on Wilhelmina's website it bluntly states that Wilhelmina does NOT have a Petite Models Division.

Under "Submit Photos" to the agency the question "What types of models do you represent?" is answered. It reads,"At Wilhelmina we represent different types of professional models, in almost every age, size and ethnicity. We limit ourselves to a specific amount of models in each catagory. The height requirement for female models is 5'8" and above."

Tyra, please STOP misleading the shorter aspiring models!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

'America's Next Top Model': Send in the short girls



Enjoy this recap of America's Next Top Model with my Short Model Support attitude on Zap2it and hence the girls were reenacting out their baby photos I wanted to share one of mine, I might re-shoot it later tonight while out and about for Fashion's Night Out, I'll keep you posted, ha:

http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/2009/09/americas-next-top-model-send-in-the-short-girls.html

model scams and sexual assaults in Metro



I am featured on the cover of the Metro today, the story is based on model scams and sexual assaults in modeling and I ask you to please becareful, think twice, and don't think you have to sleep, touch, or do something you don't want to do to get ahead as a m...odel. You don't! There is professionalism out there, seek it, and run from anything else.

Here is the article: http://www.metro.us./us/article/2009/09/10/06/3909-82/index.xml

Now I love photography, and I go to many exhibits for photography and I am friends with some very wonderful photographers, but there are many amateurs out there.

I share bluntly many of my modeling mistakes in my memoir Almost 5'4" and in my illustrated graphic novel Model Life: The Journey of a Pint Size Fashion Warrior, many of my own early modeling mistakes come out again in an illustrated format throughout the characters journey to be a model.

I didn't have to go there, I didn't have to mention my modeling mistakes but I feel it is important to share them so you won't make them.

You do not have to sleep your way to the top, you do not have to be scammed, you do not have to touch or be touched by someone to get ahead. It is a choice. Please choose to walk out the door. Say No. You don't have to have regret. Don't think "if I don't then I won't get the chance and be a model," You still can model without sleeping with the photographer.

There are professional photographers out there, there are professional agencies, but beware of the amateurs and stay away from them!

Love yourself, your goals, focus on them, respect yourself, be true to you, and know there is professionalism out there, it is better to strive for it than settle for regrets.

If you are curious if something is legit or not, email me through my website:
www.isobelladreams.com

Top Model cycle 13 episode 1 recap


It's live! My cycle 13 episode one radio show segment recap: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/10/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-premiere-recap

Also a video is here sharing a petite perspective for the Top Model cycle 13 episode 1 recap as well:



Anyway you want to hear it! :) Petite pride,

Isobella Jade

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Top Model and petite model Isobella Jade live


For a petite perspective after each episode of America's Next Top Model stop by my radio show Model Talk, tonight at 10:30pm my comments start:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/10/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-premiere-recap

I will also be on Twitter throughout the show, and producing a video recap as well based on each episode as of course many blog posts.

Height isn't everything in modeling,

Isobella

P.s: Catch me here and over at Zap2it.com and Buddy TV

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

what modeling agencies are you with?


A girl on Facebook sent me a message that read:

So I was wondering what agencies are you with?

My reply:
Well I am always with myself. Seriously I think self promotion is the best thing towards a girls modelig pursuits and her own will to try. The status of "being with" an agency is so played out. An agency is a wonderful part of my modeling pursuits but I don't think "someone is going to make my dreams happen", I always knew that the will of myself was what mattered most.

I "work" and "have modeled with" with CESD, PARTS Models often. Over the years I have also worked with Flaunt Models, R&L, Abrams, FFT, and many others. A shorter girl typically doesn't get "signed with" an agency, the 'signing' happens only with fashion agencies. But shorter girls can work with print agencies without the contract and actually being "free" to promote myself the way I want has been a lot of work, but if I was tall, I'd have a 3 year contract with an agency and who knows if they could get me the work anyways. So the whole "who are you with thing" is , really to me, about being for and "with" yourself and knowing how to market what you've got!

A girl asked me: is this a model scam?

A girl asked me recently about a modeling scam and she told me she met an agency at a hotel and they were going to sign her. They wanted money like $600 and then another chunk for photos. She asked if it was a scam, and hit me up on twitter with her concerns because she only had another day left to end the contract.


I told her to end it.

NEVER, ever, ever, ever pay to be on a modeling agency website. Never ever pay an agency for photos. It is a total scam. However you DO have to take it upon yourself for the work of being a model. You will have to make your own compcard, portfolio, and legit print modeling agencies or talent agencies, WILL work with the compcard you mail them.


Don't forget agents have jobs, their job is to market the models they work with. Usually for a shorter girl it will be a print modeling agency and there will be less hands on involvement from the agency. They will be a booking service but not giving you so much attention towards your marketing material. Basically it should go like this:

You mail them your compcard,
The agency likes it, or something about it.
They call you.
You meet them.
You might sign a non-exclusive contract but typically you will not be signed at all.
You will freelance with this agency, you will be free to work with other agencies as well.
You will give the agency more compcards to use to market you.
You will get called to go on castings, or emailed the info, (however the agency does it), and you will use, bring, and drop off your compcard at the casting.
If you get booked the agency get 20% of your payment. (which is typically already taken out before you get paid by the agency).

DO NOT EVER pay the agency for photos, or to be on the website. The agents job is to market their models and the clients can be directed to the website, but the website alone should not be only how the agency is marketing you.

If an agency says "you must pay to be on the website," or "You should have your photo on the website because our clietns see the models on the website," don't do it. It is a scam.

The agent has a job, and it is not just to wait to see who happens to click on your photo on the modeling agency website. So do not ever pay to be on an agency website. I work with professional agencies in NYC and I do not pay to be on their website. The website is just one tool that an agency should use, not the end-all…so to not be deceived.

I work with great agencies in NYC for print work and I do not pay them to be on their website.

Fashion Night Out has no height requirement!

Thurs September 10th, No matter your height, or whether you are on a runway or not, and no matter your budget, this week you can still enjoy Fashion Week, with Fashion Night Out. I plan to go to some in-store events. Stores from Barneys or Payless will be involved. It is a way for everyone in New York and around the globe to celebrate fashion week, and fashion.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Cycle 13 short model intros

First, what the F is she wearing? Why did Tyra do this to her? Oh jeez. All the girls on their intro videos have some weird fabric on? Cinderella after midnight?

This is Sundai, if you watch ANTM you should know her because she is the shortest one of cycle 13 at 5'3' and a half. Still without my heels she is taller than me! Why Tyra didn't put some real short chicks on there, is beyond me.



Based on the videos Jennifer, Ashley, although not what I consider petite, stood out for me as go-getters and I'll be keeping an eye out. As for Jennifers poopin, modeling involves a lot of waiting at shoots so I hope she can hold "it".

I think ANTM leaves the contestants screwed in the end, and especially for a "short series" I feel that the girls will leave the show and still be unable to market what they have. The thing is Tyra didn't have to "market herself as one" from day one, ...a shorter girl has a totally different world than fashion.

Many of the girls said they didn't think they had a chance modeling until the show casted short girls, mmm, well there is more to modeling than fashion, and if you are short and only trying to get in the door at Ford models then yes you will have issues. Many shorter girls miss the commercial print modeling thing, which can be their entrance. It is hard to run with a bunch of fashion model Giraffes but there is opportunity to be a model if you are short, it is found in commercial print modeling and the more you market the assets you DO have, that can be used towards modeling products and brands the easier it will be for you to get ahead.

Also, as a petite model, opportunities doesn't find you, You find the opportunity, a girl needs to make her own compcard and put together her own portfolio and mail her compcard to print agencies. They are out there. It is work, but it is possible to find an agency to work with. I have, you can. However, there is a lot of hands on behind the scenes work a shorter girl attains to.

After the show premiere September 9th, stop my by my radio show on Blogtalkradio.com and hear my petite perspective on all the contestants.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/10/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-premiere-recap

Isobella

Short Model Fact

To work as a model I have made my own compcards, I then mailed them to the agencies and later if the agency was interested I mailed the agency more cards, the agency then uses the cards to market me to their clients. Don't think "the agency" does everything for you and if you are looking for that ...you could actually end up scammed.

Fitting into the print world as a shorter girl means hands on work, and creating photos that best market your assets, beyond height. For an aspiring model, it comes down to a lot of self made behind the scenes production work of preparing photos, shaping your portfolio and being aggressive with mailing your compcards.

Not being afraid of self promotion is key to getting ahead as a short model.

Isobella Jade's premiere-recap of ANTM cycle 13

Happy Labor Day!

This Wednesday, the 9th, I will be sharing a premiere-recap of America's Next Top Model cycle 13, catch a petite perspective on my blog, radio show, and youtube videos based on commentary for cycle 13 every week of the season. First and foremost Tyra didn't pick short enough girls!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/10/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-premiere-recap

I will also be giving a petite perspective and commentary on ANTM cycle 13 at Buddy TV and Zap2it.com during cycle 13.


Sunday, September 6, 2009

Isobella Jade: The original homeless girl speaks



Three years ago, I became the original homeless girl when media outlets such as Media Bistro, Gawker, NYPOST, NYTIMES, and sources around the globe featured my story as The Homeless Model Who Wrote Her Modeling Memoir at the Apple Store. Recently you may have heard of a girl named Bri, the 24 year old homeless girl, who was living in an RV in a Wal-Mart parking lot, and struggling to get a job, and then she emailed Elle Magazine’s advice columnist Ask E. Jean Carroll. Now she is an intern at Elle.

You don't have to be eating out of a trashcan to be homeless:
Living on the bare minimum was a way of life I got immune to, mainly because, going homelessness was a pure choice, it wasn’t because I couldn’t use my Bachelors degree and land a salary job with benefits in Advertising, I could have. I just didn’t want to. I wanted to pursue my dream instead. And if it meant giving up stability because I coulnd't hack rent while living on my dream fine, I’d suck it up.

Thankfully I had friends, or enough people in my life I could bounce from couch to couch from, (a photographer, fitness trainer, aspiring director), I never stayed on the street, or lived in an RV in a Wal-Mart parking lot, (when I heard Bri’s story Natalie Portman came to mind, in the film Where the Heart is, I am having decha vu’, aren’t you?)

Still, knowing you don’t have an address, a calm place to rest, a place of your own, your one space, is alarming. I had major anxiety, but kept focusing on my goals each day, I would figure out where I’d sleep later...

I am proud of Bri for being inventive; throwing herself out there, and the internship she landed… The internet is such a great source; it can create opportunities for people who wouldn’t originally get them otherwise.

It is also refreshing to know that there are companies out there that will take risks, and pushing the edge (hence hiring a homeless chick, when usually you need a secure address to get a job).

The risk of going homeless turned out to help me after-all:
For me, the risk of going homeless turned out to help me after-all and the Internet defiantly helped me as well, with self promotion. I had no money and no contacts in publishing. I can remember being at the Apple Store, typing on a display computer to news sources about me writing my memoir at the very store.

New to the world of publishing by reaching out to reporters, columnist, bloggers, and writers, websites like Media Bistro, Gawker, Ad Age, The Metro, Ad Age, were the first to share my story. I’ll never forget the morning I was in the New York Times, from contacting a reporter through the website contact form to send her an email, and sharing my story with her.

Writing my modeling memoir at the Apple Store, when I was homeless may have become buzz worthy, but at the time of writing my memoir the process was not something I thought I’d even ever share with people. I tried to ignore my own desperation reflecting on the computer screen each time I was at the store hogging a computer for hours. It was a choice to be there, and a choice to go homeless, and a way to survive, continue on, and keep at my pursuits. Just simply being able to check my email on the store’s display computers meant a lot. Just being able to use the bathroom was nice too.

My memoir Almost 5’4” starts when I am leaving Harlem after failing to pay rent…again. With a suitcase in hand and about $23 in my pocket, I head to the Apple Store, and a photo-shoot is scheduled for later that day, I will be soon hunting for a couch to sleep on.

As I wrote the memoir at the store, I was living it at the same time.

If I wanted to continue to live in NYC, model the way I wanted to, and keep pursuing, something had to give. Stability.

Sometimes when you want something bad enough you will even sacrifice basic “needs (stability, a home, a good meal, a computer)” over your own desire to continue to do what you want to do.

Dragging my suitcase, it was my homelessness that lead me to writing my memoir at the Apple Store, and the Apple Store would later become something marketable and even lead to opportunities.

Today I look back and think about those moments, that I consider a “precious time” in my life. I am comfortable being known as "the homeless girl who wrote her book at the Apple Store," because even though I am not homeless today I do wonder: Where would I be if I didn’t give up my apartment, go homeless, and use the Apple Store as my office? I am not sure, but I know I wouldn’t be as happy as I am today.

not our lips, breasts or hair

It is not our lips, breasts or hair that keeps our heart beating and us breathing, who we are is a lot more than appearances.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Aw, an aspiring model made me a video!

Aw. Recently an aspiring model made me a video about being a shorter model and acknowledged my tips and advice. Since it was so thoughtful I decided to share it here:




This was part of our email chat about "being a shorter model"

Dear Tori,

Models are all sizes, ethnicities and shapes, and you could get modeling work but perhaps you would not be working all around the world, jet set, or be a fashion model, but you can still get work as a model, as a shorter girl. So height should not be a factor of: If you can. It is more about you believin' in you, and thinking you can, and focusing on marketing yourself to the right agencies, the work with models (and actors) of all types. Watch Tv commercials, look at ads for lifestyle commercial products such as skincare, hair care, shoes, you can tell the girls are not all "tall Giraffes" like I call them in my memoir.

I have managed to work with some great brands, and for a shorter girl she can find opportunity but mainly marketing yourself at the start as a commercial print model is best, just to get in the agency door, and get some experience, especially since fashion agencies will just slam the door in your face. Focus on print modeling agencies.

Here are also some posts on approaching aspiring designers, and how to get some experience which could help you land some agencies working with you. At the end of the day I am my own agent, I believe I am my best marketer. I do work with print agencies in NYC, but I have worked non-exclusively with them, and I am free to model and work with other agencies at the same time.

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/does-short-girl-get-signed-to-modeling.html
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-do-you-find-professional.html
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/commercial-print-modeling-photos-for.html
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/09/do-you-have-model-compcard-you-should.html

Basically I took it upon myself to make my compcards, market them, and improve my photos, approach better photographers, and over time got opportunities. No one said "you should model" or anything. At first it was about vanity and I wrote about that in my memoir, but then it became more of a passion and I put a lot of my life into it, I wanted to do it. Self marketing is ALOT about getting opportunities when your short. And just simply trying. Presenting that you can model, that you have something to offer is important, and sometimes modeling comes down to "just being what they are looking for today." So it is a constant hustle, work, time, and involves a lot of ambition and self- motivation.

Keep striving girl,

Isobella

Top 5 Spots for Models in NYC - printing, portfolios, research, computers


1. The Apple store of course! The Apple Store on Prince Street was where I wrote my modeling memoir Almost 5'4", when I didn't have a computer and was striving as a model. I had given up my apartment and was using the store as my office. Of course the 5th Ave Store rocks and 14th Street and 9th but Prince Street to me is a second home.

2. Adorama. The store 42 West 18th Street (Between 5th & 6th Ave.'s)
New York, NY 10011, is great and the website is as well for printing prints for your model portfolio.

3. Art Stores and Photography Stores to buy portfolios.
I like the Prat brand portfolios 9.5 by 12.5 to hold portfolio images of 9" x 11". I've bought them at Lee's Art Shop.
220 West 57th Street 2nd. Floor
Between 7th Ave. and Broadway
NEW YORK, NY 10019

B&H Photo, 420 9th Ave, (9th Ave between 33rd st and 34th st) to buy a portfolio. I have bought portfolios here for $100 or less.

Also try HouseofPortfolios.com at 48 West 21st Street (6th Floor)
New York, N.Y. 10010

4. Compcard and Headshot Printing in NYC:
http://www.openmediallc.com/
http://www.reproductions.com/
http://www.fairwayprinting.com/
http://www.headshotrepros.com/prices.html
http://www.headshotsolutions.com/
http://www.artechproinc.com/contact.html
And of course www.compcard.com
Although the internet is great, if you have the option to make your compcard in person, do it, regardless of whether you use a service like www.compcard.com or walk into a printing studio, make sure you ALWAYS see the proof in person or have it mailed to you, so you can in person, physically, hold it in your hand and see the colors and how the card looks. Colors can look different when shown on the computer screen so ALWAYS see a proof before you approve it. Also feel the card stock and look for quality in the printing you use, your comp card represents you as the best of you so make sure you are selective and comfortable when printing your card.

5. Bookstores. Go to book stores and look in the magazine sections, look in all types of magazines, from travel, to fitness, etc. Notice that the models used in many different types of magazines are not all tall and fashion models. Notice the energy, smiles, expressions and personality seen in magazine ads, and editorials, not just fashion magazines.

Meet me after the premiere of ANTM cycle 13

This Weds September 9th, the short model will start to shine on America's Next Top Model, by now you know I am not a die hard fan of the show but I will be watching and for my readers, listeners and viewers of my Short Model Support on my blogs, radio show and video guides, I will be giving insight on Cycle 13 and tips for models of all heights. Hence this video I made:


Meet me on my radio show this coming Weds, the 9th at 10pm for a recap insight on the first episodes of cycle 13. Details here:


Mark your calendar now darlings, I will be sharing my first America's Next Top Model cycle 13 recap! Meet me after the premiere. Go shorties! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/10/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-premiere-recap

Isobella is the author of Almost 5'4" and her forthcoming graphic novel Model Life, her own how-to-model guide for the short girl will be out ASAP.

Friday, September 4, 2009

5 things models should check out this fall




Skin: Best thing I've bought recently: Noxzema bikini shavers, they are tiny, itty bitty shavers, easy to keep in your bag, just in case! $3.49, or check out soaps from Fresh, or stop by the LUSH store and treat yourself to eco-friendly beauty from head to toe.

Fashion: Get a pair of booties. They are a cute way to gain some inches!

Art: Dress Codes, International Center of Photography, OCTOBER 2, 2009 – JANUARY 3, 2010
info here: http://www.icp.org/site/c.dnJGKJNsFqG/b.5394877/k.97DE/Dress_Codes.htm

Film: The release of the film Coco Before Chanel (September 25)

Books: My graphic novel Model Life: The Journey of a Pint Size Fashion Warrior (November 2nd)

Being more than your boobs-I have small tits essay


(Jane Mansfield's big tits and Sophia Loren taking a peek)

I have small tits. But I like them.

I can feel, when I walk in the room, the females looking at my breasts, noticing how big they are, or aren’t, asking themselves if they make me more pretty. I can feel this and I see it too. Nice to meet you, -their-eyes-at my chest-...um...ok.


It makes me wonder if guys would stare at each other crotches if they wore super, super tight jeans like girls do, where you could see the bulge.

I hate reading about celebrities having low self-esteem because of their tits being small. I roll my eyes again. I can’t admire someone who is only about appearances. I just can’t. I don’t care if someone is pretty, sure it feels great to dress up and put on a cute pair of shoes and feel gorgeous in a sleek dress, but I care more about: doing something for someone else. When I look at a female, I don’t think: oh she has nice boobs, she’s pretty, she’s lucky. Instead I think to myself: What is she leaving besides just a smell of perfume, or pin up posture, or their whine about their tits being not perfect or big enough?

I wish more women would love what they do have, work with, accept the challenge with energy over loving what they were born with, the confidence found in just saying “this is me, take it or leave it, this is me”…. yet instead I hear too much about women wanting to "change them selves.” Honestly. I wish more women would just love themselves.

Many style shows also bash women so badly. For drama sake. So much on TV is negative towards women, about how terrible someone is dressed and how someone superior can fix it. YAK, it is terrible! You don’t have to fit in a size 0 or have a C cup to be beautiful.


What if more women loved themselves and what they have? What would our world be like?

The obsession over boobs is crazy. I do remember photographers saying “you’d be perfect if you had bigger boobs.” And overhearing a photographer say “She’d be great if only she had implants”

I do have a curvy behind and if my boobs were slightly bigger sure I would be 100% proportioned, but screw it, I like my boobs. They fit me. I like my nips, and the shape of my boobs, it’s all fine to me. Whatever. I wear padded bras, and if I want my boobs to fit a sweater better or a dress I just put on a bra. The process of “getting implants” freaks me out. I can’t get my head around having something plastic, some sort of saline inserted under my skin. Cut, insert, and sew. I am not a rag doll. Think about it! Sticking a cutlet of plastic in your boob!!? No thanks mamma!

My boobs don’t make me. Or define me. I am more than my tits. I don’t judge a girl’s tits. I think confidence is working what you got, loving what you have, and knowing it's ok not to be the- girl -in- the -room -with- the -biggest, -fakest,- rounded- tits -ever. You are still worthy and a whole person.

Something squishy, curvy, and soft flesh does attract a man but I'd rather have him look at my eyes. Compliment my features beyond my boobs, ass, etc. I get more flattered, and feel prettier, when I am complimented on something I did, said, or created. What ever happened to that? What if women and men started to compliment more of people’s actions? Complimented a person on what they did for someone? What if pretty, meant the word giving. What if the definition of perfect meant loving what you “are” as a person, flaws and all? What if beauty was just waking up and saying “I mean more than only how I look today.”

Suddenly your purpose wouldn’t be based on pure appearances.

I personally feel more complimented when it is on something that I used my mind to create or my heart to affect.

It is nuts how some women obsess over boobs. Their own boobs, and stare at other women's boobs, compare, judge, jeez get off my tits!

Modeling and making legs look longer





An aspiring model in Philadelphia asked me: "I was wondering if I should use short dresses and skirts for my advantage when I shoot because I am short, I am 5'2"?"

My thoughts:
Wearing a denim skirt or dress that is 6-8inches should be fine, above in the knee skirts are fine too, but don't go slutty with it. It is easy to quickly make a hot mini look trashy if your pose is too glamour-ish, stick to making your shots show your personality with energy and happy expressions. You could apply "the walking" appeal when you do the shoot. Walk and smile while wearing the skirt/dress, something that simple, maybe with a handbag on your shoulder, can look very nice. Similar the image above, keep it up beat, commercial print styled, and full of energy. Sitting at the edge of a couch can make your legs look longer, and bending your knee and creating space between your limbs can make you look longer. Observe the images above and create something that shows you have nice legs for skincare, shoe ads, and commercial products and apply your personality. Don't make it too stiff, no pouts, no hard looks, fresh, happy, catalog, up beat energy is what you want to show while wearing a skirt.