Isobella's Closet, some random outfits I wore this week

Taken with iPhone.


Forever 21 dress, Style & Co shoes, vintage Dooney & Burke bag.


BCBG Dress, Guess shoes.



Nina shoes, random hat from the street, H&M skirt, Aqua tank.

This week on my Model Talk Radio podcast Today at 1pm!

Today at 1pm, on my podcast Model Talk Radio, I will be share the things I've learned along the way about being a self-made model, and the things the don't tell you about the day-and-the-life of working as a model, when you're not giraffe tall, and how to handle the highs and lows of the pursuit.

Title of show: Being a shorter model: the things they don't tell you


Date / Length: 6/30/2010 1:00 PM - 15 min


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/06/30/being-a-shorter-model-the-things-they-dont-tell-you

Shoe modeling contest winner is Glenda + parts modeling tips

The Shoe Modeling Contest winner is Glenda, even though I wish there was a smile, when I look at her shot I think "catalog" this looks like a catalog for an online shoe retailer, or a store like Macy's. I think the dress is a bit too bold and the shoes should have been a bit more directly where my eye went, but she looks comfortable in her skin, and in the shoes, and she looks long and proportioned. Shoe modeling can involve full body and I like where Glenda was going with the shot.


She wins this! Michael Antonio Shoes (size 6) and Clarins Self Tanner, and a copy of my modeling memoir Almost 5'4"!




Most petite girls are a smaller size shoe and using your foot, legs, "parts" for parts modeling can be a way to get the door with a modeling agency. Many print agencise have "parts modeling divisions." It does involve submitting the right photos/ a comp card that shows your parts in a natural and ad inspired way.

There were some other submissions for the shoe contest I held last week that were of just the legs and feet. And for parts modeling it could work to just show the legs, Sharlotte from London, England sent me this leg shot. The background is a bit messy. So I would get rid of the clothing in the background, and keep it clean for creating a 'parts modeling shoe/leg shot'.

Also when creating shoe modeling shots, I think changing up the polish is a good idea. For health, beauty, heels, skincare, sandals, toes are seen sometimes, but in natural colors, clear, or light pink. Also showing your feet in and legs in different types of shoes, sneakers, sandels, heels, and by themselves in the sand or low cut grass, or just a plain background color is best. Also keep in mind, it is best not to promote that you are a "feet model", (this can sound be amatuer and can led to the wrong thing) it is better to say "parts model."

Here are more tips for getting into parts modeling. And below are more tips on creating photos for parts modeling.

Here are some samples of my feet and legs in ads:




Other tips on creating photos for parts modeling here:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/02/corazon-latino-silver-jewelry-doesnt.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/05/parts-modeling-compcard-tips.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/06/foot-modeling-and-parts-modeling-womans.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/01/hand-modeling-has-no-height-requirement.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/01/leg-modeling-even-if-your-pint-size.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/short-is-short-but-short-modes-should.html

Last Day to Submit to shoe modeling contest!

Today is the last day to submit to my shoe modeling contest! Deadline is Friday!

Win a pair of Michael Antonio Shoes (size 6) and Clarins Self Tanner, and a copy of my memoir Almost 5'4". This video shares how to submit! :) (email me a photo of yourself shoe modeling your favorite pair of summer shoes to petitepride@yahoo.com

Deadline is June 25th 2010!

The winner's photo will be posted on this blog next week.



Did you miss this weeks live segment of Model Talk Radio, you can still listen here, and also hear the other archived podcasts on how shorter models can get ahead! :)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade

Shoe modeling contest! There is still time to submit

I've gotten some good submissions but there is still time to submit to the shoe modeling contest! Deadline is Friday!



Right now you can start submitting to my shoe modeling contest. Win a pair of Michael Antonio Shoes (size 6) and Clarins Self Tanner, and a copy of my memoir Almost 5'4". This video shares how to submit! :) (email me a photo of yourself shoe modeling your favorite pair of summer shoes to petitepride@yahoo.com deadline is June 25th 2010!) The winner's photo will be posted on this blog.

The Broke Model's Photography Guide -Thursday!

Agencies don't need the sparkle, all the dazzle, or fake eye-lashes, they just need to see the real you! The photos you need to start modeling no matter your size are pretty basic. Just keep in mind print modeling is all about personality, energy and actually, it is a lot more conservative than you might think. (so even if you have a nice body and want to do swimwear, you need to tame down the pout and put on the smile.)

On MODEL TALK RADIO the topic is The Broke Model's Photography Guide, because the basics are something that all aspiring models need and they are not that hard to create. Learn about what photos you need, how to pose naturally, and get something that will at least help you market yourself to agencies. (also covered will be things to avoid, the debate over tfp photography and how shorter models can use what they do have beyond height to get work.)

Tune in here for the live show at 11 AM EST 6/24/2010 or catch the archive anytime:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/06/24/the-broke-models-photography-guide

And don't forget you can win a pair of Michael Antonio shoes (Size 6), Clarin's Self Tanner and a copy of my memoir by emailing me a photo of yourself modeling your favorite summer shoes. Email: petitepride@yahoo.com Deadline this Friday the 25th!

Aim high,
~isobella

Chiquita Banana Sticker Design Contest

This is a funky cool contest!

Chiquita Brands Launches Chiquita^TM Banana Sticker Design Contest

Business Wire

CINCINNATI -- June 22, 2010

If you ever wanted to get your artwork in the hands of millions, here’s your chance to personalize the famous blue Chiquita sticker that has adorned countless numbers of the world’s bananas for nearly 50 years. Beginning June 21, 2010, Chiquita Brands is inviting consumers to visit www.EatAChiquita.com^TM and put their own spin on the company’s iconic brand image as part of the Chiquita Banana Sticker Design Contest. Eighteen participants will be awarded the ultimate satisfaction and recognition of personalizing an old classic, and having their winning design featured on millions of Chiquita® bananas nationwide.

Chiquita has taken a rather unique approach when it comes to their beloved logo – one that is collaborative and more accessible to fans than ever. “We created the Chiquita Banana Sticker Design Contest to encourage consumers to interact with the Chiquita brand and make the brand their own,” said Judy Chen, Corporate Marketing Group Leader at Chiquita. For the first time ever, Chiquita is giving consumers the opportunity to create their own sticker design based on the iconic blue Chiquita sticker or vote for their favorite design by visiting the Silver Addy Award-winning www.EatAChiquita.com website. “It’s a fun way for consumers to engage with the brand through self-expression.”

Entries can be submitted at www.EatAChiquita.com/sticker-contest between June 21, 2010 and July 18, 2010. Once the top fifty finalists are announced on
August 23, 2010, the site will open to the general public for voting on the 18 grand prizewinners through September 12, 2010. No purchase is necessary and official contest rules are available online. The top 50 finalists will receive a prize package of an EatAChiquita.com t-shirt and merchandise from Chiquita’s Shop A Peel Zazzle store (www.Zazzle.com/ShopAPeel^TM) customized with their very own sticker design.

All entries must be received by July 18, 2010 to be considered. Finalists and winners will be notified by email and mail during the length of the promotion.
All 18 winners will be announced on www.EatAChiquita.com on September 13,2010.

equestrian riding pants = so hot!

It's hot, hot, hot in NYC right now, it's so icky waiting for the subway to arrive but when it cools off this fall, I am totally feeling getting some equestrian riding pants. I do love horses, and riding them, and here is a pant that have caught my eye. I like the pants a bit more than the leggings. Also they will be warm in the fall/winter.

This Vince Ponte Riding Pant is oh so HOT! (piperlime.com)

Short Models Shoe Modeling Contest Starts Now

Right now you can start submitting to my shoe modeling contest. Win a pair of Michael Antonio Shoes (size 6) and Clarins Self Tanner, and a copy of my memoir Almost 5'4". This video shares how to submit! :) (email me a photo of yourself shoe modeling your favorite pair of summer shoes to petitepride@yahoo.com deadline is June 25th 2010!) The winner's photo will be posted on this blog.

I believe in working hard

I believe in working hard, and that there is no short cut. I am currently writing a YA novel, striving to write a chapter a day, among other things I'm doing, and without putting your hand on your goals, they will just sit there and start to rot. Accept that the road is long and the journey is a part of it, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. I believe in working hard and I really like people who do. :)
~isobella jade

Hanging out with the WiiingGirls at the Red Bull Air Show

Photos from the weekend with WiiingGirls from the Red Bull Air Race at Liberty State Park, I was trying to see how many girls I could get photos with. (I loved their little hats!)

Hand models are all ages

At my casting yesterday(for hands) I was the youngest one there. One girl brought a baby carriage and her baby. It cried alittle but I will admit I was alittle shocked to bring the baby to the casting. I wondered when I left if she left the baby in the hallway or took it in with her when it was her turn. Anyways, hand mo...dels are all ethnicties and ages and types for sure let that inspire you :)

Tomorrow morning 10 am Model Talk Radio

Tomorrow morning 10 AM Model Talk Radio. See you there! I will be basing the segment on some recent topics on the blog on the importance of posing naturally and not relying on the photographer to tell you what to do as a model, and also some tips when it comes to approaching a modeling agency and how you should be interviewing the modeling agency as they interview you. The segment is called Why There are not petite modeling agencies. And I will tell you why! :) ~isobella jade

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/06/17/why-there-are-not-petite-modeling-agencies

If you haven't checked out my memoir Almost 5'4" check it out here. And "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior" can be found here. (amazon and bn)

Some recent posts from my modeling tips blog here:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/dont-over-mail-modeling-agency-same-old.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/is-it-good-fit-interviewing-modeling.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/models-facing-mirror-naturally-posing.html

polls are not working

I am soo ohhh sooo bummed that my polls are not working on my blog right now. So sorry for the Google weird icon. Trying to fix it.

isobella

Self publishing means freedom BEA

I first self-published my modeling memoir Almost 5'4" by choice, and recently at BEA I spoke on a panel about the experience, "Self Publishing means freedom", is my quote in the Kirkus Review from BEA above. I've worked w big, small publishers & myself and you are always your own hustler, no matter how you are publishing, you are always your best marketer, and passion and persistence is a major part of it.

use each day, set goals, prepare

"Don't let the thought of what you don't have yet hold you back, focus on what you want to accomplish, use each day, set goals, prepare, and be prepared for the highs and lows of striving." ~isobella jade

Models facing the mirror, naturally posing is a process and an asset

Last night on my iPhone I was checking my Facebook messages, and I replied to a girl who wrote me this:
Hello hope you are well. I think I told you in the past that I was curious about modeling and had started pushing that curiousity. Well anyhow I got on with an agency in Seattle recently and this last weekend did a photoshoot with a photographer in Seattle in order to get some professional shots. What I learned is that I have a lot to learn about modeling, I felt so intimidated doing the photoshoot cause I really didn't know what I was doing. I've never taken a modeling class before but have taken acting on the camera, I'm looking to do consumer print type of work. I never realized how important hands were in modeling and relaxing and I kept looking to my photographer for "what do I do next". If you have time, what would your best advice be about someone who was just starting at age 31, lol, and who has no idea how to model but is good at learning? I'm the kind of person who when she sets her mind to something can do anything. Thankyou for your time.

My reply might inspire you:

Hi Hun, I got your message and liked it because it is touches on the very thing it takes to model or pursue anything that is a challenge. I am about to go to bed, it's 12:30 am in NYC but I wanted to tell you to hang in there. Learning -in modeling happens from 2 things. Observing yourself an trying again. You are right about the hands and a hand can ruin a shot. I think I will write a post on this topic on my blog as well because really what your curious about is based on Knowing yourself- and the cameras perspective. The mirror is the best thing to get infront of right now And practice, not forcing the posing but noticing what happens when you move your body how it changes. Where do ur hands go? How does your expression change your body? And you are right modeling is tough and work and involves the whole self to be aware. I think it takes some creativity to model well, and I don't mean makeup and hair I am talking about knowing the concept and goal of the shoot and projecting that for the camera. I think it is a mix of knowing the camera is there enough to model for it but also forget about it enough to be yourself and be aware to keep it natural. Not needing direction and being able to put your energy into the shoot is best ...it is what makes a good model actually. Here is a little test. Face the mirror. Grab a handbag and model it in 15 different ways within 5 minutes without stopping but doing it in a fluid way. I am serious. Usually on a job the actual modeling is fast! The prep is what takes the longest -lighting, makeup, etc. Sometimes the shots for a job are crafted and planned and you are told what to do but other times not and the models personality and modeling skill gets the job done. It is a team effort but knowing how to model a product naturally and knowing yourself and proportions is a smart asset and skill to master as an aspiring model that you are. Age has nothing to do with it :)I hope this helps a bit for now, ~isobella
Ps: look at lifestyle magazines from More to O to redbook to Marie Claire and glamour magazine, get inspired by the shots of women smiling and engaging with products in the ads :) observe and grow and try

polaroid of new blue Max Studio dress

My long dress short jacket look today, taken from iPhone, Max Studio dress forever 21jacket, Anne Klein heels. I mix it up. This is from just a moment ago, just now, polaroid in my new Max Studio blue dress in chair by window, with and without jacket.

My Big HAT for the Belmont Stakes, Modeling Tips, Houston, and nail polish tricks

Here is a video that shares my BIG Hat that I will be wearing at the Belmont Stakes today! whoo hoo, and some modeling tips, before I head to Houston tomorrow, along with some nail polish tricks. Enjoy!

Isobella's closet, denim dress petite favorite, Aldo sandals, tote and scarf

Totes are a great size handbag for petite's

I am NOT MAJOR into logo's, I actually avoid them, and instead I love finding something unique, something that is vintage is awesome, and something that has an original, one of a kind flair.

Well this handbag was found in Madison, GA, during a trip to Atlanta, and it was most likely in someone's sweet granmdmother's basement, and that is the reason I like it, I like it because it is beat up a little, has a story within the handles, the little nicks show that the bag was used and loved. And I now get to love it!

I think tote bags this size are perfect for petite or smaller girls. Easy to carry and they are proportioned to our size! It is around 13" x 8". It is so easy to hold and carry and it carries EVERYTHING! The only thing it doesn't carry however is my modeling portfolio, it doesn't fit, but on the weekends or when I don't have a casting I am rocking this older Dooney & Bourke bag.

In Isobella's closet, Petite Fashion Favs

Love white and cream colored shorts and cropped denim jackets Forever 21 and Ralph Lauren gold shirt size S/P and Nina shoes and like to tie scarves to my bags.

And I love knitted tops too, Forever 21

Model beauty tricks, nail polish savior!

I'm off to get some of my favorite heels fixed at my fav shoe repair, and here is a shoe trick: buy nail polish in the colors of your heels, I have red, brown, black, silver, that way if you scuff up your shoe's heel just paint a little bit of polish on the scrape or scuff and it will hold you over until you can get to the shoe repair. I always carry nail polish in my purse. (just bought an awesome brown from Revlon)

Also when you go to the salon to get your nails done, bring your own polish with you, you can touch up any chips and mani/pedi lasts longer (and bring your own nail file and buffer too, be safe/cleaner!). Don't feel awkward telling the lady to please use your own awesome file and polish. They will. Just ask. I always do it.


:)

~isobella jade

Houston Modeling and Talent Agencies

Hey, ya'all, I am visiting Houston, TX next week and I wanted to share a modeling agency highlight on the Houston area for aspiring models of all sizes. Here are some agencies to check out these three in Houston appeared legit and work with all ages.

http://www.page713.com/

http://firstmodelshouston.com/

http://www.pastorini-bosbytalent.com/SeekingRepresentation.html

I am looking for more legit agencies in Houston with a great rep, email me if you have had a great experience with an agency in Houston. Email: petitepride@yahoo.com
I don't care how long you have been around or who you've helped succeed, I care if you are legit, and not a scam!

( I do not support modeling schools or classes to be a model, or believe in paying crazy fees to work with agencies. Agencies take 20% of your pay from a booking. These days for print modeling agencies do not invest in their models such as making their comp cards, getting their portfolio, etc, this is something a model needs to buy on her own, go to the art store and get a PRATT portfolio. Use a printing service for your comp card and headshot. Don't fall for scams. These days it is about you discovering yourself and this doesn't involve getting scammed.)

Keep in mind these days anyone "scouting models" is a scam. Scouts back in the day seeked tall models and these days it has become scam-ville for a person to say "You could model!" so beware!

To work with a modeling agency you do not have to pay to use their photo services, and you do not have to pay for a modeling school or lessons,******** however you should be prepared to create and make your own comp cards and I suggest doing this through a printing service such as compcard.com and a professional agency that wants to work with you will at the very least work with the card you give them, even if it is not perfect, until you can improve it. DO NOT pay thousands for comp cards and photos, beware, it's a rip off! Also keep in mind you don't need a whole freaking portfolio to start modeling, you just need the basics shots. headshot, smile shot, standing catalog like shot, and a shot showing you CAN model a product naturally, like a cell phone, a handbag, a close up beauty shot is nice, and these shots can be basic, good lighting, and a professional photographer who understands print modeling is BEST to work with. But YOU should know ahead what YOU need for print modeling. Do your homework!

I believe in investing in yourself for yourself, not for an agency, until the agency is booking you consistant work, I would freelance non-exclusive with the agency and understand that you are your own best manager. Eyes open and do your research on the agencies ahead. Goodluck!

Aim high and Strive!
Isobella

Shoes for short girls Style and Co is not for old ladies

Actually bought some shoes today that were not heels. Could be for any size of course, but as a girl who loves my heels, these are cute enough to be something I could rock with a dress or pair of shorts.

I am open minded about shoes and the brand, I focus on what I could wear that shoe with more than once! :)

Going to Houston this weekend, after Belmont Stakes (going to wear a ol big hat!), and will have up some modeling agencies in Houston for print models soon! By the way the sun is beating so hard on my window I could get a suntan inside, might need to put on sunscreen, don't want lines!!

when creating a model comp card natural is better

Today I am sharing the latest insight on model casting and comp cards and how there is no need to spend a fortune on compcard photos or portfolio photos anymore, and how professional images does not mean overly photoshopped images, she shares how your natural self is better for booking modeling work these days.

Tune in here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/06/02/model-castings-and-comp-cards-2010

June 2, 2010
Listen to archive anytime and other segments on Model Talk Radio here:
www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade

Model Castings and Compcard Update

Well, lately at castings I have been noticing a few interesting things.

1. Compcards are not being taken.
2. portfolio's are not looked at.

You might be wondering, does this mean you don't need these things to model? The answer is YOU Totally still DO!!

But you should know why casting directors are more inclined to just take your photo at a casting.

Your photo is taken at the casting, and you do sign in and fill out a casting sheet, but casting directors, photographers, and editors are taking natural snap shots vs. the comp card.

Today I even had a chat with another model while at a casting who said "models never look like their compcard anyways."

I said, "I do!"

(Cause I do! I make sure the photos on my comp card do look like me! And I find that important and take pride in the fact I can be diverse but it looks like me.)

But she is right, many models are overly photoshopped, and a comp card can often lie about what the model really looks like. Photoshop has perhaps caused casting drectors to not take comp cards and instead prefer to not even see them, or the portfolios and just book the model based on the natural digital snapshot taken at the casting.

However, however, however, however,don't think you can skip the comp card, no no no, you DO have to have a comp card still, and you do still need to have a portfolio. Yet the modeling industry, and advertising industry and marketing industry has become more about being natural, and not so much about over produced photos. A comp card is how you get a modeling agency to work with, you mail the agency by postal mail it is still a MUST have, no questions, but be aware that the type of images and the interests of many casting directors these days is all about being natural.

What does this mean for you?
It means you don't have to spend a fortune on your modeling photos and that commercial print photos with a natural look are not complicated to create and that you should not be going broke to take them. You need basic shots, and here are examples of print modeling photos to inspire you.

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/commercial-print-modeling-photos-for.html
You do need a portfolio still and of course comp cards but I am letting you know that I am noticing more and more, more than ever, casting directors want to see the real you!

Also be aware of the casting details before you attend, today at a casting for a pharmaceutical ad, which is conservative a girl was wearing super high heels, and for something this conservative, it is better to tame down the heel height, and bring sandals, --most models change their shoes for castings, but be aware if actually your heel height is making you look wrong for the part.

Finally, when it comes to creating your comp cards don't shoot with an amatuer photographer, take yourself more seriously, and don't shoot with anyone who doesn't understand what print modeling is-the results of the photos will not help you if the photographer does not understand YOUR needs. If you really want to model you have to notice where you fit into the industry and where you can really find opportunities and the photography you use to market yourself does matter.

More on my podcast here on modeling comp cards and casting tips:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/06/02/model-castings-and-comp-cards-2010