Sunday, December 9, 2007

A Message for Kellie Pickler

I have a message for Kellie Pickler and her amazing touching song " I wonder." She is a strong vibrant woman, I look in her eyes and really see that Kellie has a story to tell. Not just about her own music and mother but I really think she will always be known to not hold back and to be comfortable to reveal her honest feelings and as a singer I really respect her. My father was an alcoholic, today he is recovering and over all my striving to model I haven't had a role model or father figure in the typical American Dad way, and when I wrote and published a book I detailed my relationship with my father and it was a very emotional experience to write with such honesty. I think you are an example that a person's struggles can turn into their huge success, and you are extremely driven and focused and able to sing with your heart. I admire your lyrics and voice. I now really love Country music because of words like yours.

Managing Goals and Rent- Freelancers

The toughest thing is managing rent, bills and having a dream and goal. Really making the plans you have happen can mean putting into perspective the daily choices you make. Survival should be first, ( although for me sometimes it was last) it should be first. I know it might seem like life passes by fast and it does, even if you have to take a month off to get organized it is worth it....It might take some time to get good images, a comp card, and afford to put together a book, but after you do even 6 months of hard work and submitting to agents and to magazines could get you work and tearsheets. Within a year you could have some good work in your portfolio. Sometimes to get the bigger jobs and to get the agent you need a tear sheet to get you going. So if you don't have agency I would focus on trying to get tearsheets, and this can only take a few minutes of your day but you have to have your marketing tools. For printing try www.adorama.com/

But even with the modeling agent and modeling agency you have to always work for yourself, market yourself and be aware that nothing happens if you wait!

goodluck!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Print Agencies Like Petite Models

I love Google, I do it to promote my self and when you are modeling you can use basic words to find out a lot of informtion such as by Googling:

print modeling agencies + NYC
Or
Modeling agencies + NYC

Usually if the agency has print as a focus you can send pictures no matter your size.
Make a compcard, or put together some images and mail them to print agencies in NYC. Just google Print Modeling Agencies. These agencies might be a good choice to mail, or call or email them.

http://www.fftmodels.com/

http://www.r-lmodels.com/

http://www.modelserviceagency.com/

Friday, December 7, 2007

The Tiniest Model poses in front of the Largest Apple Store


Well this week I posed in front of the New sparkling Apple Store. I can't wait to try out the new atmosphere and iMacs at the new store on 14th Street. Here I am posing infront of the store and to see more pics please see the Media Bistro link.

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/

Homelessness To me, Modeling vs. a Home

Homelessness to me doesn't mean I have lived on the streets. Homelessness is a feeling inside and being comfortable with the main home of you being inside of your heart and mind. Physically having no place to call home and being ok because it is a choice.

I have a college degree in Advertising. But I made a choice in Oct 2005 that I could manage to live without a home or stability. I had some wonderful friends who I bounced around to and from, but also I ended up desperate at times using anyone as a potential place to stay. Striving directors, photographers, and gym workers, friends, a guy I was seeing at the time. It was a rough moment but I knew I was striving for my dream and worth it. I don't think many models would give up their roof, for the chance, but I did. We all know paying rent is a stability that is needed, but for me, I couldn't manage at the time. And I made a choice to still model, or get a 9-5 job and survive but not have my modeling.
It was always my choice, -to throw out my clothing and furniture and live out of 5 bags and soon a suitcase, and try and try again to manage stability but it was always a choice and I remember some days wondering "where am I sleeping tonight," and I don't regret those times, but now I am with more stability. It is the last chapter of my book.

Today on The View, actor Ernie Hudson spoke about a movie he is in about homelessness. I plan on seeing it and taking in the emotion. Check out Ernie's history too here.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Dave Matthews sings for the Petite Models- well I think so...

In Dave Matthews words for the song Little Thing...
So, um, so weve been doing this, uh, this tour, what I guess this is our
Fifth show weve done, tim and i, and, uh... (applause) and, uh, so this little
Song has been growing out, uh, while weve been playing, sort of a little
Story. and the little story I was in new york city and, uh, I was walking down
The street. trying to find the place I was going (I cant remember where I was
Going now). cause I met this girl and I asked her directions, you know. and
She was, she was tiny, you know. she, she wasnt young,she was just tiny and,
Uh, so I asked her directions and she said, oh thats the way down there, walk
Over there, go down there, you walk over there, and you go down there and then
You're there. something like that, anyway. so, uh, but I walked about ten
Paces away and I was thinking... daaamn, that girl was fine. and, oh, I turned
Around to tell her so, and ask her maybe her name, or maybe if we should go and
Get a cup of, who knows, coffee or something. and Im sure if I turned around
And find Her there I would have found out something...

Hand Modeling with Animals



I am so impressive with Guido Danele's work, and I wanted to share how he makes the hand a Masterpiece.

These shots might inspire some ideas for putting together a hand modeling portfolio, or at least one idea.
http://www.guidodaniele.com/

Mmmm.
isobella

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

P.Diddy fragrance on My Chest Tonight


Well the day ended with pouring Champaign for P.Diddy and the Sean John crew, it was maybe my last time ever pouring Champaign. ( only one glass broke tonight) For some extra holiday cash I was a drink mixer sporting an Unforgivable Woman tee shirt representing Puffy’s new fragrance which is a major hit globally. I didn’t expect to see P.Diddy tonight but he sure has put a lot of heart into his line and Perfume Company and image. I like the passion inside his company, the message of doing your dream, and being an independent and striving individual. When I put the orange juice into the flute and then adding the Champaign the drink was originally for a girl who wanted a blini CHAMPAIGN COCTAIL, then right when I am almost done pouring a hand is coming towards me and it is P.Diddy's hand, well of course Sean Combs gets the drink first and the timing was so perfect. www.diddy.com/

I just hoped he didn't mind the Blini part.
Cheers to his hustle and ironically in my book Almost 5'4" my quote is by his fav: The Notorious B.I.G. and from the song Juicy " You know very well who you are, don't let them hold you down, reach for the stars." That song gets me excited, pumped and ready to rock. It defines where I was at when I wrote the book. I listen to that song on the subway and seriously lip it daily.

www.seanjohnfragrances.com/

Before this event tonight, I did a shoot at the Apple Store. I almost froze in my sexy Nina shoes but it was worth it. No matter the weather, the bank account highs and lows, the pressure, or the chance and odds, I will be always trying to keep striving and dreaming. I hope you tune into my podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade where I shared some insight to how Publishing a Book and also Modeling have a lot to do with Marketing.

NYC Handbag Designer Jacquelyn LaCroix


I admire Jacquelyn LaCroix on and her leather handbag company, LaCroix handbag Co. full of leather, lambskin, detail, and goat leather is something to fall in love with, and she is a woman that any aspiring model, or dreamer could look up too.

Recently Mandy Moore ( wearing a LaCroix clutch on her arm,)and Fantastia have her bags. Jacquelyn LaCroix is a handbag designer that will soon be seen in a national retailer.

http://www.lacroixdesigns.com/

Rachel Ray and Jen, scrapping a yummy Dinner

I enjoyed watching Jen on Rachel Ray this morning. I like how she wasted none of her
ingredients and I can relate. I do use the whole lemon when I cook. I love making my pasta with throwing in lemon and seasonings, and the chicken have lemon on it too. I use the ends too. Nothing is wasted when you are working, and cooking on a budget. You can even make Roman Noodles taste even better with adding some lemon, or veggies to it, or chicken or pork.

www.rachaelray.com/

Sometimes even after finally getting the paycheck I waited weeks or months for, I still eat on a budget because you can! It is easy to enjoy a meal with the ones you love without getting a headache. I do love the feeling of making a meal and having the ones I love enjoy it, it does touch my heart, -even for a raga-muffin model like me!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Victoria Secret Show and Silver Belles

Well, since many girls admire the Victoria Secret girls, I tuned in tonight to CBS. Wow an hour went by. Honest opinion: I only sort of liked the show. I liked the Star at the end that Heidi wore, and how it popped open. I really liked the artistic, artist lingerie, but I think it could have been a bit more creative, edgy and off the hook. The girl walking with the belle on her neck was a little scary, it looked painful. I miss the lace and wish there was more fur lingerie, fake fur, but soft looking lingerie would be cool. Something extra special for Xmas. I think Sports Illustrated is hot hot hot, but the Spice Girls did good and Victoria Beckham rocked it in her cute little hat and gear very well. As for the show: It would have been cute if little elfs walked the ladies dow nthe runway, something with more personality than shaking the butt with angel wings, seen it, done it already.

Petite Modeling castings and no calls for Vaseline

It is frustrating over and over to go to castings and get no call backs. Or when you do get a call back, you show up on time, even early, this is for your second meeting, which should mean your chances are high, and sign in, and watch the other girls come in to limit your chances, and then you get seen and give not only your hands, but your whole body, click, click, arch your back, jump on the table, turn, the other way, lean forward, back, show your hands, flip, side, front, back, thank you. And then no call. Mmmm. But when you do get a call back and get booked or get a direct booking it like Yes, Yes, screaming to the stars and moon. Yess!!!!

Comp card hustling and designing

Picking images can sometimes be a process for me. Today it took way too long, I debated over making my comp card show my body and also show my personality. I want to be able to market myself to brands like Sally Beauty and also to lingerie companies and jobs for body part modeling. I really need more than one card. One that shows my personality and commercial appeal, some fashion looks, (meaning modeling clothing, shoes, or bags) and also a card that shows my parts. A parts card will allow me to model my hands, legs, stomach, behind, and curves, along with my hair and eyes, and my commercial card is needed for jobs for editorials and where personality counts!

I recently took a really great butt shot which will be used on both cards because it does show my curves but also it is shot in a commercial way. It is in a thong lingerie set from H&M which I love, but my image is shot very catalog like, so it works with a commercial card. If you want to show your body and you want to also model commercial products, beauty products, etc, you need to shoot your body in a commercial way.

Crossing fingers on this card. I think it will be good!
I did a Google search of the word model and found www.compcard.com, which is a very decent source, and if you want advice they can give it too!

Monday, December 3, 2007

The Apple's model, Meets Store number 3, (her lucky number)

My favorite number is three, my favorite subway is the 3 train and the third Apple Store opens this week!
The Apple Store is a peaceful place, a creative place, a busy place, a place I like to call my second home, the Apple Store is an inventive place, a dreamers escape, a makers make. I saw a sticker poster thing on 25th Street advertising the launch of the store. And http://www.tuaw.com reported that:Apple Store in NYC is due to open this Friday, and official Apple e-vites went out earlier today. New York City's fourth Apple retail outlet (three in Manhattan, one on Staten Island -- no love for Brooklyn, Apple? What's up with that?) will be opening to the public at 6 pm on Friday 12/7. The store will be open 9 am to midnight Mon-Sat and 9-7pm on Sundays.!!!! Very exciting!

Following a handbag designer around town.

I recently wrote a story about following around the handbag designer Jacquelyn LaCroix in New York City, and watching her design routine and it was a very insightful experience. The day in the life that I experienced with Jacquelyn LaCroix is featured here on www.citychickmag.com. Ever wonder where your handbag comes from? Or what it takes to be a designer?

http://www.citychickmag.com/beautyfashion/0043.html

Steve Jobs Licks a Good Design.

In the December issue of In Store magazine, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, is quoted with his thoughts of design. "You know a design is good when you want to lick it." Oh racy! Well, serious, I could see that impluse. If it is smooth and shines a new and original feeling,then it might inspire to be touched and licked. I have never licked an iMac, I have posed nude with one recently for a shoot for Mac Directory Magazine though. Over-all, I think Steve would like my book!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

The Hits and Clicks of Modeling and Shoes

I think to get ahead as a model, it takes persistance, order, a plan, and goals. It takes also understanding what you are really doing. Modeling is about a product and I think the Internet has meant that modeling has become more about the hits and clicks these days since anyone can be apart of a modeling website. It is easy to lose focus on whether it is about tearsheets or hits and clicks on your website. I still and always will judge a model by " what work have you done?" Not by "who is your agent?" or " how many clicks does your website have?" Modeling is about " what products have your worked with?" Or " what tearsheets do you have?" To me anyways. Make your heels click, and get up and start hustling and working hard to get the work. I don't think being a model is about being pretty, it is about being persistant.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Amy Grant brings back my childhood

On Oprah today I saw Amy Grant, it was a memorable experience because I grew up listening to her " baby, baby" and "Good For me" with a childhood friend, it was 1993-ish, my parents had divorced and I would enjoy dancing and being silly with Amy's songs, my friend and I would make up our own music videos and dance around her living room and hold up fake micro-phones. ( she was alot better at it than I was). When it comes to Amy's story, I am glad she followed her heart and has always done what she has wanted to do with her music and life. I am also admiring her relationship with Vince. I had tears when Oprah read from her book words Vince had said to Amy, "I welcome you, I welcome you and whatever you bring to the table is enough!"

http://music.aol.com/video/baby-baby/amy-grant/1903656


And when they mentioned the South African Greeting " I see you "
http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml
I plan on reading her book.
Time Does Matter, good quote Amy.

Advice and Tips from my Past- Almost 5'4"

In my modeling memoir I mention my gritty self discovering past of striving to be a petite model in NYC between 2001-2006. Although today I am working with national brands, names and networks, I have decided to share my roots, my naive moments, my growth and the road I have seen as a petite model. I declare to make it known that I am not perfect, I have made mistakes, and accept them. I like giving advice, and using my unconventional modeling story to give hope to those who dream. Who are the underdogs, who want to stand for something. Even if that something is themselves.
I have learned to self serve, take a chance, and to take risks, to engage in my pursuits, to try, to not give up. Fighting for the chance has lead to my book and my podcast and my blogs about being a petite model and no matter your pursuit sometimes you have to bluntly make it happen, pick up the phone, mail, pitch, and promote yourself, and it doesn't end through one source,-because trying something that is a challenge, only means it is something worth capturing time and time again.

Sincerely,
isobella jade

Isobella Jade video of Book Marketing Tips through Bookspoke.com on Media Bistro

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/video/isobella_jades_book_marketing_tips_71878.asp?c=rss

Isobella Jade Video of Reading on Media Bistro

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/video/isobella_jade_speaks_71705.asp?c=rss

Weekend Photo Shoot

Over the weekend I am shooting against some artist paintings and also shooting hopefully while iceskating at Bryant Park or at Rockefeller Center while where some tee-shirts. I will have the photos posted soon if I get away with the shoot.
I also have an idea for promoting my book that will involve shots around NYC, so that is in production as well. I just got some really hot Nina Shoes, which I am anxious to wear and flaunt and pose in for my shoots.
http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html

Putting the wig on!




and then adding some personality at a local lounge in San Francisco. Pretty hot and it made the fun have a spice of funk which I wouldn't have gotten from my original hair, infact THE HAIR is the focus and story in the shot.

Wiggin it! The View shares advice on Wigs and Hair Weaves


Hair Wigs and weaves are also for white girls. Don't be narrow minded, you might be able to plump up your hair instead of shooting again your thin dry blond locks at your next shoot. Or change your look quickly from short hair to long! On The View today they mentioned unique weaves and hair wings, I have worn both at my shoots, for example see the photo enclosed! I loved how Joy Behar got in with the wig style and showed off her locks on The View today! She always has something sassy to say and she is my favorite and she looked very good. So girls, petite models, ladies, don't be afraid to use a weave or wig or extentions at your shoot. A few months ago, when I body doubled for a movie poster I had to use extentions, they clipped in and at the time I had short hair but within minutes I had long curly hair. The photo enclosed is from a shoot I did in San Francisco, by Christopher Jensen. I wore a wig.


http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/index

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Isobella speaks about her Book and Modeling

I spoke last night with Marion Maneker from Harper Collins about marketing books and the publishing industry. I hope you like my sass, and NYC underdog of publishing experience.

Here is the video:

http://www.viddler.com/explore/jonsurfs/videos/1/

Sincerely,
isobella jade

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Act of Kindness on way to the MTA

After the Bookspoke event on Bowery Street, I went to the downtown 6 train. I like the subway, well, I have a love/hate relationship with it actually. I looked forward to a easing quiet ride home. And I dug for my metro card and first swiped an empty one,Inefficient funds damning me. So I dug again. As I dig a hispanic man, an older graying man, with a cap says " need a swipe?" I say " no it's ok.." and he says " it's ok!" and he swipes me through. I say thanks like a New Yorker expecting to get robbed or hit on, and later on the train I wondered about his random act of kindness while reading my own book.

Isobella Jade at the Bowery Poetry Club today!

I am speaking about my book at 6:30 today, and discussing writing it at the Apple store, publishing it and the process of marketing myself!

This is a free event for anyone who wants to learn more about marketing their books and themselves at the Bowery Poetry Club, hosted by Bookspoke, www.bookspoke.com

Speakers: Isobella Jade and Marion Maneker
When: Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 6:30 PM
Where: Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery (@ Bleecker)
New York, NY 10003


Sincerely,
isobella jade

Modeling Workshops could be a Waste

Life is already expensive so don't pay for someone to tell you what you are good at with modeling, or the areas you should consider. Workshops and modeling events are either too pricey usually or right down scams! So I would instead consider your body, your personality, your look, and start pursuing the options you have. The first thing you will need is photos. They say so much more than any old workshop director. Don't pay for talent searches, or anything that involves someone else telling you what you are good at! Unless they are a friend or someone who believes in you and is giving you honest advice then do not pay to hear about what you are good at or not good for. Alot of models don't focus on themselves and instead worry too much about whatever anyone else says. I met a model once who had a mole on the side of her nose and debated getting it removed before she started modeling, I wanted to shake her and tell her "Noooo!" You don't have to change yourself, your natural self to be a model, and what might have happened to this model was that someone said" well your mole might turn off an agent!" And she listened instead of seeing the uniqueness in it, and it could be a personality trait or become her trademark! I think models obsess over perfectness. Which is really a wrong perception to have. Uniqueness is more of a selling point than being prime and perfect and flawless! Of course you might not want to sell your scars and blemishes, but your unique nose, or curly q hair is a selling point! Don't get sucked into losing yourself and your opportunities. You don't have to pay to hear it, and you don't have to change you! Modeling is about personality, bringing energy to a product, representing a brand. Or for handmodeling sometimes it is just about having the nail size and hand shape they are looking for. Does this mean I am getting fake nails to make my nails longer?? NO way, I am me. I am a model.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Isobella Posed in SF with some Wild Rocker Hair




Christopher Jensen began his photography career when he was seven with his Grandfather's camera and hand-held light meter. At the age of seventeen he started photographing pro- am skateboarders and hardcore music groups. While attending Parsons School of Design in New York he photographed Hip Hop groups in the early nineties. He became part of the Hip Hop music scene in New York and Los Angeles as Hip Hop was moving off the city streets and into America's living rooms. His unique and cutting-edge images captured a rare time in American music that now has become an everyday part of life. Since then he has photographed actors, models, musicians and everyday people all over the world. With years of experience and a knack for seeing the edgier side of things, he moved to San Francisco to form Jensen Photography.

In San Francisco I worked with a great photographer named Christopher Jensen. That hair was so much fun! Styling can truely transform you into a model with reddish rock and roll hair and the skyline to give even more personality.

Modeling hair style tips and advice from Bill Schrlau

As a freelance model sometimes I have had to style my own hair at my photo shoots when there wasn't a hair stylist, and without knowing any unique tricks the results really did effect the shoot and it was bad! I wished I had a hair professional helping me but I didn't know where to turn. I have learned over the years that modeling isn't about one thing, it takes the whole package to create an amazing shot and hair is so very important. Bill Schrlau, an award winning hairstylist and professional,shares advice for petite models and models who need some tips at their shoots for making their hair have personality. I met and worked with Bill during a hair modeling job I did at Wella and it is nice to hear advice from someone whose forte is hairstyling and hair fashion trends. (www.schrlau.com).

Okay keep in mind I would always recomend that you use a professional,they can see your hair unlike you can on your own. However we all understand that their are moments when you need to do the work yourself. These are the looks I would recomend and you should be able to replicate on your own. Also if you are paying for a haircut, eventually, your hairstylist should be willing to spend the time to help you learn these looks. It only looks good for the hairstylist if you can recreate the look on yourself.


1. Slicked backProduct & tools; comb, gel or light gel, water bottle
How to; A.Prep hair with water, B.apply product, C.comb through and smooth. Longer hair use ponytail fastener to hold back. Short hair comb toward center back, use bobby pins to fasten if needed. Keep in mind the angle of the photographer. The hair does not have to be perfect in the back if the back is not seen, stop wasting time making it perfect, LOL.

2. Ponytail
Product & tools; comb, gel, best product I have worked with for the wet pony is "Styling lotion, by Bumble & Bumble", "Does it all" hairspray by Bumble & Bumble, comb, cushion brush (maison Peirson $125- is the best quality, or you can get by with a denman $under $20-the quality is good, just not as good as M.P.), another product that will help with a smooth finish is, Bumble & Bumble "Defrizz". Use it at finish lightly though, to smooth any fly aways around the hairline, follow with hairspray. How to;A.Prep by brushing first. B. dirty the hair- with either hairspray (does it all) or styling lotion. Then make sure
the hair is dry. On days that static is an issue use cooler air and keep the air flowing downward. C.In front of mirror comb into back center into a ponytail, keeping in mind that there are three definate positionings for a ponytail and each says something different about your look. High is more youthful and sometimes juveniela(sp). Medium crown- gives you a lift in the face but not as youthful or too young. Low- nape area-screams class. It is a bit more elegant so for those shoots that you need a classy look this is the way to go, keep it low. D.once in place- fasten with a fastener (keep it soft,so that it is not too tight on the hair, this can eventually cause breakage.)

3. Upwork Product & tools, brush, comb, hair fasteners, bobby pins, hairspray, defrizz. How to; Prep hair get it dirty (not too dirty, but with texture so that it is easier to fasten with bobby pins), then brush into ponytail. Then back comb the pony tail (tease it), then twist a few bobby pins into the teased hair and fasten along the edge of the ponytail. You will have hair sticking up all over the place,or you can smooth the teased hair before fastening with bobby pins,this will give a more put together look. This one is a much more difficult look but be simple and if you need to push and prod the hair then go ahead, make it work for you, rough it up a bit to get that once over slept in look.

I hope this helps.

The best part of this advice is to have them get help from their hairstylist. Set a price on it. If you pay $80 or more for a cut your hair stylist should be giving you this help without being asked- at least two different looks on each visit. If they are not it may be time to seek another hairstylist out.

Thank you,
Bill




Bill's services and eye has been used for national brands and is a nationa leader published in American Salon, Modern Salon, Salon Today Magazines. He even offers his services to you and you can visit his website at
(www.schrlau.com).

Monday, November 26, 2007

Focusing on More than ONE Thing

I meet models all the time, who only are focusing on ONE thing, and they miss out on other things, for example at a hand modeling casting a girl had really great curly hair, funky and pretty but she had never considered hair modeling? I was shocked! Then she asked me how she would get involved with that….I told her to go to Barnes and Noble and to research hair magazines and submit the editors her photo. Simple, costs only a few stamps!

What About the Petite Girl? She has to get Dressed in the Morning too!


While Googling petite designers I ran into an article in the New York Times about the lack of Petite sizes in Department stores. MICHAEL BARBARO reports:

"It's not like American women suddenly got tall," said the designer Dana Buchman, who has supplied petite-size tweed jackets and chiffon skirts to Saks and Neiman Marcus for years. "I think it's a mistake."

Last year I got a Dana Buchman coat on sale, a very very good sale and I enjoyed that it was an Xsmall, a size that many designers forget about.

Fashion magazines and shows make it all about legs legs and length but the average woman is still 5'3"!!! I understand for presentation sometimes a certain style of clothing can look better on a tall woman, but honestly it is really getting crazy when we have to alter everything we buy! I guess the tailor is making out pretty good!

As a petite woman myself and petite model finding a great fit, a great designer to lean on is an issue but it is a good feeling to hear it from a fashion designer like Dana Buchman that someone is thinking of the petite woman fashion silluette.

http://www.danabuchman.com/

Petite Fashion Problems

For more issues about petite fashion problems click the link below, it is very interesting and true but I don't think it says enough for the petite girls who ARE a size zero or who are skinny but have a shorter hem line. The whole range of petite needs to be covered, the short and wide, the short and skinny, the short!


http://www.fashion-era.com/image_planning/petite_fashion_problems.htm

Petite Clothing and Suits or Lack of

Something I find upsetting is shopping or considering shopping for a suit. I remember when I was around 20 my mother bought me my first suit. There weren't alot of choices and we ended up going to Petite Sophisticate. http://www.petitesophisticate.com- It was a nice suit but I felt a little too young to be in the store, now about 5 years later I still feel weird when it comes to finding a suit because I can't find one anywhere! It makes me sad to know that for the petite girl, or woman there is not enough petite lines. Not enough diversity out there. If you are between the ages of 20-25 or even 30, it is hard to find something that fits the fashion trends and which fits and makes you feel good. And without spending an arm and a leg. I am hunting for petite suits. Designers, and I am striving to interview a few. I don't wear suits alot but blazers and jackets, button down shirts are my favorites and I have a very hard time when it comes to spending under 100 bucks. It is like we get punished by the fashion world for being so petite.

Let's Hear it for the Underdogs. Holiday Glamour Special



I talk about petite models being jewelry models and I recently heard from a designer who uses a petite model in her advertising and also offers a discount to petite models. Her words are very inspiring and I wanted to share them with you.


At Corazon Latino, we believe that every woman is unique, that our differences should be celebrated, and that you do not have to be 5'10 & a size zero to be beautiful. Beauty is about passion, a love of life & living your dreams... That is the spirit behind Corazon Latino.

Isobella really has that Corazon Latino. Not only does she work hard to make her dreams a reality, she also helps other women to achieve their dreams with her down-to-earth advice & real insights into the world of modelling.

To support Isobella and to thank her for her support of Corazon Latino, I would like to offer you, her "readers" a special 10% off introductory discount on our entire range. Just visit our site www.corazonlatino.com, and take a look at the range. If you see something you like, just head to the checkout & when you register enter coupon code INTRO307 into the coupon code box for a 10% discount off your order. You can check out the prices in US & Can as well Aus (just click the flag & choose your currency). You can pay by all major credit cards safely & securely & we will ship worldwide within a week.

Enjoy! Catherine D'Arcy - Founder - Corazon Latino.


www.carazonlatino.com

Curves are a Good Thing

I go into the casting as a hand model today and end up being a full body parts model. Good thing I shaved. This is because my comp card shares not just Hand Shots, but photos of my body and other parts too. This is a good thing to consider when it comes to making a comp card. Show your diversity, even if it is for body parts, show your hands, feet, stomach, legs, curves. Curves are a good thing, don’t be afraid to get some shots taken of your body parts because there is a whole industry for these kinds of models and as a petite model it is a way to get your foot, and body into the door.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Say No to America's Next Top Model and Yes to Marketing You to Brands and Magazines

Even after Megg Morales, was recruited on Myspace for the show and then later voted off Top Model, before the show she had a contract with Elite and her answers in a 2006 interview for the Village Voice shared that after the show she really wasn't heading anywhere exciting with modeling and she was noticed because of the show when she tried to drink underage at bars but being the show didn't really bring her anything but a few segments of exposure on TV. After the show she was trying to get with an agency again since Elite dropped her I guess, and she was considering other options for herself, and passions,goals and careers,- even as a lifeguard.

It makes one wonder if sometimes too much exposure can be bad, and how careful we have to be when it comes to exposing ourselves,- even on America's Next Top Model. Especially since many of these girls are full of themselves and not really willing to work hard. The opportunity and chance and jobs wont just come to you because you have been on America's Next Top Model or any reality show for that matter, you have to seek for yourself the next step in your life and the show is just a stepping stone or a different stage of your pursuits but not the end all.

I guess what upsets me is that: The show invites you on and gives you un realistic ideas of the modeling world and then kicks you off and leaves the models with no further advice. It seems the girls show up, do the process and then get nothing to advance them into the real world modeling industry. Which takes places off camera and infront of real clients, castings, agents and photoshoots. It just boggles me. I think reality shows can be really lame, unrealistic and really pathetic and unhonest. It gives average girls and people a perception of an industry that is narrow minded on the TV screen and presented in a way that is not typical, normal, or the truth.

Say Something with Innovative Tee-shirts


I love wearing my
I'm a N3rd shirt from Snorg Tees on a cozy Sunday.
I like how these shirts cover my butt just enough to keep my tights and tee look classy and not trashy. The length of the shirts is perfect and it is hard to find a teeshirt like this. They are worth checking out if you are looking for something cute to wear but not same old'. They can even bring some flair to your photo shoots.

http://www.snorgtees.com/

They are fun to wear especially since I love a unique expression, and these tee's bring back the cool in making a statement on your chest!

isobella

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Petite Models and Being a persistent, go-getter.

Girls, women, females of all ages are obsessed with being discovered. Except they don’t put in the effort to be found. For hundreds of years women have been the muses for artists, painters, sculptures, photographers, designers, writers, but yet in today’s world you have to fight harder to be a muse or a model, or seen or desired or the inspiration of anything artistic or related to art. When a girl asks herself or myself “How can I start modeling?” My answer is marketing. It shocks me when girls want to be models but they don’t know anything about it. It makes me wonder where the “want to be a model” comes from? When I started modeling I had a need to feel admired and wanted and seen and I grew obsessed with it, ( counting the hits and clicks on my modeling page on the Internet) but the industry hasn’t changed all that much and now even with the Internet the same old ( the client calls the agent, they don’t hunt on the Internet for models and talent, never have and most likely never will)… still takes place when it comes to getting discovered and getting work, and most of the time it means making it happen for yourself. Since the access to the modeling world is found through the Internet and it is so easy to feel like a model or the only option for the shorter models. But it’s not. Being discovered is a word for those who are tall, and expected in modeling. Making it happen for yourself, is a statement for those who can’t be limited to one source as their only promotional tool, if you want to do something and it is difficult or it makes you the underdog by trying it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try . It just means the BEING Discovered, is really Being a persistent, go-getter.

Marilyn Monoe got in the Car as a Nude Model

I have been thinking a lot about models now and then. Marilyn Monroe is titled bimbo perhaps, but I see her as a rare breed. Perceptive, able to handle her dreams, and chased them. Andre De Dienes worked with Marilyn for many years but their first encounter could have been just as risky as some girls who pursue modeling today. Although the difference is Andre called up the usual modeling agency called The Blue Book Modeling agency, which he used often,asking for any new models for nudes, what he got was Norma Jean Baker, a new model, who would become Marilyn Monroe, and their first photoshoot together was Norma Jean's first or one of the very first shoots she ever did.

Even asking for a nude model then must have been a shock to mothers' around America. First Norma and Andre shot at the beach and then a ritual of shooting would begin with Norma and Andre. He offered to pay her 100 dollars a week, and he would provide the clothing and accessories for the shoot and they would drive off in his Buick Roadmaster to the desert, the mountains, from California to Nevada, to Arizona. Maybe she said yes because he was a photographer she worked with through an agency and felt safe, assured and protected since they met through the agency. In the book called " Andre de Dienes," the photos show a Norma Jean with chipped red nail polish and a very raw and beautifully flawed Norma Jean. The book is a diary of the experience Andre had with her and the love, laughter and enchanting photography that followed.

Although I find the difference here between what happens over the web with aspiring models today is that they met through an Agency. Even though after the first shoot at the beach it lead to an exclusive road trip, and later was to be a nude shoot and taking places in other States, it still was with a photographer who had amazing taste, a great eye, and who captures Norma as a natural model and at ease. The photographer had credits, experience and a passion for photography, not just women, and he loved to create a story and this book shares the thoughts of a photographer so detailed and artistic. I find many times that models work with photographers they know nothing about, they only judge them from their photoshopped images and rush to their apartments and throw their panties on the floor and start shooting before they even can pronounce the photographers' name. If you want quality, ask questions, and if you don't feel the photographer is going to enhance your career with photos that you can really use to either get more work or submit yourself to magazines, or help you manage your career then don't bother. Andre treated Norma Jean with beautiful photos and she was paid for her time. Don't settle for working with people who are just GWC, ( guys with cameras).

If you follow the poses from the 1950's, you also will see how the models "aren't trying" so hard, they are just being themselves and even in a pin up shot they are the girl next door which is what many of us models really are!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

The sad Prada Girls

In the latest issue of Vanity Fair there is a feature on Young Ladies of NYC Private Schools, it kinda makes me sick when one of the girls says of growing up in NYC, " We are so much more cultured," and then defines her culture advancement by saying, "In college you meet people who don't even know how to pronounce 'Prada'"
If she is saying that NOT knowing how to pronounce Prada is a bad thing, I beg to differ. I myself remember when I first heard the name Kate Spade during my freshman year of college at New York Institute of Technology, style wasn't even a word in my vocab and I turned to the Alloy Catalog, and before the Myspace.com popularity contest and AOL being free as long as you a connection, there wasn't the feeling of being behind in fashion by not knowing how to spell some fashion designers name or wear his name on the back of your sweater. Being from Syracuse, NY, although I am a model, I step back into reality when I visit, my mother now lives in Oswego and the latest fashion is a Coach bag, but most are in Flannel and jeans, and sneakers, heels for that matter are still not around, not seen at all, and even in my Sassy Payless boots that costs only 15 bucks, with a 3 inch heel,- I feel the stares around the Mall, -the average American girl doesn't really define and design themselves by fashion yet. I bet these girls in Vanity Fair don't even know the history of Prada, or anything about the launch and struggles and passion that went into the name???? Have they ever put passion into anything? Sorry, this article really pissed me off. Yet they wear it? I would never wear a luxury label without really knowing and understanding all the worth behind the name. The work, the image, the story. Chanel has a good story. I'd like to tell these girls to take a trip 4 hours into Upstate NY and they might actually feel pathetic carrying all their labels and logos...I don't admire people who judge others based on such a narrow minded viewpoint.Don't get me wrong, I love fashion, bags, shoes, shoes!!!... but the difference is I love the art of it, the creation process, the production, the work that goes into creating a fashion line. I have a handbag designer friend and I have watched her build her company from scratch and seeing her do it from her heart first hand makes her price of 300-400 wholesale worth it, yet these girls who think not knowing how to pronounce a name of a label degrates their position in society is seriously wacko!
I am glad I don't have the type of culture these girls have, it is very shallow and really it distances them from really making their circle wider by judging people for not knowing the latest trend.
www.vanityfair.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Remembering those who have Helped Along theway

Visiting my hometown of Syracuse, NY for the holidays, I am thankful for a lot in my life. a good bus ride will make you think of it all. My thoughts and thanks go to my friends and family who have supported my goals and I have enjoyed also watching my family and friends grow as people and dreamers themselves and aspiring even further than they even imagined, that alone is a gift to see and experience and be apart of.

Modeling Minus Wasting Time

If you focus on quality all around you will get ahead as a model.
From your images to the goals you have, make it about benefits and don't waste your time waiting for things to happen. Sometimes you have to make it happen.

Ask yourself " How is this experience,shoot, person, photographer, going to get my ahead." Usually the answer can explain if something is a scam or waste of time. If you are freelancing, managing yourself and acting as your own agent sometimes, you are a business, and treat your self and your goals like one.

When starting out modeling, or trying to get more work, we do make mistakes sometimes and it stems from taking a chance, not every clothing company gets sales when the store opens on the first day and the first hour, it can take time, thought, and conceptualizing to know how you fit into your market. The market of modeling.

This means making sure you stay organized and being hands on with your career, so if you want to start this coming new year off right, make some goals, write them down, stick to them, it is only 6 weeks away and you can start by preparing today. If you want something you fight for it. The effort is worth it.

Focus on getting better photos, quality, images that sell you and then take these images and do what is best...start marketing yourself to make yourself a model worth hiring.

You shoot with Film?

I love a crisp shot, when the photography catches even the fuss on my shirt. I love how it sees everything! Robert Caldarone gives his thoughts on film

Robert Caldarone's words: With all the advances in digital cameras and backs over the years, I'm still amazed at how huge the visual information gap is when digital is compared to modern-day film. Today's professional films from both Kodak and Fuji deliver more visual information than any other capture medium. And what really blows my clients' eyes away is the finished product. I enjoy the fact that today's professional films continue to keep offering a level of depth, color, texture, sharpness, and resolution that a digital back or camera (due to the flat-chip design of the medium itself) can never achieve. When you think about all the three-dimensionality which lies in the chemistry of film, and the way it can capture slightly different records of the same image within the ever-changing mosaic of its silver halide crystals there's not a man-made chip now or in the future that could ever come close to what film offers today, yesterday, or in the future! Film is not going away, no matter how hard a digital camera sales person tries to make their weekly quota.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

I'm Not Perfect By Isobella Jade

I'm not perfect and my website doesn't flaunt my perfectness. Instead I am going to tell you about all of my mistakes, flaws, and scars straight up. I will tell you the raw, real honest truths of my experiences and my life, pursuits, and daily grind of self serving, self managing and striving, and history, is based on taking a chance and it is not glossy, an airbrushed, and powdered with perfection.

It isn't only the success it is also about the road.

Monday, November 19, 2007

The Hustle of A Model

The hustle of a model is something most people would never consider real life. Real life is reading Us Magazine and watching VH1 and America's Next Top Model, not being on it. Or pursuing anything that involves risk. Most people wont take the chance, the chance of failure.
I live for the chance. I am inspired by the fear of failure and the hustle of a model is bringing forward the artist in myself.
Not many people may understand the dedication it entitles to have the title of model.
Every day throwing ourselves, our appearance, and letting us be judged.
Most people run from being judged, or put down, instead daily, we get the diss, from not getting a call back, booking the job, from being scammed, or making a mistake, and when we do succeed, win a tear sheet or ad campaign, it seems like a simple thing to those who don't understand the pure work it takes to be in a league of our own, to run every day for the chance, to wake up for it, it is too hard to give up, to even think for a moment life could be anything else. We live to strive, to try, and it might just be modeling, or a floosy thing to those who have never felt the lens or in another style of pursuit even achieved their goals, or even ever had one beyond the typical thing, but for us, typical isn't our way, it is the artistic hunter in us that wakes up each day curious for the unknown. It excites us, we are the dreaming hustlers of modeling, we are a unique breed and it might seem vain, and unstable...and it is,every day is different, sometimes the jobs pay shit and it takes forever to get paid,-we chase our work, and we sell our face, our bodies, the curves, the smile, the teeth, the hair, for the sake of feeling a purpose and leaving a mark. It is the hustle of a model.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Putting more of Purpose Behind your Shoots

Shooting just to shoot wont get you anywhere. Showing up at some photographers apartment without a plan and only shoes, thigh highs and some makeup wont do you any good. Being the tease for the afternoon, making some cash, really isn't going to get you in a magazine or help you reach your higher goals.

Make your modeling shoots have more of a purpose besides just feeling admired for a few hours.

Ask yourself. What is your Story? Why do you want to Model? What are you bringing to your own pursuits? How are you letting and making your goals come true?

Petite Modeling Ideas for Shooting



This is a nice shot idea for the next time you shoot Jewelry.

www.corazonlatino.com

When height Doesn't matter

As a petite model, I focus on shooting for products where height doesn't matter.
Like focusing on Jewelry and Hair and beauty products, and I love decorating my photo shoots with accessories.

A great item is silver jewelry or a simple necklace that can bring some shine, bling and allure to your shoot.

I discovered a great jewelry company called Corazon Latino. You can check them out at
http://www.corazonlatino.com/

Jewelry like this brings some flair to your simple headshot or fashion story. Modeling is about telling a story, saying something without words, and relying on the expression in the eyes, and letting the colors and textures in your shoot speak.
So what! Maybe you aren't 5'10, and it wont be easy to get a modeling agent, maybe it will take some work to get the right shots to market yourself, even the taller girls have struggles, modeling involves persistance and regardless of height sometimes selling yourself, means having the right accessories, to back you up, to prove, Yes I Can Model, handbags, jewelry, shoes, and beauty products,...sometimes you need to show in your images that you can.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Petite Modeling Advice

Since so many people who get ahead are untalented, it means just because you have a website, a compcard, an agent, doesn't mean you will get ahead.

Sometimes you got to use your own stamp!

Isobella Jade, petite model, Not just shaking her Ass

There are lots of models who shake it to make it, and if that feels go to them then, go them! but for me, I need more in my portfolio, and more of a purpose beyond being just the hot girl sometimes. At least I need a product involved, something that says, I am actually modeling more than just my great ass.

Any petite freelance model who tells you the jobs just came to me, is lieing, or at least lucky. For me The Internet has helped my pursuits and straight up and honest, no joke, Craigslist has helped to build my book, regardless of agents I am always fending for myself, but when I was growing my resume, and building my reel, I used Craigslist to get ahead, here are some gigs I gained from being careful who I worked with and from taking a chance:

Coheed and Cambria,- lead in the music video - MTV
Wella hair modeling
Distraction Jewelry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyXy_IGSEA0
Elvis Martinez- Univision
Fuji TV
International Beauty Show
Shoreline America- catalog
Urge Commercial- Commercial- MTV
My American Heart- lead in music video
Fitness book for Mind Over Muscle
White Mountain Shoes- Shoe modeling

These are just a few gigs I have booked on my own and since the Internet also makes the industry more competive as well, you need to plan, create goals, and chase them.

Another Hand Casting Today

I had another hand modeling casting today way in the Meat Packing district, neat 10th Avenue. I had to pretend I cupping water, maybe from a faucet. Slowly, and showing the front and back of my hands.

Funny how detailed some castings can be. Zooming on your hands. The portfolio and compcard doesn't matter, at the casting they use a video camera to capture your fingers, nails and hands. Thats all that matters, I was told when I handed the lady the latest issue of Bon Appetit, which is a tearsheet of my hands which is yet on my compcard.

Yesterday I had another one, I got a manicure first for ten bucks on 23rd street then zipped over to 25th Street and 10th Ave for the casting.

True Confessions

IN THE FLESH EROTIC READING SERIES
TRUE SEX CONFESSIONS NIGHT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15th at 8 PM
AT HAPPY ENDING LOUNGE, 302 BROOME STREET, NYC
(B/D to Grand, J/M/Z to Bowery, F to Delancey,
http://www.happyendinglounge.com)
Admission: Free
Happy Ending Lounge: 212-334-9676
http://inthefleshreadingseries.blogspot.com

True Sex Confessions are back, with a wild mix of memoirists, sex
bloggers, and comedy. Audience members will have the chance to
anonymously share their own confessions as well. With Anna David
(Party Girl), Kimberlee Auerbach (The Devil, The Lovers & Me: My Life
in Tarot), Selina Fire (author of the blog The Real Sex in the City),
nude model and memoirist Isobella Jade (Almost 5'4"), altporn pioneer
Lux Nightmare (Boinkology.com), and comedian Rachael Parenta (Chicks
and Giggles). Hosted by Rachel Kramer Bussel (Best Sex Writing 2008,
He's on Top, She's on Top). Free candy and cupcakes will be served.

In the Flesh is a monthly reading series hosted at the appropriately
named Happy Ending Lounge, and features the city's best erotic writers
sharing stories to get you hot and bothered, hosted and curated by
acclaimed erotic writer and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel. From erotic
poetry to down and dirty smut, these authors get naked on the page and
will make you lust after them and their words.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Reading Series

http://inthefleshreadingseries.blogspot.com

Petite Modeling- Sexual Moments

During my experiences as a petite model, I have met some real jerks, but in all honestly really it comes down to making the wrong choices. As a petite model, as a freelance model, you have to be careful, focusing on who to work with, how to market yourself, how to be true to yourself, but tonight I let it all out. At Rachel Kramer Bussel's Sex Confessions. At "Happy Ending" Lounge. It was so much fun to speak about some shoot I had encountered over the years at the Erotic reading.

inthefleshreadingseries.blogspot.com

modeling is now a business to me, and I am doing it to make a statement, for the ad campaign, or the editorial, and using my body and voice in a way that really does share a side of the modeling industry that isn't spoken about enough. Modeling isn't just Vogue and Playboy, there is so much more.

And also today I spilled, on my podcast I spoke about the good, and the bad of Craigslist.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/blog/2007/11/15/Craigslist-The-Good-and-The-Bad-of-Modeling-on-Craigslist-1

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Craigslist Brings Tearsheets


About a year ago, when my hair was short, I worked on a fitness book. A Job from Craigslist.

Craigslist as My Agent

Even though I have worked with brands like Marshalls, I still jump on Craigslist.com every now and then- ok, I check it every day. In the past it was my salvation, it was apart of my routine, I relied on it, staring at the posts, and usually lasting up to 4 hours during various moments in my day. I used the website as part of my survival, as a place to find work and hopefully get paid and get a tearsheet or get a gig for my resume. It was a flowing, active place of jobs and the chance.

The jobs weren't always classy but the ones that were really boosted my resume. I think without them I wouldn't have the resume I have today.

This week on my podcast called Model Talk, I will be discussing the ins and outs, the good, the bad and ugly of Craigslist. And how it has upset me, and helped me to continue to do what I want to do. Model.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Petite Models are Makeup artists too!

Sometimes when your co-model, has a razor burn, you suddenly become a makeup artist. Or if the girl you are working with, doesn't have shoes, you are suddently her stylist.

You wear many hats as a model...model is a small word, for makeup artist, hair, production assistant, stylist, prop specialist, and actor.


Do it all!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Fake Photographer, Fake Makeup Artists, or just hustlers?

Alot of times people get the job because of everything but their work. There are the GWC's or the Guys With Cameras, and my new one the GWM's "Girls With Makeup."
Those who take the zap out of the word professional.
Sometimes the struggle that the photographer and makeup artist have is similar to the ones petite models have. It is the same sort of rush...from Making connections, updating the book, finding work, and marketing themselves. Usually this means the run in with those who aren't so passionate about their work but then again, sometimes get the work!

It is frustrating when someone beat you to the job, wins the job, and you know your work is better, stronger, more interesting, or as a model you are just plain better!

You can feel it that you should have gotten that job but you didn't.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Hand Modeling is a tear sheet opportunity


The December issue of Bon Appetit Magazine features my hands. Tear sheets like this add to my book and open doors for the petite models. Don't forget the importance of simply using what you got. Focus on that. Maybe you aren't a million inches tall but use your strong features and get ahead.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Modeling Mistakes: Where are the rest of My Tiger Shots?


Well, I shot with a wild beast between my little petite lean legs, and this is the only shot I ever got!

Kinda wish I had more, it might make for a submission to Sports Illustrated.
And I always give photographer credit too when I do submit. Seriously, be careful who you work with, sometimes it can result in a great shoot, but then a situation where you NEVER get the images or only get one. Also I had no idea how the animal was treated, who knows if the tiger is being abused. I didn't get images but also I didn't ask about the treatment of the animal and I should have as well.

This is a great shot, but the only one I got for shooting with a live animal, with a trainer, and photographer at an animal zoo near Miami.

Very upsetting.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Does Facebook Need a Model?

Although I have my Bachelor in Advertising and Marketing, I have been selling a lot of myself lately and I am curious if the Facebook.com ads need a model?

Recently on Advertising Age, Chamath Palihapitiya, Facebook's Marketing Man and the VP-of product marketing and operations said that he is putting the advertising back in the hands of the people. This sounds like something that should Be Apart of the presidential campaign. On a serious note, I think what he is saying is to cut out the bullshit and clutter and honestly make advertising a fun and enjoyable thing not a bothersome bee bizzing and biting your email, or Facebook'ing in the ass. I love the advertising friendly and user friendly mindset. I like the opportunity and test he is offering. I think more advertising should be like this. I also love advertising that is funny, inventive and that makes a person “think" and feel a connection. Even if I don't buy the product (which I know is the point), I still remember the Ad and I actually love advertising... I love watching commercials, I would rather watch it that the reality show crap on TV. I think Mr.Facebook is really making a statement about marketing and that since anyone can launch their own fame over the Internet, so can a product, but it has to come from a place that is wanted, and not a distraction. This means if an AD is used it is quite a compliment.

I'm Lovin' it!

Modeling Mistakes, and frustrations

Tonight on my modeling podcast called MODEL TALK, www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade
I speak about my mistakes and frustrations of being a petite model and I will share stories of moments that upset me, and how I got over it.

Hand Modeling Casting Today


Sitting on the train on way to a casting I put lotion on my hands, rubbing each finger nail slowly and paying special attention to the small scratch on my pinky. It hurt alittle. I even put some foundation on it to cover the redness. I held both hands out admiring the shape of each finger and the shine of my clear nail polish.
A scratch could even cost me this casting, it is kind of funny in a way but a scratch, even a small one could mean I get the job or not. Or it could be my skin tone, or the shape of my nails, the length, the bone structure.

There are some real hand fanantics out there too, some die hard Hand Models, where all they do is hand modeling like it is their only job and purpose and trust me they DO bank money doing it.

They are just hands, and to everyone else on the train I must have looked obsessed with myself, stuck up even, maybe a bit preppy, while admiring my finger nails, but as a petite modeling -to me it means using my body as a selling point, and even for a hand casting their is prep time and I needed a model moment even while on the train to warm up my hands.

Guia Rivera: Petite and Comfortable with her Size and Sings from her Soul


I heard today from a petite Spanish singer named Guia Rivera, who is making a mark as a singer but also as a women who is "standing up for what she believes and sings from her soul," and I really loved her answers to my questions about being a petite inspiration.

hola hola isobella! it's guia here. I read the messages you sent. It's mad refreshin to me to know that you're beautiful and at the same time humble. For one thing us girls gotta stick together and appreciate our individualities and I'm really thankful for the positivity you're showin everyone eric and myself.

- I'm 5'1" but i like to be a leader and in charge so no one really thinks about my height, except when they hear me singin loudly. then they're shocked cos they dont think short people could project their voice like that
- I love my height 'cos i am happy with what I was born with. What I love most is that's what God gave me and that I'm his creation like everyone else, unique... we all come in different shapes and sizes... otherwise the world would be boring ya know?
- I do wear a small size shoe and it gets on my nerves when they run out of my shoe size 5 1/2 or 6 real fast at the shoe store. I like ballerina flats of different makers and my absolute fave are antique rustic brown leather kneehigh boots that make you feel like you're in another time, steve madden is right on with comfort n style.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Petite Modeling and the Marketing of You

petite modeling is more than just posing, bending, and working it girl!-, it is about knowing your market and industry. It would be a good idea to focus on how you can get your little mini self into an agency this year. Think about what you have that you can sell in a way that will get you in the door. Every day I come up with new ideas and ways but I narrow them down to what will make a great compcard, which will sell me in a great way to get some tear sheets.

I might be the smallest chick on the street, but I have a great butt, legs, skin tone, hands and feet, and unique look, and lately I am shooting body part shots, full body, black white, color, sexy, and then also more editorially intriguing shots. I am thinking of submitting to all magazines, not just women's but Men's lifestyle too like GQ. It would be hot to be in a Men's Fitness magazine too in their editorials. Because girls are needed in all magazines, I saw a really nice shot of a girl laughing in lingerie on a bed in a Men's Fitness magazine, the shot had really nothing to do with fitness but it was more about lifestyle for the article, and I think models, girls, aspiring petite models, get blinded by thinking that skin is only meant to be dripping sexy wet and it just isn't true for commercial modeling and editorials. I have been naked plently of times to know that the body can be used in more editorial, lifestyle, commercial ways, beyond just sticking out your ass.

I love going to Barnes and Noble or Borders and looking in magazines, I get so inspired.

For me being a model, isn't enough. I have to write about it, podcast about it, live it and breathe it. Plan my shoots, write articles, and really dive into the pursuit. I find that writing about the bad times, the tough times, the frustrating times are the most fufilling moments. I will be speaking about this on my podcast this week.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Petite Modeling Means making Reality not Reality TV.

I am not sure what is going on with the reality TV World but it is very sick, sick, sick in the head. I was flipping and on the TV I saw something very scary, it was the show called The Shot. It is every true hustling photographers nightmare I am sure. I was shocked when they photographer's TO BE were told NOT to take wedding shots. It is amazing what reality shows DON'T say about the entertainment business and the industry. This show is really a sad scene by the nature of shooting and realy learning nothing and just getting yelled at for it, Oh God here we go again, I am very disturbed by it actually. Mostly by Russell James, he may have captured photographs for Elle,Vogue, GQ, etc, but this is just a resume,and his vision is blind to the realities of photographers day in and day out hustle and those thriving and striving. He brings nothing to the real experience. The photographs the photographers on the show take are actually really beautiful...and I hope they all stay very ambitious after the show because Russell James's words are not to be defining, Russell James could have done so much more with the show, because the show relates to no one- no true photographer out there who is trying to get in magazines, no one in America can relate to it, and it doesn't question the real ethics and business of being your own.

Petite Modeling Stones

You do a shoot and who knows if and what and where it will ever be seen. It is an unexpected, surprising industry. You have a meeting, a chance,an opportunity and tomorrow the phone could ring and it could be canceled. That is a reality and also the truths of being in a stable business of "nothing being in stone."

I have learned to pick myself up from letdowns and hopeful moments during my pursuits and this week I will be talking about the lows of my experiences as a petite model. They involve sexy shoes, money, exposure, and mistakes, and all still sting sometimes to remember. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Petite Modeling the Butt Shot


I like to think one thing that keeps me ahead as a petite model is my parts and is my curves. My butt for example. It isn't easy to shoot the bootie in a way that is classy and editorial and commercial and sellable beyond sex. Here are some older shots taken when I started modeling. Last week I did a shoot and I did capture a great butt shot which will be on my next compcard and it is a challenge to create a photo that is more like an ad campaign for a lingerie product, the sexuality pull is to stick out the butt and flaunt it, but these days I am flaunting my bootie but to sell a product. Hopefully soon I will land a lingerie ad campaign and show off my assets :)

Cheers!

Petite Models on Petitemodel.net

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Friday, November 2, 2007

Petite Modeling walking into a Photo Studio

I think a model should know why they want to model, and what it means when they say " I want to make it!"

Make what? I think a model should know what she wants out of modeling. What is the it...you want to make?

So the next time you walk into a photo studio don't just strut in and say " Ok, I'm here, what do you want me to do?" Come in and say " I want to shoot this dress." Or " I really want to be in jewlery ad campaigns." Or " I want represent a handbag
company or shoe company." Or say " I want to submit some images to a magazine."

Be rare, original, and be more than just a model. When you are out at a club, don't just say," I'm a model." when someone asks you what you do and hands you a martini.
Say instead something that shows you are more than another model. Say something like " I model handbags" or " I am a hair model," Or a shoe model, or a swimwear model, or For something. The dumb nature of a model is when you are trying to just expose yourself without a point.

Strive to make a point and sometimes that means even admitting you want one or do have one besides being another one.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Petite Modeling and Nude Mistakes

As a petite model I have run into many upsetting experiences during my hustle as a petite model. During my next podcast segment on Model Talk, I will be discussing the Frustrations & Letdowns I have encountered and share the stories and how I got through it.

This is an example of one situation where I not only grew as a model but also grew perceptive towards who I want to work with and the type of ways I promote myself as a model.

"I leaned against his living room wall of his small Miami studio apartment near Lincoln Road. He said, " let me see your breasts." I lift my shirt slowly like I had many times before during the past few years for photographers. He said, "You know one of your breasts is smaller than the other one." He said it like I already didn't know this. I have seen my breasts plenty of times so I ignored his statement and let him just take a photo of them. It wasn't until I got out side that I wondered why I was letting this jerk look at my breasts in the first place, I walked out feeling so dumb, so confused, ready to yell!"

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Ethnic Petite Modeling Tips


I heard from Monica Herrera, an editor at Latina Magazine and she shared some really inspiring tips for the ethnic petite models and shorter models out there, and even the male models! These are her thoughts.

1. Does Latina magazine consider petite models? Under the height of 5'7"?
Yes, we have different sections in fashion like real women and style opener where we featured all shapes and sizes.

2. What do you look for when choosing a model for editorials and photospreads in Latina magazine?
Depends on the story we are working on. But we look for good chemistry with the camera, able to move/pose, smiles, energy, shape, diff. looks to feature our diversity in beauty,etc. It’s all in the portfolio!!!

3. Can Latina or ethnic models submit their photos to you directly at Latina Magazine?
Sure! Mail them to the photo department.


4. What about men for your editorials? What do you look for as well?
We sometimes use male models to tell a story within our fashion spreads.


This sounds like a perfect opportunity to add to your To Mail list!
Goodluck

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Use your Eyes..Spill your Soul


Today I had an amazing shoot with Robert Caldarone. Here is a sample of our fantastic results. And this is only the Polariod! Shooting with film is a lively and memorable experience each time, it is an amazing feeling to peel off a polaroid and it is a true experience I want to live again and again each day, especially with someone like Robert, who really knows his craft, from lighting to angles, and with creative honest eyes.
I will be writing a short story soon about this photo shoot experience today.

http://www.robertcaldarone.com/

Petite Modeling Memoir Signs With Publisher

Her height and unexpected success, has inspired her modeling memoir called "Almost 5'4"." She has recently signed her world rights to The Friday Project in the U.K.

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 30, 2007 -- On over twenty pages of Google, Isobella Jade is known as the petite model who wrote a book at the Apple Store when she was homeless and didn't have a computer. However, her title is now including Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and "wizard of self promotion," as quoted in Advertising Age.

Her height and unexpected success, has inspired her modeling memoir called "Almost 5'4"." She has recently signed her world rights to The Friday Project in the U.K. "I found them on Publishersmarketplace.com and I immediately liked The Friday Project's edge, raw nature and the humanistic voice found in the books they had published previously like Blood, Sweat and Tea."

The Friday Project will release Isobella Jade's book Almost 5'4" in January 2009.

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Monday, October 29, 2007

Ethnic Models and Magazines


For the Ethnic Models:

I asked Kendra Lee at Heart and Soul Magazine if she had any tips for aspiring petite ethnic models, these were her uplifting words.

1. What do you look for in a model at Heart and Soul?

Heart & Soul models have to be the visual representation of a healthy lifestyle. They should be fit, comfortable in front of the camera and have a personality that comes through a visual medium.


2. Do you consider shorter models and if so what would inspire you?

We use models of all heights on the pages of Heart & Soul. As long as a model's look fits the healthy lifestyle theme, her height isn't an issue.


3. What types of shoots do you have where height doesn't matter?

There are opportunities for shoots where height doesn't matter in nearly all of our departments--from Love Lines, about relationships, to Good Eats, about nutrition, to Work Matters, about the finances of your career.


4. Any advice you can give shorter aspiring models who want to be in your editorials and photo spreads?

If you think you have the healthy lifestyle featured so prominently in the pages of Heart & Soul, seize the day and send your book to editor@heartandsoul.com.

hope this helps!

Kendra Lee
Executive Editor

So there you have it! and Goodluck! - isobella

Digital Petite Model and Internet Life- "Short story"

I said to him with some shock in my voice, “You just got your first website?”
He looked accomplished, with big studio lights, a portfolio book full of tear sheets from magazines I would just die to be in, and he had a beautiful coffee maker and a cream leather sofa, and yet this photographer had only just gotten his first website ever. He wasn’t sure how to download a photo yet and he seemed decades delayed and I wondered what he said when people asked him “how do I get in touch with you?” Did he honestly say “call me.”?
I wondered where he had been? He looked like he made more money than me by his airy studio apartment and huge mirrors hung aside two huge city escape windows. How could he be so behind with the web and it hit me that maybe I was advanced? I had been hustling and even hungry at times but the Internet always made me feel hopeful. I relied on the web and having a website is a major part of my life. I blog every day and seriously without it I would be less of myself.
Before most people had a website of their own, I was using free Internet modeling websites and downloading my photos and setting a rate and starting a business out of my body, before I even had my first tear sheet or magazine exposure I was considering myself a model- through the web I was a freelance model, an Internet model, but the word model was there. My entrance into the modeling world wasn’t from being pawned at the mall or local beach by an agent or talent scout; - there is no beach in Syracuse, New York. I discovered modeling through a Google search of the word model and before the Myspace and Craigslist obsession I was using the web to launch my modeling career and enter a business not of only beautiful tall Giraffes but it was the short girls playground into the modeling world,- found on modeling forums, and websites where models, or basically any- girl -who- could -download -a -photo, could mingle with photographers or any -one- who- could-hold- a –digital-camera- and most of them weren’t shooting for Vogue, but the resume didn’t matte so much, because the Internet allowed for us all to escape and create ourselves and the Wanna-bees had a place.
How many of our mother’s knew of our dreams to be a model is probably a low number. I skipped class and focused on these modeling websites, I was obsessed, entrapped, and excited, making daily exchanges through email with so-called photographers and planning photo shoots that took place in between my college classes at amateur photographer’s living rooms, penthouses, basements, and roof tops. The stench in cigarettes, wine and stale bread and perfume filled the air. In my bag I had all of my typical aging modeling gear- thigh highs, 5 pairs of panties, 5 pairs of shoes, and a brush, hair pins, nail polish, but really it was just my bare skin they wanted to see. And I didn’t mind, so most of the time my modeling accessories stayed in my bag. Maybe the details of a makeup artist and an honest point of the shoot were absent but it felt real to me as I disrobed and pranced around as a photographer followed, maybe a middle aged single dad or a bored husband, a real estate broker, they all took my picture while bathing in their bathtub, or splattered in oil and butter on their kitchen tables. It was hot and afterwards we would look at the photos on his computer and I would leave with a CD of images which I would quickly, as- soon- as- possible-but never soon enough, rush to download on my own computer in my dorm room and then place the ones I liked best on my little modeling website page on an Internet Modeling website. On the street I was another girl, on the Internet I was a model.
Today, five years later, I have an agent but I still act as my own a lot, and although I am still nude often and use my body for work, but I work with brands and names like Conde Nast and TLC, MTV, and national retailers for ad campaigns. These days even though I am not sweating over being the most sought out Internet model for the afternoon, the Internet is still in my very active life. Most of my resume has come from jobs I have gained through my own research, by Googling and using Craigslist. I have learned how to contact the marketing departments at brands I want to work for, like shoe companies. A few random emails have worked. I have promoted myself for the past 5 years through the Internet and it proves that the Internet can launch your career no matter what trade or craft you are pursuing if you are dedicated to researching new venues for marketing yourself every day.
I have caught the media wave strong lately and I understand the importance of being active on the web and not just once in while but every day, to make a statement and to seek work and get ahead. I now have a Myspace page, I use Facebook.com, and I blog daily and discovered blogging when I noticed how news is becoming anything “you” want it to be from sites like Media Bistro and Gawker and Gothamist. On my personal Petite Modeling blog I give hints and tips about the modeling business and industry, I promote the Petite Model and give special attention to how the short models can succeed through my modeling pod cast called MODEL TALK. I update my website weekly with new images but I am not obsessed with being an Internet freelance model anymore. I want the tear sheet, the ad campaign, the real modeling rat race of having a strong portfolio. These days I enjoy giving back, giving advice, sharing my side of the modeling business through the web. I am still hustling, still struggling some days, but I have taken action towards my career and pursuits and not waited for the phone to ring. If I want to be in a magazine, I research the names of the photo editors on the Internet and mailed them my photos, and if I want to be on a TV Show, I now Google the show, I research the topics they consider, I find out who the casting director is, because even though I have an agent, I can never stop fending for myself. And blogging about my day, my pursuits, the highs and lows of being my own business, hopefully will encourage others to blog, and be more active within the opportunities that lie through Internet, and to take action over their own pursuits and to then share the wisdom they have learned along the way.

Petite Modeling on the Internet

The Internet has in some ways given the short girls a chance and I give advice on using the Internet in my latest Ezinearticle enclosed.


http://ezinearticles.com/?id=801482

Cheers!
isobella

Interesting Fact for the Petite Model

Did you know....The first commercial Mascara was named after Thomas Williams sister Mable. It involved mixing Vaseline with coal dust, and it was named Maybelline.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

The Hustle of a Petite Model

It never really ends and it shouldn't be easy for us anyways in all honesty. If you understand the industry of modeling and the history of modeling you will understand the struggle petite models have. And will always have most likely.

Models were meant to be tall so they are adorned and basically bluntly "looked up too," like a statue per say.

It makes the image posh, and admired and wanted. Model. Model. We forget that this means selling a product and not just selling the face, or height of someone. Still there is a standard. Fashion runs of the image of modeling but in away it is really backwards because fashion modeling gives a limited answer to what a model is. So does Playboy. I like to think as a petite model I can actually model longer than a fashion model because I will market myself commercially and be able to model through all stages of life. Whether Pregnant, Whether 60 years old or even older. Because I have found that modeling isn't only about the glam, the height, the fashion model, it is about the product. I would rather model in a bandaid commercial or for a hair company than go dizzy and lose sleep over not getting on the runway this season.

As a petite model, if you are realistic, and focus on your strengths, understand what you got, -then you will find yourself with work. If you know how to sell you, your strengths, then things will come your way. No matter your height, color, or weight, in all honesty, if you hustle and research, network, and stay ambitious, and be smart about your images and how you sell yourself, and most important get over your ego because being a model has more to do with your ambition than your looks, height and everything else (not even the curve of your ass)...focus on your goals and you will get work. You will succeed. And success isn't only measured by what we want but by the things we sometimes forget we have already acomplished...

Goodluck!