"The September Issue" film - Anna Wintour

Just checked out The September Issue film trailer on Youtube, you can check it here. The film follows Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, I doubt she likes shorter models, maybe for the "Shape" issue one day, but I still think the film is pretty interesting and I hope to see it. The issue weighed 5. That's one heavy magazine to put in your handbag!

Modeling involves the power of you

Try, you'd be surprised what you can discover and receive. Patting yourself on the back is no failure, many times it takes YOU to get what you want.

Short Model how-to Basics-height isn't everything

I've written many, many posts on how a shorter girl can get ahead as a model on my Petite Modeling Tips blog, and here I break it down into compcards, photography, the agency and scams. I suggest getting a comp card made and a headshot and submitting them to agencies/ Your own mailings and effort mean a lot to your own success in modeling. Here are some posts I have written about getting started modeling and broke it down here into the basics you should know no matter what.

Compcards:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/model-fact-did-you-know-model.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/10/comp-cards-should-you-make-your-own.html

Photography:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-do-you-find-professional.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/06/commercial-print-compcard-full-body.html

The Agency:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/modeling-compcards-do-it-yourself-to.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-short-girl-gets-ahead-as-model.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/06/agencies-specializing-in-petite-models.html

Scams:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/they-say-you-can-model-but-is-this-scam.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/real-agents-dont-have-45-minutes-to.html

How do you find a professional photographer?

A girl asked me recently: How do you find a professional photographer?

In this digital and Internet-age it is harder and harder for a girl to find professionalism and the last place she should look is "the Internet". Here are my thoughts on the struggles of finding a "professional photographer."

You want to work with someone with a photography business, not just a camera. To get something for "free" is another story and many girls do, and make photography mistakes by not working with a professional and doing these sketchy TFP things, and it is harder when you only use the web to find photographers on social sites. So skip that. You will typically only find amateur photographers instead.

It is better to approach a headshot photographer, a photographer that has a full time photography business and these days even the yellow pages are more legit than the crap on the Internet. Or you could call the print agency you want to work with an ask if they can refer to a photographer. Or you could call an acting school as well. The first shots an aspiring model needs for print modeling is:
1. headshot
2. a full body shot that shows your personality/smile, like an ad for a cell phone co.

A professional photographer typically will also have “photo packages” listed on their website as well.

It is ok to invest in yourself and pursuits. When you are looking for that "free ride" it can lead to major mistakes, letdowns and bad photos.

No one said finding quality was easy or cheap. Finding quality and professionals takes time, and work, and the easy route, the short-cut can lead to a mess in amateur-land. In modeling your photos are your life line so aim high. Don’t settle just for “any old amateur with a camera” you will mostly get crap from it. I have had my bad experiences and I am sharing the ‘safer and quickest route” because you could spend “years” dealing with amateurs, and bad photography. These days in a world where so many girls want to be models you have to strive to create the best photography you can, and you have to cerate shots that WILL help you. Not just make you “another chick with her photo taken.”

A cheaper option: You could also go to a photography school or college and strive to work with students as well. A person who “knows the craft of photography” and “knows lighting” is best.

An actor leans about the important of a headshot in acting school; a girl who wants to model on the other hand tends to go to the Internet sign up for a model-site to show off her random pics but then never finds quality because all there is to mingle with is amateurs on the web. It is best to focus on getting in front of a professional photographer’s lens. Shooting “just for the heck of it, or for the “amateur” photographers pleasure is a waste of time as well. Many girls fall trap to these unfortunately.

The higher you aim to work with someone who “knows the craft of photography” the better. You wouldn’t want any random person giving you a gynecologist exam, so have the same standards with the photography you do and the photographer you choose. I am serious.

Having high standards is also a big part. If you just want photos you might end up getting crap so instead want "great photos" and aim to work with a professional photographer. Someone who knows how to work the camera, not just take a picture.

I hope this helps.

B4 Modeling casting Sephora Times Square Touch-up

Next time you are near Times Square and you have a modeling casting and you need a touch-up before you have two choices depending on which way you are going. You can go to Sephora on Broadway and 43rd or 42 and 7th! I usually DO go to Sephora before my modeling castings and check myself in their mirrors. I do like the Sephora brand of makeup as well which doesn't get enough props. It is good stuff. Lipsticks are a fav. I usually go in Sephora to buy i.d bare Minerals powder. I wear SPF 15 Suncreen in Medium usually all year round.

Other things on my face and body right now:
LUSH products, Makeup Forever, Revlon, Boots, Rimmel, Maybelline, Wet n' Wild, Styli-Style...oh god the list goes, but I am basically simple with how heavy I do my makeup. Light, airy, I don't over do the blush.

I always forget to put on eye-shadow. I have this huge case from Sephora (see above). I gotta get that going on.

Model Fact: Did you know a model...

needs photos before she gets an agency? Yup. This past week I did a radio podcast segment on modeling compcards and I hope you got to catch that segment.

Many models are mislead to think the "agency does everything" -

This is not so.

The model, the person who wants to model, has to get professional photos, and make the comp card, and mail it to the agencies. Print modeling agencies do not have open calls typically. Therefore you have to mail your compcard in the postal mail. It is a major misconception and I wanted to just make sure you know the facts!

If you have sent photos through an agency website, if you have never sent professional photos to an agencies actually mailing addresss then maybe you should. It is the difference between having an agency and not having one.

These days a model makes her marketing material, mails it, uses it at castings and is more hands-on with her pursuits.

Your compcard is your model life line.

I hope this helps,
Isobella

Real agents don't have 45 minutes to talk to models

A girl asked me recently about an agency talking to her on the phone for 45 minutes as asking her to drive 4 hours to meet them. She asked if it is a scam.


I said yes. Real agents don't have 45 minutes to talk to models they don't even work with yet. Sounds like something you should NOT do. Do not drive four hours.

How do you model being so short

A girl recently asked me "How do you model being so short?" This was part of my reply:


I know what I have that the modeling industry can use. The modeling industry is the advertising industry so I think of ways I can use what I do have to get ahead. I think of ads and brands and products and the types of modeling jobs I can realistically get and target my photos in that style. I make my compcards and I strived to be professional. I never gave up and this is how it is has worked for me. :)

focus on the things you love about yourself

I might be lucky that I am petite, but I am not perfect.

I often think about what if we "people" had no faces, what if we just were not a nose, eyes, lips, how much do you weigh, where is your flaw humanity?... what would society be like. What could we judge eachother on then?

It is also interesting to think about how our looks have nothing to do with our brains, or our heart and how it beats. It is both that keep us alive and able to do what we want to do. Not our perfect teeth. :)

We are a judgemental world, a material world, and it is easy to forget what "being human " is. Just focus on the things you love about yourself, it could simply be 'how you interact with people and say hello to someone else and ask how their day is. Loving the "type" of person you are or "knowing the type of person" you want to be can brighten up your life and others.

Isobella

They say you can model but is this a scam?

Modeling conventions, modeling hotel meet and greet: They are all Scams.

This post is taken from an email I recently wrote to give the scoop on model scams.

Keep in mind company, agency, or website that asks or proclaims: "Can you model" "be a model!" "Are you ready to be a star?" or any other "teaser" etc, is a scam.

Professional agencies don't ask if you can model.

These days reality TV and the media has made it where "everyone and their sister" wants to be a model or in entertainment so many so-called agencies take advantage of this mindset these young aspiring girls have.

A professional agency will NOT force you to use their photographer or printing service, they will not pay a monthly fee to be on the website, or charge you at all to work with them. A professional agency might suggest but if they think you can book work with them and you are ambitious, they will at least work with the compcard you have. Like like mentioned how Gene worked with mine in my memoir.

Strive to find a professional agency ok. They are out there. It might take more time to get in the door with a "real" agency, but it is better not to be fooled.

A professional agency gets your compcard in the mail and they would then call you. They might want to see you in person or they might just send you to a casting, a go-see to see how you do. And then just keep your card on file. I have had experiences where I did not meet the agency until I booked a job with them. It is normal.

Also many girls expect this personal attention. Too much "ahhh and ooo'ing" can be scamful and an aspiring model should remember that actually your print modeling booker/agent might not become your best friend, good friend, etc, a modeling agent is apart of your pursuit, but the agent /model relationship is business.

So just beware, it is a self-made world today and there are many so-called agencies out there, so please remember to becareful of scams.

I hope this helps,

Isobella

Modeling castings, not being the perfect fit

Got some buzz in the Syracuse Post Standard this morning on Almost 5'4".

Went to a casting for jeans today, even though they were too big, I didn’t just say “oh they are too big!” I put them on and said, “I’ll give them a try, I can make it work.” SNAP, Snap. It is always better if possible to try, or did you walk all that way to just say “Oh they are too big!” Trying anyways can get you the job sometimes. It also shows you want the job and you are capable to try even if you are not the exact size or fit.

Then I was to the Apple Store, then Barnes and Noble where a guy tried to hit on me by asking "how can I lose weight,what books should I read?" I told him I don't know but the diet section would be a good start, then he asked "what do you do" I said I do a lot of things but you should read my memoir Almost 5'4", it is in this store. I wanted to smack him but maybe he bought the book.

If you want to check it out, click the cover here:

Modeling comp cards are still in demand radio

Isobella shares why you need a modeling compcard and how the internet has not taken over the print model marketing needs for a model. A tangible-can-hold-in-your-hand-compcard and headshot is still needed and a website is not enough. A girl who wants to model needs a compcard. She will share how to make one and why you need it.

Tune in Weds at 4pm or listen to the archive anytime!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/07/29/Modeling-comp-cards-are-still-in-demand-despite-the-web

It's not always about how long your legs are

To me modeling is like being a runner. You might not step out on the track as the fastest but over time, you can win races. Persistence. A short chick can still run the 400 hurdlers. I did it. It's not always about how long your legs are..it's about your will.

The Beautiful Life -If you like Model TV Shows

I don't watch a ton of TV, I do not know all the actors out there. Or names of shows, but this one might interest you.

I had heard about the show but this article in WWD this morning caught my eye, on the show called The Beautiful Life. I might not watch it die-hard, but if you like Model TV Shows, shows about models, you might like it:

(However I do think modeling is NOT such a beautiful life, it is a life of a lot of hard work actually. Not just handbags and the latest fashions.)

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/material-girls-the-stars-of-the-beautiful-life-2223831?src=rss/fashion/20090728

New Creating Modeling Photos Video

New Creating Modeling Photos Video, Isobella shares tips and advice for aspiring models of all heights and creating photos that sell you and what you do have. Create photos that speak about what you "can" model.

For everyone "the top" is somewhere different

For everyone "the top" is somewhere different. This is what "the top" looks like for me, and what it isn't to me as well:


Success to me is not found in holding a certain handbag, or wearing a certain label, success is not just a paycheck or a "title". I think success is when you love yourself and accept your flaws. I think it is when you overcome your own doubts, fears and claim your own goals. I think "the top" is found when you seek out opportunities, make them happen, become who you want to be. Then after you reach your goals, you make a new one and effect and help others strive to be where they want to be as well. To me that is a successful person.

Are you a short model, or just not as tall

Are you short, or just as not as tall? It is all a state of mind and how you use your marketing mentality to get ahead.

If you know what you can model then being short isn't a small difference.
If you know how to market yourself and use what you do have to get ahead, then your height isn't such a factor to determine your success.
If you take the time, measure your realistic goals against the work it will take, you will find that there is possibility in being self-made.
If you are not a afraid to take a chance on yourself you will find your doubts dissolve.
Focus on who you can be and accept ambitiously what you are not. Be bold and brave with your choices, when you put yourself out there, show up, and put yourself in a situation for opportunities…you just might find even more than what you hoped.

How I save money as a model on fashion

Paychecks for a model are not every week. Often it takes months to be paid for a gig; therefore saving money on clothing is essential. Here are 5 ways I spend less.


1. I shop selectively and I plan my shopping. Shopping when I am bored or just because usually doesn’t result in a good purchase for me. To prevent buying something that will just sit in the small closet, which is very easy to do living in New York City, it is best to look at what you do have and consider how you can upgrade a simple dress. Don’t forget a boring black dress can be spiced up with a belt or a cardigan, or maybe even cut that longer dress into a mini before going out and dropping a wad of cash on something new.

2. If I see a dress I love in a store I try it on, but many times I have found that the dress is sold cheaper on the internet, even within buying it the same season. Do your research before you purchase. Shopping online for items that are over $100 in store can be found cheaper online sometimes.

3. Handbags and shoes are items that can dress up a simple look and cost the least, so I spend most of my money on these items. I usually am carrying a “clutch conversation piece.” I also love meeting aspiring designers and I go to tradeshows and events in the city and meet the designers, it is fun to wear a piece when you know who made it. Usually you pay less too!

4. I don’t like to over-do my jewelry and I spend the least on it. Shopping for jewelry can be tricky, especially if you are on a budget. Did you know there are also great finds at jewelry sample sales, trades shows and even street craft shows? The styles I wear most are from Simon G, Carnelian Knoll, St.John, Judith Jack, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Shop has some beautiful pieces for day and night for reasonable prices. H&M also does a good job with accessories and jewelry.

5. The basics last longer. I have learned that those fabulous designer shoes are gorgeous and fun to wear, but typically all I wear are my black heels. A way to save money is to focus on buying items that you love and really will wear. And instead of buying yourself another pair you might not wear, buy something for someone else. It is easy to treat yourself again, but there is a joy that shouldn’t be forgotten in giving the gift of a great deal.

A little Allure lovin today for Model Life

Model Life, my graphic novel due in the fall just got some Allure.com lovin! So excited about this.

Here is the link to the plug on their Daily Beauty Reporter blog:

http://www.allure.com/beauty/blogs/reporter/2009/07/modeling-gets-graphic.html

The Battle of Models and the Internet podcast

Isobella shares the battle of the internet and models and how to tell what it legit and what is not when it comes to agencies and photography and how the web can help and hurt you.

Weds the 22nd of July at 2pm.

Tune in live here, or listen to the archive anytime:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/07/22/The-Battle-of-Models-and-the-Internet


Isobella is the author of Almost 5'4" which you can find on her website www.isobelladreams.com or in bookstores now.