In this digital-age I love having real face to face conversations

I love having real conversations. Face to face, forcing the brain to focus on where you are, who your with and to be absorbed w that. Learn, share, discuss, laugh, love. Let's not Forgot the basics of communication: to be present where you are. Sure, go ahead take a million pics of your lunch w ur iPhone but then really taste it, get the most out of the moment. Feel and hear the sounds of the day.
~Isobella

Celebrate your petite'ness!

Hey Girls,

I notice how some petite fashion and petite advocating website's complain about the lifestyle of a petite. I just don't see it that way.

I love being petite, so I will have to work a little harder, know myself a little better, cheat the camera angle to get length some times, but I would not want to be an inch taller. That doesn't mean I am going to B*tch about it, it means to celebrate the goods that you've got! :) Shortie, shrimp, peanut, bring it, I'm lovin' it!


This is what is quoted inside my book Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model:

Whenever I shoot I inhale, stretch my torso and arch my back to get a few more inches. I lift my chin slightly; I stretch my legs and keep some space between my body and my arms to create length. I point my toes, watch my posture and stay aware of my proportions – I put it all to use to prove that I am just as good as any of those tall lanky giraffe models.~ from "Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model" in Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com, also I am holding a contest right now to win a copy here.

~Isobella

Let's not forget the discipline

Let's not forget the discipline involved within the hustle and focus of being passionate about something that you want to create, do, be, share. ~ij thoughts while working on/writing a new book.

Casting Confessions: This is what is my bag before a model casting

Hey Girls.

This is my bag. Remember last week on my podcast I chatted about how model's should have a BIG BAG?

I stuff it in!

Well, today the casting involved legs and feet.

Instead my bag you will find my portfolio and my model comp card's are tucked inside my portfolio as well, usually resting on the front page or in the pocket in the back of the portfolio.

I also have denim shorts, a gray t-shirt, and pink sandals. If the casting is for legs, even if it is cold, I want to be able to properly show them. When I arrive at the casting I usually ask: where is the bathroom? do you have a bathroom?  In the bathroom I will change into the shorts and sandals, also even if it is for "legs" I bring the t-shirt because on a cold day I still want to be able to show my full arm because as a body parts model, and at body part modeling castings, you never know what will be photographed and it's best to be prepared for anything and show your parts properly, ex: showing your hands while wearing a long leave shirt isn't as great as showing your hands while wearing a t-shirt because The Arm, is also often used in an ad, editorial, campaign, and it's best to show how great you arm looks too, and before I leave the bathroom I will quickly rub some lotion on my legs and comb my hair, and maybe curly my eye-lashes.

Especially in NYC when the wind beats the crap out of you, even in April, it's best to brush your hair and touch up yourself before you go and get in front of the casting camera.

Today although the casting was for legs and feet, my face was photographed and my face profile, (side angle) and hands were also shot. Good thing I was a prepared model, of course, and had a fresh manicure ready (keep in mind, most leg and feet jobs involve hands because if you look in most ads for accessories or beauty products or shoes, often they involve a hand as well. So get the manicure done too.)

Also you will see in my bag there is a journal and pen. Will add makeup bag and lotion and brush,  and phone charger depending on how many other errands I have to run during the day.

Always, I like to be prepared for anything,
~Isobella

Dear Aspiring Models

Dear Aspiring Models,


When you are planning a photo shoot or at a photo shoot for your portfolio and comp card. When your photo is being taken, look at it carefully, review it carefully, and always ask yourself: What would an agency, casting director, or photo editor think of the image? Would they book you off the photo? Would they want to see you for a casting based off the image alone? Does the image sell your assets and fit the image you are going for and the jobs you want to book as a model? The answer should be yes.

~Isobella Jade on creating photos that are marketable.

Jewelry modeling photo contest starts now! Win a signed copy of my book Short Stuff!

SHORT CHICKS ROCK!

Hey Girls,

This month I am holding 3 photo contest book giveaways for my book Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model.

The first one is all about Jewelry. I am currently updating my portfolio and working on some jewelry shots.

Also jewelry modeling can be put in the area of "parts modeling" which includes using your hands to model rings and accessories. Think you can put your ears to work to model earrings? Got a nice neck? Put it to use in modeling. Why not, use what you've got. So look at some jewelry ads from close-ups beauty shot to close-ups of hands, because the first photo contest is based on modeling jewelry.

You don't have to be tall to model jewelry.

(You can send full body, or close-up on neck, wrist, or close up of hands, like a jeweley catalog or advertisment.)

Any type of jewelry welcome!

 Submit 1-3 photos of yourself modeling jewelry to me at petitepride@yahoo.com

The model who best shows a jewelry shot with commercial print style, will win a signed copy of my book Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model, send photos by Monday April 11, 2011 by 12 p.m. EST! 

The winner will be featured on my Petite Modeling Tips blog and receives a signed copy of Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model and I will give you personal tips on your photos, comp card and submitting to agencies and marketing yourself as well.

If you are based in NYC I might even show the best submissions to my modeling agencies for consideration as well.

Keep it clean, keep is tasteful, keep it classy, keep it timeless, and remember height isn't everything when you notice how your other assets can be marketable. :)

~Isobella

Guess what, get a signed copy of my book Short Stuff

Hey Girls,

Guess what you can get a signed copy of my book Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model. 

Short Stuff features on the job experiences that took place after my modeling memoir Almost 5'4".

Here's the scoop:

Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model" is an inspiring collection of short stories featuring on-the-job modeling experiences with Marshall's, Macy's Victoria's Secret, Easy Spirit and others. This collection also includes modeling tips for shorter models, and proves that height isn't everything.

If you want to read an excerpt of Short Stuff click here and scroll to the cover of Short Stuff also on BN.com and Amazon you can read and excerpt as well.

Paypal:

1 Signed/Personalized copy of Short Stuff

Option 1 $12.00

Who is the book for?

What is the mailing address?

I look forward to personalizing your book :)

~Isobella


P.s: DO you read eBooks? Soon Short Stuff will be an ebook, stay tuned!

this weekend went to Le Scandal burlesque, ate mexican, had great brunch!

Hey Girls, this weekend went to Le Scandal burlesque, and had some good mexican at Mag Dog and Beans on Stone Street, and also had a late brunch in at Nolita House on Houston St.

~Isobella

New Video: Petite Runway wearing Levi's® Curve ID jeans Slight Curve

Enjoy this video, I'm wearing Levi's® Curve ID jeans in Slight Curve, and share the fit and my in-store experience. I am wearing a size 25, they didn't have a 24 but a 24 might have fit 100% perfect, I think they will shrink in the wash a bit though too. ~Isobella

Podcast today! Inside the Big Handbag of the Little Model

Last week Petite model, author Isobella Jade shared some insight on preparing for castings and modeling jobs, what happens at a casting and after one, what happens on the job and after a modeling job, and insight on what is inside the big handbag that models carry to castings and jobs. In this segment she shares more detail on what's inside the big handbag of the little model. Your handbag should be able to carry not just your portfolio but many items that help you be more prepared for the job and be the best you can be as a model. A model does more than shows up. A model does more than bring her portfolio and comp card and beauty products. A model carries her reputation and professionalism in her bag. She also shares insight on shopping for jeans as a shorter girl. To read more about Isobella's adventures as a model, check out her books at her website: http://www.isobelladreams.com/

Tune into the segment today Inside the Big Handbag of the Little Model about the behind the scenes of working as a model.

When: 3/30/2011

Time:  2:00 PM EST

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/03/30/inside-the-big-handbag-of-the-little-model

Do you have any baby wipes in your handbag? You should consider it.

Do you have your own manicure and pedicure tools? You should buy your own.

Tune in here for more insight on the little things that make a big difference on the job as a model,

~Isobella Jade

Video: Petite Style: AX White Denim Capri as skinny jean

Creating the right photos for print modeling takes work and time

A girl recently sent me a message through my website asking, "I've been a freelance model for the past four years and just moved to NYC a month ago. I'm already taking acting classes (10 weeks of them) and have visited two agencies with my hard cover portfolio. They both told me I need new pictures-that I look prettier in real life than my photos. I have a lot of friends that are fashion photographers that want to help me build my port, but the advice they give while critiquing my port isn't appropriate for the kind of work I can realistically get since I'm only 5'5. Could you please tell me what your advice is when it comes to pictures? Do you only have a modeling agency or a talent agency, or also a casting director, etc."



My reply below might also help your own pursuits as a model.

I've worked with and got work with agencies (while working non-exclusive with them and worked with up to 5 at a time) and I've worked with talent agencies and casting directors as well over the years. There is a booklet in Barnes and Noble and bookstores in the magazine section called The Call Sheet, it is about $12, and it has a list of casting directors and talent agencies. You should grab one of these as well.

I've heard it all myself, "your pics are too sexy" "your pics don't flatter your assets." "you need better pics." And photos are what seperate a model that works with real agencies and brands and jobs from a model that just takes photos, the best way to also start improving your photos for the area of modeling you want to pursue, is to ask questions, ask for examples of the type of shot they are talking about. The "commercial" part in commercial print modeling implies personality, relatable to a mass market of consumers. Here are some examples:

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/08/commercial-print-modeling-photos-for.html

The words model and modeling tend to make a girl change herself, as in her attitude and actually because "herself" is what she needs to focus on for print modeling. Her real smile, laugh, natural expressions, natural makeup, natural outfits and natural, comfortable, realistic pose, is best. If the shot can involve a discreet product such as a handbag, a cell phone, coffee cup, working out at a gym, the more your shot looks like you are "doing something", and the more it involves your personality and the more it involves looking realistic and like an implied ad or editorial in a magazine, the better.

If you want to model within print modeling "smiling shots" are very important. You could be smiling and walking, dancing, acting like you are hanging out at a cool cafe and enjoying your coffee, candy, even dusting, or putting on some makeup, etc. Think of real life situations. Just keep it a shot that relates to a mass market consumer, not just one demographic.

Always keep in mind that working as a model isn't just about you, it is about the product you are modeling for and it is best to remember this when creating photos, sure you want to look great but a client for a cell phone company, a skincare brand, a shoe brand, wants to see that you "know how to model products naturally," and that you have a natural energy about you that their customers can relate to. Study what print modeling is and it will also help you. Any ad with a smile or real-life expression and pose is a print model and a print ad usually.

A model is needed because her look represents what a brand's marketing campaign needs or fits what an ad concept or editorial concept is. A model's purpose is to model for something, so keep that in mind too.

I suggest working with a photographer who understands what print modeling is, and yes you will most likely have to invest some $ and time into getting the shots you need. It's a part of the process.

Another thing, think about the type of modeling jobs you want to get. If you want to be in ads for print modeling then you have to study some print ads, so look at magazines of all types, study commercials and pay attention to the expression, what they are wearing and their makeup and how natural they look.

If I wanted to leg model, yes despite being so petite, I had to create and show on my com pcard shots of my legs that looked like ads for lifestyle products or something you'd see in a Glamour, Allure, Marie Claire or Cosmo. Take it upon yourself to create a comp card that fits your goals and be realistically ambitious about it. Show you can, to get the opportunity.

Remember, print modeling is about relating to an everyday consumer in the ad or commercial so an everyday look in the photos you have for print modeling is best. Of course if you wanted to model for fitness, swimwear, undergarments, that's fine, but keep in mind in print modeing is less about impressing a man and more about selling the item you are wearing to a female consumer. Here is more on print modeling:
http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/07/print-modeling-has-become-many-things.html

I hope this helps girl, and keep rocking on, here are some agencies in NYC to send your comp card to when you have print modeing photos ready for action! :)

It's a tough pursuit, a tough competitive hustle, but usually those who don't give up, get what they want, I've included links to some other tips are below. There is a lot of marketing that goes into being a self-made model,

~Isobella

These links will also help :)

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/09/do-you-have-model-compcard-you-should.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/03/does-your-photographer-know-what.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/think-twice-before-posing-for.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/12/are-your-best-assets-for-modeling-being.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/six-differences-of-fashion-model-and.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/01/unrealistic-modeling-goals-and-facing.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/five-steps-to-get-ahead-as-short-model.html

Learn, know, grow, get and strive for more. ~isobella jade

At Apple store yesterday

Hey Girls, if you are on the go and you got to GO! The Apple store is a favorite bathroom in SoHo. I could be there spokesmodel. I've used it a lot over the years. Clean and usually always in stock of toliet paper. :)

Petite jean hunting, AG Angelina jean and Levi's Curve ID and petite styles

Hey Girls,

Yesterday I tried on the AG Angelina jean which was created for petite girls, it fit pretty well, and I do suggest you try the style, here are some pics:

Also I tried on the Curve ID jeans at Levi's too, I was measured for their Curve ID jeans, when I was measured, the guy was like "your a demi," but after I tried on 4 pairs of demi's I knew I wasn't a demi, -too much fabric under my butt- so I went with the "slight curve" Curve ID jeans and they are pretty damn cute, I bought em, and will also show them off to you later this week. :)

when it comes to my "curve" it's more than slight, so with the Curve ID jeans at Levi's, I suggest not counting on how you are measured, I was shocked I was even measured and I think it would be better if the store actually had a sign that said, "if your hips are this size and your waist is this size you are a ____ curve", because even though my butt is more than "slight" the "slight curve" style shows that I actually have a butt. Otherwise it was all baggy and not so pretty, ya know. :) I bought the Modern Slight Curve Skinny jeans, you can check out the styles here.

Did you know Levi's has petite sizes!?

I was especially happy when I went to the website and under Women, it says PETITE!

Rock on people who design for petite girls!

~Isobella

P.s. If Levi needs a petite model, call me or email me.

Favorite Little Thing: Sobral Hand Mirrors

Hey Girls,

This week one of my favorite little thing are the Sobral hand mirrors. They are items to have for a lifetime to pass down to family and use daily. These are especially cute and are made of clear and multi-colored natural resin material.

This is the Ipanema Hand Mirror, $100

And check out the Meio Cheio Hand Mirror, $82

Who is the most beautiful of all, YOU! Inside and out. :)
 
~Isobella

The legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor died today, she was at 79

Hey Girls,

I just read that the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor died today, she was at 79. :(

I loved her in A Place in the Sun, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, BUtterfield 8, Giant, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf", of course Cleopatra...I bet TCM will have all her films on soon now.  She could express raw emotion, had sass and sophisication, and a heart.

Rest in peace, you will live on and on.

You can read about her life, films and passions here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110323/ap_en_ot/us_obit_taylor


http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=13203370

http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/03/23/obit.elizabeth.taylor/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Taylor
 
~Isobella

GENEVA Mary-Jane pump at Bakers is screaming little black dress I want you!

Hey Girls,

I think the GENEVA Mary-Jane pump at Bakers is so adorable.  It's one of my favorite little things for Spring 2011.  Check it out, it's screaming little black dress I want you with me! ~Isobella

Shorter models don't just mail photos to agencies, send great ones!

Before I started booking modeling jobs for shoe modeling, like this one for Easy Spirit seen in Macy's, I had to craft and prepare photos of my feet in shoes, sandals, etc. To show I could.

Hey Girls,
I remember when I printed out from my printer photos of myself and mailed them to fashion agencies. What a F-ing waste of a stamp that was!

It is better to get it right, take your time, do your research, know what you need to do, then waste your time and your energy.  Sometimes it is tough to discover what you need to do and I did make mistakes at the start, but I learned, I picked myself up and tried again, live and learn.

When you are thinking and planning to mail your comp card to agencies remember to only send the good stuff! And to do it in a professional way. With a comp card.

It is good to know ahead of time the type of agencies you should submit a comp card to, so research print modeling agencies and talent agencies, observe the type of photos the models have on their website and you can plan your own photos around what you observe.

Remember sometimes having a totally unique and photo with extreme attitude, makeup and styling, can actually be the wrong photo to send a print modeling agency. You do want to focus on sending "what the agency wants to see." So research what print modeling is and the photos you need for it.

I encourage you to spend time crafting your photos carefully, because the agency will not be the one that is crafting your dreams, it's you. The agency works with models that are already prepared, professional and who know how to model. Having the passion is not enough you have to also know how to do it.

The agency will send you on castings and they will try to book you for work, and  they are great to work with, but like I've shared in other posts, you are "working with" them, they are not "working 100% for you and your dream."  You are.

What holds a shorter model back that has great assets for modeling? It's her photos.
It is important to not ignore the importance of "what you show equals where you go."

Think about the modeling jobs you can realistically get, think about your assets and spend time crafting photos that match your goals and the type of jobs you want to get. If you don't show it in your photos the agency might not believe you can be booked for that type of work. So do your homework, invest the time, work hard at crafting your professional photos, and show in your images that you are ready and able and that despite your height you have assets that an agency can market and that a client would like to book.

Height isn't everything when you focus on everything else you do have,
~Isobella

A shorter model's self-promotion can lead to bigger opportunities

A girl on Facebook recently messaged me and asked about working as a model and included, "I live about 4 hours from Toronto so that's where I've been doing interviews but the distance kind of makes some agencies uneasy; Moving there would really be my best option though, so I'm just going to have to work hard save up and know that I will get there soon enough!"


My reply might help your own modeling pursuits:

I suggest while you plan to get to Toronto to get some experience beforehand, I think showing up with some tearsheets, and some professional experience already in your portfolio will be of benefit. Let's say you model for a local aspiring jewelry designer in your area, most towns and smaller cities these days have many aspiring designers and for accessories who says there is a height requirement to model a pair of earrings or a handbag? I would start to expand your network and try to reach out to some aspiring brands about modeling for them, because some experience can help encourage a modeling agency to work with you when you get to Toronto even if you are petite

The thing is, I think experience and "showing you can" leads to opportunities. If you want to model and you are shorter than fashion height = 5'8", 5'9" 5'10 without heels.  Then you have to think about what you can realistically get a model job for? What type of projects and magazines can you realistically model for? Why would a client want to hire you? Why would a modeling agency want to work with you?

If you can answer these questions, the bigger answer is also there: How you can prepare for your own success and goals.

To pursue a certain area in modeling you need photos that prove you can work in that area. For a shorter girl it is commercial print modeling photos. And also despite being petite also consider editorial modeling for magazines -beauty editorials, fitness, anything non-high fashion, and modeling for catalogs, product packaging and accessory goods are good to pursue as well, and TV commercials and acting as well. Why do you have to be 5'10 to model a f'in scarf! Handbag? Or necklace?

Also consider: parts modeling. Using your hands, feet, stomach, face, body for modeling for product ads, commercials and campaigns.

Having some experience, modeling for a local or aspiring or growing brand can be a great credit to have in your portfolio.

Basically, since print modeling agencies do not craft your career, and work with their models non-exclusive, and do not typically invest in their models financially, you need to be prepared with professional photos already and a portfolio and professional comp cards. Because if you pitch agencies without your model marketing tools, and without any experience, without any photos and without a clue, you will prob not get an opportunity.

To work as a model when you are shorter it involves a heck of a lot of prep work, print modeling agencies like it when you are prepared, so you'll be working on your photos, printing comp cards, building your portfolio, buying a portfolio and a lot of self-investment happens, meaning: investing your money for marketing materials and time and energy.

Passion, ambition and research are so important to get opportunities and experience, modeling jobs and to get what you want. So remember the more prepared you are the better. Below are some previous posts on the differences between fashion and print modeling and also self-promotion as a shorter model and preparing for your own success and creating goals.

~Isobella

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/07/print-modeling-has-become-many-things.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/six-differences-of-fashion-model-and.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/03/does-your-photographer-know-what.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/08/does-short-girl-get-signed-to-modeling.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/12/why-you-need-to-invest-in-yourself-as.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/03/why-tearsheets-matter-for-models.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/01/models-with-marketing-mind-and.html

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/12/09/modeling-agency-exclusive-and-non-exclusive-101

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/11/six-steps-to-get-modeling-experience-in.html

P.s:  Check out my modeling memoir Almsot 5'4" which features my early modeling pursuits, in print and also on the Nook, and also check out Short Stuff and Model Life, here on BN.com

And my books are also here on Amazon.com and the Kindle.

If you would like a signed/personalized copy of my memoir Almost 5'4", see this post.

A Dreamer and The Weather

The weather doesn't matter, it's not worth whining about, a dreamer works during the heat, in the snow, with the wind, and on the rainy gray days = today is a perfect day to see what I can get out of it, and what I can give it, to see what will aspire and what is possible, it's in the will to try.


~Isobella Jade