Ever since I can remember, I have walked the runway.
As a little girl, I was a flower girl in bridal shows in Los Angeles.
I always LOVED wearing the ‘poofy’ dresses as I called them. Because I could ‘twirl’ in them.
As I got older, instead of walking the runway, I produced the shows that created the runway. The selection of the models, and the process of putting things together.
I also did Promotional Modeling. Basically what that is, is what I like to call ‘reject’ modeling.
Because I am not the industry standard of 5′8 (minimum) and 105 wafy pounds, it was very difficult for me to be signed with an agency for fashion. I was however, signed for print work by several high end agency’s in San Francisco.
I did not pursue doing print work. Sure, it would have gotten my face out there, but the pay really wasnt worth it. Some jobs would be $500 for the day buy out. What that means is that you wont get royalty’s every time the ad shows somewhere.
Doing promotions was a great idea. I really enjoy the marketing field and the execution of a program once the idea has been thought out and put forward.
I met alot of really great people, celebrities, has-beens, remarkable people with stories you wouldnt in your wildist dreams think about, and most of all, I just gained alot of experience.
I was thinking about all of this today, and wanted to leave some folks with a few pointers on how to make it in the industry if you do fit the industry standard wants and needs.
>Find an agency that suits YOU
>Find out when their casting calls are
>Make sure you meet what they are looking for
>Go in wearing little to no makeup.
>Having almost perfect to perfect teeth is ideal for them.
>Bring in a portfolio of images
Portfolio
If you are looking to build your portfolio, and do not know where to start, or do not have the money, there are a lot of great options for you out there if you live in a city.
Try your community college photography students. They are looking for “test subjects” and you are looking for photos.
Remember, not ALL photos are good photos.
General rule of thumb is there is approximately 1-2 good usable photos out of a 1000. Just because you like 100 of them, an ad agency will only use 1. Choose the best one. Even if it means spending hours upon hours comparing what you like the most.
Assignment
When an agency sends you out on assignment, it could mean a fashion show, a photoshoot, ANYTHING, you are required to do what is asked of you.
If a designer gives you something to wear on the runway, and you do not like the way it looks on you, or do not think the outfit is ‘cute’, then this is not the industry for you.
You WILL be put into several god awful outfits during your career.
The more chances you are willing to take, the better it looks for you. The more cooperative you are, the more you will be asked back.
Never give your agency, or the person who you are modeling for attitude. You will not be asked back, and you will most likely be dropped from the agency.
Choosing an agency
There are several factors to think about when choosing an agency.
>Does it bring what you want to your life?
>What type of agency is it? Fashion, acting, print, other?
>Are you going to sign an exclusive or non-exclusive contract?
Contracts
A contract is a binding agreement that you MUST abide by.
A non exclusive contract is just as good as not signing a contract at all. What it means is that the agency is signing you, but you are free to work on other projects without limits.
An exclusive contract means you are to work with, and ONLY with that agency within your market.
If you are to sign with an agency in Los Angeles, you can ONLY sign with THAT agency. Nobody else.
There are no objects or negotiations. When an agency chooses to sign you, work your hardest and prove to them that they made a great decision.
Reality Modeling Shows
The reality of America’s Next Top Model, and Janice Dickenson’s shows are far from fact. Janice’s show is much more like a real agency and how tough people can be on you. There are pre-madonnas out there. Just remember, that people on tv are real life people, that are going through the same things you are going through.
America’s Next Top Model is just a show….
I went to the casting to see what it was all about a few years ago. They peg their people before they even enter into the room for judging. They look for what is going to make the show have top ratings. Does the girl have attitude, will she bring drama to the show, will she show the world that she is better than everyone else?
Life is not all a box of chocolates out there, and its a glamorous world if you make it one.
