Wednesday, September 17, 2008

New Model Info and Scam Guide

This is a note for new and not so new models to use as a reference in case a particular question comes up. So I created this note to help you sort through all the clutter. This is also posted on my other sites since I do come across these questions frequently.

So, let's get started with the most common question asked…..

Q: "Is this a Scam"?
A: Well, let's dissect the message you may have received. Often times, there are major clues that tip you off to a scam…. Clue 1: I'm not being mean, I'm just being honest… if you are 5'2 and you receive an e-mail informing you that some agent/ talent coordinator/ designer/ model scout wants to fly you to another country for a "Fashion Show", be wary. The typical height for a fashion model (runway and editorial) is between 5'8 and 6'0 (www.newmodels.com), and since designers use sample sizes, the odds of them tailoring a garment specifically to you are slim to none. Clue 2: If you are told that you will be sent a Money Order/ Check and you have to cash it and send a portion back to the original sender, be very wary. This is one of the most common scams out there. It's not just used in the Modeling Industry. It is a well-known scam. This link details it better, http://www.newmodels.com/myths.html Clue 3: If you are asked to do an interview over a web cam, runaway. No reputable agency will ever ask you to undress/pose on a web cam. Bottom line, if you feel uneasy at all about a "job offer" you receive, do a Google Search on the company/ person offering to hire you. More times than not, you will find something pertaining to whether or not it's a scam immediately. Also, you can also use http://www.fakechecks.org to help you decipher whether or not you are dealing with a scammer.

Q: How do I protect myself from weirdos?
A: If you are under 18 you MUST ALWAYS have a parent or legal guardian with you. Any photographer that will work with someone underage without a parent or guardian present is someone of highly questionable character. If you are over 18 you can still bring an escort with you to any shoot. Real photographers have no problem with escorts being brought along with you to a shoot. Try to pick an escort who is more helpful than talkative and also knows how to get out of the way when others are working. Addition security... ask for references, talk to models that have worked with that photographer, and use common sense. If your gut says no, you should say no too.

Q: Do I have what it takes to make it in the industry/what genre would I be better in?
A: By going to these links will answer all your questions: Mainstream Modeling (i.e. Fashion, Editorial and Commercial) and Plus-Sized Modeling. DO NOT WORRY IF YOU DON'T FIT ANY OF THOSE STANDARDS!!! You can still model…. Fashion modeling isn't the end all. There are many other genres that you could go into (i.e. Glamour, Art, Art Nudes, Fetish, Alt, Swimsuit, and Lingerie). You just have to find your niche.

Q: What do I do first?
A: Go get yourself some professionally done hair and/or eyebrows. Seriously. A good/modern style will go a long way towards telling photographers that you are serious. I mention eyebrows because girls are almost as guilty as guys when it comes to ignoring this feature. Don't just go to some flunkie in the mall either, find someone who can suggest a style for you.

Q: I need good pictures, where do I get them?
A: Either you pay an established professional photographer to do portfolio shoot for you, or you do something that is called TFP. TFP means Time For Photos. You give the photographer your time, and he gives you some photos. This way you can both learn from each other, build a portfolio, and make some new contacts in the business. TFCD is similar to TFP only you will not get physical prints, you will get a CD of the pictures that were taken.

Q: What does TFP (or TFCD) mean?
A: TFP stands for time in exchange for prints ("Time For Prints") and TFCD is time in exchange for a CD of images. It is an arrangement in which everyone contributes their time and skills and everyone gets images, but no cash payment is made. Details of TFP type shoots (usage rights, number of images produced and given to the model, etc) vary according to the individual deals people make amongst themselves. The term TFP is rarely used in the real world modeling industry, but there is a preferred term ("test") which functions in the same capacity. It's all a bunch of silly semantics.

Q: Where do I find photographers?
A: Here are some good sites to check out, be sure to find a photographer who shoots in a style you are looking for:
http://www.onemodelplace.com
http://www.allmodelzone.com
http://www.modelmayhem.com
http://www.premiermodels.com
http://www.garageglamour.com

Q: How Do I Pose?
A: This is why you should do lots of TFP shoots. You gain experience in working with photographers, lighting and even makeup. You can find out what poses work for you and which ones do not. You should also study the various poses you see in magazines, as well as try to emulate those poses in a mirror. Being a model is like acting – you will be asked to show certain emotions or smile on command to project a feeling in the photo. The better you get at this, the better your photos will turn out.

Q: How do I find an agent/agency?
A: Work. Lots of it! Unless you are one of the very lucky models in the world who gets signed to a good agency just by walking down the right street at the right time chances are good that you will have to do several shoots, build a really good portfolio, and shop it around in your spare time. It's actual work for most people. You should be prepared to make the commitment before going this far into modeling. Being driven and confident gets you a long way, even with agents who have already turned you down.

Q: What about attitude?
A: You will face lots of rejection, and people will give you honest opinions on how you look. You think they are rough on American Idol, just wait. A good agent can spend 20 minutes picking out flaws on the best looking girl alive today. Your attitude should be strong and confident. You should believe that you are a winner, but you should also listen when they suggest improvements.

Q: How do I know my exact measurements?
A: Follow these directions from my fashion design class notes:

Bust: Measure at the fullest part of your chest, under your arms.
Hips: Measure at the fullest part of your hips.
Waist: Measure at your natural waistline, the narrowest part of the waist.
Inseam: Use a pair of pants that fit well in length and measure the pants from the crotch to the hem of the leg.

*Jacket or coat length
This should be taken from the bottom of the collar (from the beginning of the melton) to the bottom of the garment.
*Sleeve length
This should be taken from the seam at the bottom of the collar while guiding the tape measure along the shoulder seam and down the sleeve's outer seam to the end.
*Outside leg length
This should be taken from the, hip to the desired length., not including the belt. However, a belt should be worn when taking all pant measurements to ensure the correct placement on the hips.
*Inside leg length
This should be taken from the crotch to the desired length. Make sure that the heel is steady before taking this measurement.
*Chest measurement
The chest measurement is taken with the shirt on at the widest point of the chest around the pectoral muscles. The tape measure should be held perfectly horizontal at the front and the back and should be firm but not fitted too tight.
*Waist measurement
The waist measurement should be taken at the smallest point of the waist. normally over the navel and above the hip bone. This measurement should not be made over the trouser belt. The customer should loosen his belt and trousers when the measuring is taken. If the customer has a slight stomach this measurement should also be taken (it is needed for the jacket waist while the normal waist measurement is needed for the trousers). The waist measurement to be used for the trousers for the above mentioned above should be taken at the point where the individual usually wears his trousers.
*Height
The Height measurement of a customer should be taken without shoes.
*External chest measurement
The shoulder measurement (or external chest measurement) should be taken at the widest point around the upper part of the arms, without holding the tape measure too tight.
*Hip measurement
The hip measurement should be taken at the widest part of the hips, keeping the tape measure perfectly horizontal at the front and the back.

Tips: Make sure your measuring tape stays level. The fullest part of your hips means around your butt. If at all possible, have someone else measure you rather than trying to measure yourself. It will be much more accurate.

Q: Will doing nudes hinder my career?
A: Doing/shooting nudes doesn't make someone a whore/pervert.... Even high fashion involves some sort of nudity (be it topless, implied or full nudity). But, only do nudity if you are completely comfortable. No one would/should ever force you into doing something you just aren't ready to do. You don't have to do nudity, but outside of the fashion world, it will limit your paid work opportunities. That doesn't mean that if you aren't fashion material you have to do porn. There are various outlets that use nudity in a tasteful manner.

Q: Should I Get This Tattoo?? OMG!! Will It Hurt My Career??
A: Well, yes, getting a tattoo will change your career but it wont hurt it. Different photographers will want to work with you. Some will give you an automatic "NO I won't work with you" if you have a tattoo but there are others that will scramble for you "Oh you have a tattoo!! I would love to shoot you!". Will your tattoo limit you? Maybe. Everything limits a model: her hair cut, her boob size, her height, her skin, her body art, etc. So it's just a personal choice you have to make. Can you still sign with an agency if you have a tattoo? Of course. The times are changing and people are accepting tattoos more and more these days. They can enhance and also hinder. For non-mainstream models, tattoos aren't usually a big deal… it's mostly the preference of the photographer. But, for commercial and fashion models, there is a Customer and you could lose out on a big job if the Customer is adamant on using a non-tattooed model. You really have to think what's more important…Your tattoo or your potential career.

I know this was already touched on a little, but it is something that needs to be brought up again….. Often times, you will see posts saying, "I'm only 5'0, but I can kill a runway.... The Industry just isn't being fair......" It's not about being fair or how hard you can rip the runway. Fashion shows are not about the model. Fashion shows are put on to showcase the clothing. There are many factors that go into why taller models are used.

Until next time, Stay safe and be blessed!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Basic Info



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