Martes, Mayo 31, 2011

How to Become A Model – Tips for Plus-Sized Models

There are no guaranteed, fail-safe ways on how to become a model. The modeling world has changed so much over the last fifty years that the rules are blurry and unpredictable. Now, modeling has become so diversified, it has been divided into types. Some of the most popular types of modeling are: petite modeling, male modeling, body parts modeling and plus-sized modeling.

When we hear “plus-sized”, we automatically think about obese or overweight people. In the modeling biz,
however, this simply means “fashion model but with more curves”. To be a plus-sized model you have to have a toned body, too, even if you’re a size 14.

How to get started in this business, anyway?

• First of all, you have to fit into the standards; you have to be a size 12 to 24 with a height of at least 5’4”
to get into plus-sized modeling.

• Next, you have to create a strong portfolio to show your modeling range to future clients as well as
prospective agencies.

• Once you have built a strong portfolio, you need to get an agent. You can do this by contacting agencies
near you that represent plus-sized models.

• When meeting an agent, you have to be dressed tastefully – that means clean shirt, washed hair and
avoid clothes that reveal too much skin. You don’t necessarily have to wear a gown or thick make-up; you
just have to look fresh and presentable.

• Once you get represented, you will be informed of auditions and go-sees. During go-sees, try to wear only
light make-up or no make-up at all. Let them see your natural look so they can envision what you may
look like after they put make up on you.

• Make sure to make clear what direction you want your career to take. And make it clear to your agent
what you are willing to do. If you are uncomfortable with nudity, say so. That way, he would know what
sort of go-sees or auditions to sign you up for.

• Be friendly! Building friendships with clients is a plus in the modeling industry.

• Answer questions politely and don’t be too stiff. Just be natural.

• Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t get the job. Most clients already have a “look” that they are looking for
in casting calls anyway. This doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

Biyernes, Mayo 27, 2011

Modeling Advice – Tips from Tyra Banks

It every aspiring model’s dream to sit down with the top models of today and ask for modeling advice? Well, luckily, you don’t have to stalk supermodels in order to get some useful information. Thank heavens for the internet.

First of all, there are different types of modeling (I trust you know this, if you’re an aspiring model). With the
number of people out there who are also aiming for modeling success, what chance do you have? The following may be useful or completely useless to you but here are a few modeling advices from Tyra Banks that we’ve picked up from interviews and shows.

1. Tyra Banks’ advice to girls who are too short for high fashion modeling: “Get into commercial modeling. You can get a heck lot more money out of it.” True, the supermodel recently admitted on her show that once in her career, she got paid $150 to be on Sports Illustrated. But when she did a commercial for a fast-food chain she says “I got a lot more zeros than that”.

In short, if you get into commercial modeling, you can be a couple of grand richer than high fashion models. Plus, you can actually eat a cheeseburger and not be inclined to throw it up afterwards. In commercial modeling, size and height doesn’t matter.

2. Another useful (and sort of cunning) advice from Miss Banks is: “Lie about your age”. The world of modeling is obsessed with youth. So if you have the chance (and the face) to lie about your age, do it. But just be realistic about it. If you’re 20 but have a face of a 16-year-old, tell them you’re 15!

And why should you lie about your age, you may ask? Can we say “that’s just the way this business works?”

3. Are you nervous about your first photoshoot? Tyra says: “Just be natural. Don’t think too much about being sexy because you can end up doing too much.”

And last but not the least, the most indispensible advice that we had ever had from Tyra is:

4. “SMILE WITH YOU EYES!” A.K.A “SMIZE”

In your photos, you have to speak to the audience without ever such one word (except maybe speaking photographs have already been inventer) and the most effective way to do this is SMIZE. To speak with your eyes. (You can practice this in front of a mirror if you’re unsure about your smize).

So, now that you’re armed with these Tyra tips, are you ready to be a model? We hope so.

Martes, Mayo 24, 2011

What Do Model Scouts Search For in Models?

There are gazillions of model scouts out there. Unfortunately, they are not as many as the number of people
aspiring to “make it” in the modeling world – A.K.A “Models”.

Maybe the reason why not all aspiring models become A-Listers in the modeling world is because they don’t fit into the qualities model scouts look for in models. And what, you may ask, these qualities are?

1. Guts – It is not a conventional profession, modeling is. Sometimes you would have to take risks and push
yourself to the limit to get the job done. To have guts is highly appreciated in this business, therefore.

2. Self-Confidence – Honey, models aren’t wall ornaments. They never settle to be on the side, especially on the catwalk. You gotta have presence, the kind that commands attention. Self-confidence is important in this business because first and foremost, you are selling a product (mostly clothes) and if you aren’t confident about yourself and your product, you will hardly convince anyone to buy them.

3. Natural Sense of Style – Models thrive in the world of fashion, it is expected, of course that they have sense of style. People look to models to get fashion ideas and the big bosses in the fashion industry are allergic to fashion-blind people. Those with impeccable fashion sense, however, are adored by the modeling and fashion world and more likely to get the good projects. If a product is attached to a fashionable model, it is more likely to rise in popularity.” Fabulousness by association” is what we’d like to call it.

Model scouts do not limit themselves to these qualities, of course. There are other factors they consider before saying that a person is model-potential and is worth a second glance.

Huwebes, Mayo 19, 2011

Male Models in A Girl’s World

In a girl’s world such as the fashion and modeling industry, hundreds of male models are struggling to sparkle – in a manly way, of course.

Fashion is a thing girl thing, we all know that. No one could care more about the latest clothes being showcased in runways than women. And no one else in your family has millions of copies of Vogue and Vanity Fair than your sister or mom. And when there’s fashion, there’s also the modeling business or else, who would wear all these clothes and walk down the runways, right?

And for men trying to make it in the modeling business, it’s tough. There’s a lot of competition and less jobs
because, as mentioned, it is a “girl’s world”. They even invented the word “male model” just to identify the men in this industry. Not to be sexist, or anything, but because it is a social notion that when you say “model”, you first and foremost think about women.

So how what do men earn when they start out in the female-dominated modeling world? If in most corporate jobs where men rule, women earn half of every dollar a man makes, it is the other way around for a male model.

Rookie male models can make $1,500 to $2,000 for a big campaign ad – and this is about $2,000 short of what they used to earn pre-recession period. Times are hard, prices go up and luxury brands get stingy with male models. Their female counterparts, however, could earn $3,000 to $4,000. And for a single magazine job, male models earn more or less only $200. See how the table turns against Adam in Eve’s world?

And come to think of it, not everyone can name one really famous male model. But for female, we have Tyra
Banks, Kate Moss, Heidi Klum, Giselle Bündchen and rising stars Coco Rocha and Chanel Iman.

What we are saying here is that if you really want to succeed as a male model, you definitely have to work hard for it. Yes, it is tough to be in this business, but talent and dedication can take you a long way. In the end, it doesn’t matter that females dominate this business or that there are too many male models and not a lot of modeling jobs, what matters is that you learn how to swim to avoid drowning and to look hot while at it. *wink.

Martes, Mayo 17, 2011

Runway Models Fall at Naomi Campbell’s “Fashion for Relief” Show

Runway models fall all the time – we’ve seen all those videos in Youtube, right? It’s perfectly normal, though slightly unforgivable, especially if you’ve got the whole world watching you.

But during the “Fashion for Relief” show in Cannes this week (May 16, 2011), the models didn’t just stand up from falling, they did so with a “so-what?” attitude. And it was clear why – because they were walking for a purpose.

The show aimed to raise funds for Japan. After the tragic earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant meltdowns, it is clear why hundreds of celebs and industry professionals supported the show with such enthusiasm, even cheering for the runway models that fell – it is because what happened to Japan reflects the pain and suffering that gripped America after hurricane Katrina. It brought the humanitarian out of these luxuriously living celebrities.

The show was a huge success - and I say this not only because Naomi Campbell organized the said show with the help of Hollywood icon Jane Fonda and fellow models Yasmin LeBon and Vanessa Paradis – but because they raised more than 7.3 million dollars!

Campbell, Fonda, Paradis and LeBon ended the “Fashion for Relief” show with big smiles on their faces, dancing around with the runway models. The audience was on their feet, clapping, cheering and feeling elated from the wonderful charity fashion show and the purpose of why there was one in the first place.

Martes, Mayo 10, 2011

Baby Models in-Demand


Baby models are in-demand today – the products and services that cater to babies are ever booming, which only means one thing: adorable babies in ad campaigns everywhere.

What it takes to get your baby into modeling is simple: He/She must be photogenic or telegenic. Having a “cute” baby who never shies away from the camera (and even seems to project well in front of it) is definitely a plus.

Two of the most popular ways to get your baby into the business are:

1. Photo contests
Product such as Gerber and Gap are widely known to have photo contests to look for the next baby to
model their brand. They usually do this monthly.

If you already found a photo contest that you want to join, then it’s time to take your baby’s picture. You
can hire a professional photographer, if you wish, so that he can take the best angles of your baby’s face
as well as capture him/her at the right moment on film.

2. Baby Modeling Agency
It’s one of the easiest ways to get you baby to model. The agency can provide you with clients who are looking for baby models, so you won’t have to go on an online baby modeling “job” hunt.

You just have to make sure that your agency is real and legitimate, though. It’s usually very easy to tell if an agency is a scam – when they ask for upfront fees. Every fake agency does that.

And if modeling doesn’t really work for your baby, then let go of it. Maybe he/she is meant for another profession – something a little more worthwhile like a doctor or lawyer. (That’s if you send him/her to College).

Biyernes, Mayo 6, 2011

Preteen Models and Actors – What Makes Them Crazy?



Probably half the numbers of successful celebrities in Hollywood today were preteen models or have done acting jobs at a young age. Such celebrities are Drew Barrymoore and Katherine Heigl (two of the most sought-after actresses of today).


Being involved in the modeling world and show business at a young age have their advantages - like having the chance to meet celebrities, earn money and have lots of time to build up your career and hone your talents with the help of industry professionals. Plus, it gives one the rare chance to inspire other kids – to become role models.


It is alarming, however, how many of these former preteen stars like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan became the worst role models when they became adults. We believe the following contributed to these stars’ slow decent to insanity (exaggeratedly speaking):


1. Promising career at a young age – This can be a good thing, but to an extent. Most child stars have limited parental supervision - or at least, a different sort of supervision compared to normal children. In the normal world, when kids misbehave, parents ground them or do not allow them to use the computer. But how can a punishment like being grounded stand in the glitzy world where your child is required to travel to different parts of the country for a photoshoot or go to redcarpet premieres? It seems you need super parental authority to discipline a child in the spotlight.


2. Parents tend to spoil their child star – Let’s face it, when someone’s kid is making more money than their parents, parents could not help but feel proud as well as develop a special preference for their little breadwinner. As a result, parents tend to let their kids get away with almost anything, which can cause the child to become spoiled.


If you are a parent who is thinking about helping your child get into preteen modeling or child actingyou should bear in mind that it comes with lots of disadvantages just as well as advantages. You have to be prepared for all of them and protect your child from elements that could affect their well-being; after all, it is your job as a parent.

Miyerkules, Mayo 4, 2011

New Faces of 2011 – The Asian Models in New York Fashion Week

We see new faces and we see old - and lots of Asians in the runway this year. Perhaps it’s because the Asian market is booming that designers make the wise move of hiring models for the New York Fashion Week this year to cater to the Eastern market.

Let’s have a look at the lucky few who made it to the most famous catwalk in the world this year:

1. Sun Fei Fei – This girl was seen several times on the runway, show after show after show. But the unforgettable ones were the Diesel Black Gold Spring/Summer 2011.

2. Lily Zhi – She looked absolutely stunning during Tracy Reese Spring/Summer 2011 show.

3. Jing Ma – Represented by Muse, Jing Ma made our eyes pop while she modeled for Karen Walker in the New York Fashion Week.

4. Jae Yoo – He is one of the few Asian Male models who were booked for the Tommy Hilfiger Spring/Summer 2011 show.

5. Paulo Raldon – He grazed the runways many times this year and caught the attention of many during the 3.1 Philip Lim Fashion show.

6. Zhao Lei – He was seen both on the Tommy Hilfiger and 3.1 Philip Lim Spring/Summer collection shows.

7. Danica Magpantay – She was seen in more than 5 shows and was in Organic by John Patrick. She also won the Ford Supermodel of the World contest earlier this year.

8. Soo Joo – She was seen grazing the catwalk for Juan Carlos Obando in this year’s fashion week.

9. Charlene Almarvez – Last year’s Ford Supermodel of the World 1st runner-up was seen in both

Alice Ritter Spring/Summer and Yeohlee Fall/Winter presentations this year.

10. Hyoni Kang – Aggressive and attention-grabbing on the catwalk, Hyoni modeled for Betsy

Johnson as well as other designers for the 2011 NYFW.

Looking at this list (which is not even a complete list of Asian models in NY Fashion week), gives us an idea of the changes being made in the modeling world today. Most designers claim that they are widening the horizon and opening doors for new faces from all parts of the world but some say it is only a strategy – to boost up sales. Whatever the reason is, we cannot deny that these Asian models are refreshing, intriguing and interesting to watch on the catwalk.