One Cycle of the Blame Game

It's a viscious cycle...sample sizes from designers that are made very small require very small sized models.

Consumers often do not relate to the size of the high fashion editorial model, so they can blame the magazines for enabling poor body image and underweight models.

Magazines and stylists blame the "designers" for creating that small sample size. Then the agents need to maintain a surplus of models in their agency in competition with other agencies that will favorably "fit" the garments.

Models want to work, so they try to keep up with the size that agencies want them.

Where does it leave room for shared responsibility? I don't think that the blame game is going to help the industry unite because magazines can "opt" not to include designer garments that are sized so small, therefore easing some pressure off of bookers and models.

There will always be a designer on the heels of all of the current ones that would love getting recognition in magazine editorials. It's NOT like it's a paid advertisement that supports the magazine's revenue. The magazines do have the ability to communicate with the Council of Fashion Designers and help maintain "industry standards".

It's a twist of art and business, so change is something that all careers can face from time to time. One simple size varience between a 0-2-4 is not like a major investment of extra textiles like claimed with the cost of reproduction of Plus Sizes!

Compared to the health and well-being of the models, it is a small movement toward doing the responsible thing.

We hope that the sample sizes universally improve on the upside without designers feeling like they're sacrificing "artistic integrity". Tall girls over 5'10" as a size Zero? How about a few decades ago? Those models had to diet, as well, and work on their figure, too, but they were size 2/4 even 6. Is there a compromise from everyone? What more can a model compromise in the name of Fashion that they're not already doing to be size zero's?

Explore Modeling - Tips on Posing for Catalogue Modeling

Explore Modeling - Tips on Posing for Catalogue Modeling 

I promised some of the models that are perfect for Catalogue that I would share this! They have a ton of instructional videos as a great resource, too!

GIRL MODEL Notable Video of 2013

Shared from Girl Model-The Movie Facebook Page:  "Great news just in American Library Association announced Girl Model as one of the Notable Videos of 2013!"

A.K.A. Models still is hoping to have an opportunity to to see this documentary. I'd like to see more documentaries that are accurate to the industry.

 

http://www.ala.org/news/pr?id=12326

Congrats to SAG-AFTRA (good luck media artists that are Models, though)

I wasn't planning on writing anything tonight. Change of plans. I just heard Morgan Freeman earlier talking about the "union" of SAG-AFTRA and how all kinds of media artists standing in front of a camera (or microphone) are included...We know that they don't mean the "profession of modeling".

Again, another exclusion of guidance, protection, etc... In an ideal industry, no model would even need anyone looking out for them because everyone would use ethical professionalism. There is really a lack of documentation OR even anyone holding people accountable that misuse their power over many vulnerable models.

For example, one huge issue I see in contrast: Child Actors are protected under Labor Laws, but Child Models do not share the same consistant rights in the US...they are not guaranteed their breaks, education, appropriate hours worked in a day, nor adults that are speaking up for them in any Union.

The Model Alliance is the closest collaboration that is working hard to bring awareness LEGALLY (in NY, for now) Children are in an industry where they are following the lead of adults that they are "supposed to listen to". What if those adults abuse their power and are not caring about the best interest of the child?

Officially, models are not an adult until age 18, so that teenage "stage" before adulthood when many fashion models are sought after...that's a child model.

There are so many shades of grey in the modeling industry that people are not aware of, so if you ever hear that models have it so easy...it's the perspective of what people see in the media that is not placing value on the truth.

The Basics of How to Practice Your Walk

This is a popular time of the year for Fashion Weeks to start regionally and internationally. There is no lack of watching them live or recorded on video via the Internet.  You may notice that they may have different locations (and designs) for runways that they walk on styled for individual shows.  It can be interesting to see what's being choreographed and the themes they're using that season!

 

Self-Education:

If you are an aspiring model that would like to learn the confident "walk"...watch those on-line runway shows and see if you can catch on to your own visual tips. Have a friend video tape you and take pictures, so you can see random looks on your face and how the camera catches your looks. Use this as self-critique.  

 

It is not overly difficult or super easy to learn, so expect to practice (and practice) until it feels consistent and looks like it's comfortable for others to watch.

 

Here are some ways to practice in the privacy of your home or on a mock runway:

 

At my house, I fold my area rugs in half to get them out of the way, so that the walking space is a solid, flat surface for the model. I use masking tape on the floor to place one straight line from the "start" to the very end of the walking area.  Try to make the length as long as possible. The tape is to act as a visual aide to keep the model straight as they walk by learning not to "look down." They will cross one foot over the other foot as they keep their posture.

 

The trick is to maintain a "focal point" to keep your balance. For practice, take a piece of tape and place it on the wall at least a few feet away from the end of the runway. As you begin your pace, step out straight by looking at that focal point on the wall.  Out of your "peripheral vision" you can see the line on the floor.  As you get toward the end, step into a stance before you turn to walk back.  After you master the balance in high heels of all heights, you can work on different degrees of poses at the end of the runway.

 

Other details that will enhance your walk will be your effortless flow and different degrees of looks on your face. You will take into account where your arms move, the kind of garments you are wearing, the type of shape that the runway is, the props, make-up, hair, other models, possible stairs or obstacles, and special instructions that you receive.

 

How many videos do people love to watch of models wiping out on the runway?  Answer: Too many if you are the one that falls!  Do the designers like it?  What do you think?  It's their show, but it's your reputation.  Models are expected to practically be able to walk on air with toothpicks as heels, so it's "never" any ones fault, but the model. It can be unrealistic, but you need to keep your confidence. 

 

If you trip, Get Up and keep making it work...sometimes a simple acknowledgement or nod of the head will draw some empathy out of the audience rather than the secret...or, not so secret, laughs. Either way, it'll be on YouTube, right? ;) Have a sense of humor. Try?

 

Remember, your safety is a priority, but take extra care of what you are wearing and show the garment off as if it is a work of art on your body even if it's the cause of your secret embarrassment. Backstage, keep treating that garment like gold until it is in someone else's possession.  

Human Trafficking

It's exciting to talk about great opportunities that some models can encounter in the industry. It is SCARY to imagine what some models have gone through in the pursuit of having a modeling career.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I"M TALKING ABOUT! 

 

I'm not trying to educate models that the industry is ONLY about "Gloom & Doom"!

I wouldn't be doing anyone any favors if I didn't share the "other" side of negatives that models may be more vulnerable to. This is to keep people informed, so they can make wiser choices and know that they are not alone. Share what you learn, too. You are a diverse group of people with many talents.

If you feel that

A.K.A. Models can offer info to others within and outside of the industry, too...your personal recommendation goes a long way when you share our FB Page or non-commercial website with your friends and family.

Thank You.
Carol-Anne :)

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/16/jill-mourning-sex-trafficking-nonprofit_n_2489153.html 

"Circuit Switching"...

"Circuit Switching"

...Although this can happen in everyones career each time they find a new job, work in sales, etc... in modeling it's the term (talent) to go from one type of modeling into another while appropriately being able to switch the type of look and character.

 

Example: The ability of edgy, young editorial models being able to re-boot their careers as commercial models to clients. The money is not in "editorial fashion" for the model, but if they can take their unique, edgy look and spin it into society's look of what appeals to the consumer...they've got a chance to acquire some success financially.

 

--A.K.A. Models Educ. Series

A Model that can ACT!

Wow! There's something in the air for models that are striving to cross over into acting leads today! I just saw THREE friends of A.K.A. Models have fabulous projects coming up...all booked today! LOL!

Modeling and Acting are talents that can sometimes be like riding on a roller coaster...ups, downs, anticipation, excitement, etc. Acting experience and lessons can assist a model when getting into the "characters" of most bookings where you're given an idea of what the client is looking for.

Being a Model or Actor is NOT for everyone, though! It can be quite demanding physically and mentally, not to mention long hours and an ever-changing work environment with many new faces. Some people love it, while other need more "routine and guaranteed" hours.

Rejection Perfection

Successful models are not immune to facing Rejection, so how do they do it over and over throughout their career?

They all may have answers that vary, but one fact is that there can actually be more rejection in a successful modeling career than actual "bookings" when you average their Stats.

It's okay to feel disappointed, but if one even wants a short, part-time career as a model...there will be pending weight on a model's mind whether they may be chosen, optioned, or rejected...all the way through even the longest career. ;)

Learn The Good, Change The Bad

Welcome to A.K.A. Models if you are newer to this Blog Page! I know a lot of different things about models, but my role is like having a "second opinion" that looks at the "Big Picture" in model's lives. I know that models can do much more in their careers for themselves, but often they can encounter obstacles that change or discourage their vision. Never take anything for granted.

In the modeling industry, there is no "one" way to become educated and opinions are so extreme from each angle of the industry of others that deal with models. Everyone has their preference, but when it comes to some basic ethical, fair, and legal standards...models are entitled to more than what the industry has just "always" done.

That's not good enough anymore when one is aware of the conditions that vary from booking to booking, country to country, and person to person. There are more details that only the former models can tell you and they are the ones that can unite to make the industry better for its future...or keep it just as unstable.

I'm not trying to complicate the industry with more chaos, but rather, say..."This is 2013! Keep track of models as soon as they enter the industry until they leave. Have PROFESSIONAL standards that keep the industry and models accountable, healthy, and professionally motivated."

So for now, learn the good, change the bad, help others, make some money, make some friends, & keep repeating. ;) Let's support positive changes...not just for your sake, but for the sake of being an advocate of professional modeling as an occupation.

 

 

Experience Takes Patience

Hi A.K.A. Models Friends! Are you an aspiring or professional model? What you will learn about modeling does not happen overnight.

For me, I've already worked in my different specialties of the industry since the 80's, but I promise you that there is always something "new" to learn and see from the very many people that you may meet along the way...& not necessarily only the famous people that you may be thinking of as a wishful "mentor".

From the beginning of your career, make notes for yourself about each photographer, client, designer, MUA, Stylist, booker, receptionist, etc. that you work with, each job you book, each go-see where you saw or learned something from another model...this is just a mental note (or journal) for you, but everyone matters whether it was a negative or positive experience because that will become "your experience" and influence your life...not just your career.

I'm happy to tell you that sometimes if you want something done in your life...don't just depend on others to get it done for you. Expect to do almost everything yourself if you want to mold your career, so that any assistance you receive is a pleasant welcome. There can be a balance of doing what you like to do and still being able to contribute, collaborate, and do things in a way that can make a difference by using what you're good at. ;)

Controversial Young Aged Models Need "Child" Rights

It's Monday...back to school for most students! Well, how about the younger teen models? Some teens go to school and are able to work during their vacations, but that's the choice of the model & family. There really is no mandated regulation because there is no universal model's union, though, to ensure that teens who want to model full-time have their education via tutors...such as "child actors". There are no specialty labor laws to address how many hours a "child model under 18" can work, have meals, education, etc...no protective rights like other laborers their age. It doesn't seem really fair.

Most of us know why some fashion designers and photographers like their artistic freedom of using very young models, but can't there be a "compromise" to protect the welfare of these very young girls that are already portayed as "women" in provacotive & see-through garments?

A lot of teen girls like to "dress-up" with beautiful hair and make-up to look a little older, so they are not likely advocates for themselves. It's up to adults to be "ethical" and not portray or place the models in "overtly" sexual garments that should be saved for age 18+.

Yes, this is a contoversial topic because artistic expression can often have blurred lines of what they determine to be their artistic freedom, BUT artistic freedom should NEVER jeopardize the ethical portrayal of an under-age model anywhere in our society. It is not a stretch to just use age 18+ for lingerie, nudes, and semi-nudes. It's a start! Here's a Link to the story and slideshow

 

 

 

 

    



A Little Something About How Models Get Paid...

Working Models Getting Paid...it's not like a "normal" job where you get paid the week after. Not at All! The simplest way to describe it: the model gets paid when the "agency" recieves the money from the client that the model worked for.

Okay, that's the basic explanation, but what if the client doesn't pay the agency in a timely matter? The model simply will not be paid, either, until the agen...cy receives the payment, clears the check, deducts their cut (a.k.a. commission), and any of the other miscellaneous expenses that an agency has covered for the model.

Those expenses may vary from agency to agency, so ask up front if there are any other expenses (other than the agent's commission) that will be deducted from paychecks. Many agencies do not advance earnings to models, so don't rely on an agency if they have that as their policy. There is NO GUARANTEE that the model will ever work again, so that's risky to advance money knowing that they may never see it again. Also, if they do advance you your pay for any reason...be prepared to "owe" them that money out of future earnings.

Back to that non-paying "client", if they NEVER pay for your service, you will still owe your agency (like a "loan"). Models do not have labor laws that protect them as "workers", either...they are responsible for their own "business as a model", so they can take the hit financially. They may have a FABULOUS portfolio, but be POORER than when they started! It's crazy, but it happens! :(

Sadly, in the major modeling markets...many models can owe thousands of dollars to their agency! It is not clear to some models that agencies provide their "service" to get jobs for many models, as well as finding models for "clients", too. They are providing a "middle-man" service. They keep their selection of models with intentions of having a competetive choice for their clients. Either way, the agency is likely to get paid their commissions or other fees...no matter which model works. This is not meant to be negative toward the model nor agency, but it's the reality of who is really going to benefit if a model doesn't have her head in the game. -- A.K.A. Models Educ. Series

Do You Have A Model's Page???

(Some) Models Have Pages...

Sharing public model pages & some of your best pictures to network with other industry professionals is part of a model's self-promotion.

 

Keep your personal friends page seperate from your professional model page to support your privacy vs. career! Although the amount of fans helps increase the reach to other people, "quality" supporters on your professional page are

more important than just the "quantity".

 

On your page's photos, give credit to the people you work with at photo shoots such as photographers, make up artists, stylists, designers, etc...and mention your representation ;) if you are with an agency. Check if there are any special specific agency rules or tips about social networking.

 

Try to name albums based upon content or type of pictures inside such as Fashion, Runway, Commercial, Beauty, Tear Sheets, Catalog, Promotions, Bikini, Lingerie, Art, Fitness, Parts Modeling, Glamour, Just "Testing", Backstage, Miscellaneous Fun, etc...think of them as individual portfolios.

 

Less is better. Don't over-saturate your albums with too many pictures. Put appropriate pictures that belong on a model's page.

Models Do Have A Choice, Too

It's not up to me to say my personal opinion about these "Booth Babes" (linked below) in regards to "models" being hired for the strangest things. Models work for money to earn a living, but nothing says that they have to do humiliating things. If they are willing to do it...that's not the issue. We don't walk in their shoes. Clients are pushing the industry in many directions, so these are the choices that models have to make. Models do NOT have to take jobs that make them uncomfortable!

http://mashable.com/2013/01/10/ces-booth-babes/

Rejection

Each model should devise their own "emotional tricks" to distance themselves from taking rejection personally. Everyone wants to be liked, but by being an "aesthetic laborer"...it exposes the model's body and mind to unpleasant comments sometimes.

Without the ability to control what the client is looking for, the model tries to dis-engage when they don't get the booking. Commonly, models can obsess about little, negative comments that clients and bookers say, and it will continue to affect them despite the fact that the comment may not have been meant to be "taken" personally.

Although, it can sometimes be wrongly assumed by the industry that because they are "aesthetic laborers/models" that they can just be rude to them...that the model is something that is not as important as "the job". There are just so many models, and sometimes clients start to get really picky "out-loud in front of the model". That's not necessary, nor professional, but the model hears it sometimes.

Models can find themselves at the bottom of the food chain putting their careers and self-esteem at rock bottom in comparison to some "other" luckier models. Not all models are living the glamorous life...and even those that have it pretty good in their career will someday have to face a transition.

Female vs. Male Earnings

Female Models earn anywhere from 25% to 75% more money than Male Models...one of the only occupations where women make more than men.  --A.K.A. Models Edu. Series

 

 

Aesthetic Laborer

The Model is an "aesthetic laborer" that must use their personality and body as a way to be selected in any given "market" on any given day. It is WORK despite the current labor guidelines and the general public opinions. (That's entirely another topic!)

Cultivating a "Brand" is an investment of time, money, emotions, relationships, etc. To become more appealing as a professional model they need... to show their experience. There may be opportunities where models are not paid in money, but in "trade" with photographers and designers that are cultivating their own brand, too.

Sometimes, models must travel and live away from home to gain experience and find greater potential to earn money. The career of a model can be relatively short especially in fashion, so timing is important.

It's not as basic as "the most qualified person gets the job" like most occupations...not at all. A model is really a random choice that sometimes has nothing to do with qualifications.

 

A.K.A. Models Educ. Series

Seperate Portfolios

Professional Models Should Not Mix Different Types Of Modeling in One Portfolio.

 

Short of being a young, high fashion model in NYC, Milan, Paris, etc. doing the Fashion Week circuits...many other models in smaller cities seem to have to be multi-talented. There is likely to be tons of Commercial, Artistic, & Glamour opportunities, although most photographers, agencies, and models welcome emerging Fashion Editorial Print opportunities, too.

 

For those models that can cross over within various types of modeling...they should not combine such creative, editorial, & artistic prints in the same portfolios that they will be bringing to Commercial clients and vice versa. (Don't show your Commercial looks to Fashion clients...sometimes clients have a tough time visualizing models being so diverse.)  Keep them in seperate "Books". A.K.A. Models Educ. Series

 

 

There is no guarantee of work in the model and talent industry. If anyone tries to lure you into believing that...see a big RED FLAG and assume it's some sort of SCAM. --A.K.A. Models Educ. Series

Experience

Stay Friendly with your Agency's Booker ;)

"Experience" is something in Commercial Modeling that is respected.

When a client looks at a model's portfolio and sees their experience working with other clients...there can be a psychological signal that because others have hired them, the model must be successful at their job. They conclude that this model probably is reliable, capable, professional, etc...just from their experience vs. an inexperienced model with no proof of successful results working for commercial clients.





Clayton Nelson Photo Credit

Models don't last long if they're "not" striving to be professional. Just as in Fashion Modeling...there can be a popularity "hype", too, so models need to keep a good relationship with their bookers that are working to find jobs. A positive thing for the model is that the more experience that they get...the higher the rates the Booker can try to get for them. That's a win-win situation because the Booker receives a higher commission when the model makes more money. ;)

-- A.K.A. Models Educational Series



No Lack of Beauty When You Look Closely Beyond Size

No Lack of Beauty When You Look Closely Beyond Size.


http://www.healthyisthenewskinny.com/blog2/hannah-mavestrand-new-shots/



The model link (Hannah Mavestrand album, HNS) is probably not a size 0/2/4. She has her own unique style of beauty. Some find her look ideal while others in the industry may choose another smaller or larger model. (see more of her pictures;) It's too bad that more girls (& guys) don't appreciate their own natural beauty...no matter what size they are.



Looks and bodies can change, but there is a certain natural beauty that gets lost when people compare themselves and others "only" to one standard of "ideal".



Just as there are so many types of beauty...we are seeing more versions of models. There should not be the concept within the industry that "one type" is the only real type of model standard.



Consumers, including extra-impressionable kids, see multi-media advertising, so it's to the advantage of the clients and models to become more diverse to show that there can be a balanced income potential for the industry, as well as a message with positive body images for society to re-learn as other "ideals".



High Fashion vs. Plus Size Fashion vs. Commercial Catalog vs. Fitness vs. Bikini vs. Fitness vs. Fit Models vs. Alternative Models, etc...all have their own requirements within the modeling industry regarding where they fit in, so let's get rid of the stereotype that there is only one ideal in the industry to be called a "real model".



Mixed messages are potent at confusing everyone's self-esteem and body image, so if society sees more positive acceptance of places for all kinds of people to fit in there may be less people feeling isolated or unaccepted for who they "naturally" are.



We can't go along with promoting extremes in modeling like anorexia, eating disorders, or morbid obesity, etc. due to health being an entirely different issue, but there's a social aspect within each model group to connect with each other as they work on their careers and educate each other. Models can simply bond over common interests and issues within the industry. (Remember our concept of A.K.A. Models?? This is our shared international page about modeling that can cross most borders if you believe that there is a social impact from fashion, advertising, and culture that is pretty much universal.)



People can't help who they are attracted to in friendships, but putting that aside to value others work and appreciate what they do is a BIG step in social acceptance that reaches FAR well beyond modeling.


Hannah Mavestrand New Shots | Healthy Is The New Skinny

see more:
www.healthyisthenewskinny.com

The "Public Eye"

Being in the "public eye" as a model can be just what you want...sometimes!

Other times, negative comments and criticism towards models can come from many directions...an agency's opinion, photographers' opinion, clients' opinion, family's opinion, friends' opinions, partner's opinion, other models' opinions, the public's opinion, as well as feminists' opinions, etc.

Not everyone will share the same experiences with out-right negative criticisms, but sometimes it's the subtle "comments" that people make that can give you that "hmmmm" questionable feeling. Try to keep your thoughts on what you are working on....you'll know if you have the endurance to tolerate the ups and downs, but consider that most modeling careers are short-lived. Do as much as you can WHILE you can, but if you find it affecting how you feel about your self-esteem...move on to find what makes you feel best. - A.K.A. Models Edu. Series

Freelancers

Did you know that Models are self employed... a.k.a. "Freelancers"?? They work for "themselves".

Technically, "Bookers" at an agency work for the models to find opportunities for them to work and they will receive "commissions" as their compensation if the model gets the job.

Food for Thought: Bookers don't just work for "one" Model, so there are other factors that make models feel that they are at the mercy of their Bookers. (Ummm...they are!) Bookers are human, and depending on their attitude about a model can affect how well they actually "promote" the model to the other industry people that they may potentially work with.

Ideal Situation: Have a GOOD relationship with your Booker if you're a Model represented by an agency. Stay on their good side and there may be a better outcome ;) - A.K.A. Models Edu. Series

Fashion Weeks Compete...In Smaller Cities, too!

When people think of top "Fashion" cities for models they think of places like New York, Paris, London, Milan, etc. This is where designer collections and models can receive global attention!

Having Fashion Weeks in OTHER cities is not only a benefit to designers and models, but also to the "city" itself. The "creative" industries can place a global, economic "brand" upon those cities, too...that's another part of the "competition" that has a benefit to the city!

How far away is the closest city from you that has Fashion Weeks? It may be closer than people think. Support your city's fashion market and watch it grow!