Friday, July 31, 2009

stay away of amateur photographers

With the Internet comes The Amateurs. This means a girl has to do her homework to not be misled into a mistake and end up working with an amateur photographer. Stay aware and away of amateur photographers. Those people who are not really photographers, but these “guys with cameras.” Working with an amateur will bring you straight to amateur-ville. Stay out that place.

Strive to work with professionalism. You will get ahead. Getting ahead means investing in your goals and the more you strive to get the professionalism the better for your pursuits.

Modeling comp card phone number question

A girl recently asked me: Should a phone number be printed on your compcard?


No. Mainly because you MIGHT end up freelancing with many agencies. It is not a bad thing. It is normal to freelance with print modeling agencies and print agencies to welcome it. I worked with 5 agencies at once freelancing in NYC and using the same comp card.

On the card you DO NOT put your phone number, email on your compcard. No needed. And do not put a link to a "social site". NEVER!

What will happen is that when one agency sends you out to a casting you "write" or use an Avery or white sticker and put the agencies name on the sticker and compcard,also sometimes the agency will give you a sticker to put on the compcard with the agencies phone number on it.


When I go to a casting for a "parts" modeling job for example I put "PARTS and then 212-etc. On the compcard for the casting.

As a shorter model, or for a girl who is not fashion height or for a girl who wants to work within print, you might find one print agency is not enough and also you will find that the agency might not even offer to make your compcards at all. Which is why it is good to make your own and expect to do so. You might end up working with a few agencies but that doesn't mean each will call every single day with a casting, booking,etc.

Just have printed your name on the card. Could be your first name, first name middle name. Full name.

Once you have your compcards mail them out to agencies. The first time you mail out the cards you could send two cards. One has YOUR phone number on it so the agency can contact you. And one doesn't, so they can keep it on file, mail it to a client, but if they want to work with you they will ask for more cards. Then you mail them more cards without your number on it because by then they will be expecting the cards.

I hope this helps, :)

Isobella

I am not cool with model social networks

There are these terrible, no good, very bad amateur model social networks, that charge money to join, or these websites where girls can flash smiles or anything else with a sign that reads “Will get naked for prints” -or basically. It is sad. Please don't join these sites. Please stray away from amateur-ville if you really want to model.

I am really not cool with these amateur model social networks and I stress that a girl skips downloading, uploading and flaunting themselves so casually, without thinking of the negative side of it.

The internet is like glue. Super glue. It sticks. Stay and does not delete. So beware and careful. Mistakes happen. I have made my share. But I got over it and moved on. Chase bigger things, aim higher, and get more.

Get professional photos, get a compcard made, get a headshot printed, mail it to modeling agencies. There is no other way to get ahead. The work is the work.
If you don't hear back Try again. It is not easy to work with the professional agencies, so don't expect it to happen over night. Keep striving. Forget letting a website "make you a model'?????? It doesn't happen.

You have to make your self one.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Models need their compcards like a painter needs his brush

Like an artist that has to buy his paint and paint brush before he gets his gallery show...you have to buy your compcards, get professional photos, work with a professional photographer and be professional to get ahead.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

They say you can model but is this a scam?

Modeling conventions, modeling hotel meet and greet: They are all Scams.

This post is taken from an email I recently wrote to give the scoop on model scams.

Keep in mind company, agency, or website that asks "Can you model" "be a model!" "Are you ready to be a star?" or any other "teaser" etc, is a scam.

Professional agencies don't ask if you can model.

These days reality TV and the media has made it where "everyone and their sister" wants to be a model or in entertainment so many so-called agencies take advantage of this mindset these young aspiring girls have.

A professional agency will NOT force you to use their photographer or printing service, they will not pay a monthly fee to be on the website, or charge you at all to work with them. A professional agency might suggest but if they think you can book work with them and you are ambitious, they will at least work with the compcard you have. Like like mentioned how Gene worked with mine in my memoir.

Strive to find a professional agency ok. They are out there. It might take more time to get in the door with a "real" agency, but it is better not to be fooled.

A professional agency gets your compcard in the mail and they would then call you. They might want to see you in person or they might just send you to a casting, a go-see to see how you do. And then just keep your card on file. I have had experiences where I did not meet the agency until I booked a job with them. It is normal.

Also many girls expect this personal attention. Too much "ahhh and ooo'ing" can be scamful and an aspiring model should remember that actually your print modeling booker/agent might not become your best friend, good friend, etc, a modeling agent is apart of your pursuit, but the agent /model relationship is business.

So just beware, it is a self-made world today and there are many so-called agencies out there, so please remember to becareful of scams.

I hope this helps,

Isobella

Modeling castings, not being the perfect fit


Went to a casting for jeans today, even though they were too big, I didn’t just say “oh they are too big!” I put them on and said, “I’ll give them a try, I can make it work.” SNAP, Snap. It is always better if possible to try, or did you walk all that way to just say “Oh they are too big!” Trying anyways can get you the job sometimes. It also shows you want the job and you are capable to try even if you are not the exact size or fit.

Then I was to the Apple Store, then Barnes and Noble where a guy tried to hit on me by asking "how can I lose weight,what books should I read?" I told him I don't know but the diet section would be a good start, then he asked "what do you do" I said I do a lot of things but you should read my memoir Almost 5'4", it is in this store. I wanted to smack him but maybe he bought the book.

If you want to check it out, click the cover here:

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Modeling comp cards are still in demand radio


Isobella shares why you need a modeling compcard and how the internet has not taken over the print model marketing needs for a model. A tangible-can-hold-in-your-hand-compcard and headshot is still needed and a website is not enough. A girl who wants to model needs a compcard. She will share how to make one and why you need it.

Tune in Weds at 4pm or listen to the archive anytime!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/07/29/Modeling-comp-cards-are-still-in-demand-despite-the-web

Monday, July 27, 2009

New Creating Modeling Photos Video

New Creating Modeling Photos Video, Isobella shares tips and advice for aspiring models of all heights and creating photos that sell you and what you do have. Create photos that speak about what you "can" model.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

For everyone "the top" is somewhere different.

For everyone "the top" is somewhere different. This is what "the top" looks like for me, and what it isn't to me as well:

Success to me is not found in holding a certain handbag, or wearing a certan label, success is not just a paycheck or a "title". I think success is when you love yourself and accept your flaws. I think it is when you overcome your own doubts, fears and claim your own goals. I think "the top" is found when you seek out opportunities, make them happen, become who you want to be. Then after you reach your goals, you make a new one and effect and help others strive to be where they want to be as well. To me that is a successful person.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Being a short model, or just being not as tall

Are you short, or just as not as tall? It is all a state of mind and how you use your marketing mentality to get ahead.

If you know what you can model then being short isn't a small difference.
If you know how to market yourself and use what you do have to get ahead, then your height isn't such a factor to determine your success.
If you take the time, measure your realistic goals against the work it will take, you will find that there is possibility in being self-made.
If you are not a afraid to take a chance on yourself you will find your doubts dissolve.
Focus on who you can be and accept ambitiously what you are not. Be bold and brave with your choices, when you put yourself out there, show up, and put yourself in a situation for opportunities…you just might find even more than what you hoped.

Tips for saving money on fashion


Paychecks for a model are not every week. Often it takes months to be paid for a gig; therefore saving money on clothing is essential. Here are 5 ways I spend less.


1. I shop selectively and I plan my shopping. Shopping when I am bored or just because usually doesn’t result in a good purchase for me. To prevent buying something that will just sit in the small closet, which is very easy to do living in New York City, it is best to look at what you do have and consider how you can upgrade a simple dress. Don’t forget a boring black dress can be spiced up with a belt or a cardigan, or maybe even cut that longer dress into a mini before going out and dropping a wad of cash on something new.

2. If I see a dress I love in a store I try it on, but many times I have found that the dress is sold cheaper on the internet, even within buying it the same season. Do your research before you purchase. Shopping online for items that are over $100 in store can be found cheaper online sometimes.

3. Handbags and shoes are items that can dress up a simple look and cost the least, so I spend most of my money on these items. I usually am carrying a “clutch conversation piece.” I also love meeting aspiring designers and I go to tradeshows and events in the city and meet the designers, it is fun to wear a piece when you know who made it. Usually you pay less too!

4. I don’t like to over-do my jewelry and I spend the least on it. Shopping for jewelry can be tricky, especially if you are on a budget. Did you know there are also great finds at jewelry sample sales, trades shows and even street craft shows? The styles I wear most are from Simon G, Carnelian Knoll, St.John, Judith Jack, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Shop has some beautiful pieces for day and night for reasonable prices. H&M also does a good job with accessories and jewelry.

5. The basics last longer. I have learned that those fabulous designer shoes are gorgeous and fun to wear, but typically all I wear are my black heels. A way to save money is to focus on buying items that you love and really will wear. And instead of buying yourself another pair you might not wear, buy something for someone else. It is easy to treat yourself again, but there is a joy that shouldn’t be forgotten in giving the gift of a great deal.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Some Allure lovin for Model Life today



Model Life, my graphic novel due in the fall just got some Allure.com lovin! So excited about this.

Here is the link to the plug on their Daily Beauty Reporter blog:

http://www.allure.com/beauty/blogs/reporter/2009/07/modeling-gets-graphic.html

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The Battle of Models and the Internet podcast


Isobella shares the battle of the internet and models and how to tell what it legit and what is not when it comes to agencies and photography and how the web can help and hurt you.

Weds the 22nd of July at 2pm.

Tune in live here, or listen to the archive anytime:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/07/22/The-Battle-of-Models-and-the-Internet


Isobella is the author of Almost 5'4" which you can find on her website www.isobelladreams.com or in bookstores now.

Isobella Jade reads from Almost 5'4" (video)

It is best to turn down my podcast radio show on the side of the blog to hear the reading better. This video captures me reading an excerpt of my memoir and it is a little long therefore I could not put it on Youtube. Oh well. I added it to my Myspace and also put it on my Facebook, and hopefully wherever you are and how ever you social media you can check this out. Sit back and enjoy the reading! :)



Click the cover to check out Almost 5'4" here:

Monday, July 20, 2009

How not to get scammed by a modeling agency

Another reason why it s good to manage your self and photos is because it limits scams. Legit agencies will at least work with the photos you have and the compcard you have made and try to market you with it. It is one thing for an agency to suggest a photographer but it is another to force you to work with the photographer in able to work with the agency. This is a scam. So make your own compcard. Especially if you are NOT of fashion model height. If you are shorter than 5'7" you should def make your own compcard. Mail it to agencies. It shows you are more put together, that are not just messing around with the word, it prevents those who take advantage of girls who are naive, and the more professional you are the more professional your interactions will be.

Strive to know the difference between a scam and legit, when it comes to agencies.

Making your own compcard is important but it also involves having interest in learning and understanding what a model needs for photos. It is easy to think "someone else will handle this" but this is not so. The reason many girls give up is because they stick to thinking people will do things for them. The "discovery" and being unrealistic, letting the images in the media contort their mind on the reality. Modeling is lonely. It is a pursuit that involves expecting to be very hands on with it and relying on no one many times.

Be careful when it comes to working with an agency. Go with your gut. Don't be too desperate to get a modeling agency, don't fall for scams. Be a smart model. Get ahead sooner. Know what you want to do, when you meet the agency speak up, share what type of modeling you are interested in. And be realistic about it.
Remember if it seems too good to be true it might be!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Models: Being pretty is not enough

Quote of the day for aspiring models:

"I suggest to make your own compcard and headshots. NEVER pay an agency for photos but do expect the work it takes to create your own marketing material. Handouts can mean model scams."

Friday, July 17, 2009

How a short girl gets ahead as a model

A girl on facebook sent me an Instant Message this was part of our chat about shoter models and finding opportunities:

"I think modeling for a shorter girl is really about knowing how to market yourself, it is about knowing what you CAN model, and focusing on getting photos that represent this. If you only focus on your height you will not find modeling work but if you focus on what you do have that a product, brand, company might want to work with you can find opportunities. So first I would think about what you CAN actually model. Notice ads that are not so fashion forward because modeling is not just fashion forward. Print modeling is the most active area of modeling. And you see girls of all heights, ethnicities and sizes."

Then she said she had been trying but was having a hard time so I asked her:
But do you have your own compcard and headshot? Have you mailed it to print modeling agencies more than once?

See it takes ALOT of work to model, get a modeling agency and book work as a shorter girl, but you have to put aside the height factor and focus on what you CAN model, focus on "WHAT IS MARKETABLE ABOUT ME." And "WHAT ADS COULD I SEE MYSELF IN REALISTICALLY?"

I mentioned "making her own compcard."

"Well I think it is best for a shorter girl to make her own compcard. A must. Without it how can you market yourself? It takes a lot of work to launch yourself as a model! More than the internet, more than the games on these model-sites too..(just know any sort of show off your photos "modeling website is not real modeling"), it is best to get professional fast and a compcard, get a headshot done, put some thought into your photos, be picky about the photographer you work with, and really research the good print agencies that work with print models."

"Aside what you see on reality tv and within fashion the shorter model, the print model many times has to be her own agent, and when an agency forces you to use their photographer, and printing services it can actually be a rip off or scam so be careful. It is best to always make your own marketing material and not rush into signing ANY contracts. Stick to being non-exclusive until you have some experience and freelance with many print modeling agencies because one agency is hard to count on for a new model with no experience. Modeling for a shorter girl within print is different than fashion modeling agencies that pick up girls, house them, and all that stuff..it is a totally different hands on world for a shorter girl focusing on print modeling and she has to be prepared for the grit, the hands on real work involved."

Later in our conversation I went on to share..."The main reason these not-as-tall-girls-find opportunities is because they have produced the right photos that sell them in a commercial way for a print agency. And a lot of self marketing is involved. ALOT of hands on work. Researching the right agencies, creating the right photos, making compcards, mailing, not being afraid to simply try."

I ended with..
:) "..if you want something, especially in modeling, especially if you are short, you have to keep your head up. be smart about it, and really focus on the best ways to market you :) goodluck!"

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Monday, July 13, 2009

Isobella Jade at the LUSH store in SoHo

Isobella shares an in-store experience at LUSH in SoHo

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Fashion hates the short models but who cares Podcast


In this segment of Model Talk Radio on Weds the 8th at 1pm Live the topic is:
Fashion hates the short girls but who cares. You can listen live or to the archive by clicking here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/07/08/Fashion-hates-the-short-girls-but-who-cares

I will sharing how the history of modeling has been a rollercoaster from the early days to today. From the first fashion models being not as tall, to the Giraffes taking over the runways, to the advertising world giving the shorter girl her ticket. Inspired by the MET Model as Muse exhibit.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Modeling compcard tips for new models

A girl recently asked me: Should I make a compcard at Kinkos?

My reply:
Well, I have never heard of professional modeling compcards being made at Kinkos. For now, I would stick to printing your cards at a place that know how to make compcards. Although YOU as the Model should have a plan of how you want your compcard to look ahead of time. Making your own compcard involves thinking about the market you are trying to capture as a model, the modeling jobs you want to get, and the agencies you want to target.

On a budget, I think it is best to use www.compcard.com, you can get a compcard for pretty inexpensive. You could test out like 30-40 cards, mail them out to agencies, casting directors, etc, and see what happens. If you do not hear back, make a new card, maybe your card wasn't commercial enough the first time for print? Maybe you need to work on the headshot more, regardless, keep trying and mail again, it could take a few submissions before you hear back from agencies and you might have to make more than one card obviously. :) It is work, it is time, it also involves visiting the post office. ALOT. :) I suggest when using a professional printing service and more options are to the right of my blog. I suggest also getting the proof of your card mailed to you in the postal mail. The reason: What you see on the computer screen doesn't always print the same. color, etc. You want to physically SEE the compcard in your hand before you approve.

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Sunday, July 5, 2009

Model as Muse on 4th of July




Some people BBQ on the Fourth of July. I go to the art museum. Yesterday at the Met I saw the exhibit Model As Muse, I loved it!

It is a must see for any model out there, or person who is curious about modeling. Appreciating the history of modeling can explain to you why things are the way they are in the industry. Also you will see how modeling began, why models were needed, and the women that shaped the root of the profession. I bought the book Model As Muse and I will be sharing my favorite pages in a video this week.

Also here are some random photos looking at an exhibit of amazing furniture and fixtures.


Now it is time for a burger!

Isobella

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Model Life: a graphic novel, in Publishers Weekly


My up-coming graphic novel called Model Life has got some buzz in Publishers Weekly. Check it out here.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6668095.html?nid=2789&source=title&rid=799599672

Model Life was inspired after I wrote my memoir Almost 5'4". Model Life is an illustrated expose of my modeling adventures of being a shorter-than-average model. It is due this fall.

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