Friday, October 30, 2009

Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Warrior launch!


YAY! just signed my first in-store copy of my graphic novel "Model Life" in BN in Tribeca! If you like books signed by authors check it out!

"Model Life" should be in your bookstore by now if not very, very soon. I hope you can check it out. The story is based on my modeling adventures and I wrote it for not just aspiring models but girls of all heights. Plus the graphic novel world needs some more girls! right!

Also my illustrator Jazmin Ruotolo is amazing.

You can also meet her at my launch party for Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior (Soft Skull Press), at MercBar on November 12th 2009 from 7-9pm.

Model Life is a celebration of the self-discovery that comes with being self-made and the triumph of beating the odds in modeling, and is based on the real adventures of petite model Isobella Jade.

With a live-photo-shoot involved, this is not going to be your typical book signing. Whatever your height, if you appreciate graphic novels, art, models, fashion, and illustration, it will be a memorable experience.

Model Life is truly a graphic novel for our current Internet/digital age readers and features emails, instant messages, and texts as the main form of communication throughout the work

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

you are in control of the opportunities you get

It is really great to have agents and helpful people on your side, but also during your pursuits I strongly think this world is a self-made world. You have to chase and build your self and goals, you have to get off your booty and make stuff happen. Even on cloudy days. Getting the belief of others, the chance, evolves from giving yourself one.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Modeling poses: The Face




In an article on Glamour.com, I mentioned how I have a gap and an overbite, and how I purposely work to make my smile come together in photos. It comes with practice to know your face, how to pose it, and to know what you look like when you do.
Here are some tips for “knowing your face” when you are infront of the camera.

I am sure you have seen a photo where the model’s face looks uncomfortable and it doesn’t matter how great the rest of her body looks, the facial expression can ruin a shot.

(also a side note: Hands can also ruin a shot. And I will be posting a blog also on posing the hands because an awkward hand can also ruin a shot.)

When in front of the mirror notice not just how your face looks at certain angles, but notice also how it internally “feels”. Not when you touch it, but how it feels internally.
I know what my expression or smile looks like without looking in the mirror because I know the “feeling” of that pose, of what my smile looks like and how I want it to look.

Can you remember how your face feels when you pose?

How does the way your face feel change when you change your expression.

The idea and goal is to know what you look like, without looking in the mirror. To know when in front of the camera, what the camera is seeing.

Knowing what you look like without a mirror can help you produce better photos. At a photo-shoot there isn’t always direction given so bluntly on how to pose your face, and you are expected to ‘give face’ without a mirror to guide you.

Modeling go-see tips for ANTM cycle 13



Isobella shares her graphic novel Model Life, her launch party is in SoHo on November 12th, also you can submit to her shoe modeling casting at petitepride@yahoo.com, and she gives go-see modeling tips.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

"Model Life" book party casting and ANTM cycle 13 recap





Isobella announces her book party for her fashion illustrated graphic novel "Model Life" on November 12th in SoHo NYC. She is casting 5 petite models for a shoe modeling photo-shoot at her book signing. She also chimes in on ANTM cycle 13 and the girls using their interview skills and how public speaking can actually help your modeling pursuits. Tonight on ANTM the itty-bitty models are challenged to put their interviewing skills to use as they sit in with "90210's" Jessica Lowndes on the set of "The Insider." Isobella also shares a bit about her advertising and marketing background in response to the models writing their own scripts for their CoverGirl commercials this week. Kim Kardashian is this week's guest judge.

Tune in here at 10:30pm after ANTM cycle 13 tonight:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/10/22/Model-Life-book-party-casting-and-ANTM-cycle-13-recap

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Casting 5 petite models in New York City for Model Life book party


Are you petite? Under 5'7"? Are you living in the New York City area? My graphic novel Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior is due this November and on November 12th I am having a launch party! I am casting 5 petite models as the "shoe models of the night" during a live-photo-shoot. Hence my motto that height isn't everything and how shoe modeling was one of my first modeling jobs and in my graphic novel Model Life, the character's first modeling break came with shoe modeling.

I am sorry but for this there is an age requirement, I am looking for is 21+ because it is at a bar/lounge in SoHo.

November 12th 7pm-9pm.

To submit send a photo of yourself to petitepride@yahoo.com

Height isn't everything in modelng ya'know.

Monday, October 19, 2009

"Model Life" book party launch November 12th SoHo





Join model, author Isobella Jade and illustrator Jazmin Ruotolo for the launch party of the fashion illustrated graphic novel:

“Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior” (Soft Skull Press),

November 12th 2009 from 7pm-9pm.

At MercBar, 151 Mercer Street, in SoHo, NYC.

“Model Life” is a celebration of the self-discovery that comes with being self-made and the triumph of beating the odds in modeling, and is based on the real adventures of petite model Isobella Jade.

With a live-photo-shoot involved, this is not going to be your typical book signing. No matter your height, if you appreciate graphic novels, art, models, fashion, and illustration, it will be a memorable experience.

Isobella is also holding a contest for 5 petite models based in New York City to be a part of the live-photo-shoot at the signing and launch party for “Model Life”, any shorties (girls 5’6” and shorter) can submit by emailing petitepride@yahoo.com, because height isn’t everything in modeling.

“Model Life” was inspired by Isobella’s first book Almost 5’4” which was penned down the street from the MercBar at the Apple Store, not too long ago.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

how models can prepare for go-sees and castings

I posted an article I wrote for BuddyTV, where I give a petite perspective each week and share modeling tips for shorter girls. You might have caught it, but if you didn't here is insight on Model Go-sees 101:

During the Petite Ninja Warriors episode of America's Next Top Model this week, the girls had a go-see challenge. In groups of two, the eight hopefuls were sent to five different castings in a four hour span, in an effort for each of them to live the life of a real model.

This challenge inspired me to share a Go-see 101 with you, since the show didn't go into detail on the real go-see "day in the life." There is more to a go-see than just showing up!

What happens at a go-see: You are sent to "go-see" if you fit for an editorial, ad campaign or commercial, and must present yourself and modeling portfolio to a casting director, art director, editor, or marketing professional in hopes that your look and personality will work with the concept for the modeling job. Sometimes the go-see is more about how you wear or use the product. For example, at jeweler Neil Lane, when Sundai tried on the jewelry she looked more scared than into the idea. Kara, without her ears pierced, immediately blew it, and if she had an agency, the agency would have been a fool to send her to this go-see. Brittany, however, commented on how pretty the jewelry was and showed she was "into" the whole idea.

What to wear: I wear typically jeans, boots or heels, and a tank or t-shirt; however, depending on the go-see, I style my clothing based on the vibe of the brand I am visiting, sometimes even changing in the bathroom before and after if I am between go-sees. I try to dress the part, look like the girl who could model in that ad campaign for that product. Typically a print model is going to go-sees for brands that are not as fashion forward, so you don't have to go into overdrive when it comes to styling yourself. Makeup should be simple, don't over enhance the lips or eyes. No heavy, dark eyes! Hair should be out of face for beauty and skincare go-sees, but use the hair as an asset for a clothing go-see or lifestyle product. Jennifer got told at a go-see she had too much makeup on, Kara came across as a disheveled mess with greasy hair--both go-see no-nos!

How to prepare for a go-see: It is best to know something about the brand, magazine, or client you are about to visit. Is it a cell phone company, cosmetics, or a shoe brand? What is the vibe of the brand? Are they eco-friendly? Is it a high-end product or more commercial? What have their previous campaigns looked like? It is smart for a model to know something about the personality of the brand before the go-see, so that you can better prepare to fit the vibe of the brand. I wish the America's Next Top Model girls were prepared a little better about which brands they were going to visit before their go-see rat-race.

Arranging your portfolio and presentation: If you are going to a casting for a shoe company, then put shots of you modeling shoes at the front of your portfolio and point them out. Also, show up to the casting or go-see looking the part. If it is for shoes, then know ahead of time what type of shoes, heels, sneakers, sandals, or boots, and show up wearing a pair. I am not saying go out and buy a pair of Stewart Weitzman boots for a casting, but show up wearing something of a similar vibe. I've had casting for Nine West shoes and Guess shoes and I try to show up wearing the brand if possible. Whether it is watches, earrings, handbags, skincare, or cosmetics, showing you are relatable to the brand, that you like it and can comment on it in a positive way, can help you book the job sometimes. This also shows you understand the brand, and that you can pull off the concept for the campaign or commercial. Although the job might just entail posing a certain way or walking or wearing a garment beautifully, you still want to show your personality. Erin lacks in the personality department and appears timid, even though the designers at the go-see admired her walk. Laura was told she showed a lot of range in-front of the casting directors and designers, and being able to bring forward your diversity and ability to work with different products is a plus in modeling.

Be prepared for the unexpected: I went to a hand modeling casting for Vaseline, but after the casting director saw on my compcard that I also did full body modeling I was asked to take some back shots. However, I did not have on the underwear I would have preferred. That day I was wearing boyshorts instead of the normal tan or black thong I wear to go-sees and at modeling jobs. I did the shots but didn't felt as prepared. The moral of the story is to expect the unexpected, keep in mind what your compcard shows, and always remember that even if the casting is for one thing--from a hand shot to a shoe--it could involve other aspects. For example: If you go to a casting for shoes, try to make sure your hands also look prepared and polished because for many shoe campaigns the hands are seen putting on the shoe. At ad agency Wongdoody, the mini-models had to read a script with an accent. Luckily some of the girls had one from their hometown or could wing it, but Sundai didn't have one, so she gave the persona of a shy-girl--which wasn't far from the nerves she showed, anyway.

Other tips for model go-sees:


•Know what kind of go-see it is: Most modeling open-calls can be disastrous, and unless you show up early, you should be prepared for a long wait. Also be cautious that it is not a scam, as there are many modeling scams out there with the Internet these days.


•The extra effort for the right opportunity can pay off: For a Macy's commercial go-see I hiked out to Brooklyn, for Victoria's Secret I traveled to Long Island City in Queens, and I booked both jobs. Despite having small hands for the Macy's job, and wearing a size six shoe for the VS job, I showed up with a friendly smile despite the commute, which helped me book the job.


•Have manners and be gracious: It might sound simple, but being gracious and courteous to the product you are modeling does get taken into account. If you try on clothing, jeans, or shoes at a go-see, be kind to them. Hang the dress back up, and put the shoes in a nice row on the floor. Brittany was rightly scorned for placing her shoes on the table during the go-see challenge. Put everything back where you found them, neatly and with respect.

Above all, a go-see is just the model version of an interview. Having confidence, high self-esteem, and the ability to quickly show how well you mesh with the atmosphere and concept of the product or campaign can help you nail the job.

Now go out and put your best foot forward!
Isobella Jade

More of my tips can be found here on BuddyTV:
http://www.buddytv.com/articles/americas-next-top-model/short-model-sensei-go-see-101-31931.aspx

Friday, October 16, 2009

If you live in NYC (books)

If you live in NYC and haven't got a chance to check out my original memoir Almost 5'4", (the book I originally wrote at the Apple Store) I signed 6 in-store copies today at the BNoble stores in Union Square and on 8th Street and 6th ave. :)


Don't let your height hold you down, do the work to get ahead

In my memoir Almost 5'4" I share many of my early modeling mistakes and how I overcame them in hopes you won't make them, also I wrote a lot about the hands-on work I put in to get ahead. The designers I approached, the magazines I submitted to, and how I approached professional photographers with concepts and landed my first tearsheets in magazines on my own.

A lot of girls tell me about the trials of being a model, especially when they are short.

With the Internet becoming such a big part of our daily lives it tends to be the place a girl first goes to learn about modeling and market herself as one. However, the Internet is no place to start a modeling goal, modeling happens when you are modeling "something" -a product-and there are many aspiring brands out there you could contact and approach about modeling for their advertising, especially now when budgets are lower for brand marketing.

Use Google to research brands and small companies, go to tradeshows, craft fairs, boutiques, bring a headshot or compcard. Don't rely on the Internet for you to be discovered, it doesn't happen like that. There is no short-cut, you have to do the work. Try jewelery designers, handbag designers, scarfs, hats, shoes, these are good to consider, especially because there is no height requirement to model a handbag!

These days aspiring brands might need a model but can't afford a high fashion agency model. So that is your cue to get on the ball and market yourself in bigger ways, towards a goal, and with a brand.

With no experience you might not get paid a ton at the start but it is better to get quality experience than waste time counting hits and comments because modeling happens when you "model something". Don't let your height hold you down, and don't settle, aim higher, chase more, want more for your goals.

Also, having some experience, showing the agency you can model, that you have done it before, that you have worked with a brand, aspiring or established, will give you a better chance to be welcomed to work with the agency, despite your height.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

ANTM cycle 13 Petite Ninja Warrior podcast now up!


Here I share insight into preparing, tips and tricks for go-sees and what I liked and didn't about the episode Petite Ninja Warriors on ANTM cycle 13. And model Judge Jessica White speaks up against Nigel's judgements, I think we all should.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/10/15/ANTM-cycle-13-Petite-Ninja-Warriors

Bye-bye perfect

The word perfection is friends with the word model but I think perfection is fading out. The other day I shooting some shoes and it wasn’t about making the shoes look totally perfect, it was about the atmosphere the shoes were in, and telling a story through it. The day in the life of shoe at a rock concert sort of thing. Other times I have been modeling for a food magazine, hand modeling, and there are crumbs on the table, some aggressively ripped chicken, purposely not looking prim and polished for the shot. The scene, setting, the lifestyle of the shot comes alive more than making the product look oh-so-eff’ing perfect. Sand on the leg, wind in the hair, and you will notice in ads and editorials that models have gaps between their teeth, their hair isn't always perfect, pantyhose are running. Or a scar is shown. Perfect isn’t real. It is nice to see ads throwing in there some “real life” because I think that actually sells more than some airbrushed ass or sit-up-straight pose. I love it so much when I do see this, that I want to yell: YES! I love it! each time. I am sick of perfect. My message to advertisers and marketing professionals: Keep that band-aid on the models'/girls' knee, 'cause I am wondering how it got there and noticing the shoes in the ad and will prob buy them.

I might share my own scar stories on my blog soon :)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

ANTM Dance With Me video: movement in modeling

In this video I share how movement in modeling is an asset, based on ANTM Dance With Me episode, knowing your body and proportions and having energy and personality is a benefit for a print model.(Tip: Turn down my podcast radio show on the right side to here better or stop by my model video guides here: www.youtube.com/isobellajade

'America's Next Top Model' goes to the Cirque





The moment I heard that Cirque du Soleill was going to be the theme for this week's episode of "America's Next Top Model," I thought of Ashley. Dance is her forte after all.

Now with Bianca gone, the camera goes to Ashley accordingly. If you want to know who will get cut, most of the time just focus on the theme of the episode and pay attention to who has the weaker leg. Posing with a horse, of course, it was Courtney with her busted foot.


Read more of my recap here on Zap2it:
http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/2009/10/americas-next-top-model-goes-to-the-cirque.html

A model isn't a model until she has modeled for something

Could be any height, could be plus size, or petite, could be any ethnicity. Models are not just one standard thing these days.

However, a model isn't a model until she has modeled for something. Modeling just your self doesn't make you a model. Being pretty doesn't mean you are a model. A model works with brands and products to sell the image or tell the story of the brand with their look or physical assets. They are all sizes and it is just the media that talks most of fashion, when actually print modeling, which covers a vast diversity of models, is the biggest area of the modeling business and advertising world.

Also, I think the Internet in many ways has dismayed and ruined the word model.

Isobella

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

photo credit on model compcards tips

A girl on Facebook asked me: When making your comp cards do we Put pictures with the photographers name or logo on them ? or just a clean pics?

My thoughts:

Sometimes too much text all over your card can make it look cluttered. You do not have to put photographer credit on each photo. It is not being rude to not put it, simply too many names all over your compcard can look very busy, when the focus of your compcard is suppose to be you. If you want to do it, do it, but don't feel you must. It is a kind gesture to give credit on your compcard of the photographers who took the photos, and if there is a certain photographers name you want to mention on the side of the photo you can, --but you do not have to do it.

Clean pics always look good.

Other compcard tips: Did you know do not have to put 4 photos on the back of your compcard? There is not a rule to follow when it comes to laying out your compcard and how to arrange photos, but just keep this in mind:

1. You don't want to over clutter your compcard with a collage on the back, you want it blunt and simple, shots that show the best of you. Even if it is just 2 photos on the back or one, it is better to show the best of you than just..ok..photos.

2. While you put the card together and think of what photos to use, think about the modeling jobs you want, and target your compcard in that direction, do you want to model for beauty, for skincare, for handbags, jeans, shoes, etc...

3. Your compcard is meant to show a potenical client that will hire you and agency that you CAN model, so be sure to be realistic, especially if you are petite, don't show too many "fashion" styled shots, keep it simple, print modeling is the area for shorter girls to pursue, and include at least one smile shot on the card.

4. Use a professional printing service. Printing through an amatuer website can lead to trouble, and also a professional service will give you the quality that will make you appear more professional to a modeling agency. You want to remember that what you show on your compcard represents the type of model you are and can be. So aim for quality, don't print at home, only go through a professional service. I use www.compcard.com often. More options are also to the right side of this blog.

5. You do not need to have your photo, email, or web links on hte card. Don't do that. Just your name and stats are on your compcard. Here is why: http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-modeling-comp-card-phone-number.html

:) hope it helps,

-Isobella

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

examples of beauty shots for short models

In a recent Model Talk Radio podcast segment, I mentioned sharing some beauty shots I have taken over the years and some examples. My thoughts on how to create a beauty shot are here on an article on BuddyTV.

When you shoot a beauty shot think of ads and editorials as you shoot, it is also easier to work from a guide, look through cosmetic editorials in magazines and skincare ads,rip out the ones that look like you can pull it off. I am sure you can!

A beauty shot has the essence of a cosmetic, skincare, or ad involving the face. Beauty shots can be straight on, close up, profile, at an angle, from shoulder up or waist up but involve highlighting and enhancing the beauty you naturally have. We are all beautiful, and beauty does not have a certain height or weight, and in modeling it is all about showing what you do have and showing how your assets can be used in print ads and editorials.








Friday, October 2, 2009

Zap2it.com Isobella Jade take on Take My Photo Tyra recap if you missed it



This week's "America's Next Top Model" starts with Kara loving her boobs and loving to see her photo on the Short Model House wall. Ashley admits to having no expression and Bianca is aiming to overcome her issue of looking too fierce in her challenge photos. According to Tyra Mail: "Sometimes you only have a minute to make a second impression."


Read more about the episode and the beauty race and beauty photo shoot challenge here on Zap2it.com

BuddyTV.com ANTM: Isobella shares beauty tips for petites



I often tell short girls to "work what you Do have" forget height and focus on your assets. Think of ads and editorials that are NOT just about height, I put this mindset to work with this article on BuddyTV, inspired by the terrible beauty shots Tyra took and how a shorter can get ahead by knowing how to prepare and create a beauty shot, tips for the short chicks here:

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/americas-next-top-model/short-model-sensei-beauty-gone-31584.aspx

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Video: ANTM cycle 13 Beauty Challenge and that the scarf

Petite Model, author and advocate Isobella Jade shares insight on cycle 13 Beauty Challenge and that the scarf shoot was terrible. She shows examples of her own beauty shots and encourages shorter girls to focus on producing closeups and beauty shots that show off their features and assets beyond height:



Or here is the link to pull up my Youtube page and all my petite model videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g6PBof2JM8

Dont: Take My Photo Tyra podcast radio recap


America's Next Top Model cycle 13 is for the shorter girls and this episode was all about beauty. Isobella shares what she likes and doesn't about Tyra's hand with the camera and how a beauty shot can help a short girl.

Tonights beauty photo shoot with Tyra holding the camera was not a good example of the type of beauty shot a girl needs to pursue modeling. Wrapping the girls in scarves is a lazy excuse to create a beauty shot, I can think of many other concepts she could have done

To hear me speak my mind and share a petite perspective towards cycle 13 tune in here anytime to hear the archive:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/10/01/Americas-Next-Top-Model-Take-My-Photo-Tyra-episode-4

Petite modeling source for advice and tips on modeling and modeling photos and inspiration for the petite models.