What Tyra should have done but didn't (ANTM)

Tyra had an opportunity to feature models of all ethnicities on ANTM, and enhance how models of all ethnicities ARE used in ad campaigns. Here are some of my favorite ad campaigns that show different ethnicities. Girls have emailed me in the past and messaged me on Facebook about "being ethnic" and how they feel it holds them back. I however, try to give them a perception of how they can use their ethnicity as an "asset" to get ahead.

I wished she mentioned this instead of her weird jungle shoot.

These days in ads, editorials, ad campaigns, and on the runway, we see more than just one ethnicity. We see many. It is not talked about enough. Especially in print ads, not just in fashion editorials, but also in print ads for lifestyle products, and in Glamour and Marie Claire magazine often. LOOK closer and you will see how most of the time it is a white chick, Black, Asian, Spanish, all mixed together to make a beautiful ad campaign for many products out there.

I would like to see Jennifer win America's Next Top Model cycle 13, also because I think she would give a voice to the Asian models, and shorter aspiring models of all ethnicities as well. However ANTM doesn't really do much with the winner actually so I am not sure that unless Jennifer pursued it herself that it would happen. But I think in coming years we will see more than Devon Aoki and Tao Okamoto. They are actually taller than me!

I do well recognize this multiracial model, Juliana Imai, in this Matrix ad, I feel like I've seen her more than once, don't you?:



I hope to see more multiracial models out there.
As for print modeling, a shorter girl of any ethnicity should be pursuing commercial print modeling agencies if they are shorter than 5'7". This is a cool blog on Asian models by the way:
http://asianmodelsblog.blogspot.com/ and for those worried about their ethnicity remember also that Latina Magazine is a great one as well to check out. There is room in this modeling business for all of us!

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.

"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

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

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

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

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

Isobella on Zap2it.com ANTM cycle 13 recap #3 here

Here is an excerpt from my recap of America's Next Top Model cycle 13 last night, the runway challenge on Zap2it.com:

Instead of the "You wanna be on top" theme song, the song of the night should have been Run DMC and Aerosmith's "Walk This Way."

Never too much self analyzing.

The show starts with Bianca admitting she needs to focus on modeling her facial features and creating a more relaxed presence in her photos. Ashley mentions how nervous she is about walking because of her dancer background. I think Ashley's dancer background is actually a benefit. Haven't you seen many dancers in ads and in commercials? I have even seen a girl dancing in the air in a tampon ad, ads for music brands and clothing. Also understanding your body, knowing how it moves, what it looks like when you move, understanding balance and proportion is a good skill for models to have. I just don't see the flaw in her dancer background. I wish Tyra would show the other girls how using other skills can be applied to modeling.

Read the whole recap here:
http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/2009/09/americas-next-top-model-the-runway-challenge.html

Model Talk Radio ANTM cycle 13 Walk this way

On Model Talk Radio the chat will be about how girls of America's Next Top Model cycle 13 learn to walk with the Tall Giraffes for episode 3.

For a petite perspective with Isobella Jade, Tune in here to listen live or anytime to the archive:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/24/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-recap-episode-3

Also Isobella will be sharing insight on her experience attending the 61st Emmy Awards this past weekend. Petite Kristin Chenoweth won an Emmy!

Coming soon is Isobella's graphic novel Model Life: The Journey of a Pint Size Fashion Warrior and her original memoir Almost 5'4" captures her experiences as a petite model.

For more www.isobelladreams.com

Video: America's Next Top Model cycle 13 episode 2 recap

My thoughts on America's Next Top Model cycle 13 episode 2, and how Tyra kicked off one of the shortest girls too soon, and discusses their horse photoshoot, and also the smile with their eyes and Wilhelmina presentations. Why did they kick off one of the shorter girls so soon? Stupid on Tyra's part.

America's Next Top Model is not in touch with reality

America's Next Top Model is not in touch with reality but tomorrow night is episode 2 of "season of the short chicks" and at 10:30pm EST I will be giving a recap of the cycle 13 contestants. Here is the scoop:

I love Seabiscuit, and ironically this week's photo shoot on America's Next Top Model takes the girls to Santa Anita Race Track where they give Lady Godiva a run for her money. This week's guest judge is "The Hills" star and clothing designer, Lauren Conrad. I'll let you know how I thought it all went. I hope Tyra doesn't still my quote: "When the little guy doesn't know he is the little guy he can do great things"- Seabiscuit

I will be pissed.

Tune in here or listen to the archive later my shorties,
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/17/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-recap-episode-2

Isobella

Tyra misleads the short girls to Wilhelmina Models

This past week, during episode one of cycle 13, Tyra mentioned that Wilhelmina Models works with models of all heights and the winner of this cycle will get a contract with the agency. However, Tyra is misleading girls to think Wilhelmina actually does represent petite models. In fact on Wilhelmina's website it bluntly states that Wilhelmina does NOT have a Petite Models Division.

Under "Submit Photos" to the agency the question "What types of models do you represent?" is answered. It reads,"At Wilhelmina we represent different types of professional models, in almost every age, size and ethnicity. We limit ourselves to a specific amount of models in each catagory. The height requirement for female models is 5'8" and above."

Tyra, please STOP misleading the shorter aspiring models!

Cycle 13 recap on Model Talk Radio Sept 9th

Happy Labor Day!

This Wednesday, the 9th, I will be sharing a premiere-recap of America's Next Top Model cycle 13, catch a petite perspective on my blog, radio show, and youtube videos based on commentary for cycle 13 every week of the season. First and foremost Tyra didn't pick short enough girls!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/09/10/Americas-Next-Top-Model-cycle-13-premiere-recap

I will also be giving a petite perspective and commentary on ANTM cycle 13 at Buddy TV and Zap2it.com during cycle 13.

America's Next Top Model-being a top model means?

Yup. No Doubt. I have issues with America's Next Top Model. But since cycle 13 is for the shorties and since I support the shorter models, I will be watching.

However I just want to say: if you lose America's Next Top Model, or get kicked off, life does go on! :) There have been models modelin without America's Next Top Model, before it and after it there will be models still modeling with brands.

Tonight while watching cycle 12 Finale, for the last ten minutes I notice how much Tyra says the word "I". "I think" "I feel" etc. But what about how the models feel?

I listen to the judges say "You know how I feel about ___so and so___ model." It is negative.

And it is so dramatic when Tyra shows the photo of the girls who are going on to the next level (whatever that is) and chance to be America's Next Top Model.

Maybe let the girls be who they are. Who they want to be.
Tyra says, "you look too commercial" You are not fashion enough." Well what if the girl could end up being a great commercial print model,-no matter her height??

Why doesn't Tyra mention enough of how each is selectively able to get ahead? The girls end up crying their eyes out and end up being really distraught, like the show likes that these girls are crying?

Crying isn't the answer, they want to make the show hyped but still, I wish the girls were asked: So what are you doing to do when you lose ANTM? Whats next for you?
What if you don't win and you are not in Tyra's favor?

What does it mean to be a top model? What happened to just "working as a model with real brands and making real money and working with real agencies?" I reality show like ANTM makes it seem like the end all if you do not get picked to be on the TOP M. (Shaking my head)

P.s: Way too many blunt in your face, obvious, product placement, like BriteSmile.

5 ways to improve America's Next Top Model

There are many things about ANTM that upsets me. Here are my top 5 ways to improve the show based on what I think is wrong with it. I don't really obsess over America's Next Top Model, or the winner, or the contestants, but this season I plan to watch and observe and obsess a little over the good and bad of the show and the perception it gives girls of all heights. It is the season of the shorter model on ANTM (or so-called shorter girl, I don't think 5'5" or 5'6" is really that short), so as one of the tiniest models out there, here are my top 5 ways to improve the show based on what I think is wrong with it.

1. Tyra leaves the girls cold and when they are kicked off....they are left thinking...what's next? Improve this!

2. Tyra has the models hold items like a snake or do weird things that have nothing to do with real modeling. Sure, I have posed with a live animal, a Tiger, but most models need to learn how to pose with products mostly! Improve this. Add products to the show of all types, handbags, shoes, etc.

3. She only talks about fashion modeling which is the smallest percent of the modeling business. Especially when the average American viewer is under 5'4" and all Tyra talks about is tall chicks. How depressing! There is no relatable aspect to the viewer.
P.s: Your short chicks for cycle 13 really aren't that short hun.
Thumbs down. Wish you thought of this stuff earlier.

4. She has never shared the language of the modeling business, the real day and the life aspects of being a model, and elements that a model should have, know and use such as: what is a voucher, the meaning of a portfolio, why a comp card is important, what happens at a casting, etc. Please improve this!

5. It is hard to watch without thinking what is the real point of this show?... "Is this show full of ****"

If ANTM was more like Home Makeover I'd like it

I know it is one of the most popular shows out there, but if America's Next Top Model was more like Home Makeover I'd like it. 8 reasons why the show sucks, and what it needs to improve on.

The show should help the girls not just put them down.

The show should bring out the girls assets and not just pick out their flaws.

The show should include showcasing all types of modeling, commercial print, parts, not just fashion. Models are used in everything from cell phone ads, to tampon commercials, to travel ads to contact lenses, nail care, hair care, every day something you use a model modeled for.

There are not enough smiles. Most of the girls on the show look scared, nervous and like they pissed their pants.

The show has given America a top model but how come we don't hear about her or her doing anything 6 months after the show is done with? That's weird?

The show should teach the girls how to market themselves and what they do have so that when they get kicked off they have some sort of a plan. And they at least know how to go about pursuing modeling after Tyra tells them to flick off. The show should be more assisting to the girls and the fact that they have chosen them to be apart of a television show to teach them something about modeling, but yet there is no follow up, how is this girl doing, what happened to that one. It's like, we will take girls who know nothing about modeling and tease and make fun of them on aspects that actually really do not "make them a model" anyways, and then say Goodbye. Things like this can mess with the mind. I also would like to hear more of the model opinion on what Tyra is teaching them...I'd love to hear a girl say "WHY the heck did I have to hold a snake today, how does that make me a model?"

Granted certain modeling agencies are involved on the show but more than just a fashion agency should be approached to be featured as an opportunity the winner gets.

It is just reality TV, yes I know this, but it could be a show about more than limited elements of the modeling industry. Don't limit the viewer. Modeling is WAY more than fashion Tyra.

America's Next Top Short Models have arrived

It has been the season of the short model for me since 2001.

And I hope this blog has given you insight into how a shorter girl can get ahead.

Before we know it the short girl will be getting some unique hype!

With America's Next Top Model showcasing shorter girls for cycle 13, launching September 9th,-- and as very short working model I feel inclined to share some thoughts on the show and what I plan to do about it for my readers and any shorter girl wanting to model out there:

I will be watching the show, and as perhaps the People's Judge, as the Short Model's Model, I will be sharing Short Model Support and commentary each week based on the show in a video format.

I plan for this show to be amazing for girls of all heights to watch however I have not been a die-hard viewer because I honestly do not think the show portrays the modeling industry in a realistic way. Holding a snake doesn't mean you can model or get modeling work, I also think it is sad how to the girls are not talked about or even heard of after the show. The winner gets some exposure but typically that's that, you don't hear much about them and never end up seeing them in an ads or magazines, a few have gotten places, MTV hosting, etc. But a girl has to have some marketing sense to know how to go from reality TV to reality and take the exposure she gained and turn it into something more. I wish the show had a "when you get kicked off here are some tips" element involved/shared.

I hope the show shares more about print modeling and how a shorter girl can indeed get in an agency door. Height is not everything in modeling and a shorter girl can use what she does have to get ahead. Fashion isn't going to be opening arms to all short models for the runway, but if a shorter girl markets herself well she can model products, with great brands, for ads and magazine editorials, but it does take an intense amount of work, ambition, and time invested.

Here are some websites to check out the Cycle 13 Contestants. I will have my pre-introduction video with thoughts toward the cycle 13 models up soon.

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/americas-next-top-model13/cast

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00026397.html

http://jezebel.com/5336106/antm-cycle-13-girls-revealed/gallery/