This weeks segment of Model Talk Radio is called: Modeling Photography for all sizes: beauty, scars and self promotion.
When: 7pm EST Live 2/24/10 or listen anytime to the archive.
Isobella shares tips on creating your model photos and marketing them. And how to bring the best you forward in photos. And even how to put a scar to use as an aspiring model. Isobella advises that what you show in your photos represents what you can do, and showing in your photos you can model is how you get opportunities. Unlike what the media can expose about modeling and models, an aspiring model needs a compcard and professional photos ahead of time, before the agency. Isobella goes into detail on the step by step process of getting quality photography and marketing your photos to get opportunities as a model no matter your height.
Follow this link to listen:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/02/25/modeling-photography-for-all-sizes-beauty-scars-and-self-promotion
Her modeling memoir called Almost 5'4" is based on being a shorter than average model. The memoir recently hit the UK through The Friday Project, an imprint of HarperCollins. You can also find Almost 5'4" on Amazon and BN.com. Isobella is also the author of her fashion illustrated graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior". Her books can be found on BN.com and Amazon.com and in bookstores.
Showing posts with label modeling compcards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label modeling compcards. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
New Model Talk Radio Segment: Photography for all sizes: beauty, scars and self promotion
Modeling Photography for all sizes: beauty, scars and self promotion
Sunday, December 13, 2009
putting that modeling compcard to use and getting ahead
Here are some tips no matter if your live in a big city or smaller town on how to get active with some modeling and put your compcard to use!
If you live in a small city, mail print modeling agencies or talent agencies your compcard or headshot by postal mail, already being prepared with marketing material can get you ahead.
Also it is better to find work locally in your town and it is possible. First get some experience in your town, and pitching agencies in your town is a smart thing to do. Do not pitch agencies in cities you DO NOT LIVE. Agencies typically ONLY work with modeling who are based in the city they are based in. So if you live in Flordia, don't pitch an agency in NYC unless you have plans to move their already set, it makes agencies upset when they call you for a casting you can not make it. Modeling is a pursuit based on being available and if you are not available the agency just won't call you anymore. Don't expect to get room, and food or anything from an agency or think you will be discovered, (that is over) it is all about getting some experience and growing from it and pitching more, and getting more, it takes time it is a process.
So here is the scoop on some smaller city modeling pursuit goals:
If you are very new to the word model then get ready to get active and become a good researcher, to find your own oppportunities. I would start with researching local colleges research their photo department or a fashion schools who might need a model, try to reach local ad agencies creative department who might need a model for small jobs locally, mail your photo and resume and modeling interests and assets to marketing companies. And most important if your live in a smaller city don't think there are NOT opportunities there. Modeling is everywhere these days so you've got to get on it and be ready to take advantage of what might be in your town. Also many large brands are base in smaller cities where rent is cheaper so research to find out what brands, companies are based right in your city. Approach aspiring brands with your compcard, their might be a craft fair, tradeshow, a street full of boutiques, stop in, stop by, pitch yourself, and drop off your compcard. Be sure to write your phone number or email on the card but stray from exposing any amatuer modeling website profile links, (i would skip those all together) and only show professionalism no matter the size of your town.
If you live in bigger city such as LA, NYC, Miami, or Chicago, I would mail by postal mail 50 compcards, by doing so you are bound to hear back from at least one agency. (Again if you can not get to the casting in these cities within 30 minutes or so, do not apply, modeling castings are often last minute and getting to them it important, being available is key to model).
The more your market you the better, of course you need quality compcard and photos and a portfolio for castings but the more you try the more you get. These days there are many smaller size agencies that have been around for many, many, many years, and who are professional to work with but just smaller in size. In a competitive city you must work really hard and be prepared for it. The magazines, top brands, and many agencies are found in bigger cities but a lot more girls these days want to be models and are working as models. Let it be inspiration but be prepared to work hard. You could and shoul submit to agencies of all sizes, the top commercial print modeling agencies, but also the ones that are smaller in size. Getting some experience by working with a smaller boutique size agency is not a bad idea, it is a GREAT idea, get some real professional modeling experience modeling for products or in a magazine and use that experience to beef up your compcard and pitch other agencies you might want to work with. IT really is a marketing game for a shorter print model. You should be active as well pitching your self to aspiring brands and designers: Currently in Union Square and also Bryant Park there is a Holiday tradeshow craft fair and MANY designers are there, if you do not have any experience working with a product, go on, pitch yourself and compcard to some of these designers maybe? Get some experience it leads to more opportunities. And actually getting the experience often means getting off your ass and getting out there, and not relying on the internet to make you a model. That route is typically the road to amatuer land and doesn't lead to real modeling jobs.Showing an agency you can model does involve hands on work of yourself. So get out there! Aim to work with professionals!
Here is an episode on my radio show Model Talk on why you need a compcard and how working non-exclusive with an agency is how it usually is for print modeling, despite reality tv and what you might hear about getting an exclusive contract, it is not the end-all, and many,many,many print models work non-exclusively with print modeling agencies. In fact for print it is very normal.
Good luck! Isobella
If you live in a small city, mail print modeling agencies or talent agencies your compcard or headshot by postal mail, already being prepared with marketing material can get you ahead.
Also it is better to find work locally in your town and it is possible. First get some experience in your town, and pitching agencies in your town is a smart thing to do. Do not pitch agencies in cities you DO NOT LIVE. Agencies typically ONLY work with modeling who are based in the city they are based in. So if you live in Flordia, don't pitch an agency in NYC unless you have plans to move their already set, it makes agencies upset when they call you for a casting you can not make it. Modeling is a pursuit based on being available and if you are not available the agency just won't call you anymore. Don't expect to get room, and food or anything from an agency or think you will be discovered, (that is over) it is all about getting some experience and growing from it and pitching more, and getting more, it takes time it is a process.
So here is the scoop on some smaller city modeling pursuit goals:
If you are very new to the word model then get ready to get active and become a good researcher, to find your own oppportunities. I would start with researching local colleges research their photo department or a fashion schools who might need a model, try to reach local ad agencies creative department who might need a model for small jobs locally, mail your photo and resume and modeling interests and assets to marketing companies. And most important if your live in a smaller city don't think there are NOT opportunities there. Modeling is everywhere these days so you've got to get on it and be ready to take advantage of what might be in your town. Also many large brands are base in smaller cities where rent is cheaper so research to find out what brands, companies are based right in your city. Approach aspiring brands with your compcard, their might be a craft fair, tradeshow, a street full of boutiques, stop in, stop by, pitch yourself, and drop off your compcard. Be sure to write your phone number or email on the card but stray from exposing any amatuer modeling website profile links, (i would skip those all together) and only show professionalism no matter the size of your town.
If you live in bigger city such as LA, NYC, Miami, or Chicago, I would mail by postal mail 50 compcards, by doing so you are bound to hear back from at least one agency. (Again if you can not get to the casting in these cities within 30 minutes or so, do not apply, modeling castings are often last minute and getting to them it important, being available is key to model).
The more your market you the better, of course you need quality compcard and photos and a portfolio for castings but the more you try the more you get. These days there are many smaller size agencies that have been around for many, many, many years, and who are professional to work with but just smaller in size. In a competitive city you must work really hard and be prepared for it. The magazines, top brands, and many agencies are found in bigger cities but a lot more girls these days want to be models and are working as models. Let it be inspiration but be prepared to work hard. You could and shoul submit to agencies of all sizes, the top commercial print modeling agencies, but also the ones that are smaller in size. Getting some experience by working with a smaller boutique size agency is not a bad idea, it is a GREAT idea, get some real professional modeling experience modeling for products or in a magazine and use that experience to beef up your compcard and pitch other agencies you might want to work with. IT really is a marketing game for a shorter print model. You should be active as well pitching your self to aspiring brands and designers: Currently in Union Square and also Bryant Park there is a Holiday tradeshow craft fair and MANY designers are there, if you do not have any experience working with a product, go on, pitch yourself and compcard to some of these designers maybe? Get some experience it leads to more opportunities. And actually getting the experience often means getting off your ass and getting out there, and not relying on the internet to make you a model. That route is typically the road to amatuer land and doesn't lead to real modeling jobs.Showing an agency you can model does involve hands on work of yourself. So get out there! Aim to work with professionals!
Here is an episode on my radio show Model Talk on why you need a compcard and how working non-exclusive with an agency is how it usually is for print modeling, despite reality tv and what you might hear about getting an exclusive contract, it is not the end-all, and many,many,many print models work non-exclusively with print modeling agencies. In fact for print it is very normal.
Good luck! Isobella
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Exclusive and Non-Exclusive modeling agreement Podcast segment: which is best for your modeling pursuits?
Isobella answers questions from Facebook friends on what non-exclusive and exclusive modeling means and the future of working with modeling agencies. She shares how to know what type of agency agreement is best for you.
She will give tips on how to make a modeling compcard and why a non-fashion model needs one. Isobella is the author of Almost 5'4"- her modeling memoir, and her graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior, both can be found on BN.com or in stores, or on Amazon. For more on Isobella visit her website: www.isobelladreams.com.
Tune in here at 1PM EST live or listen to the archive anytime, along with other segments:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/12/09/modeling-agency-exclusive-and-non-exclusive-101
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
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
Friday, August 21, 2009
Why do modeling agencies charge you for photos
I was recently thinking about how and why agencies charge aspiring models for photos. Is this wrong, is this ok? It is helpful? Or is it a scam?
I decided it is wrong.
I think they are charging you because they think you are unable to handle making photos. They want some easy money from knowing you don't know what you need and how to do it.
Well if you do know what you need and how to do it, you can save money and time.
If a model is ambitious, can create her own photos, and is determined to be apart of her marketing process and basically isn’t a lazy model she can skip scams, get ahead faster, and even save money. I have never been one to just sit and wait for things to happen, or believe that someone else can totally make my dreams and goals come true. Having the “want” to do something is not enough these days, you have to “want to do the work.” The work involves making your own comp card, working with professional photographers, knowing what type of photos you need and really being apart of your process of working as a model.
It is a process. It is time. It is not an overnight thing.
Recently a girl commented to me about an agency charging her for photography and to be on their website…she asked if this was a scam. I think it is.
If you can produce your own compcard and photos you can skip the scams. Also the scams will be less likely to approach you. If you come off professional, together, and capable, ready, then how can you get scammed?
I always suggest a girl manages her own photography, her own look, how she wants to be marketed, and the photos she shares, however a commercial print agency will often give girls tips, comments, advice on photography you should never be forced to use an agencies photographer. There are even warnings on legit modeling agency websites that mention this.
Remember at the early stage, you also do not need a “whole” portfolio to start modeling. You just need some good commercial print modeling shots. A nice headshot. So don’t go crazy over getting photos that won’t help you. Focus on what you need and get in and get your compcard made and get rolling!
It is a scam if an agency charges you to be on their website, it is also a scam if they force you to use their photography. An agent is a person who is suppose to “market you” and while you will give the agency your own marketing tools, provide compcards, --the agency will use what you give them if they want to work with you and at least try to use it to market you, until you can improve your photos. Even when I had a not so marketable compcard, the agency took it and did their best with it, until I had better photography and a better compcard to give them.
Short models make their compcards, here's why
A girl on Facebook left me a comment on my Wall that read: I was told by a Ford photographer recently that you shouldn’t have a comp card when trying to get an agency unless your switching from one agency to another that an agency wants nothing to do with a compcard thats not theirs? I’m confused now because of how much you talk of compcards. I am only 5'5". So trying to find a good commercial print agency to submit to.
This was my reply on my Facebook Wall:
Fashion is different than commercial print. Ford is fashion. For fashion modeling (girls 5'9" 5'10") it is a totally different world. A shorter model needs a compcard, to get in with the commercial print modeling agencies. Infact mailing the compcard to commercial print agencies is "how" you get an agency to work with you. A commercial print modeling agencies does not make it for it. You, as the model, make your compcard, mail it to agencies, and if the agency likes your look they call you. Don't email the commercial print agencies. Commercial print agencies only accept photos through postal mail the majority of the time so be prepared to make a compcard. Your compcard is your model-life line.
I recently dig a segment on my radio show Model Talk called: Short Model Support: Modeling Agency 101, tune in for tips on submitting to commercial print agencies here. I think it will help:
Also here is a post on model contracts and how getting signed and working with a fashion agency is not the end all. And for a shorter girl she can still model without being signed to an agency. She can work non-exclusive with commercial print agencies.
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/does-short-girl-get-signed-to-modeling.html
www.compcard.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Do you need a modeling compcard? Yes!
A girl recently wrote me saying, "i've sent photos but not much replied, only one, saying their full. I'mthinking just taking new photos again and sending pictures with no make up just a natural look..umm i have no compcard yet.. do i really need one?? any more advice for me?? please write back, thank you."
My answer:
MMmm I think the real reason they said that is because your photos might not be that great. You photos may not make you marketable for the modeling business. I would try again and if you have some photos that express your personality and energy, skintone and look I would make a compcard. Try compcard.com
If you need ideas for photos look in Marie Claire and Glamour magazine are also good. But do not just look at the fashion editorials, look at the ads. Ads for everything from shoes to tampons.
Also know what agencies you should approach, and based on you height it is commercial print modeling agencies. Print modeling agencies. But submitting to the agency isn't enough you have to submit the right photos. Here is a blog post I wrote on photographey for commercial print to give you some tips, but looking at ads can help. You want your photos to look like an ad, to tell a commercial print modeling agency "I can model products." so hold a handbag, put on some cute shoes, put on some makeup in the mirror while your friend, or mom takes the photo, it can be simple at this point. But the shots should be clear and should NOT be sexy.
A commercial print agency wants to see your personality and energy. A commercial print modeling agency wants to see your smile, and the real you, not some diva, or a fashionista, or a glamour girl. So think ads for everything from skincare, to hair care, to furniture,computers, shoes, handbags, lifestyle products. They want to know you can work with products in a natural way.
And check out my blog petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com for more insight, I think you will find it very helpful.
Here are some links to start: http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/commercial-print-modeling-tips.html
Creating commercial print modeling photos- DO NOT find a photographer on a model website, they are amatuer, instead go to a photography school and try to work with someone who knows the craft of photography, not just any old guy with a camera, it is not a good idea, here are tips on how to create your own photos:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/creating-commercial-print-photos-do-it.html
And here is an article about the good and bad of the internet model:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Petite-Modeling-Tips-for-Using-the-Internet-To-Get-Ahead&id=801482
Real models are modeling brands, not just themselves don't be mislead or make mistakes. And you do need a compcard to better promote yourself.
:)
isobella
My answer:
MMmm I think the real reason they said that is because your photos might not be that great. You photos may not make you marketable for the modeling business. I would try again and if you have some photos that express your personality and energy, skintone and look I would make a compcard. Try compcard.com
If you need ideas for photos look in Marie Claire and Glamour magazine are also good. But do not just look at the fashion editorials, look at the ads. Ads for everything from shoes to tampons.
Also know what agencies you should approach, and based on you height it is commercial print modeling agencies. Print modeling agencies. But submitting to the agency isn't enough you have to submit the right photos. Here is a blog post I wrote on photographey for commercial print to give you some tips, but looking at ads can help. You want your photos to look like an ad, to tell a commercial print modeling agency "I can model products." so hold a handbag, put on some cute shoes, put on some makeup in the mirror while your friend, or mom takes the photo, it can be simple at this point. But the shots should be clear and should NOT be sexy.
A commercial print agency wants to see your personality and energy. A commercial print modeling agency wants to see your smile, and the real you, not some diva, or a fashionista, or a glamour girl. So think ads for everything from skincare, to hair care, to furniture,computers, shoes, handbags, lifestyle products. They want to know you can work with products in a natural way.
And check out my blog petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com for more insight, I think you will find it very helpful.
Here are some links to start: http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/commercial-print-modeling-tips.html
Creating commercial print modeling photos- DO NOT find a photographer on a model website, they are amatuer, instead go to a photography school and try to work with someone who knows the craft of photography, not just any old guy with a camera, it is not a good idea, here are tips on how to create your own photos:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/creating-commercial-print-photos-do-it.html
And here is an article about the good and bad of the internet model:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Petite-Modeling-Tips-for-Using-the-Internet-To-Get-Ahead&id=801482
Real models are modeling brands, not just themselves don't be mislead or make mistakes. And you do need a compcard to better promote yourself.
:)
isobella
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