The little man visits my book in the bookstore!

Today we popped into BN 86th street and the little man got to see my YA book Careful in the store :) we also bought some awesome books, can't wait to share them with you. 

Go check it out! My graphic novel Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior is on the iVerse app and it looks great!

Here we go now! For a minute there we were down making things more perfect but now we are rolling! hallelujah!!

Go check it out! My graphic novel Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior is on the iVerse app and it looks great! So download their Comics + app and check out a free excerpt of Model Life, YAY!  Cheers to Jazmin Ruotolo and her illustrations, which rock!

It's awesome!!

Search Gamine Press or Model Life on the iVerse Comics + app and enjoy a free excerpt of MODEL LIFE too!

I hope your enjoy reading the mobile edition, it is super fun!

~Isobella

New Video: Getting the most out of your beauty products

( Turn down my podcast radio on the right side show to listen. Watch this video and my many others also on Youtube. )


Hey Girls,

Here I share some day in the life tips for getting the most out of your beauty products and a tip for fixing the scuffs on your heels. Enjoy! And always recycle your beauty products.

Products seen in video:
Laura Mercier mineral powder in rich vanilla.

Charles by Charles David shoes.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream, $16 at Sephora, yes at Sephora. Yup I saw The Body Shop products at Sephora this week and the collection looked great.

Destination Earth Citrus Breeze Travel-Size Body Lotion, from a hotel stay in Hudson Valley.

Aim high and strive on, don't worry about your height or what you lack, those tall giraffes are not everything! Value yourself and focus on bringing out your inner beauty every day as much as possible,

~Isobella

Keep your eyes peeled! Short Stuff is becoming an eBook!

Hey Girls,

I'm going going digital!

Keep your eyes peeled!

Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model is becoming an eBook!

Look for "Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model" early to mid-week next week on Amazon and in the iBook store, and for Barnes & Noble's Nook in about 1-2 weeks and for Sony devices around 2-4 weeks! Whoo hoo! It's awesome to read ebooks on the subway, in line waiting to check out at the shoe store, waiting for your food while ordering lunch from a street vendor or food truck, at the park, at the airport, before bed, in the stall, any where!

~Isobella

P.s:  Almost 5'4" is also an ebook and I hope you enjoy it as well!

Read an excerpt of  Short Stuff and Almost 5'4" here.

(new Podcast) Aiming High and Living Up To Your Own Expectations

Potential means that you have the ability to do something. And if you notice that potential in yourself and use it, you have already succeeded.  ~Isobella Jade, from my recent podcast segment on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/05/19/aiming-high-and-living-up-to-your-own-expectations

(shot by Robert Caldarone, Brooklyn Heights)

Aiming High and Living Up To Your Own Expectations

Tune into this segment:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/05/19/aiming-high-and-living-up-to-your-own-expectations

Petite model, author and advocate Isobella Jade shares some of her day to day tips for staying inspired when you are starting from scratch, the underdog or just trying to do what you want to do as your own cheerleader some days. Staying positive involved a lot of energy, it is work to stay positive sometimes and this segment is to inspire your own brain-power and inner-self to keep your beat going on. You can connect with Isobella Jade via Facebook or Twitter or on her website http://www.isobelladreams.com/ where you will also find her books and also get a personalized signed copy of them.

Almost 5'4", which she first wrote at the Apple store, is about her early years as a model, MODEL LIFE: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior is a fashion illustrated graphic novel based on her own adventures in NYC as a model, and Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model, which was inspired by her blog readers and is a follow up to Almost 5'4" and includes modeling tips for short chicks.

Isobella Jade's books on Amazon.
Isobella Jade's books on BN.com.

Also check out all of archived podcast segments on iTunes by searching Isobella Jade.

(Photo: Robert Caldarone, Astoria, NY)

Models in these ads and editorials in Vogue were Walking This Way

Hey Girls,

While flipping through the May issue of Vogue I noticed models in these ads and editorials were Walking This Way, hence my Walk This Way modeling photo contest going on right now. Here are the details to submit and some images below to be inspired:

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/04/petite-models-walk-this-way-contest.html

Submit to win a signed copy of Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model and be featured on this blog.

To submit to the contest email me a photo/s of yourself in motion, on the go, as if it's for an ad for a lifestyle product (please send low res 72 dpi photo/s) to petitepride@yahoo.com



Deadline: Tuesday, May 3rd! at 6 PM!

Even if you are not giraffe tall in print modeling being able to show some personality and movement while you model is a good thing. ~Isobella

Celebrate your petite'ness!

Hey Girls,

I notice how some petite fashion and petite advocating website's complain about the lifestyle of a petite. I just don't see it that way.

I love being petite, so I will have to work a little harder, know myself a little better, cheat the camera angle to get length some times, but I would not want to be an inch taller. That doesn't mean I am going to B*tch about it, it means to celebrate the goods that you've got! :) Shortie, shrimp, peanut, bring it, I'm lovin' it!


This is what is quoted inside my book Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model:

Whenever I shoot I inhale, stretch my torso and arch my back to get a few more inches. I lift my chin slightly; I stretch my legs and keep some space between my body and my arms to create length. I point my toes, watch my posture and stay aware of my proportions – I put it all to use to prove that I am just as good as any of those tall lanky giraffe models.~ from "Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model" in Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com, also I am holding a contest right now to win a copy here.

~Isobella

Petite Style: AX White Denim Capri as skinny jean

A shorter model's self-promotion can lead to bigger opportunities

A girl on Facebook recently messaged me and asked about working as a model and included, "I live about 4 hours from Toronto so that's where I've been doing interviews but the distance kind of makes some agencies uneasy; Moving there would really be my best option though, so I'm just going to have to work hard save up and know that I will get there soon enough!"


My reply might help your own modeling pursuits:

I suggest while you plan to get to Toronto to get some experience beforehand, I think showing up with some tearsheets, and some professional experience already in your portfolio will be of benefit. Let's say you model for a local aspiring jewelry designer in your area, most towns and smaller cities these days have many aspiring designers and for accessories who says there is a height requirement to model a pair of earrings or a handbag? I would start to expand your network and try to reach out to some aspiring brands about modeling for them, because some experience can help encourage a modeling agency to work with you when you get to Toronto even if you are petite

The thing is, I think experience and "showing you can" leads to opportunities. If you want to model and you are shorter than fashion height = 5'8", 5'9" 5'10 without heels.  Then you have to think about what you can realistically get a model job for? What type of projects and magazines can you realistically model for? Why would a client want to hire you? Why would a modeling agency want to work with you?

If you can answer these questions, the bigger answer is also there: How you can prepare for your own success and goals.

To pursue a certain area in modeling you need photos that prove you can work in that area. For a shorter girl it is commercial print modeling photos. And also despite being petite also consider editorial modeling for magazines -beauty editorials, fitness, anything non-high fashion, and modeling for catalogs, product packaging and accessory goods are good to pursue as well, and TV commercials and acting as well. Why do you have to be 5'10 to model a f'in scarf! Handbag? Or necklace?

Also consider: parts modeling. Using your hands, feet, stomach, face, body for modeling for product ads, commercials and campaigns.

Having some experience, modeling for a local or aspiring or growing brand can be a great credit to have in your portfolio.

Basically, since print modeling agencies do not craft your career, and work with their models non-exclusive, and do not typically invest in their models financially, you need to be prepared with professional photos already and a portfolio and professional comp cards. Because if you pitch agencies without your model marketing tools, and without any experience, without any photos and without a clue, you will prob not get an opportunity.

To work as a model when you are shorter it involves a heck of a lot of prep work, print modeling agencies like it when you are prepared, so you'll be working on your photos, printing comp cards, building your portfolio, buying a portfolio and a lot of self-investment happens, meaning: investing your money for marketing materials and time and energy.

Passion, ambition and research are so important to get opportunities and experience, modeling jobs and to get what you want. So remember the more prepared you are the better. Below are some previous posts on the differences between fashion and print modeling and also self-promotion as a shorter model and preparing for your own success and creating goals.

~Isobella

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/07/print-modeling-has-become-many-things.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/six-differences-of-fashion-model-and.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/03/does-your-photographer-know-what.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/08/does-short-girl-get-signed-to-modeling.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/12/why-you-need-to-invest-in-yourself-as.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/03/why-tearsheets-matter-for-models.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/01/models-with-marketing-mind-and.html

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/12/09/modeling-agency-exclusive-and-non-exclusive-101

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/11/six-steps-to-get-modeling-experience-in.html

P.s:  Check out my modeling memoir Almsot 5'4" which features my early modeling pursuits, in print and also on the Nook, and also check out Short Stuff and Model Life, here on BN.com

And my books are also here on Amazon.com and the Kindle.

If you would like a signed/personalized copy of my memoir Almost 5'4", see this post.

Win a pair of custom shoes and a signed copy of a book of your choice!

Hey Girls, Only a few more days to submit to win a custom pair of shoes or pumps from http://www.punkyourchucks.com/ and also win a signed copy of either Almost 5'4", Short Stuff or Model Life.  The contest ends 2/28/2011 

2 winners!

Send me a photo of yourself modeling/rocking your favorite pair of shoes or pumps to petitepride@yahoo.com

Here are the contest details:

 http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/02/calling-all-shoe-lovers-win-pair-of.html

This weekend send on over your photos, contest ends Monday!

Aim high and strive,

~Isobella

Contest to win a pair of custom shoes or pumps! deadline Feb 28th!

Hey Girls,

Contests!

Yesterday I mentioned how you can win a copy of the savvy book: Be Your Own Best Publicist!

And also for the month of February 2011, I am hosting a contest collaboration with MAG from http://www.punkyourchucks.com/ for my readers to win a pair of custom shoes or pumps!

The contest submission details are here: 
All are welcome, all heights, ages and all shoe sizes welcome to submit a photo of themselves rocking a pair of shoes they love. Show us your shoe modeling skills. Bring personality, let shoe ads inspire you.

We will be posting the top entries on my blog and on http://www.punkyourchucks.com/

The contest is based on your own love of shoes!
Email your submission jpg pics to: petitepride@yahoo.com
Submission deadline: February 28th 2011.


•To submit to win the Custom Designed Pumps send a photo of yourself wearing a pair of pumps or heels you own and love to wear to petitepride@yahoo.com Please put in the subject: “Custom HEELS.” Show us your personality and basically rock the pumps/ heels in your own style in the pic. (The winner will receive custom pumps will be Nine West pumps)
•To submit to win a Custom Designed Vans or Converse shoes, send a pic of yourself wearing a pair of sneakers, Vans or Converse, or whatever you have, to petitepride@yahoo.com Please put in the subject: “Custom Vans or Converse."

The 2 winners will be chosen based on your personal style and the way you rock your shoes. The photo/s should be print modeling friendly/nothing too provocative. The contest photo submission doesn’t have to be professional; your friend could take it, but make the shot about the shoes and how you wear them and rock them! :)
Feel free to include in your submission what idea you have for a custom designed shoe or pump!

~Isobella

Win a copy of the book Be Your Own Publicist and podcast show details

Hey Girls,

Today I chatted with PR geniuses and co-authors Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, they are the authors of the savvy new book called, "Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired and Rewarded at Work." And I am giving away a copy of Be Your Own Best Publicist! And also a copy of my modeling memoir Almost 5'4". Just email me at petitepride@yahoo.com  with Be Your Own Best Publicist in the subject and share how you are using PR techniques to strive within your pursuits/ in the workplace?

Deadline: 2/23/2011

Be Your Own Best Publicist is full of insightful and useful tips for landing a job, getting a promotion and being all you are capable of being on the job and getting noticed for it. And it's written in an inspiring style.

It reads like a friend chatting with you, sharing with you their lived-through tips. I know you will find the book helpful and handy for all types of pursuits, whether you are just out of college, starting out job hunting, or trying to get a promotion and noticed for the hard work you put in...or an aspiring model. The PR techniques are for all pursuits in life to grasp and use to get ahead and get where they want to be.

Hard work is something I believe in. I think working hard is a good thing, not something to cringe about, the journey of striving to do something is about not giving up, it takes work, and journey is the best part.

The Journey is where all the networking and self-growth happens and where accomplishments are made, and like Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper have mentioned in their book, and during our podcast segment, during that journey there is great importance in, "Being resourceful and flexible and having a plan B," while building your reputation, promoting your skills and making yourself indispensable. The book shares the three P's. Prepare, Project and Protect.

• Prepare by developing your personal story.
• Project your personality, image and key messages.
• Protect the image you've created.

I always say in modeling to: Do your research and be prepared for what you are walking in to. A model is also a marketer.

So, you should know: What is that casting for? What have their previous campaigns looked like? What is the image of the brand/company, magazine, etc., so you can go prepared, and look the part and have a better chance of booking that job and getting that opportunity. To show you can do something and that you are good for the job, you often have to first prove you can, whether it be in the professional photos you've crafted or the words you choose, presentation matters, present yourself- first impressions matter, yes, in modeling too.

The better you are at selling yourself, skills and assets in all different situations the more of a chance that you will get that chance. And you know I talk non-stop talk about believing in yourself, and knowing yourself and assets. The same message can be said within an office job or any job really.

Also cmmunication skills are so important to not take for granted, and knowing how to communicate and being able to talk to anyone is an important asset when it comes to networking and build contacts and striving. I don't just mean talking through social media, although social media, facebook, twitter are self branding and communication tools, knowing how to spark up conversation is not something to dismay. It is important, yes even in this Internet and Digital-Age.

And Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper mention in Be Your Own Best Publicist, and also on my podcast, that when you’re going to an event, meeting or corporate get together you can relax by, "Being prepared to talk about a news event," and to be prepared with topics to chat about ahead of time. I have started conversations by asking a person I didn't not know, "How do you know the host of the event, or so and so," or "Where did you hear of this event?" And when I was at a romance reading recently I asked someone I didn't know, "When did you start reading romance novels?"

Remember for modeling it's about if your look fits what the art director, editor or casting director is looking for, but everyone loves a person with some personality, someone who brings a smile. Even as a model, sometimes you have a few minutes or seconds to make a little extra impression to an editor, casting director or photographer during a casting. It's so important to have a good attitude and smiling is always a good idea. And if you can bring a compliment that is always nice. Sometimes I've complimented on the clients last campaign, or if it was a shoe modeling casting sometimes I have said sweetly, "This is such a cute shoe" "This is a great heel," or "great color!" etc. Showing interest in the brand, client, magazine, casting that you are attending, can make you memorable. When I am complimented on my own modeling comp card, I have taken a quick moment to share a little more detail of the images, "Oh that was for an Easy Spirit campaign," or "I loved that shoot, it was for___." Bring your professionalism and some personality.

I mention on this blog that models, especially shorter models, have to really work to build their network: know hair stylists, know stylists, know photographers, and even knowing editors at magazines can be of benefit. I got my first tearsheets myself, my first tearsheet actually came from a photographer thinking of me after we met, and he needed someone last minute, someone who was easy to work with and had pep/personality. Me! Another time, I worked with a photographer who pulled jewelry from a boutique store and had networked with local brands and stores, and after our shoot he pitched the editor of a local Miami magazine the editorial photo story and it got published. I've learned the importance of networking, bringing more to the job than just your face, etc., bringing your ability to be "a part of the project" can also be important. Once on the job shooting a shoe campaign, I suggested some ideas for the next shot when the art director was stumped.

During our chat Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper mentioned how being resourceful and having a positive attitude, being a problem solver is a skill that is a big asset. They shared an experience when the Internet got turned off before a major press release had to go out, so instead of settling on saying, "Oh well, this sucks" or "I guess we can't do this now,"--they suggested to get resourceful--by packing up and heading to an Internet cafe and getting the press release out anyways. Make it happen, make it work, find a way, think fast, and be willing to be innovative and resourceful.

Models can also be resourceful too.

Photos are an aspiring models major marketing tool, so when working on your photos for your comp card and portfolio, the ability to pull a handbag from your friend's collect, use your friends coffee shop as a location, or know a hairstylist at a local hair salon who might want to be a part of your own photo shoot could lead to building relationships and even getting modeling jobs. Let's say you are a new aspiring model, without much experience and you want to approach a professional photographer who has a lot of experience and has shot for magazines and campaigns, or even a photographer for just a headshot,--if you can at least offer a location, a stylist, a makeup artist, an idea,- you might get a chance to work with them, by being more than just "another model" it shows your professionalism, even if you are new to the game.

Also as an aspiring model you should be networking with those who are also ambitious and aspiring, I met one of my best friends at an accessories trade show and ended up modeling for her aspiring handbag line, now her handbags have been seen in magazines and also on the show Gossip Girl, but I knew her when she was starting out and was one of her first models. Later, I helped her get some buzz for her brand and when an article ran on her, obviously I was the model in the photo that was used. It helped me build experience when I was starting out to work with a growing brand and I also gained a great friend.

When I asked Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper about how a newbie at the interview process can prepare, and how to celebrate their strengths during the job interview and handle the question: Tell me about yourself?

The ladies suggested before the interview to: "Write down how they would describe themselves, write down a list adjectives, what makes you unique, what makes you different, what makes you, you?" and "Ask your mom, best friend, boyfriend and also someone you don't know quite well. And see how they line up," because "it's a good way to whittle down what your key assets are." And think about the job description and why you are good for the job.

Be Your Own Best Publicist also shares quotes and stories of professionals and career coaches, I like the one from Maggie Mistal, "Soul search before the job search."

If you missed the show today with Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, you can listen to the segment here or download it on iTunes to your iPod/iPhone and carry it with you throughout your pursuits:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/02/16/being-your-own-best-publicist-with-jessica-kleiman-and-meryl-weinsaft-cooper

Aim high and strive,
~Isobella Jade
P.s: I have had a lot of coffee today!

A podcast segment on the book "Be Your Own Best Publicist"

Hey Girls,

Tomorrow 2/16/2011 at 2 PM on my podcast radio show, I will be having a chat with co-authors Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper  about how public relations and PR skills can land you the opportunities you have been striving for in the workplace.

In the book "Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired and Rewarded at Work," Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, share a take no crap, don’t give up and be prepared for your success attitude.

2/16/ 2011

2 PM EST

Tune into the segment here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/02/16/being-your-own-best-publicist-with-jessica-kleiman-and-meryl-weinsaft-cooper

Some elements of the MANY in the book that caught my eye were:
The Importance of Paying Attention to Your Surroundings.

The importance of knowing how to strike up conversation anywhere.

The Importance of listening to what others have to say.

How your smile speaks.

Prepare for your personal pitch.

Petite models: discovering your assets beyond height

This week on my podcast I will be chatting about discovering your assets beyond height. Inspired by my readers and some recent questions on how to prepare for print modeling.

When: 2/2/2011

Time: 6:00 PM EST

Where (follow this link to listen)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/02/02/petite-models-discovering-your-assets-beyond-height

The scoop for the segment:  Model, author Isobella Jade shares that height isn't everything in modeling and the importance of not being defined by just height, especially as a shorter model. She shares insight and tips on how to get over height and inches and start focusing on your other assets which can help you book work as a model. During the month of February Isobella is hosting a contest with www.punkyourchucks.com and you can submit to win a pair of custom pumps or shoes, info on the contest is on her blog www.petitemodelingtips.com Isobella Jade is the author of her modeling memoir Almost 5'4" and her graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior." Recently published is her collection of short stories called "Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model," featuring modeling jobs she done with Macy's, Victoria's Secret, Marshalls, Easy Spirit and others. She is currently writing a YA novel series. Weekly her show shares tips and advice for models of all sizes and inspiration, as she shares the outsiders in to the modeling business.  Catch the live show here or listen to the archive segment here anytime or on iTunes.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/02/02/petite-models-discovering-your-assets-beyond-height

P.s: Here is the scoop on submitting to win a custom pair of shoes or pumps!

Modeling underdogs: It starts with belief, live show at 6pm today!

Modeling underdogs: It starts with belief

WHEN: 1/26/2011

Time: 6 PM EST

Tune in here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/01/26/modeling-underdogs-it-starts-with-belief

If you miss the live show catch the archive anytime or search Isobella Jade on iTunes.

The segment scoop:

Model, author, advocate Isobella Jade shares how modeling when you are shorter starts with belief and self-confidence and how an athlete mindset helped her own pursuits. She also answers questions from Facebook and emails on the day and the life of being a self-made model and how models of all ethnicties are in demand. Isobella Jade is the author of her modeling memoir Almost 5'4" (now also an eBook) and her fashion graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior." Recently published is her collection of short stories called "Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model," featuring modeling jobs she done with Macy's, Victoria's Secret, Marshalls, Easy Spirit and others, despite being one of the shortest models out there. She has worked as a print and parts model for many years and weekly her show shares tips and advice for models of all sizes and inspiration, as she shares the outsiders in to the modeling business. You can also find on her podcast radio show interviews with beauty brands such as LUSH, Origins, Wet n Wild, Styli-Style, along with chats with fitness expert Gunnar Peterson and Fashion and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photographer Steve Erle, among others. Here, you will find the day in the life of striving to be who you want to be and do what you want to do. http://www.isobelladreams.com/

Tune in here girls:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/01/26/modeling-underdogs-it-starts-with-belief