Blog2
Jennifer Fulfer-McCall
Your skin tells a story - The importance of skincare as a model is probably one of the most important things to pay attention to. Your skin tells a story and as a model that story needs to say that you are young, refreshed, and beautiful!
There are many different types of skincare products and regimes on the market today but the basics should always consist of cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize… did I say moisturize? Yep! I like to repeat the magical words moisturize, hydrate, and rejuvenate because those words are extremely important if you want to take great care of your skin. There are many aspects of taking care of our skin that reflect in what we eat and drink, how many hours of sleep we get a night, and even stress levels, but I really want to focus on the basic ritual every model should practice every day.
Every morning when in the shower I like to cleanse my face for about 3-5 minutes with a wonderful tea-tree cleanser. About twice a week I will cleanse with my normal cleanser, but then I will exfoliate with a Vitamin C microdermabrasion to get rid of any dullness and dead skin cells. After I cleanse and exfoliate I like to use a Vitamin E intense hydrating moisturizer along with an eye cream that is specifically designed for the eye area. About once or twice a week I will use different types of face masks and they consist of moisturizing masks, chemical peels, and mineral masks. I have used several different brands and types, and I continue to try different masks because I have found that facial masks really give my skin a deep nutrition and an extra boost that makes my skin feel and look amazing. At the end of the day I remove my makeup with a fruit based makeup cleansing wipe because fruit and juice based products are packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals.
Once again, after I cleanse my skin thoroughly at the end of the day I will moisturize along with using my eye cream. I also really love using different types of serums before I moisturize! I have tried several different night serums over the years but my all-time favorite is Advanced Night Repair by Estee Lauder. Our skin regenerates while we sleep and I have found that using night serums really help that process. I wake up every morning feeling like my skin looks like a million bucks, and that is one of the best feelings as a model because I know how important it is to have beautiful skin in order to make my clients happy and continue down this path as a model. There are several other skincare routines I have tried over the years and too many products to count, but I find that if I break down the key process to healthy looking skin it is to cleanse, exfoliate, and the magical word hydrate. Those 3 little steps have kept my skin youthful and glowing and I really believe in the importance of taking the time to care for my skin… especially because the modeling industry craves beautiful skin.
Visit Jennifer on her website.
Blog3
Stephanie Pietz
Trials and Tribulations of Tattoos - In the modeling world, tattoos can sometimes make or break a job for someone. Many models fear tattoos, not simply because of the pain alone. But because of the fear of it not forwarding their modeling career. Or stopping it all together!
Contrary to popular belief, I have seen many beautiful models maintain or even gain more exposure as a result of ink work. There is a place for every type of model in this world. And frankly, I feel that 80% of the time, personality will determine whether or not you are hired for a job. I was always told that Playboy would never accept me with the tattoo I have, which covers a large portion of my lower right leg. That did not stop me from trying. They were so impressed with my comfortability in front of the camera and my witty smart-ass kinda attitude, that my leg tattoo wasn't even an issue that came into play. Next thing ya know, I was on the cover of Playboys Natural Beauties.
I have been a promotional model for various large companies for years and my tattoos have never stopped me. I feel tattoos are becoming a lot more acceptable in modeling these days. Its an expression of ones self that will last forever. And I believe most people can respect that and embrace it. I'm not saying you should run out and get tatted up! But if you want to express yourself by putting beautiful art on your body, then no one should judge you for it.
It all boils down to being true to yourself, tattoos or not. So cheers to all my beautiful inked and not inked models out there! There's a place for all of us gorgeous women as models if we choose. I have to add that I am currently, as I type, getting tattooed…lol! and I wouldn't change it for a thing!!!
Visit Stephanie on Model Mayhem.
Blog4
Lacheln
Tips on Going Pro - There are so many beautiful girls out there who decide that they want to become models. Where do they start? Many girls begin taking pictures with local photographers and start building a portfolio. However, there's a difference from a casual model and somebody who models full time. I think many girls want to get into this industry because they love the glamour and "status" that being a model provides. I have been modeling since the age of 12 and I will be the first to tell you--it is a lot of work!
Recently I was interviewed and asked about what I do. The interviewer asked me-- "Well, don't you get to live a pretty exciting life? Private jets and partying with rock stars, etc?" and I felt like laughing because YES, there are many interesting facets to being a professional model but no matter what kind of modeling you do (from runway model to Playboy Playmate to alternative fetish superstar, etc) ... it's a dedicated lifestyle! I believe that is why many people do not go professional.
If you become successful you will probably be traveling a large portion of the time. This is why I can't ever keep a pet! Which leads into...
The Significant Other factor: I have seen quite a few girls stop modeling because of their boyfriends! Many models are able to have relationships while traveling 90% of their lives. However, it is not easy. It can certainly be difficult to find a significant other who accepts the lifestyle of a model. They may appreciate the beautiful photos you are taking...however, they might possibly be less comfortable about the fact that you are continuously posing and being beautiful in the company of many strangers. It takes a very secure and loving person to be ok with sitting at home while their girlfriend is off traveling the world and posing in skimpy outfits!
Unless you find an agent/agency you will be working TWO jobs--model and agent! Expect to spend a lot of time online and on the phone. I believe this is where a lot of guys and girls get overwhelmed. It's difficult for many models to become savvy to the business side of ..well, the business!
Modeling is hard work! Your face, body, pose catalog, and acting skills are the product that you are selling. When I had a brief foray into a job as an office drone I could go out and party every night, sleep an hour or two, and show up at work looking less than stellar. However, as a model I can't afford to do that. I love to go out and have a good time with friends but I know that will impact the way I look and act the next morning at a shoot. That is a risk I am never willing to take. Take good care of yourself... I can't say it enough! YOU are the product that you are selling. Although I have been modeling now for over 10 years I am constantly looking toward improvement in my modeling skills. It's a competitive world!
This one is very simple. You want to model full time? Remember that quote (and I may be paraphrasing): "90 percent of success is just showing up". Don't flake! EVER! I think about it this way--I never ever agree to book a shoot that I am not 100% confident in doing. That way I know that I will not have a last minute change of heart or get cold feet. There are so many flakes in this industry. Set yourself apart! Raise the bar--be professional and show up to the shoot!
One more thing--there is nothing wrong with simply modeling casually. As a creative outlet modeling can be quite fantastic. Part time/creative models have more lee-way to pick and choose the projects they would like to be a part of. While I do think I'm incredibly lucky to be able to work with so many talented people... sometimes I have to do shoots that I think are silly or boring simply because this is how I pay the bills. There's nothing wrong with that! But yes, at the end of the day, it is still a JOB. Every job has both perks and disadvantages!
Visit Lacheln on Facebook.
Blog5
Sarah McDowd
Email Etiquette - If you are submitting yourself for modeling jobs online, and doing so with the email address PartyGirl69_420xxx@stonerbitch.com, or even better- BlowjobsAreSOOOAwesome@yahoo.com, briefly take a moment, reflect on this choice, and punch yourself in the face.
This moniker of yours just might be sending a less than professional message to those on the hiring end. Well, I should clarify: if the people on the hiring end are total fucking creeps casting for a classy photo-shoot in their mom's basement, you are going to send them all the right messages. However, is that the kind of modeling gig you are looking to book? (rhetorical question.)
So now the solution: get yourself a new and appropriate email address - one that is simple and relevant. This can serve as your "modeling email." You can keep your old email address as a "personal" account for family and friends only, and use your new modeling account strictly for industry contacts. When setting up your modeling email, try to pick a username that has no chance to be misconstrued - things that include a variation of your name/modeling name are definitely your best bet.
Don't throw in unrelated interests of yours to "jazz it up," no matter how innocent they are. For example, your name plus your undying love for Taylor Swift - CrystalMillerTaylorSwifts#1groupie@gmail.com, is still going to send the wrong message. Try something simple and straightforward, such as: crystalmiller, crystal.miller, millercrystal, crysmiller, etc.
This may seem silly, but minor details like this are very commonly taken for granted in this industry. I assure you, things like this DO MATTER when you are applying for modeling work and WILL make a difference in how you are being perceived! -- Happy emailing! xoxo Sarah McDowd
Visit Sarah at her official website.