so you want to be a model…

Posted on 09. Aug, 2011 by Princess Lasertron in business, dresses, omaha

from a shoot last week with photographer bill sitzmann, stylist and concept director sarah lorsung-tvrdik, hair and makeup stylist rebecca forsyth, and models nicole keimig and caitlin hochwender

One interesting thing about Omaha Fashion Week is that they work so hard to provide designers with so much–for example, models. OFW has been a great opportunity for lots of local models who have gone on to be signed by Wilhelmina, Next, Elite, Ford, and other major modeling agencies around the country.

The culture of collaboration and networking that all of us involved in OFW have benefited from is very “Omaha.” It’s very typical of the people in my city to help each other by trading or bartering services (for example, website design for photography), or offering to share knowledge and experience. There is plenty of good will to go around, and I think there is a current of karmic capital that runs underneath this community, fed by everyone who spreads the word about an event or patronizes a small business or offers to provide a service to a fledgling dreamer.

So I got together with a small group of designers and influencers in the Omaha fashion community–Sarah Lorsung-Tvrdik, Buf Reynolds, Emma Erickson, Jane Round, and Eliana Smith–and told them that I wanted to write a post for models who want to make the most of a first modeling opportunity like Omaha Fashion Week or any other small runway show or print media gig they might get. They shared some fantastic tips with me that are important for any new model to consider.

Disclaimer: I realize there is a big difference between doing a smaller show like Omaha Fashion Week and doing a print ad for Cover Girl, or running around New York City with your portfolio, or doing runway in Paris. I know I’m not a huge authority on the modeling industry, but I think I can speak confidently through the lens of an independent designer about what I look for in a model as a representative of my line.

…So, you’re tall and beautiful? Do you friends say you should be a model? Have you built up your confidence and practiced walking in your heels? Here’s where to start.

Assemble a casting call outfit

Casting calls are your opportunity to make a great first impression on a designer or casting agent. Wear simple, uncomplicated clothing that is form fitting to your body–leggings or skinny jeans and a white t-shirt or cotton tank top work well. Wear shoes with a heel (not a wedge) that you can walk comfortably in. Keep your hair natural and show up with a clean, neutral face. My friend Emma Erickson had a great point when she said, “The casting director or designer has a vision for the show or photo shoot. They will determine if you are a good fit based on your natural features. If you doll yourself up, they might miss out on the real you.” As a designer, I can visualize your natural body styled for my show–you don’t have to present what you think I want to see.

Another tip for casting calls–be poised throughout the entire time. Be aware of what your body is doing as a model. Others notice and it makes a positive–if only subliminal–impression.

Be respectful

This covers a lot of ground. First, be respectful of other people’s time by striving to never be late. “Hair and makeup ALWAYS takes longer than expected,” Sarah from Fash Flood said. “If you’re late you’re inconveniencing others and most likely will not be asked back.”

It’s also important to learn how to take criticism in a respectful way. Sometimes you won’t work out for a designer or an agency. Don’t burn the bridge. Don’t say rude, cryptic things on Facebook or Twitter. If you handle rejection maturely and gracefully, you will be much more likely to find another opportunity.

Don’t be afraid to look stupid

Don’t be afraid to mess up or make an ugly face. Practice different emotions in front of the mirror. Know your body; practice movement and different ways to work in front of the camera. Take the photographer’s suggestions, even if they sound uncomfortable. Laugh, jump, dance or skip if they ask you to. As my friend Sarah said, the most beautiful photos are often the ones where a model doesn’t appear too posed.

One of my pet peeves working with models is when they have one face that they give over and over. Smile. Laugh. Growl. There will be tons of photos throughout your career that get thrown out because you don’t look good. But who wants stacks of pictures that all look the same? Your job as a model is to sell a product. Giving the same sourpuss over and over does not help me sell clothes.

Sarah added, “Show up prepared, it makes you appear experienced. Bring nude undergarments (thong, strapless and convertible bras), make sure you’ve shaved/waxed, 2 pairs of heels (just in case), no nail polish (hands or feet) and hair washed the day before, not morning of–don’t show up with wet hair!” If you are in the sun often, you must wear a high SPF at all times to avoid tan lines–strange lines showing in photos could lose you a job.

Let your Facebook profile help you, not embarrass you

My friend Jane Round had some great tips about using Facebook:

“Be careful who you ask to work with, especially on Facebook. I’ve seen a lot of girls who go to every photographer’s page and ask to work with them without knowing the person or how they work.” As a young model, it’s easy to get stuck in a bad situation or get in too deep with an inexperienced photographer who is not going to give you a good photo for your portfolio. More tips from Jane:

• Facebook is a personal website, so it is better to email or call a person if you have questions. It’s not professional to post those questions all over their wall.
• It is always nice when a few nice photos of models are able to be seen without being friends on Facebook. They don’t necessarily need to be professional, but they should be fairly clean and simple so that they show off you.
• Always act professionally online and offline because modeling is a business, and when you are working you are always representing someone else as well as yourself.

Your job as a model is to take care of your body

No tanning–your natural, healthy skin color is best. No smoking–it ruins clothing and lingers in your hair and skin. I will not work with models who go tanning or smoke. It is your job to take care of your health which goes beyond just a mere “model weight.” A healthy diet of natural foods will give you energy to look and feel your best. Regular activity to keep your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes each day is also essential for muscular tone–walking, running, yoga, dance, light weightlifting, or even heavy housecleaning will do.

Taking pride in your appearance, your behavior, and your emotional health is a way of showing gratitude for the features you have been blessed with. Honor your gifts by being grateful for them.

Be realistic about industry expectations and don’t be afraid to break away

We know from looking at mainstream beauty images, magazines, and televisions that the standard for most models is 5’10 with measurements around 32-25-33. If you don’t have that body type, you may not be signed by a modeling agency that will pay you for modeling and work to find jobs for you. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get work or freelance on your own. If modeling is your passion, you will do lots of research about the potential market for your look. You will spend hundreds of hours working in front of the lens of a friend finding your strongest angles and learning how to react to a camera. You will take care of your health and respect your body. You will follow industry websites (Eliana suggested Fashion Gone Rogue and Fashion Network) and perhaps even start your own website, sharing thoughts and photos about your journey and experimenting with different styles and looks. Develop relationships with designers and photographers–they will help you find opportunities too. If you want to achieve the dream of strutting on a runway or seeing your face in a magazine, there’s no reason for it to not happen if you put the work in.

xo
meg

Tags: iliveinomaha, modeling, omaha fashion week