Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Can't Be a Model? Check Out Modeling Related Jobs

Not everyone can become a model--that much I'm sure you all know by now. Even though it may seem like the world has fallen apart if you have discovered this truth for yourself, there are still ways you can be involved in the industry. Oftentimes those that want to do modeling also have similar interests that relate to modeling like fashion, photography, etc. If modeling is not in the stars for you, check out these related career fields that will give you an opportunity to see how the industry works and be a main player in it--even if it's not in front of the camera or on a catwalk.

Booking Agent: Can't get signed to a modeling agency? Why not work for one! Bookers are the people responsible for organizing the go-sees, castings and shoots for the agency's models. Most bookers are assigned to work with specific models and you'll act as their go-to person. You'll be dealing directly with clients, casting directors, photographers, etc. and submitting the right people for the assignment. You can look into internship opportunities or if you meet the requirements for employment, you can get hired, get paid and be around the action on a daily basis.

Wardrobe Stylist: These are the folks in charge of shopping for the right outfits and accessories for shoots and basically play a role in dressing the models. This job is particularly ideal for people that love to shop and have a good eye for the latest fashion trends. You'll not only get paid to shop, you'll be able to work on set of photoshoots with models, photographers and the rest of the crew.

Dresser: Do you love fashion shows? Have you always wanted to be a part of the action? If you can't be on the catwalk, you can volunteer to be a dresser. As the name implies, dressers help the models backstage change in and out of their clothes. Of course if you're shy about nudity, then this isn't the right job for you. This job is usually described as "grunt" work and may not always be a paid job but it's a fun way to see what goes on behind the scenes of a fashion show. If you work well under pressure and can keep your cool even in the most hectic of situations, being a dresser may be something fun to try out.

Photographer: Some model hopefuls also have a knack for photography. Either as a hobby or a career, if you can't be in front of a camera you can always develop your skills behind it. Whether you are interested in doing fashion, glamour, lifestyle or commercial photography, you can use your creativity to the fullest.

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: Part of the fun of modeling is getting dolled up in hair and makeup. If you've always loved putting makeup on others and/or have a talent for creating amazing hairstyles, then you should definitely look into either or both of these jobs, which can be done part time, full time or just for fun. Shoots and other modeling assignments are constantly in need of hair stylists and makeup artists. You'll have a chance to work with models and play a part in the final images that could appear in a number of places such as magazines, catalogs, brochures and websites.

Fashion Designer: Not only will this job opportunity give you the chance to work with models and photographers, you'll get to create clothes that could end up being the next big trend in the fashion industry. With the right connections and designs your creations can be showcased at the biggest fashion shows, sold in stores or displayed in catalogs.

*Selling Fast*
Kerry's Dress
Now at only RM55/pc!
Code: AP019
Colour: White, Blue
Details: Free size - fits Size S to M, thick cotton & non transparent, two side pockets, stretchable waist line, open-button at front panel.
Status: Available

Sarah
Now at only RM52/pc!

Code: AP018
Colour: Blue, Grey
Details: Free size - fits Size S to M, soft cotton, nice cutting.
Status: Sold Out
Puffy Lace Dress
Now at only RM52/pc!
Code: AP017
Colour: Grey, Blue, Black
Details: Free Size - fits Size S to M, soft cotton & lace, puffy sleeves.
Status: Black Available
Bow Dress
Now at only RM39/pc!
Code: AP016
Colour: Sky Blue, Greyish Blue, Grey
Details: Free Size - fits Size S to M, cotton, stretchable waist line, perfect length.
Status: Available

Tuesday, April 20, 2010



Sweetie
Now at only RM46/pc! (not included of belt)
Code: AP015
Colour: White, Pink, Yellow, Blue
Details: Free Size, fits size S to M, quality soft cotton, heart-shape button, stretchable chest line, attached with two side pockets.
Status: White, Pink and Yellow Available


Elsa
Now at only RM55/pc!
Code: AP014
Colour: White, Soft Pink
Details: Free Size, fits size S to M, quality thick cotton, non-transparent, attached with two side pockets, stretchable puffy sleeves, stretchable waist line
Status: Soft Pink Available




Lorraine
Now at only RM55/pc!

Code: AP012
Colour: Soft Pink, Pure White
Details: Free Size, fits size S to M, quality thick cotton with lace, stretchable waist line, stretchable puffy sleeves, attached with two side pockets
Status: Available

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Bridal Season: So Much Fun!

For the past month or so I've been doing bridal fashion shows. I've been having so much fun wearing the most gorgeous wedding gowns and party dresses. The model coordinator for the shows uses the same team of models so I get to work with the same people. Of course there are times when not everyone can make it to the shows so in those instances new models are recruited. It's a lot of fun once you get to know the other models and you eventually end up becoming a family unit of sorts. Two months before the first show I had to go in to the designer's shop in order to pick my dresses and get fitted. I chose two very lovely wedding gowns with long trains, one party dress and two bridesmaid dresses (one is a really pretty dress that can also double as a dress you'd wear to a fancy dinner, while the other one is the stereotypical horrid bridesmaid dress lol).

Our call time is usually between 8:30am - 9:00am and although hair and makeup is taken care of when we get there, sometimes the ratio of makeup artists and hair stylists to models is not favorable so I've since learned to bring my own makeup bag--always come prepared! We do two shows, usually the first one is at 12:30pm and the second one is at 2:30pm so we get a nice lunch break in between.

Sometimes I think that Murphy's Law was created with the modeling industry in mind. In case you aren't familiar with this particular law, it goes as follows:

"Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."

We've had girls trip up the steps, straps break, zippers get stuck, dresses not fitting like they're supposed to, etc. If you want to learn how to think on your toes and improvise, participate in a fashion show! Case and point: at the last show I did I was jumping into my beautiful, emerald green bridesmaid dress, only to discover that the emerald gems on the front were missing and was hanging by a thread. We had no time to cut it off so I put the dress on and got in line. We had to showcase that particular dress so I had to appear on stage. With about 15 seconds to think of a solution, I strategically placed my left hand in a way that held the broken part in place but I couldn't move my hand at all or else it would come off and dangle from the threads on the right side. Sounds like a move that saved the day, right? Well, the unfortunate thing was that the emerald design was located right underneath my bustline so I ended up having to put both my hands underneath my bustline while walking instead of on my hips like you're supposed to. Even though it looked odd as heck, I worked it like that was how it was supposed to be! LOL. As soon as we walked off stage, all the models were like, "Why were you walking like that?!" Hey, better to look fierce with an odd pose instead of making the dress look bad, right?

Here are some pictures from the past shows (some were taken by pros and others were taken by people in the crowd):


The picture of the green dress is how it is supposed to look normally. See how low my hands are on my hips? Picture the same thing but with my hands up under my bustline. Yikes! Haha

Lifestyle & Mature Modeling

You may or may not have heard the term "lifestyle" and "mature" when it comes to modeling. These fields are very in demand in the industry and typically fall under the commercial/print category. As the name implies, "lifestyle" modeling describes images of models doing everyday activities. From talking on the phone to shopping, these kinds of gigs cast for men and women that are usually in their 20s, 30s and even 40s. You can think of lifestyle modeling images as a candid look into someone's life (only staged with a professional photographer and experienced models haha). Oftentimes, these kinds of projects need families and will cast for male and female lifestyle models that look like they could be parents. Of course the child and teen models are also cast to complete the rest of the family. Other projects cast for couples to do a variety of activites from walking and holding hands to cuddling and eating dinner or even checking email together.

Here are a few examples of lifestyle modeling (that's me and my male model partner, Lyndon, in the second and fourth photos, which was taken during a recent lifestyle shoot I did in San Francisco):


















Although most careers for fashion models are considered "over" by the time they are in their early to mid 20s, print models are able to extend their careers because of categories like lifestyle modeling. Because it is commercial in nature, this means that these models do not necessarily have to look "young" or maintain perfect measurements. This definitely allows these kinds of models to not have to worry about their weight, which is always a plus. As long as you are proportional and healthy, you'll be good to go. Some agencies automatically consider models that are 25 or older to be lifestyle models. Of course if you happen to look younger, then that may change how your agent markets you. Nothing is exactly set in stone and does vary from model to model in some cases.

Mature modeling involves using male and female models that are in their 40s and older--this is a great market for any man or woman within this age range that has played around with the idea of pursuing modeling. Even if it's just part time or for fun, if you've got a great look and are photogenic, then mature modeling could be something worth looking into. Just as there is a demand for models in the lifestyle category based on the demographic of the average consumer, there is also a special niche market for mature models. The nature of work that accompanies mature modeling is also commercial/print related and these images frequently appear on stock photography sites, in catalogs, brochures, advertisements and on packaging labels for certain products.

Here are some images of mature models:


Friday, April 9, 2010




Lily
Now at only RM55/pc!

Code: AP011
Colour: Light Orange, Pure White
Details: Free Size, fits size S to M, cotton with eyelet, inner-lining, open-button at front panel, adjustable bow.
Status: Light Orange Available



Lovey
Now at only RM30/pc!

Code: AP010
Colour: Pink, Blue
Details: Free Size, fits size S to M, cotton.
Status: Available
Design 1


Design 2

Classic T

Now at only RM30/pc!

Code: AP009
Colour: Design 1, Design 2
Details: Free Size, fits size S to M, cotton.
Status: Available