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Branding: Just How Important is it?
If there is one most important thing I am learning about “the biz,” it’s branding. For example, I am building my “brand” as Curvy And Curious. Whatever I post on this site represents my personality, my goals, dreams, etc. This site is then viewed all over the world. When I meet readers, they know a lot about my personality and even my secrets, because I chose to brand this site, and myself, as REAL TALK.
Even though I am all about keeping it real, I am starting to learn that the industry revolves around being fake. Feeling down? Talk about it and it shows that you are weak. Feeling overwhelmed? “Oh, she can’t handle the pressure.” We all have feelings, so why aren’t we allowed to voice them?
It just irks me that many people in the industry seem to care more about building a brand around a fake personality than to build a brand around your real self. I believe my realness is what sets me apart from other models and actresses. If being real ruins my brand, well so be it, but at least I’ll still have me.
Don’t lose yourself in your brand. Be you, be real, and be proud of who you are and what you do! The world is your runway, so rock it with your signature walk.
Keep Curvy and Stay Curious
Related articles
- Curvy And Curious the LIVE show! (curvyandcurious.com)
More Photos from THRIFT STORE SWAGG Fashion Show
Oct 18
This gallery contains 56 photos.
Thanks to our sponsor Size Matters Photography, check out photos from the Runway show by Curvy and Curious by your very own Emilie Alpert, Ose (Uh-Seh), and Mad! Couture by Madilyn Wade. Related articles Thrift Store Swagg Plus Size Clothing Exchange was a Success! (curvyandcurious.com)
Get your Foot in the Door : How to be a Model 101
So you have decided that you want to be a model. Great Idea! Just be prepared for the hard work to come.
In the past month, I have been organizing my first fashion event and runway show, and being on the CASTING end of the modeling world has really changed my perspective on things. I have recently met some great ladies who want to model but don’t know where to start, which inspired me to write this article, How to be a Model 101.
Rule #1: KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS
Everybody knows their dress size, but this means nothing unless you know your measurements. Go to the craft store and pick up a measuring tape – you will be using it A LOT.
This video is a great guide on how to get your basic measurements:
In addition to your Bust-Waist-Hips, there are other measurements you will need to know, and numbers you should be familiar with. Here are my tricks of the trade:
Extra Measurements:
- Thigh circumference (widest part)
- Bicep circumference (widest part)
- Across back of shoulders
- Inseam
- Waist-to-floor
- Neck circumference
- Apex (from nipple, around neck, to other nipple – helps determine neckline sizes)
- High Hip (4″ below your waist)
- Low Hip (8″ and 10″ below waist)
Tips and Tricks:
- Industry standards state that anything size 8 + up is PLUS SIZE. Market yourself as such!
- The standard minimum height for models is 5’8″. Do whatever you can to get there if you’re close.
- If you’re shorter that 5’8″ and have the right look, your height won’t necessarily hold you back, but good luck if you’re under 5’6″
- In FIT modeling, the height for petites is 5’5″-5’6″ and for women’s regular 5’8″ and up.
- Male models should be at least 5’10”
- measure yourself before any go-see. They will likely measure you there, or ask you your measurements when you walk in the door.
- Keep your resume up-to-date – I update my measurements at least once a month
Rule #2: Model Mayhem is your Friend
I always thought ModelMayhem.com was a site for creepers and wanna-be’s, but most of the photographers I ave worked with were professional, open minded, and happy to shoot “TF” (meaning “trade for” pictures in exchange for credit). Still beware of creeps! get phone numbers, references, and make sure their portfolio matches your style of photography you’re seeking.
Rule #3: Comp Cards / Business Cards
Comp Cards (model version of a headshot) are probably the most important thing in your model bag. A comp card should have a headshot on the front, and various photos on the back, along with your measurements and contact information. I use Spotlight Printing for mine – they have the best prices and customer service. Here is an example of the most recent proof they sent me:
Front of Comp Card
Back of Comp Card
Business Cards are also very important. I give out business cards at every audition, photo shoot, go-see, or just networking. I have made many connections through business cards alone. You may not think you’re not ready for cards since you’re just starting out, but they will be what gets you the connections!
Rule #4: Building your Portfolio
After about three-four months of modeling, I starting printing out pictures from my shoots for my portfolio book. I chose 3-5 or my best shots from every photo shoot, and had them printed by Adorama Pix. Great quality prints at some of the best prices on the market. When I put my photos in my book for the first time, I really felt like a model!
Rule #5: Work for Free
Getting your face and name out there take a lot of time, hard work, and dedication. Fan sites for BBWs on Facebook will not make you a professional models. Do a lot of runway work if you can. They are a great chance to meet people and network, plus are a lot of fun! Eventually with enough experience under your belt, you will become in demand and payable.
Remember, this is no easy process, and event the most beautiful models take time to get known (ahem…. even Michelle Hilton, Annoula Dritsas, and Ayana Smith are all STILL working their asses off and they were born to be models!)
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- Michelle Hilton
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- Annoula Dritsas
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- Ayana Smith
Work hard, play hard, and keep your mind straight. Most important;y, be REAL!
Keep Curvy and Stay Curious
Related articles
- Work hard, Play hard? Yeah, right. (curvyandcurious.com)
- Modelling: Facts About Modelling Agencies (rythminunical.wordpress.com)
- Model vs. Model: Types of Modeling in the Entertainment world (entertainersunite.wordpress.com)
- Model mayhem – unreliability. (ninjadawsie.wordpress.com)
Work hard, Play hard? Yeah, right.
Hey Curvy Girls!
So I am at work thinking , “…should I go all the way to NYC for this audition tonight?” Or “should I bother with that photoshoot tomorrow?”
But at the same time, I’m asking myself, “why am I here at work instead of out doing what I love?” Good Question. Reason is – I am doing a buttload of money trying to break not the business. Let me break it down for you:
I had a horrible experience on a go-see for a model gig the other day. Once I made it to Manhattan, the only place I was allowed to park were princely lots, so I spent the damn $30 to park because traffic had me running a whole hour late. Once I got there, she looked at my photos, resume, and measurements, and without saying a word, handed me pack my packet and told me I was too big for their line. Normally, I think, “eh, no biggie,” but this time, after all the trouble I went through, I broke down and cried out of frustration. Not because she said I was too fat, but because I had spent so much of my hard earned money and hard to come by free time on nothing.
Because of my anxiety, and the fact that I love so close to the city ( in NJ) I choose not to take the train or bus, but the cost isn’t much different. Currently with the number of auditions and bookings I get in NYC here is a breakdown of my modeling and acting related expenses:
- Toll to NYC: $14 x (approx) 3 days per week: $42
- Gas: $20 x (approx) 4 days per week: $80
- Parking: Up to $30
- Total Weekly Expenses to go on auditions and modeling gigs = roughly $150.
Of course, however, this does not include the cost of headshots and Comp Cards, event tickets, etc… So how is one supposed to become a model or actress and not live the starting artist” lifestyle? Not to mention the fact that in the last few months I have barely been home between work and auditions, and now it’s coming to a point where I must choose between my work and my play. I may not believe in a higher power, but if I am meant to be something big, it will happen soon. If not, then I guess it will be time to let go of my favorite hobby. Isn’t it a shame I can’t have my cake and eat it too??
Keep Curvy and Stay Curious
Related articles
- Am I Curvy or Fat – What’s the Difference? (curvyandcurious.com)
- How To Book Your Own Casting Calls & Auditions (prettymenace.com)
- Curvy Model of the Month: Liris Crosse (essence.com)
Curvy and Curious 