Part of the modeling process is that you are usually required to attend a casting for a designer for numerous reasons in order to get booked for a photo shoot or runway show. In a nut shell at a casting you arrive with your portfolio, comp card, and in form fitting plain clothes. You usually want to wear heels in case they ask you to do a runway walk for them, makeup should be bare minimal, and hair and nails should be clean. This allows the designer to see your natural beauty and to give them an idea of how they can take what you have and turn it into what they need.

I generally don’t have much of a ritual before I attend any casting, but I do always play my “work out” playlist to get me pumped and full of energy. I also always make sure that I will be 5-10 minutes earlier than the casting call time since you haven’t been booked for the job yet and showing that you are responsible and well time managed (especially in Miami) will only help you in the long run. Other than that casting’s are about proving that you are capable to do the job at hand, so beyond looks your personality needs to really shine as it is always a persuader.

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It’s a well known fact that to be a model you generally need to have a certain waifer body type. This includes being a minimum height of 5’9″ with measurements that are in proportion to your body but keep you in that model type shape. However you’d be surprised how many times I’ve been approached about getting plastic surgery. In my case it is usually to get breast implants, and although I don’t particularly have any interest in it myself I do know many models in Miami that have gotten surgery to prolong their modeling career. There is no right or wrong thing to do when it comes to getting surgery for your career and it completely depends on the individual and the situation, however there are a few pro’s and con’s.

Firstly, the positive side of getting plastic surgery is that you will most likely open doors for your career that weren’t an option before. Specifically for modeling in Miami it is ideal to have a curvy body type for swim wear and lingerie jobs. However on the down side, once you get the surgery your stuck with that body type for the rest of your life. This subject is very sensitive and I feel that no one can be judged for what they decide or don’t decide to do, thus when it comes to plastic surgery there is no right or wrong answer, there is only the decision on what type of modeling your interested in marketing yourself for.

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As a fashion community we should help others in the industry reach their highest potential.  FASHIFY is a great website for talented individuals to gain opportunities in fashion. The editors of FASHIFY definitely have an eye for talent, which is why Ashley Garner will be an excellent guest blogger.

Who is Ashley Garner? She is a freelance fashion model who specializes in runway, print, commercial, swimwear, and convention work. She is also a full-time student at Florida International University, whose major is Fashion Styling. Eventually she wants to transfer to FIT in New York City where she hopes to work as a fashion stylist editor for a magazine. Not only has Ashley been a model in Miami for two years, she also runs a blog called The Scorpion Totem, which focuses on fashion modeling, and other aspects of the industry.

Photo Credit: Neil Chang » http://www.modelmayhem.com/1509684

As a guest blogger, Ashley will be sharing her thoughts on various trends in fashion.  Since she’s a model, we will be able to get a behind the scenes look into her career. There is a lot we as the public don’t know about modeling and Ashley will be able to give plenty of firsthand insight on being a model. I know lots of people who aspire to be in modeling, her blog will be a great help to rookie models. Her pictures are beautiful, and her looks are versatile.

Photo Credit: Janice Quijano » http://www.janicequijano.com/

In her blog post titled “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” on May 23^rd she talks about both sides of her personality.

“I have my frail and vulnerable side that spawns from my damn near perfect childhood in the country, then I have my fierce, bitchy side originating from a need to feel strong and empowered.”

That statement gave me more insight on her as a model. I feel her pictures show both sides of who she is. In some pictures she is dressed sweetly in flower print dresses and delicate white lace. While in others, she wears a sexy black dress, ripped leggings, and alluring smokey eyes. She goes on to say how in her personal life, she can be mistaken for weak because of her delicate features and her light red hair. If you follow Ashley on Twitter, you will learn that her personality is upfront and full of moxie!

Photo Credit: Octopustudio » http://octopustudio.com/

Ashley Garner is a fashion model who understands her industry well. Her blog reveals a little about herself and her experiences in fashion. I would suggest to anyone interested in modeling, to subscribe to Ashley’s blog. She gives great insight on being a model and on life in general.

As a guest blogger for FASHIFY, she is sure to be inspirational and a definite must read.

For $100, you can buy yourself, your friends, or your company a shout out in an upcoming FASHIFY.com blog post. Try ordering one today using the form below:

Shout Message

Website Link

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The iPad has brought a new advancement to the way portfolio’s are presented. Now a photographer, a model,  graphic designer, web designer and anyone who presents their work has a new edge to be technologically advanced with the ipad. The ipad takes new technology and imagery to make a unique way to present your work. The PadPort App creates a platform for users to load their portfolio and different ways to share the portfolio to clients. You are able to create your own customized portfolio, load images, and share your work.

One would never even remotely think of a laptop as a viable alternative to a real portfolio because it’s so cumbersome and awkward.  But an iPad is anything but cumbersome (from the looks of it).  Just hand it over and the Art Buyer, Photo Editor, or whoever you’re showing your portfolio to can grab it and swipe from photo to photo with their fingers.  They can throw it into a grid view to see all the photos and go to the ones they like the best.  Very easy.  No keyboard, no mouse, no muss, no fuss.  Want to show them some work that’s a bit different than what you normally keep in your portfolio, open up a different gallery and  there are even more images.

An image on a 1024×768 display, while not as big as an 11×14 print, still looks pretty good.  And, if the viewer wants, they can zoom in with the flick of their fingers and get to a level of detail a print won’t show.  A lot of people like the tactile feeling of holding an actual portfolio and flipping through prints, but the iPad provides the next best thing. Lets quickly jump to the Pros and Cons of using ipad as a portfolio over traditional portfolios.

Pros:

• Portability – nothing beats having a portfolio with you at all times for those chance encounters
• Ease of updating/customizing presentations
• Multiple “portfolio” apps available. I personally use (and highly recommend) FolioBook.
• Ability to share motion/multimedia presentations through a medium less bulky than a laptop
• Cutting edge technology and slick user interface keeps the photographer looking up-to-date
• Great way to supplement a print portfolio with your latest work or show images tailored to a specific client
• Option to show personal work in a personal setting.
• Cost is minimal when compared to the traditional custom print portfolio.

Cons:

• In my mind an iPad will never come close to the wow factor of a custom built portfolio with high-quality prints. There is something to be said for the tactile feel of fine art paper and beautiful prints.
• Viewing size – a little small.
• Finger prints – must clean after each use.

Follow the link below to watch a video representation of an iPad as a photo portfolio.

iPad as a Portfolio

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J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Josh Ott – Photographer’s Assistant / Model : Bren Z.

Set #2 -  Special Thanks to the following crew members:

J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Jenn S. – MakeUp / Tish H. – Hair / Johann C. – Wardrobe / Model: Sugouri B.

Set #3 – Special Thanks to the following crew members :

J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Piare – MakeUp / Model: Mel W.

Set #4 – Special Thanks to the following crew members :

J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Josie M. – MakeUp / Nisha R. – Hair / Model: Yours Truly

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The fashion industry has not escaped the financial melee of the down economy. Many models have noticed that fewer opportunities are being made available in markets such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles. And as a result casting directors, advertisers, clothing lines, boutiques, even photographers, and makeup artists only want to work with the best models, with the best attitudes. These gatekeepers of fashion jobs can either hire or decline a model’s submission based on whether they fit into these two categories: Wanna-be Model or Gonna-Be Model.

Who would be considered a Wannabe Model?

With reality TV shows like America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), Project Runway, Make Me a Model, Keeping up with The Kardashians, and Kell on Earth promoting the excitement and spoils of the fashion industry, it makes sense that impressionable minds would want to follow in that world of designer clothes, runways, and casting calls. However, these people often times aren’t willing to do what it takes to follow this dream to the fullest, putting themselves in the class of Model Wanna-bes.

If you fit these descriptions, you’re a certified Wanna-beModel/Actor/Actress:

• Modeling is not your job. It is your hobby.
• You don’t treat every gig/shoot with the same respect as a paid one. Losing a possibly large opportunity and burning bridges in the process, wasting production’s time when you no-show.
• You are scatter-brained and nonchalant in your communication.

Bottom-line: People remember you in a negative light. Depending if you do this enough times, you are “black-balled” in a way. You can never assume who-know-who.When your name is brought up or you are seen at an industry event

Who would be considered a Gonna-Be Model?

Having natural talent, good looks, and a pleasant personality is helpful, but success in the fashion & talent industry requires much more. You have to be determined, and you have to be professional. You’ll need to know your limitations and work with people that provide constructive criticism so that you are aware of those limitations.

If you fit these descriptions, you’re a certified Gonna-be Model/Actor/Actress:

• You put every ounce of your being into researching possible job opportunities online, networking, word-of-mouth, and sharpening your skill in any and every way you find available to you.
• You treat every gig/shoot with the same respect as a paid one.
• You read instructions and details. Your communication is also clear and concise.
• You are on time, make the necessary preparation for every casting, every photo shoot, and video shoot.

Bottom-line: People remember you in a positive light, and even sometimes give you referrals because of your work ethic.

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With a height of 5’6.5 according to Wikipedia. Kate Moss has been an unstoppable force for almost past a decade now.
Magazine after magazine, runway after runway, campaign after campaign, backs up the fact: height is not necessarily the main factor that governs the success of a fashion model. The “it” factor is what stands the test of time. Every client is looking for the model who can represent their brand and stimulate the senses of the consumer in every way.

Kate Moss Calvin Klein Print Advertisement

The “it” factor is what does it. “It” can be anything the client wants it to be. A look.A demeanor. A presence. An attitude.
Don’t fret if you don’t land that audition, or book that casting. It’s not a cold, flat-out rejection. Unless the client tells you otherwise,
you just didn’t have what they were looking at that particular time,for that particular gig. Fine. Let it discourage you.
Let it urk you for a bit. But don’t let it defeat you. Your individual “it” factor may not work for them, but it doesn’t mean it
wont work for everyone and anyone other client.Remember, if you don’t believe you have “it”, how will anyone else believe?

Kate Moss as clearly seen standing next to Diddy, has a short stature, yet is compelling force in fashion industry. Photo courtesy of Vogue Magazine (October 2009)

SIDE NOTE: As you can see, Diddy has been making fashion faux pas even in 1999 with his pimp coat.

Diddy ringing in sales at Sean John. Photo courtesy of Vogue Magazine (October 2009)

In a more recent photo,Diddy was pictured at Fashion’s Night Out in NYC on September 10th trying to bring back “grillz” and a Mr.T chain. If I recall correctly, Nelly’s single “Grillz” came out in 2006. Its now practically 2010. Diddy,for the sake of your remaining fans, myself included, please stick to the “Sean John Billboard in Times Square” look. Please. (Please?)

Other interesting celebrity height facts FYI according Google research:
**Gia Carangi was- 5’7 (has a must read bio)
Eva Pigford – 5’6.5
Audrey Hepburn – 5’7
Twiggy from ANTM – 5’6
Marilyn Monroe – 5’5.5
Alicia Keys – 5’6
Shakira – 5’2

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I started off by paying a modeling school to train me on how to walk the runway, pose for photos, and how to apply makeup for professional photography. Although I could have learned these skills on my own – without paying for training – I did benefit from the walking and makeup lessons, which helped my confidence as a young adult to break away from my awkward teenage stage.

In all, if you decide to get into modeling do not pay anyone for training. Most of the time models are discovered by a legit modeling agency like Ford, and Elite. Sometimes you are required to pay some money for your comp cards, but this should only be a percentage from your paycheck that you will get from your modeling assignments. Legit modeling agencies will also require that at least 20% will come out of your modeling paycheck, and this helps their agency to pay bills and  their staff. If you are a discovered model, you won’t be worrying about the 20% too much.

If you are petite like me and so happen to not be discovered you can start modeling voluntarily within your community, for tea room apparel and runway shows, through your local women’s groups and fashion boutiques.

If you have Adobe Photoshop and some great 5×7 card stock for your printer and some great photos that a local Photographer had helped you obtain by trading your time and his time for prints, then you are all set to make up your own professional looking modeling comp/zed cards, to market yourself to legit modeling agencies. Be sure to look up modeling comp card styles on the internet, which includes zoning professional modeling websites to see their preferred format.

Looks are seasonal within the fashion industry and their is tons of competition, so keep in mind that if you are not discovered, you are still a beautiful person, with opportunities only if you keep trying.

Remember to check out your local Photographers for TFP shoots and your communities event coordinators, women’s groups and boutiques for your own modeling assignments to build your resume and to work towards a paid modeling career. Have fun and feel beautiful.

Photography by: FASHIFY Magazine

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