A Models Day Off..

While most models run from show to show (especially during fashion week) and most who are not supermodel status have multiple fittings, casting calls and are running around with iPhones in hand; most have some common practices when not on the runway or at a photo shoot.

Models Are Still In Style.

The key behind being a successful model is a very simple concept – marketing. Even when models or supermodels are not scheduled, their appearance and reputation is everything whether they have been in a national publication or in a local fashion show. This means not leaving the house in your sweats or without combing your hair. There are simple fashion tips most can take advantage of, as most models always look fashionable even if they are not on the runway or at a photoshoot.

Model Off-Duty Hair.

There are several ways to get model off-duty hair, but the following are insider industry secrets and not common day-to-day knowledge. These secrets are for getting perfectly imperfect fabulous model looking hair. First, a less than a perfect blowout is key – slightly messy is very sexy; which also translates into romantic and beautiful. Try an air dry. Most models want to avoid curling irons and hair dryers on their day off, so they opt for an air dry while using a subtle styling. Last, if you want model off-duty hair, you want to invest in great shampoos and conditioners. Most women have to deal with hair abuse on a minor level, if they colour their hair the bar raises a notch and when it comes to models they have to deal with their hair being abused on a daily basis.

Models On Vacation.

Models are expert travellers. Many models start off with honey and water for breakfast; but the most important tip that they share is lots of water and lots of sleep. Taking care of your skin is also a number one priority and this isn’t just sunscreen, but a healthy morning and evening skin regime. In fact, most models avoid the sun period during the summer months.

Models Day off Around The Town.

Most models would say sleep here is priority number one, and not hitting the bar scene the second they are off duty. While they still stick to a structured exercise routine and a healthy diet, their off-duty activities include what most people do. This includes visiting family if they are local, heading out to parks, movies, hitting up a spa for a relaxing massage among anything else most would consider a relaxing day-off activity xxx

Just So You Know, I’m Not Posting for the Likes

I hate the term Instagram Model – as if there were such a thing. No, there are models and there are girls who post pictures on Instagram. Having photos on Instagram does not make you a model, and, if you are a model that posts pictures on Instagram, that doesn’t make you less of a model. They aren’t related. But, somehow when any girl posts pictures on the site, people think it’s all about ego and getting people to like you.

If I wanted people to like the real me, the last thing I’d show them is my picture. Looks can easily cloud other people’s better judgment. So the whole argument that models who use Instagram do so to make themselves feel better is silly. We model on Instagram for the same reason we model anywhere else – for money.

But is it even worth it? I mean every time I snap a picture of myself, I wonder who is actually looking at it. People say it is a way to gain exposure – and in this industry exposure is golden – but does the real money even pay attention to social media?

I’ve heard some stories about amateur models that had some success on Instagram. There they were, posting picture of things they love to do, and the next thing you know, some designer is sending them clothes and flying them to shoots. But I think they were so successful because they were amateurs, fresh faces. The designer wanted someone that hasn’t been seen before, someone that they already knew people would admire. Is it such a surprise they looked to Instagram?

That’s what I would do if I didn’t want to spend money on models with professional experience.

But for some reason, everyone believes Instagram would work for models.. that my posting would convince people that I’m just the ordinary girl, and that I’m beautiful even when I’m being ordinary.

I don’t mind that much. Being camera-ready, even in snapshots, is not hard when you spend so much time in front of a camera.

So, if Instagram did lead to money what would happen after my popularity attracted a client’s attention? The impressed designer would contact my agent and be told the real cost of professional beauty. I guess that works for some girls, but I don’t get why they didn’t just call a modelling agency in the first place, instead of scouring the internet for a girl that can look cute in the bathroom xxx

Reality Check

I am a firm believer in reality checks because for anyone to be successful in the modelling industry, it is vital to put everything in perspective and not let unrealistic expectations interfere with generating real results.

I do understand that a majority of the people who read this are very young so it makes sense that their understanding of modelling is going to be, let’s say, more far-fetched or the stars in their eyes might blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

But that motivates me even more to deliver this reality check in the most positive and effective way possible. Now, when it comes to money, there is income to be made in modelling. However, I’m coming from the reality of the everyday, average working model. I could care less about addressing how many millions of dollars supermodels make because–let’s be real here–the majority of us (myself included) will never earn even a fraction of that sort of income through modelling.

What I do know is that as a grown-up with grown-up bills and a lifestyle to maintain (I’m not a jet setter or big baller status), I cannot earn a substantial, steady living off modelling alone. Yes, I have only been in the industry for a few years. But, I’ve been published. Yes, I’ve got a good reputation that allows me great opportunities in my career BUT when it comes down to the numbers, the money I generate from modelling simply doesn’t make the cut. Nor will I ever expect it to, unless I land a major campaign/spokesmodel contract or something.

If your interest in modelling mainly revolves around the idea of using the income to earn a living then I will be the first to say that you’ll be sorely disappointed. The majority of models hold down full-time or part-time jobs in addition to modelling so that should be the first clue that money and modelling don’t go hand-in-hand the way many people envision.

My advice, get a job (especially when your building up your portfolio) until you can see how seriously your modelling career will take off. This applies to all categories, from commercial/print to fashion and runway. Each category has its earning pros/cons but the constant factor is that after all is said and done, there isn’t much stability when it comes to making money in modelling.

The more work a model books, the money he/she can make but that is much easier said than done, no matter what market you’re working in. Depending on your lifestyle, age, bills, living situation, etc each person’s requirements for financial stability and independence will vary widely xxx

Don't Dip Your Pen in Compny Ink!

A common phrase which many of us have heard of. If you haven’t it basically means don’t go out with/date/sleep with your co-worker.

This is a strange subject matter for me to bring up as I’ve never gone out with a colleague, I’ve always been a firm believer not to get involved with someone who you work with. Even at Uni I didn’t want a relationship with a classmate to begin just in case it doesn’t work out, you would still have to see your ex and work with him or her everyday. This would be especially hard on the person who didn’t want the relationship to end. This type of situation can lead to poor performance, increased absenteeism, workplace drama and a possible hostile environment.

Also, workplace romance rarely, if ever, stays between two people. Soon the rumour mill gets started and it’s everybody’s business. Now your love life is the subject of gossip and all eyes are on you and the person you’re dating. Relationships need time to grow between just two people before being brought out into the open. Constant scrutiny can drive a quick wedge between you.

So why I am talking about this?

Because although I have never had an office romance I am currently experiencing all of the consequences of one breaking up. Let me explain.

About a year I did a shoot which I genuinely had a great time with and got some really nice pictures from. I spoke with the photographer a couple of times afterwards when he was sending the pictures over and discussed the idea of shooting again, which I was totally up for.

We didn’t speak then until a couple of months ago where he decided to message me asking me out to which I politely declined as I found it a bit random and honestly he wasn’t my type so why break my rule for someone I wasn’t interested in? Unfortunately he didn’t really accept this, he thought no meant try harder….for a couple of weeks he message a few times not understanding ‘no,’ ‘I’m busy’ etc and then the messages stopped.

Until a few nights ago I got a surprising message ‘Time wasting little bitch. So many stupid girls like you.’

I know right! Wow. From that message you think I’d been in a relationship with this guy or ‘playing’ him. The exchange of our messages have been purely platonic, these messages where only exchanged over Facebook as I didn’t want to give out my number. After I received this message I was ready to fire back, only to discover he blocked me.

Now honestly I don’t care what he thinks of me but I am worried. We are on a lot of the same casting websites, Facebook groups and we know some of the same photographers/models. If he decides to over react like that and say that to me. He could say so much worse behind my back. I am expecting him to attempt to blacklist me and taint my name. And what if we have to work together again? I don’t want to turn down a job if I know he will be the photographer.

Being involved with someone in this kind of work environment is obviously completely different compared to an office environment. Although if you go through a breakup up you may not have to see them every day but when you do it is in a more intimate environment. What if your ex is the photographer for a lingerie shoot? Talk about awkward.

If I wasn’t put off already by relationships that start in the workplace, I am now. xxx

To Retouch or not to Retouch?

As a fashion obsessed aficionado should know when you pick up a photo of anything fashion and beauty related you have to remind yourself that no one really looks that good. From Blake Lively on the cover of Vogue to Beyonce in that Covergirl ad, it is important to remember that these are women who are considerably beautiful, but before those photos were released to the masses they were lightened, retouched, cropped, edited, etc. before they were deemed acceptable. One of the biggest criticisms of the fashion industry is these unrealistic images it creates for beauty.

After all, how many women are 5’10’’ and size zero thin? Even for those lucky women who are, finally achieving that perfect hairdo and getting that Chanel foundation to be perfectly even doesn’t mean that there will be a team of editors on hand to Photoshop every photo of you to perfection. In a 2006 Dove Evolution commercial the extent to which models are Photoshopped became a hot topic.

In this commercial, the audience sees a young lady who looks like your standard girl next door; simple, but cute, and a girl that could definitely still catch a man’s eye. We quickly see how she is transformed by hair stylists and make-up artists into a glamorous bombshell, going from girl next door to a woman that was swoon worthy. While a quick trip to the salon and a strut over to the make-up counter at a fine department store could help those outside the supermodel elite achieve this look, what comes next is the reality of the unrealistic ideas of beauty that fashion sometimes creates.

The model’s neck is lengthened, her jaw line becomes more sculpted, her eyebrows are lowered, her lips are plumped, her shoulders trimmed down to be more slender, and she is given that perfect wind in your hair effect. The video ends with the message “No wonder our perception of real beauty is distorted” and then goes on to encourage viewers to take part in the Dove Real Beauty Workshops for Girls. The campaign went viral, and practically became the commercial heard around the world.

The commercial became a hit on YouTube, and also appeared on MySpace and Google Video. Dove tried another attack on Photoshopping in 2013 with another Real Beauty commercial that was a direct attack on those responsible for retouching: graphic designers, photographers, and art directors. The Dove Thought Before Action commercial discusses how they released a Photoshop action called beautify, which took reverted images back to their original state and displayed a banner that read “Don’t manipulate our perceptions of real beauty.”

Despite Dove’s efforts, their attempts to lure graphic design professionals to download the plug-in through Reddit failed to be successful, and those that fell for their trap were few and far between. The plug-in itself did not seem to prove very useful either, as it proved ineffective in reverting images with multiple layers (which most photos in ads and fashion magazines are) to their completely original state. The only change that was guaranteed to have been seen was the banner, but a banner of course lacked the same effect.

Dove has actually been criticized because many believe that they are just playing on the fact that they realize their average customer does not look like a supermodel sized woman. Many of the brands owned by Dove’s parent company, Unilever, are clearly still big fans of Photoshop (cue any Noxzema ad almost ever), and it doesn’t seem like they plan on scaling back the level of Photoshop for advertisements in any of their other brands anytime in the near future. While Dove should is admired by many for their commitment to real looking women for the moment being, at the end of the day Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, may have had a point given the continued success of fashion, “Nobody wants to see a real person looking like a real person on the cover of Vogue.” Shulman was once quoted saying, and that might go for any fashion and beauty magazine, advertisement, or commercial except for Dove it seems….