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Tips For New Models

• Portfolio
• Cost
• Goals (aka My Rant)
• Acting &/or Modeling
• Wardrobe?
• Tools of the Trade
• Preparation for The Shoot
• Let's Be Careful Out There!

Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is a personal statement of the work that you want to do, as well as a "bragging book" of work that you have done. Obviously it should show you at your best but it should also show you doing the kinds of work that you want to do.

Your portfolio needs to be constantly updated and revised. Do NOT be led to believe that one photographer can photograph your entire portfolio. It should also show that you can work with different photographers. Today, a web portfolio is almost a must for anyone interested in making any money as a model. That is the whole purpose behind NouveauChic, to help aspiring models to compete with those already established. It is our belief that an enormous amount of really good Talent never gets seen simply because they don't have the resources to compete on the internet. By working with us, you get to focus on your your shoots, learning or perfecting talent, and we do the work of creating digital Comp Cards, Portfolios, and applying to search engines. However, if you do hire someone to help you put your portfolio together he should be able to help with your web site also.

Cost

Cost is usually a concern. Getting started doesn't have to be expensive. TFP, Time for Prints, is a great way to acquire shots that can be used to start you on your way. Generally, if you live in or around North Central Illinois, we can arrange a TFP session by one of our amateur photographers for posting on NouveauChic (Email for details). There are agencies that can get you bookings that will cost you nothing, and although there are sites that can be set up for free, their results tend to look amateurish and their saturated bandwidth is incapable of presenting high quality images without a long wait for the viewer. A busy client searching for talent will often not wait but just move on to the next model in his/her search.

Goals

Now let's define some goals. Part of the dichotomy of being a model is to accept and engage actively in your own self promotion, while also being able to "get over yourself" so as not to alienate others you deal with (i.e. photographers, other models, clients, your friends, etc.). You are promoting your talent as a product and to sell the product you must maintain professionalism. Look over the information below using it as a guide to determine realistically what direction you want your career to take.

• What type of assignments are you available for?
  • Fashion - Modeling High-fashion clothing, primarily new lines
  • Runway - Modeling, usually clothing, on a runway in front of a live audience
  • Sport - Modeling Sports and Outdoor clothing, primarily new lines
  • Casual - Modeling Casual Attire, primarily new lines
  • Print - Modeling for photographs that are meant to be in a print medium
  • Swim wear - Modeling Swim wear, primarily new lines
  • Lingerie - Modeling Lingerie, primarily new lines
  • Glamour - A very broad term of modeling where the model’s appearance, rather than the attire or product is the central focus of the photo. There is a misconception that glamour modeling involves nudity. A glamour shot could be nude, but it could also be taken in formal evening attire. It is the presentation of the model, not the wardrobe that makes a shot glamour
  • Art - Modeling for an artist, photographer, Painter, Sculpt er etc. Emphasis is on 'making a statement'
  • Artistic Nude - Nude modeling - artistic
  • Nude - Any modeling that would include any nudity. From Porn to Artistic/Erotic.
  • Erotic - Modeling that is meant to add a hint of sensuality. Can be nude but not necessarily.
  • Fetish - Modeling of 'Fetish wear' (typically leather lingerie, latex, and/or PVC) With the advent of the internet, this form of mixing Erotic & Artistic Modeling has exploded. Can be nude but not usually.

  Do you want to work in acting or modeling, or a combination? In terms of setting realistic goals, you must define them! So be honest and determine exactly what you wish to achieve.

  • Advertising
  • Magazine
  • Web
  • Print
  • Actor/Actress
  • Stage
  • Film
  • TV
  • Adult
  • Dancer

  Am I looking to do this full or part time?

  • Don't quit your day job. It's great advice for anyone who wants to get started in modeling or acting. Start on a part time basis. If you can find a few hours a week to spare from you normal schedule then you can get started.

  What should I have in my wardrobe?

  • You should have a selection of clothing that:
  • fits you well,
  • is clean and pressed,
  • and is not torn or worn.
  • Of course there are exceptions for specific assignments. Choose your wardrobe to be specific to the kind of assignments you are looking for. Because it is in your wardrobe it doesn't mean you can't wear it for other occasions but you should keep it ready for work. There will be times when you will be ask to do a job with only a day or two notice or have an opportunity to fill a sudden vacancy.

  Tools of the Trade

  Just as an Accountant needs pencils, a Mechanic needs a tool box, an Electrician wears a tool belt, and Batman has a utility belt (had to throw that in there!), you too must always have with you the "tools of the trade". As a Model it is your job to look your very best for every assignment! Part of being considered 'professional' (a very high selling point for your resume) is to show up ready to work and prepared for every contingency! Below is an excerpt (presented courtesy of Loranden) that highlights some things to consider when leaving for work as a professional model.

  "Ask a model what she carries in her bag and you are bound to hear her include something you have never heard of carrying before. What you need to have in your bag will vary from job to job. Sometimes, the client will request specific items. If you are working with a make-up artist or hair stylist, you generally won't need to carry hair or make-up products, however, they are great to have just in case. The following is a pretty complete list of everything you might need."

  • Hair:
  • Headband, rubber bands, bobby pins
  • Brushes, combs
  • Hair appliances (curling iron, rollers, straighten)
  • Skin:
  • Skin cleanser and moisturizer (though you should arrive bare-faced for shoots with make-up artists)
  • Make-up kit
  • Body make-up
  • Cotton balls and cotton swabs
  • Mirror
  • Body lotion for dry skin
  • Clear or nude nail polish, clippers, nail file, polish remover
  • Clothing:
    • Shoes in neutral colors (dress and flats - black is a must)
    • Different colors of sandalfoot nylons (black, nude, tan) and include toe-less if you can find a pair.
    • Flesh toned undies (one should be a thong)
    • Body briefer, control undergarments, or padding (be sure you have body briefers in black and nude)
    • Assortment of bras (black, white, nude, and strapless)
    • Plain black and white socks
  • Other:
    • Safety pins, small sewing kit, clothes pins, clear nail polish (for runs)
    • Light dressing robe or open front, easy to remove, clothing
    • Scarf or make-up mask to prevent make-up transfer
    • Dress shields or clear, non-scented deodorant
    • Emergency items (Tylenol, antacid, tampons, razor, bandages, etc.)
    • Music, books or magazines for downtime

  Preparation for The Shoot

  • The more of these things you do, the better your skin and hair will look and the better you will look in photos! 72 hours before your photo shoot avoid the following items (these items can give you oily skin):
  • Red meat
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Spicy foods
  • Retin A and Alpha Hydroxy creams
  • In addition:
  • Drink lots of water, carry it with you everywhere you go, and keep sipping.
  • Exfoliate your skin at least once a week and on the morning of the shoot.
  • It is a good idea to carry your own mascara to the shoot with you.
  • Refresh your hair color a few days before your shoot. If you do not color your hair try shades or a toner just a shade lighter then your hair to make it shine.
  • Fingernails and toenails should be one length, well manicured.
  • Do not over condition your hair before a shoot. Do use your regular styling products to make your hair behave.
  • Avoid dry lips by putting Vaseline on your lips before bed and the morning of your shoot.

  Let's Be Careful Out There!

  • There are dangers, be careful when dealing with someone on the Internet.
    • Be very cautious with your personal information! Never give out your address, phone number, or even your true name to anyone who initiates contact with you, until you have checked him or her out and verified he or she is a professional you can trust.
    • Get references! There are people out there who seek out models for the sole purpose of taking advantage of them. They will offer you a job doing one thing, then once you show up ask you to do something else.
    • If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
    • Use the buddy system. Ask if you can bring a friend. If the answer is no then walk away. But if you do bring a friend, make certain that person stays out of the way and quiet!! Nothing will mar your reputation (and hence the possibility for references) faster than a "helpful" boyfriend interfering with the photographer & inhibiting his/her creative flow.
    • If the offer is vague, pass it up! A legitimate offer will be very descriptive of the type of work you are being offered. Be aware that an offer of a 'glamour' assignment may include some nudity. Be sure to clarify this beforehand.
    • If you ever feel uncomfortable, or have second thoughts, pass on the job. If you've already begun work leave, but be aware that you could be held financially responsible for leaving.
    • Don‘t send photos to anyone until you have first talked with them.
    • Not all photographers have a permanent studio. But when you call, a real person should answer the phone.

    Remember:

    • Modeling isn’t all glamour it can be hard work too.
    • Most models don’t earn enough money solely modeling.
    • Involve your friends and family and talk to them about your plans.
    • Always let someone know where you are and when you are likely to be back.
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