Artistic Modeling

Image by Harlequin's Photography

There are MANY different modeling genres to choose from, or be extremely versatile and try to excel in as many as you can. Some examples of modeling genres are Fashion, Glamour, Beauty, Artistic, Alternative, Nude among many more! 

Image by Wiz of Oz Photography

Image by Ted Scanon

I find I get to be my most creative in artistic shoots. One of the great things about artistic shoots, is that the images are not concentrated on your face, or makeup, or clothes, so MANY types of models, tiny or plus size, tall or short can model for artistic imagery! 

Artistic modeling calls for the model to know his or her body well, enabling him or her to have an arsenal of poses, that accentuate lines, curves and angles. 

Plus Size model Crystal Renn in Australian's Harper's Bazaar!

Plus Size model Crystal Renn graced Australian's Harper's Bazaar in 2009 and is one of my FAVORITE plus size models out there! 

You DO NOT need to be a size 0-2 to be a successful model. Embrace your market and your body, and work it like Crystal Renn!

Here’s a little extra info on Crystal Renn:

Age: 23

Height: 5’9” / 175 cm

Measurements (source: Fashion Model Directory): (US) 39-32-43 / (EU) 99-81-109 cm.

Dress Size: US 12

Networking

Networking yourself is not only an amazing way to get yourself out there and gain exposure, but it's also a great way to meet new people and book work! There are TONS of ways to network in our technology filled generation.

1. Online Networking: Websites such as Model Mayhem, Model Insider, and One Model Place are great for netoworking, and showcasing your own work! Set up a profile, upload images, fill out your bio, enter contests, read helpful forums, as well as browsing local talent (Photographers, Makeup Artists, Hairstylists, Wardrobe Stylists, Clothing Designers and more). View casting calls in your area to maximize your chances of booking paid or trade work!

2. Meet & Greets: Many localized industries do social gatherings, or Meet & Greets to get to know local talent, in a comfortable environment! Sometimes there are impromptu shoots at these events! This is also a great way to get leads on future paid or trade work and projects, as well as make friends in the industry!

3. Facebook: Although Facebook could be categorized under "online marketing" as it definitely is, but I felt like it deserved it's own category as it differs so much from the others I've listed! You can use Facebook in many different ways to network and market yourself. Facebook Fan Pages are currently extremely popular in marketing yourself, and gaining exposure, as well as being able to post ALL or most of your work, as there is no image number limit as there is with the other sites listed.

Some other really helpful tips would be to make comp cards, or business cards to hand out to people, especially if ever attending a Meet & Greet event!

When Can You Start Charging?

From my personal experience you can start charging when people are ready to pay. Essentially before you start charging, you will need to take many factors into consideration. You will of course want to make sure you have a versatile and strong portfolio with images that best display your look and style, as well as what you can bring to the table. You will likely need to put fourth an insane amount of hard work to get to the point where you are giving out rates.

Image by: Wiz Of Oz Photography
www.wizofozphotography.com

Another thing to consider, is when being offered a shoot by a photographer, after you have already built a substantial portfolio and have had the experience, these are some things you will want to take into consideration before sending your rates to the photographer in question: Is his work equal quality or better quality to your portfolio? If so, you may NOT want to offer him/her your rates, as they can benefit your portfolio and get you exposure. If the photographer has an empty, outdated, or not great quality images, I feel it is acceptable to send your rates. 

Photographer: Paul Parks of Blatant Pixels

Rates should vary on experience and market. Do some research to see what other models in similar genres are charging, and meet in the middle. 

Getting paid right away is best accomplished NOT by being a freelance model, but by signing with a commercial agency, or model 18+ work. 

Another great way to receive payment(non monatary) is to suggest that you will shoot for tear sheets or web tears. Being published is what it's all about, whether it's for a company, product, service, the more published you are the more offers to be published you will see. 

Modeling Freelance 101

There are many ways to begin your journey as a freelance model. I'm not saying my way is the only way, because everyone does things differently, but I would like to share how this anyway!

 As a beginning model, you will immediately want to start building a portfolio. Having a portfolio will help you book work, as well as show potential clients and even agencies what you can do! Everyone has to start somewhere! You can either build a portfolio by hiring one or more professional photographers for outstanding images, or you can find some photographers that will work with you on a TRADE basis, or TFP/TFCD (Time For Print, or Time For CD of Images). It becomes easier and easier to book shoots, once you have a rock solid portfolio.

A good way to find photographers, MUA's and Hairstylists, along with many other types of artists, is through social netoworking sites such as Model Mayhem, OneModelPlace, or even Facebook. Do a search for photographers in your area that will work on a trade basis, and ask them to set up a shoot, they will either say yes, decline, or send their rates. Sometimes it gets things moving faster if you start off by hiring a quality photographer, that will put fantastic starting images in your portfolio for you to showcase, and book more work from,

Generally in freelance modeling, unless there is a team involved, you will be providing your own wardrobe, hair, and makeup. This is also a plus for any photographer that wants to book you. The more you can offer or bring to a shoot the better. I find that my BEST wardrobe actually has come from thrift stores such as Goodwill, Buffalo Exchange, ETSY, and other places. Being a freelance model and having to provide your own warrdrobe can get pricey, so second hand shops are a great way to avoid emptying your wallet, not to mention you may find some vintage or unique treasures!

Being a freelance model has it's benefits and it's downfalls. You will likely book higher paying work from local agencies, but often you will find you can book more of your own work! Some models are both freelance and signed with an agency, if you can find an agency that doesn't mind not having exclusivity.

Random Home Beauty Tips That REALLY work!!!

One of my favorite things is being able to try out home beauty tricks on my own, to see how they work! This list is FULL of amazing tips/tricks that not only work, but are so easy and accessible to just about anyone!

1. Persistent Pimple: Any toothpaste will work for this trick!! You don’t need to use much, just a dab will do. You don’t want to drown your pimple in toothpaste. Let it stay for an hour then wash, and rinse. The toothpaste will dry out the problem area, making a raised red pimple shrink significantly in size and as well as being lot less red. You can then cover with makeup!

2. Perfume Extender: Dab Vaseline on your wrists and/or neck then apply perfume to those areas. This will keep your scent vibrant all day!!!

3. Flat Hair Revitalizer: After shampooing your hair, put about 1 tbsp of baking soda in your hair, from root to tip. This will not only get rid of product build up, or any greasiness to your hair, it will add a lot of body and life to it as well!!! You should do this no more than once a week.

4. Freeze Your Eyeliner: If your eyeliner pencil crumbles or smudges, place it in your freezer for about 15 minutes. This way when you go to put it on, it draws smoothly!

5. Shimmery Natural Tan: Spike your lotion with body bronzer. Mix a few squirts of bronzer in with your lotion for a gradual, yet sexy and natural glow!

6. Heat Your Eyelash Curler: If you have stick straight lashes, try heating up your eyelash curler with your blowdryer for 15 seconds. This will give them a lovely curl!

Model Citizen

Hello everyone! My name is Teresa and I want to share my passion for modeling with you! I have been modeling for the past 5 years, and recently started modeling as a FT job! I am equal parts artistic and vain, with a creative streak…!!

Image by Kelvin Leung
MUA/Hair: Cindy Wong

Please visit my Facebook Fan Page and LIKE it! As some of you may know I am a professional model in Phoenix, Arizona! I range from fashion modeling, editorial, glamour, lingerie all theway to artistic, lifestyle and fashion nudes.

I can travel anywhere in the Country, provided that airfare, and food is covered, in addition to my regular rates.

Take the time to LIKE my FB page, check out my website, and add me on Model Mayhem!

Photographer: Michael Luna MLP