and.. after the initial buzz....


Some ppl I know are finding out the hard way that after the huge buzz of being accepted by an Agency, the whole thing can go flat. The initial personal euphoria and the expectations of the agency fizzle out. There are many reasons for this and some may be out of control of the model, but quite a few times it comes down to the model just not delivering, trying but not delivering. Phrases such as inflexible, dead eyes, blank girl, wooden, mouse, blah, needs so much direction, difficult, shy, not a clue and such, will be muttered and fed back and noted in the Booker's brains. Modelling is about impact, is about connecting, is about intensity when required, is about conveying feelings and emotions, is about knowing how to move, when to move, what works, what doesn't, is about confidence, is about leaving baggage behind and letting go, is about feeling inside and showing them outside, it is about taking some risks. It is about connecting with eyes and mouth and body lines, It is about seeking perfection in a shot.

So if you have just been signed, go for it with a passion and don't be timid or blah on your first shoots. Connect with the client, the stylists and everyone around you and particularly connect with the photographer. Remember modelling is not about standing there while someone takes a pic of you; it is about you working and creating something magical in conjunction with the people around you.

If things seem quiet, ask for feedback, ask why you are not even getting the castings, ask and work on it and push to get out there and dont sit back in the flat getting depressed when the initial dream starts to go sour and the rent bills come in. Modelling is a job and you have to seriously work at it. It's also a two way thing though and If you find the agency you are with are not delivering either with the calls, then think of moving.

Alicia
xx

When it's time to quit..

There can be enormous pressures on a model. Sometimes the support and encouragement from family and boyfriends can actually add to this if not handled correctly. I know she wont mind if I talk about someone who this week has decided to probably quit in the next month. When eating becomes patchy, when every day looking in the mirror becomes a nightmare, when going to castings becomes a dread, when one doesn't want to talk to others or just false laughs through the day, when some lying starts, when tears alone keep coming, when illness keeps setting in- these are all very large signs to take a step back, be brave and just try and see what is happening. Modelling is not all fairy tale successes and it is up to each person to keep perspective on how she or he is doing and what it is doing to the person. The worst thing anyone can do when getting into these difficulties, is to close up and retreat. This is the time for friends or for the mentor to come to the rescue. If though after trying to fix what is wrong, it still isn't happening, there is no shame in quitting. Modelling isn't for everyone, you have to enjoy it and have the right physical and mental make up. Like all jobs, if it starts to wear you down, seriously affect your physical and mental health then QUIT! Yes people will be disappointed but when they see your reasons they will be so thankful you are looking after yourself. Yes you will feel like some failure, but you will live and do well in another area of life.
If there is anyone out there struggling at the moment, seek help and don't bottle it up, be honest with your agent, be honest with your friends and family. Mail me if you want

The most important thing in life is health and happiness- remember that.

Alicia
xx

Post by Alicia

and.. after the initial buzz....


Some ppl I know are finding out the hard way that after the huge buzz of being accepted by an Agency, the whole thing can go flat. The initial personal euphoria and the expectations of the agency fizzle out.

there's a real buzz about being accepted to an agency [thanks alicia for pointing that out] young models shouldn't allow that to cloud their judgements, their are often better deals and other agencies with different options for you.

also there are scams, although they're few in comparison to the number of legitimate agencies out there one still needs to be mindful and cautious about any major decision they make or contract they sign.

it's difficult to give a "how to" on spotting a scam agency as they always adapt and develop new tricks. the best way is to look at the agencies reputation by hearing what others have to say about them. this could include former models with the agency, industry insiders, clients, or sometimes other agencies.

unfortunately there's a few people of dishonest intention out there and all we can do is avoid them where possible

I spent my evening reading the Big Advice by Alicia... Honestly - this is great! You pointed out so many little details that are very important.
Thanks for the time spent on this!

x

Nina- thanks!


If anyone is thinking of breaking into modelling this year PLEASE do your research before you do. Know what is a scam and know what real modelling is actually about, what is a proper agency and what isn't, who you are, why you want to be a model and have someone give you an honest well informed opinion. Modelling is not about looking pretty and smiling, it is not all swanning around and pouting, it is a hard professional business.

I have tried in some of my advice here to give new people to modelling some idea and I hope that it will form some of the large research you should do before starting out. Go prepared and knowledgeable and you will stand a better chance to succeed, be safer with your money and your person and know how to handle rejection- try again!

Agencies in the NYC/Lon/Paris/Milan sector are looking for a very wide range of looks but certain gates still apply for a top fashion model with respect to height and also body shape although a wide variation within certain limits is all possible! What you do need is the qualities I have listed before and resilience and a huge love of life!

Good luck this year

Alicia
xx

beautiful Paris at the moment...taken by a beautiful photographer, a beautiful human being and beautiful model who leaves her stuff everywhere, walks into parked cars and can't cook to save her life!

"THE FINGER"..

When at the airport or walking down the street and some low life is sculling around you then whips out his




pocket camera,




learn the art of the model finger. It is done with poise and grace, silently without batting an eyelid and will become a reflex reaction after a while. The point of it is not just to signal your displeasure to the creep, but to have registered on his shot, for all to see, that you didn't appreciate him taking it and you thought he looked a creep:)

Don't look at the whipper outer and if near a parked car, don't walk into it as someone did to every one's great amusement a few days ago:):):):)

Ruins the effect of the gesture lol


Alicia
xx

Post Last Updated:21.01.2008 at 15.10

Lol Alicia I think that's some of the best advice yet... ;) Just how does give the finger with poise and grace? only a model could I think.

Busy busy at the moment but some words not from me this time but from another model who I share many times with:)

Alicia
xx

-------------------------
Musings from an 8 hour journey today:)


Don't put complete faith in.....


Doctors- question, research and ask other opinions.

Receiving reward or thanks for effort put in, help given - life just doesnt always work like that. Do what you do because you beleive in it. If it's work and you are being shafted, move on.

Obtaining compensation - Dont expect at all; anything you do get is a bonus

Finding a store selling Marmite in every country- be a secret jar snuggler smuggler like me:)

Not being seen while making love outdoors- it amazing how ppl suddenly Harry P apparate out of no where just when one is just "there"...

Justice and Lawyers - it is a tangled web that weaves in knarled knots that will tie your head and heart.

Life always being "fair" - it wont be. It is about making the most of what it is

The "right" questions coming up in an exam or interview- study, learn, prepare.

In mercy- some sub-humans dont know what it means and laugh while they tell you so:(

A key casting not falling on the day of the month you feel and look like crap- Flush those feeling away round the bend before you go there and go in smiling.

A taxi being just outside when it's pissing down at 4am in the morning-always have a lift organised before you go:)

A fat sweaty guy not being near you on a long haul flight-if you cant go first class so the fat (rich) sweaty guy will be further away, book an isle seat to be able to breathe

Your parents always being together- be thankful while they are and are happy- help them through the mess if they split, dont be a victim.

A heel not snapping/ a boob coming out on the runway- throw off the other shoe (and if you want, let the other boob out too:) )

A relationship lasting-but while it does treasure each beautiful moment and work at it.

The stock market- dont make yourself into laughing stock

Props, sets, lights- be prepared to corpse as they fail miraculously at the key moment:)

Insurance policies-read the small print then read between the lines, then know you are probably screwed anyway lol

Your looks and your body being great, next month, next week, next day. Use what you have while you have it and look after it well.

Some perv not having a hidden web cam in the room you are staying in-it happens!!

Your fees coming through on time-keepy piggy stocked up :)

Airlines, trains and cars-being on time- always allow an extra week or six

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs knowing the way- be clued up for your time and safeties sake

Your orgasms not being heard your lovers parent's, aunties, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandfather and a grandmother with a new bionic hearing aid- smile sweetly when coming down to dinner and seeing their faces:)

Someone else attending to that injured or distressed person- that's what most people think:)

Electricity always being there for your fone charger-get some wind up and solar chargers:)

Bikinis staying on the beach while you skinny dip- dont leave them obvious (but remember where you buried them - that was a bad bad day!)

Guys who say they are professional- some are professional tossers.

A Greek orthodox priest not walking in on you while naked except holding a sword- know how to cover your bits with a sword (tell me if you know how....)

Painkillers-there are some pains they just dont touch- at all:(

Personal Tutors at university-no comment....

What you are taught at university- there are no truths, read voraciously and think sideways. (and walk sideways back from the union bar )

Paparazzi not being around, they will hide anywhere- look under your paaappaaappppizza lol

What a smart arse says is a fine wine- just smile and say you have tasted better

Other's driving- there are maniacs and ppl out there that should not be even in a kiddies car slot machine ride.

Txts -that all important txt may get lost, that one you sent may not get there, or worse get there but to the wrong person

Bankers-some are wankers


There being a tomorrow to put things right, say those words- do it now


The list is endless but the morale of this story is simple and is my way of life

Put complete faith.......


in yourself:)

Travelling Kimmy
xxx

and adding to that....

dont lose your passport down the side of a bed........

Dont ever let any one kid you that Hersheys is edible..


Alicia
xx

^^ Utterly gorgeous, beautiful advice from Kimmy. Love it!