Models, tell me this?

[MsZambia]

What are your goals?

What are you doing to acheive those goals?

Do you treat yourself as a business?

What do you do to promote yourself?


I find that so many girls want to be models, but don't work on it.They are just sitting around waiting to be discovered.
They don't realize how much development and planning goes into "making it".

I'd like anyone who is "doing something", to post their methods. It could inspire gilrs to get off there booties and make it happen for themselves.

Anyone want to start?

[R DUNN]

Since i work with models and music artists, I ask the same questions. Most do not have a real plan or blueprint for what they want to do or map out a plan to get there. And many rely on agents or managers or record labels to promote/market them. I tell them, these agents or label execs are getting their paycheck regardless. You better get out there and hustle because no one cares about your best interest more than YOU.

Even simple things like a business card or comp card or even a steady VM or phone number where you can always be reached are things I suggest to appear that you are someone who's about business and shows some sort of stability. You wouldn't believe how many people trying to be in entertainment can't keep a phone number active for more than 2 months. Would you go to a doctor whose office moved 4 times a year or phone was disconnected e'ry now and then? NOPE.

I don't know....maybe some people don't see things like me, but I'm very passionate about the things I do and I try to make sure everyone I surround myself around is as passionate about what they do. Just my 2 pennies (wit a hole in it).

[J]

R, in response to what you said. Everything begins at home. 9 out of 10, if your number changes a lot, your personal life & priorities aren't in order and if your personal life is out of whack, it will definitely effect any business venture you take on. I concentrate on home first and everything else will fall into place. You can't pay $$$$ for some business ish when your lights, phone, or rent hasn't been paid. There's a lot of moomlighters out there. A lot of ladies want to be models, but can't stay out of drama,clubs, and beds long enough to make moves.

Right on to the real, and death to the fakers!

One! :D

[MsZambia]

Thanks for the input gentlemen, I think it's very telling that no models have answered this question yet.
I defintely have answers to all the questions I've asked (I haven't posted them yet, because I want to hear other models plans to see if we are on the same page).

Ladies, if you don't have answers to the questions I posted, now is the time to find some.

I'd really like to hear what some of you have to say.

It might just inspire some others!

[Lilx]

I am not a model I just know a few. I think the first thing is to realize why and how you are going to do it. It is just like being an artist.

Just being good as is not good enough, you always have to be better than.

It seems to me right now just because a lot of them have a website they consider themselves models. What is an Internet Supermodel??? I know mad girl that did videos, is that making you a supermodel, no. You can consider yourself a model when you are starting to get paid gigs, for major companies. Anybody can be in a video.

I think it start by taking classes to learn the in and outs. There are so many pretty girls with bodies, so I definitely thinks that qualifies you. IT is about PR, Networking, knowing the right people, etc...

So just because you take pictures, have a cute face and a body. Doesn't make you a model. Like nowadays everybody is a rapper, producer or something in the entertainment industry until you make some money and are sought after you are a dreamer.

[MsZambia]

Actually, Lilx, any reputable agent will tell you that classes are a waste of money.
You're better off reading a book on the subject. You'll save a whole lot of time and money. I recommend 'The Idiots Guide To being a Model' by Roshumba. Roshumba is a famous black supermodel. The book covers the basics.

[bronze_cylk]

I know a few women that have attended modeling school,and I even tagged along to some classes to see what it was all about,and in my eyes it's a rip off.Hell,I didn't see these instructors teaching anything that you couldn't learn from watching the fashion news on the E channel.It was alot of walk this way...don't wear too much makeup...stand up straight,etc.I think these schools sell false hope sometimes because people think they're going to make the cover of Vogue,when in reality they get work they could have found on their own.

[Yiyala Iman]

What are your goals?

To make it to the big screen and become a great actress.

What are you doing to acheive those goals?

I am currently attending the School of the Arts in europe for dancing and acting..
I also have a website ( http://www.yiyala.com) and i use that to promote myself alot.

Do you treat yourself as a business?

Yes i actually have my own business (Rican Image Inc.) This is currently a webdesign and photography business. Plus when i work with clients it is business never personal. I don’t believe in working yourself up by sleeping with your clients.

What do you do to promote yourself?

My website, plus i am online about 8 hours a day, posting messages , sending emails out to potential clients and so on… You have to have a do a die attitude in the business or you won’t make it, and i intend on making it!

I am looking forward to your comments….

Yiyala Iman

http://www.yiyala.com/netcomp2002.jpg

[MsZambia]

Yeah! A response from a model! It sounds like you defintely have a game plan.It is important to have a base knowledge of all the elements of the business in order to avoid being taken advantage of.

Since I asked the questions, I'll give you my answers...

What are your goals?
I would ultimately like to work as an actor in film and TV.

What are you doing to acheive those goals?

Over the last 3 years I have built a solid resumé of commercials.This has been a great experience that has helped me build confidence in front of the camera.
I take acting classes to keep on top of my skills.
I maintain constant communication with my agent.I get feedback about my auditions, so that I can perfect my performances.
Also, I spend a lot of time working on my physical appearance because it is my livelihood. I work out, eat well and keep myself groomed so that I can stay competitive.

Do you treat yourself as a business?

I also am starting my own business.Its called Urban Bombshell and it is a promotional modeling and talent agency. The purpose of this agency is to find work for actors, models, dancers and musicians. These people might have been rejected by other agencies for being too short or too thick, however if I believe I can find them work I will sign them.In some cases, my models are working with other agencies but need to make money "in the mean time". I will help them find that work.

I also think very seriously about the type of image I want to portray. Sometimes this means turning down work that is either demeaning or not lucrative. I never sell myself short.

What do you do to promote yourself?

My agency does all the work as far as film/TV and commercials are concerned.
However, I promote myself in the area of modeling. I use the internet as a networking tool.I maintain a high profile in the local urban community and make it known that I work as a model. By doing this I have been asked to do many, many fashion shows and other modeling gigs.

That is my imput, I'd love to hear what others have to say!

[Mister_Bey]

What do you do to promote yourself?

My website, plus i am online about 8 hours a day, posting messages , sending emails out to potential clients and so on… You have to have a do a die attitude in the business or you won’t make it, and i intend on making it!

I am looking forward to your comments….

Yiyala Iman


And this is why I respect you and what you do, because you WORK to make it while others just be playing around.

[Yiyala Iman]

Bey,

Thank you.... Your words mean so much to me!

Yiyala

[Bryce]

I think that most people on this board don't have a clue as to what you are talking about: marketing tools, staying in cantact with agents yada, yada. . .fact of the matter is. . .not everyone can do videos and the majority or the people on this board don't so this topic will not get to many responses. . .
for those that do videos; they still have either an agent or a great connection with a casting director. . .

I am interested in knowing how effective personal websites and e-mailing potential clients is.(are) {I'm illiterate}(sp?) I think it's (is) WHATEVER! !

I can see how while attending a casting dropping off a business card along with your comp card could be effective if and only if your business card has your home page w/online portfolio, stats and resume. . .other than that, what good could come from contacting clients online? It's just not proper protocol! ! For those that do this, what is the success rate for this type of contact?. . .

I do believe in doing leg work. . .my bookers will attest to that. . .but online contacts without the proper follow-ups, ie. . .phone calls and possibly face 2 face meetings could not be very lucritive. . .if you have another story please tell me. . .i humbly wait to be corrected. . .

and how would you contact these clients online. . .

for those who do not know. . .there is a book called Editors Annual or Editors Annually that comes out every Feb. . .look into that. . .i have never seen a copy but have heard that it lists the "people of position and power" within compnies. . .ie. fashion editors, senior editors, yada yada yada

good to see this topic here
let's make it happen you'll
ciao

[Somethinelse]

My goals would be to become an overall entertainer who best category would be acting. I love to act. Act a fool sometimes but I see myself as a very diverse individual.
I expand my horizons, that is how I market myself. I can do it all, sing, model, act and dance. some weeks I work more on my music and some weeks I give my modeling more attention.
Of coarse I treat myself as a business hoping one day someone will give me a break and take OFF. I will always dream of that day...
I promote myself on other websites. I have three of my own. I give out business cards and attend model calls that come up in atlanta.
ONE THING THOUGH...I AM A MODEL THAT DOESN'T SIT ON HER BUTT, HOWEVER, STILL HAVE IT HARD AS HELL...THIS BUSINESS ISN'T ABOUT LOOKS OR EXPERIENCE IT IS ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW...