Greetings Plus Size Divas!
I am sorry for the lapse in my blogging lately! The past few monthsI have been booked solid but I am back and ready to blog.
I am always being asked by people everywhere " Chassie I think I could model....How Do I get started in the Plus Size Modeling Industry?"
Well I have complied a list of advice that aspiring Plus Size Models Need to Know!!!
#1 Get used to hearing the word NO!
To be in the Entertainment Industry you have to have a thick skin. I can guarantee you that you will be told No more than yes when you first enter the industry. Especially if you are over the standard "plus size"(a size 10-18). I am as industry lovingly likes to call "super plus". There are companies that use over a size 24 but they are few and far between and you have to market yourself. Because a few companies out there will take the chance on you! So remember NEVER GIVE UP! Keep going on auditions, because eventually you will book a job!!
#2 Keep your eyes open for scams! Real Agencies do not charge up front money! Rule of thumb you should never have to pay in order to work! In a traditional job you would never think to pay someone for the privilege to work for them. This is the same in the entertainment industry. A real agency will charge a commission on the jobs you are booked for. If you are asked to pay a fee to join an agency or to be reviewed by an agent--- BEWARE.... This could be a scam! Always research an agency before signing anything!!! A respectable agent can always be researched by checking with the BBB or your state's attorney general's office for complaints on file!
Although you should never PAY someone to work- You should keep your eyes open for resume builders. Feel free to barter your services. For example offer to model for a photographer in order to receive print copies for your portfolio- or participate in a fashion show that will allow you to keep the clothes that you model. Deals like this not only give you experience for your resume but you are also getting something in return for your time.
#3 Build your portfolio and always keep a current head shot. In the entertainment industry getting called for an audition or booking a job could be the difference between a Good head shot and a Fantastic head shot. Keep a running portfolio of your photographs in case an agent or client requests to see examples of your work.
#4 No matter what you are told or tried to be sold- You do not have to spend a fortune on head shots. Seek out a respectable photographer who is willing to give you a release on your photo's and digital copies. The digital copies make all of the difference. This will allow you to make copies of your head shots whenever you need reprints. Just as models need to build their own portfolios- so do photographers. With a little research you should be able to find respectable photographers in your area looking to build on their portfolio. Often if you sign a release allowing the use of your photographs for their business they will discount your photography session.
*If you are in the Raleigh Durham area a great photographer that I recommend is Autumn Harrison from Reminiscing Moments Photography. Her Website is http://www.reminiscingmoments.com/ and she does discounted rates for those who are on a budget. She is running a special for a 30-40 min photo shoot with digital copies of your session for $50.00. *
#5 Make sure that the photo you are using represents the real you. Make sure it is not too glamorized or airbrushed. You never want to show up at a photo shoot or an audition and NOT look like the person the client hired. Natural sells! Less is More for head shots. Avoid heavy jewelry and heavy makeup as well. As a model it is your job to sell the garment or the product- The client will make you look how they want you to look.
#6 Most of all marketing yourself and networking will get you a long long way!
Get exposure where you can. Networking can occur anywhere! I actually started out in plus size pageants. By participating in pageants you have the opportunity to not only win some awesome prizes but if you win a local, state or national title you have that title for an entire year. You are the face of that pageant and the exposure on the marketing materials is a fantastic opportunity that can be extremely helpful to launching your career.
Pageantry opened many doors for me in the industry. After winning my first state pageant my local newspaper did an article on me and listed my contact information I received many requests to model for local companies and thus my plus size modeling career was born.
Plus Size Pageants can also be a great way to gain runway experience that will lead to other fashion opportunities.
#7 Ultimately being a model sounds like a lot of fun and excitement but the most important thing Aspiring Models need to know that modeling is VERY HARD WORK! You have to be committed to learning how to pose, walk, and show off garments. After all this is a fashion model's main job is to present the clothing so it can be sold.
I hope that this helps all of you Aspiring Plus Size Models out there!!!!
But no matter what happens remember To Live Plus Size Beautiful!!!!
