Kira's Modeling Tips - Issue 1

This weeks modeling tip is going to focus on good practices for model book photos and getting booked by creators. This week’s lesson will be put right into practice as your photos will be submitted for the new Enchanted Model Book we will be creating. So let’s get started.

Objectives

~How to be both universal and unique

~Choosing the right skin

~Choosing the right pose

~Choosing appropriate attire

~What creators look for in a model

~Having a great portfolio

How to be both universal and unique

There is one thing people in the fashion world tends to dislike is models looking all the same. Nobody wants a clone and as a model it is important to be both universal (being able to wear different looks) and unique (having a style that shows off who you are as a model). The best way to do this is creating a Signature Style. A Signature Style is something that represents you as a model as well as your personality. For example, my Signature style is High Fashion Glam mix with a little bit of Urban Flare. It something that can take me to a Gothic, urban, casual, formal but still have the same tone in looks.

Two of the things to keep in mind when you are creating your signature style are being able to be Universal and keep a high Quality.

What is being Universal?

Well it’s simply a term meaning that you can represent different looks and sizes. Biggest example of this is when we do our Monthly Model Showdowns. For those of you that may not have been to one, you are given a category and you do your best with what’s in your closet to represent that category. As a model you are often the muse to the editor or creator you are working with and it is IMPORTANT to be able to look well in a variety of outfits and wear a variety of sizes. One thing creator looks for is can this model wear variety of sizes. So if you normally only wear/model a slim but are open to sizes like BM or XXL then this needs to be reflected in your photos and portfolio.

Bring universal goes beyond just being able to wear different looks and sizes but can also go into accessories that you wear. For example someone gives you a nice cute little black dress and allows you to add your own style to it. Part of being unique is not just adding some earrings or necklace but adding a purse, or hat or sunglasses to truly make it your own and make it pop. Just like real life models yes you are modeling for a fashion designer but it is also important for YOU to shine through that photo as well.

So with that that takes is to what is High Quality? Just like you take care of yourself in real life as far as being good clothes and keeping yourself up, you should treat your avi the same way. You always want to have good quality texture in clothing, good quality hair, makeup, accessories and first and foremost SKIN!

Choosing the right skin

One of the biggest pet peeve of most people in the modeling world today is overly glossy skin or skin that lacks a lot of details. You always want a skin that looks realistic like you are more than just 3D pixels. Try to always avoid high gloss skins or standard avatar skins. Also it is always good to have a good variety of skins in various skin tones. From light to dark to even a few fantasy pieces a model skin is like the first layer of paint on a painting. It can make or break an outfit or even an edit. Below are some photos of good skin vs bad skin.

Having trouble with finding good skin? Here are a few suggestions for the Stylist Team at Euphoria Fashion Magazine on high quality skin creators: Vkei, Mytril, Zei, Cindyy, EyeCandiFem, Milara, Henna.

Choosing the right pose

Posing is your way of showing your personality as a model. One thing I have been noticing lately is that models tend to give a basic straightforward pose. And for some cases those are perfectly fine and I would suggest having a good set of those that show off looks for different angles. However, don’t be scared to change it up! Give that ba BAM shot or that shot just from the side of it can often really be beautiful in edits and impress people in photo shots. Here are some of my personal go to tips on posing.

~Make sure you are wearing the correct scalers. Some outfits have the ability for example making your shoulder looks larger than they really are. To account for this have a variety of scalers (ex: 85%, 80%, 65%, 100%) so that you can make slight changes when you need to.

~If you are going to a photo shoot and you already have the outfit that they are shooting BE PREPARED and have some poses pre-selected out.

~Always keep your poses classy unless otherwise requested. We don’t need models to be face down bottoms up if you know what I mean. Hold yourself and your poses in high standards.

~Poses should always, ALWAYS be free of glitches. This includes arm glitches, hair glitches, hands, outfit glitches etc.

PRO TIP: Modeling a formal gown often causes a glitch in the front of the dress where it splits. When taking photos of this turn the camera slightly to the left or right and captured a slightly angled shot and 9 times out of 10 the fit will appear to not glitch at all.

Choosing appropriate attire

This is probably everyone number one question when it comes to model book photos or showcase photos in general and that is what to wear! Its simple and really only 2 things that you need to remember, Keep it Classy, Keep it You.

By Classy I mean avoid jeans and a t-shirt and the over casual look. Instead put on a chic dress that both shows off your avi body without being show and tell. See Sample fits below.

By keeping it You basically you are showcasing your signature look and style. Remember you are being featured among other really great models. You want to stand out and showcase you and make yourself memorable in a good way. If your signature style is carefree then wear a soft carefree dress to show off that free spirit. If your style is High Fashion throw on a simple well put together knock out look WITHOUT being too over done.

Lastly remember high quality textures and skins from creators!

What creators look for in a model?

Every creator is different as far as what they look for in a model so I will approach this topic in general terms. Generally some things that come to mind is versatility, uniqueness, overall style and presences and their ability to capture the viewer in a photo. You want to make the reader look twice, you want to make the ready buy buy buy and look at the rest of the creators catalog. Part of our job as a model is to make that happen.

Outside of look one of the big things I can not stress enough is PROFESSIONALISM. Beginning on time for meetings, runway shows and events goes a LONG way. If a creator sends you something you are expected to show it not get a free gift and not show up or not do your job. Being able to be FLEXIBLE and think on your feet and on the spot. Show that outfit in different skins, hair colors or even accessories. The details matter if they don’t send you nails make sure whatever nails you are wearing goes well with the outfit. Even go as far is making sure the eye color doesn’t clash and that you are well proportioned.

Having a great portfolio

This brings me to my last topic of having a great portfolio. In short, your portfolio is a representation of you as a model. From your signature style to your personality, every photo should reflect your best.

Your portfolio should also have an ABOUT or INFO section about you as a model that list your achievements, shows you modeled for, sizes you wear, accessories you have, skin tones various and hair colors. If you have a male avi which most female models do then have a male section in your portfolio with stats upon him as well. Your portfolio is apart of your selling point and an extension of you.

That will conclude this week's model tips.

Your assignment this week will be to submit two photos that will be used in the new Enchanted Enterprise Model Book. You are to submit 1 full body and 1 waist up shot in this thread. Links to photos is fine or album links using Photobucket, TinyPic, or Img.net. You can include extra photos but as part of your learning process I would like for you to select 2 you would like to submit for evaluation. You will be given feedback and this assignment is MANDATORY for all hired models.

If you have any questions inbox SaiKira!

~SaiKira