Can I Be a Model?

Article no. 014

New models often ask themselves whether they have what it takes to become a model

By Pior Gabriel

You are likely to hear that to be a model you need to be beautiful, tall and slender with perfect proportions. Now this is certainly true for high fashion models, where designers want one type of model that they feel shows off their designs in the best way.

However, if you do not fit this criteria, don’t despair as there are many other areas that you can work in successfully and lucratively as a model. The modeling industry needs all different shapes and sizes. It ranges from the models who are required for the runways to those being seen in the background of TV commercials. You need to find the right fit for you and your place in the industry. To help you with this we have listed the different types of modeling work that’s available and the criteria for each, and as with most things in life there are always exceptions.

High Fashion

When you see the incredibly tall and lean figures that grace the runways and editorials for the leading fashion houses and designers, these are the High Fashion models. They are generally required to be between 172cm to 180cm (5”8 to 5”11), with a dress size of 4-6 US (6-8 UK), with a typical bust size of 34. The age range can be from 14 to 25. For guys the age range is more flexible and they can start from the age of 16 until their late 40’s. They need to be between 180cm to 188cm (5”11 to 6”2), with an excellent physique and a chest size of 94cm to 106cm (37” to 42”) and 76cm to 81cm (30” to 32”) waist. Guys tend to have longer careers if they look after themselves.

Editorial Print

This is modeling for magazine editorials and covers such as Vogue, Elle etc. The standard requirements for these models are similar to those in High Fashion and you must be very photogenic Quite often the same models will work in both Editorial Print and High Fashion. These editorials provide great exposure for models even though the fees earned are sometimes relatively low. This is normal and it can take a few years to gain the experience needed to get the bigger paying jobs.

Commercial Print

A huge market that encompasses every kind of print advertising. This can range from advertising in magazines to products on supermarket shelves to billboards. The benefit of working in Commercial Print as a model is that the target audience of the advertisers varies considerably. Naturally the brands want to attract and represent the people that will buy their products, so there are many opportunities here if you are not the High Fashion type.

Catalogue Modeling

Companies create catalogues (print or online) to sell their latest clothing lines or various others products, and it’s the models job to make them look good. Here you will find many great opportunities for different model types, as the model is chosen to represent the target audience of the different companies. With the increasing number of websites that require models to promote their goods online, this is very lucrative for many models.

Plus Size Modeling

Modeling for the larger body type, this type of modeling is on the increase and a relatively new phenomenon. If you’re confident, with great attributes and you are between the sizes of 12-16 US (14-18 UK) then this could be for you. More and more advertisers are using Plus Size Models to promote their products in a bid to appeal to a broader demographic. As a Plus Size model you will still need to have great skin, teeth and hair and have that something special about you. For High Fashion Plus Sized Models the height requirements remain at a minimum of 172cm (5”8).

Glamour Modeling

Is modeling that emphasises a models sexuality. Glamour Modeling can range from lingerie and swimwear shoots, to artistic and nude photography to men’s magazines. You will need to be beautiful, sexy and confident, with an extremely outgoing personality. Height restrictions tend not to apply, which is the great attraction to many models. If you are considering this area of modeling, take care as there are many dishonest people that take advantage of young models who are eager to get into modeling. If you are interested in Glamour Modeling it’s advisable to have a reputable agency looking out for your best interests.

 

Body Parts Models

An area not usually thought about for newcomers, but it is a very relevant sector of the industry. The most common body parts tend to be hair, eyes, lips, hands, legs and feet, which are used to promote many products in print and TV. You will need to have exceptionally well proportioned body parts and know how to look after them. This is definitely an area within modeling that’s worth considering as it can prove to be surprisingly profitable.

TV Commercials

Modeling in TV commercials does not have any overall criteria for height, size and age, as each commercial requires someone different and specific to that job. It is usually necessary to have some acting ability, but this can be natural ability or learned. There are many different types of TV commercials, ranging from the highly stylised photographic, to the performance led reality style. The great advantage in TV commercials for a model is that brands are continuously seeking models, which the general public can easily identify with. This opens up the doors to almost everyone, who feels that they have what it takes to work in this sector. Typically those represented by a model or actors agency have a better chance of appearing in TV commercials.

Real Life Models (People Models) and TV/Film Extras

If you like the idea of modeling, but do not fit into the above categories, then this could be for you. Real life models are used in advertising or corporate campaigns, when companies are looking to represent the everyday person. As a TV/Film Extra you will generally be non-featured (no speaking parts) and in the background of a scene. This can be fun and interesting to be part of, but it can also be long hours with lots of waiting around. The benefits are that if you are flexible with your days, it can be a good way to supplement your income.

Keep in mind modeling is a very competitive business and it is not easy to break into. fameidentity blog cannot guarantee that you will get signed by a modeling agency or get modeling work from your exposure on fameidentity blog Your success will depend a lot on your looks, stats (height, weight, etc..) and your personality. The Participating Agencies using Fame Talent Management represent almost every category of models, including fitness, commercial, real-people, fashion/editorial and plus size.

What You Need to Know about The Music Industry

Article no. 013

A Few Home Truths About The Music Business

By Pior Gabby

Choosing any career path is a big deal, but deciding to take a shot at the music industry is an especially major step. Working in music is more than just a 9 to 5 job - it requires a lot of commitment, often for not a lot of compensation or recognition. It doesn't help that there is so much misinformation about there about how to get into the music industry and what to do once you're there. So, here we have a few home truths about the music biz. Some are for musicians, some are for people on the business side of things, and some are for everyone. Some are encouraging, and some fall into the category of reality check. They all, however, are pretty important to understand.

Knowing A Lot about Music Does Not Mean You Know A Lot about The Music Business

I hate to start out on a negative note, but this one is a really big one to get out of the way up front - and I say this because this is a lesson I myself had to learn the hard way. Having the pub music quiz on lockdown, going to tons of shows, being able to rattle off a list of labels - these sorts of things don't automatically make you able to book the shows, run the labels and so on. There are practicalities - financial and otherwise - in the music business that are simply not apparent until you actually have to, say, make sure the manufacturing is on schedule and the review is really going to be published when promised. Even if you understand the relationship between labels, distributors and retail or what have you, you don't really "get it" until you "get it" - and that won't be until you experience the process from the inside rather than experiencing it as a fan. The two worlds are VERY different.

Don't get me wrong. Loving music and know a lot about it is required if you want to do well in the music industry (well, not really REQUIRED - some people running music businesses don't know much about music and are just skating, but that house of cards always collapses). However, don't enter the music industry with the idea that a lifetime of music nerd-dom has made you a music biz expert. Not only will you annoy people, but you'll also be dead wrong and miss out on the chance of really learning what makes things tick.

Reviews Don't Translate into Sales

At least, not always. Getting reviewed all over the place may be good for getting your name out there, but even if you can point to 50 reviews that all say your track is the pinnacle of music making and no one should even try to record again because it's so impossible to beat, the percentage of people who run out and buy your record based on those reviews is going to be surprisingly small. Radio play is much more effective at selling music than print reviews.

Reviews are really only part of the picture. You can use them to generate interest from labels and to get shows and so on. But even if you get reviewed in all of the top publications and sites for your genre of music, don't assume it's time to go out shopping for the fancy new car. If you don't work to leverage those reviews into something else, they'll just be a minor blimp on the screen.

You Can Still Make Money Selling Your Music

Now, here's a controversial one. There is a big debate going on in the music industry about free music, and some people believe that all music must be free and that the only way to make money is merch and live shows. That's a little extreme. Yes, music sales are decreasing. Yes, free music is available. The fact remains that your fans want you to keep making music and they are willing to pay you for your services so you can keep it up. The trick is striking the right balance between enticing your fans with free goodies and offering them the chance to buy quality music at a fair price in the format that they want.

There's no blanket answer here for what will work for you. Trends in terms of releases and release formats are different in different genres of music. If your fans want vinyl, save up your pennies and give it to them. If they're all digital, all the time, then give it to them. If they want CDs, give them to them. (And yes, people still buy CDs. Really.) You have to know your fanbase. It might take some trial and error to find out what works. The one thing you can do, however, is dismiss the idea that your music is nothing but a promotional item created to sell t-shirts, coffee mugs and concert tickets. (Merch IS important - I'm not disregarding that for a second. It should be part of your plan.

You Can't Repeat The Past

You can probably think up a long list of musicians and labels who have pulled off stunts you think are great, from getting discovered on a social networking site to a kitchy marketing campaign that went like gangbusters. These sorts of things are great for inspiration. They're not so great for copying. Just because you can list 5 musicians that were discovered on Channel O does not mean you should expect it to happen to you, and just because artist Y ended up being profiled on TV for their marketing idea doesn't mean you can repeat their plan with the same result. There just isn't any rule book about how to be successful with your music, and past success is no indication of what will work in the future. You're best off learning from what others have done but coming up with your own road to your music goals. Don't let anyone sell you the idea that they know how to repeat these kinds of past successes either - beware PR people and others who want you to pay them to show you how to do what (insert favorite artist) did. 

 You Can't Do All The Jobs By Yourself

You do need experts to help keep business floating, like you need an accountant. If you direct all the money in the business account, your account will pay for your recording, travel,etc but only for business purposes. Many artists fail because they take all the money as theirs, buy a fancy car, go visit Europe etc; remember if you have a business account that account will pay you by directing the salary into your personal account and you may also need a manager to manage your bookings and ofcourse assist you to market your music. Furthermore you may need your personal photographer who will always reside with your fans especially  when you are busy, he/she will tweet and post for you in the social networks. Basically those are people you need to manage your business as wrong as you promise to deliver the best whoever you may also employ one or two of the three.

A Record Label May Be Able to Help You

Since the music industry is in flux, there are a lot of people out there promoting the extremes, like the idea that record labels have nothing to offer musicians, period. Although there are more tools and avenues than ever for a musician to release their own music and manage their own career, that doesn't mean it is the right choice across the board. Not every record label is run by frothing morons who want to steal your money. The vast majority of labels are run by music lovers who want to make sure people hear your songs and who handle some of the business side of things that may be tough for you to do yourself. That's the last option if you can't have a team to manage your music but there is no like one man army at all.

Why every talented individual needs exposure?

Article no. 012

Building your exposure

By Pior Gabriel

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

Networking is talking with people who can help you explore career options and goals. It is a two-way process that involves developing and maintaining connections with individuals then mutually benefiting from the relationship. 

WHY NETWORK?

One of the best ways to expand your career knowledge and interests (industry, company, or specific position) is to learn from someone who is connected to it first-hand. Building your connections will provide you an invaluable opportunity to develop and prepare for your career goals. This is what networking is about.

• Networking is talking with people who will learn about you and your interests, and then help you gain insight into your career options and goals.
• It is a two-way process that involves developing and maintaining connections with individuals, and mutually benefiting from the relationship.
• Networking is an ongoing process that takes time and attention; it is not something you do only when you are looking for a job.
• Successful networking requires preparation and practice.

Remember, when you network, you are asking for information and advice—not a job. It’s not just what you know; it’s also whom you know… or can connect to.

BENEFITS OF NETWORKING

In addition to expanding your career interests, effective networking will provide you an opportunity to:

• Let people know who you are and what you want to do.
• Collaborate with others on projects of mutual professional interest.
• Discover opportunities not otherwise advertised.

WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO NETWORK WITH A YOU?

People like to help people, especially if they have common interests (major/career field) or affiliations (family, friends,). People like to talk about themselves, their career development, and their accomplishments. They also understand that you may be in a position to help them in the future even if you are not now.

Networking is an activity that does not necessarily come naturally to everyone.

A Networking section in this blog focuses on developing your skills. In addition, Fame Identity host a number of workshops and mingle parties to help you network.