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My parting words...on retirement...
To all the lovelies on MM, and goodness, there are so many of you! On the eve of my retirement from modeling (my last job is walking in SF Fashion Week on Friday), I thought it would be nice to pass on some of the things I learned in the past three years working as a professional model. Without further ado... *Models* - If you are not represented yet (or don't want to be, or can't be), making a living is truly all about networking...and not just on MM. My whole career was based on doing trade work at the beginning with collaborative teams. - Be especially nice to MUAs and hairstylists. I've found they're the ones that truly know the inside scoop. They've also been the best at recommending models, passing along casting calls, and generally getting your name out. - Be tough and be quiet. Having a "thick skin" doesn't mean talking back or disagreeing with a photographer, casting director, or some joe on MM. When you're turned down or criticized, just listen, thank the person, and take your leave. (You can always cry or whine or bitch to your non-model girlfriend or your puppy later...and this does help sometimes.) But with industry people, silence is golden, and earns you respect. You never know when you're going to see that person again. I was turned down by the same director TWICE for two separate jobs. Third time, I was casted (and paid!) - Please, do not be too hard on yourself. Smile when you look at yourself in the mirror and be thankful for your life. Eek, this is getting a little too preachy...but you need to find the energy and good vibes INSIDE yourself to be successful, not from another person. Some people are going to think you're beautiful, and some people are going to think 'Why the hell is she modeling?' no matter who you are or what you look like. - When you show you're improving in your shots, shows, etc. people NOTICE. It's the weirdest thing. And they tell other people, because everyone likes it when it's clear you're working hard and studying what it takes. ...more to come... xx, Holden Aug 22 07 03:51 pm Link And more for models... - ALWAYS leave your comp card, snapshot, SOMETHING with the people you work with. Even if you don't get the job this time around, if they have your photo and contact information, it will pay off. Seriously. I have about twenty cards right now of models I didn't cast for the last two shows my designers did. But I save them because I think they'd be great for print, or for another show, or to recommend to my photographer friends and agency contacts. - Hairspray is a magical substance. Take it with you everywhere. You will find uses for it that you never knew existed (I've fixed shoes, put garments in place, gotten that "wet sand look" when there was no MUA...crazy stuff!) - One good shot from an entire shoot makes the entire shoot a success. Models do not need a ton of photographs, and shouldn't have them anyway. A dozen great shots is better than 20 "some good, some okay" shots ANY day. It's like the weakest link. When I now look at models' books, their worst shot is what stands out to me. Modeling is not like other work life where your resume shows "you're progressing". You want everything to be of the highest caliber possible, at any given moment. ... Aug 22 07 04:01 pm Link Wonderful post Holden. Best of luck to you in life, and in your new endeavors.   Aug 22 07 04:02 pm Link I wish your post could be made into a Sticky Note at the top of this forum. You are a true inspiration and have given some very valuable advice I will take with me as well as others. I wish you great success and blessings in your new venture. xoxox Tiffany Aug 22 07 04:02 pm Link Now that, is some of the best advice i've seen on here! Retiring at the age of 25? Thats not too old, or have you earnt enough money to cover you for life? with the looks you've got, wouldnt be suprised  Well.. tis a shame to see you go  Enjoy your retirement!!Aug 22 07 04:05 pm Link (thank you guys above, xx!) - There are two kinds of photographs: the kind that look good in a photographer's portfolio and the kind that look good in a model's portfolio. Okay, there can be a shot that's both...point is: models, do not put "photographer's shots" in your book. If the shot is showing more of the photographer's talent and less of yours, it doesn't bode well. Model's shots should do one (or all) of the following: show us your face, your bone structure, your athletic/dancing ability (as in movement shots), your body type. A shot that's really, really cool, but doesn't show us who YOU are, should be left out (you can frame it and send it to your mom, though!) Aug 22 07 04:09 pm Link Now this is what the forums should be doing. This is wonderful advice for everyone. Holden you are very lovely and I'm sure everyone hopes this is a respite and not a retirement. All the best! Aug 22 07 04:12 pm Link - You know what's awesome about MM? There are some seriously successful pro models on here. Talk to them. Ask them for advice. My current port here are all shots chosen by a pro model in NYC (well, she travels all over really). I asked her to name by "top 8" and went with it because I respected her aesthetic and her achievements as a model. She'd gotten to the point where she knew what a solid casting call book should look like. She cut some shots I REALLY, TRULY loved, but other people see your book totally different than you do. There's a phrase in writing, "Murder your darlings." If you have to defend the shot...it should probably just go. Aug 22 07 04:14 pm Link xoxoxoxo great having you while you were around. BEST WISHES AND SUCCESS TO YOU. Aug 22 07 04:15 pm Link * Side note: I really am retiring. I'm not leaving MM, but I'll no longer be modeling. I have a new job as a creative director and I just won't even have the time...not to mention I'm a better CD than a model, and the pay is better. Most of all, though, I'd kinda like to go out "on top". I think I've reached my full potential, at my age, in my location. Aug 22 07 04:16 pm Link More for models... - You are working with artists. They can be a little crazy, a little self-centered, and a little touchy about their work. Accept that. While making a suggestion or two to an MUA or photographer or stylist during a shoot might be okay, making demands or major changes or worse...it doesn't work that way. We all have our different jobs. Let the photographer/director DIRECT. Let the MUA do your makeup. Let the stylist arrange the looks. Then, look around, take it all in, and figure out what YOU can do to bring everything together as a model. Make their work SHINE and everyone comes out on top. EDIT: Also, if you are going to make a suggestion, let it be a question. "What do you think of putting some more liner under my eyes?" or "What if I turned this way so the shot has the ocean in the background?" Then, accept whatever answer is given. I gauge that you really only get to make a few (if any) suggestions during a shoot...depending on the team of course...so save them for the best ones. Aug 22 07 04:19 pm Link Since I mostly cast for runway, this is the most solid advice I can probably give: - when casting for runway, it is ALL about confidence. I've cut GORGEOUS models because they just "weren't there yet". They needed more practice, or just weren't selling it to me. I've also casted models who didn't have great photographs, but gave me little chills on my neck when I saw them walk. Whatever happened that day, however nervous you are, put it in the back of your head. You've got about fifteen to thirty SECONDS to show your stuff. For those few moments, YOU have to believe that you are the single hottest thing to ever walk the runway (this is of course easier for some than others, and some might do better to lose that idea AFTER they've walked  ).Aug 22 07 04:31 pm Link best of fortune to you! --face reality Aug 22 07 04:32 pm Link - Remember, whether you are a new face or a working model who wants to climb higher (and there is always higher in this industry), this is a multi-billion dollar INDUSTRY. It's a business. And like anyone who wants to succeed in your business-of-choice, you need to do your research. If you're a fashion model, READ WWD (and all it's "sister" publications), tear out sheets that speak to you or show a model you like, know what's going on. It's way easier said than done, as fashion changes with a fingersnap. There are poses that are classic and there are looks that went out three years ago. Know the difference. If you're a glamour model, you've got to BUY the "lad mags". Check out and practice the looks those models are doing. Copy them in the mirror. It will sink in and then you'll be able to make it your own on shoot-day. If you're an art model, visit the galleries where you live. Find out what's on the walls. What are the nudes evoking? What poses make the most stunning images. Go to the museum and consider both classic painting, modern photographer, and the most contemporary works equally. There are other kinds of models...and the same goes for them. The more you know about what others are doing, the more you can build upon it and make it better. Aug 22 07 04:44 pm Link Brilliant, lucid and true! Models, follow her advice and excell. D Aug 22 07 04:45 pm Link Oh yeah, this one helped me out a lot: - Set up your little digital camera on a timer, put it on a shelf or a tripod...and take snapshots of yourself! This way, you can practice your emotive gazes, your different smiles, your poses...and get an idea of how they actually come across on film. Some will come out TOTALLY different than how you imagined. And some will be downright goofy. The great thing about digital is there is no cost to do this. No film to process. You see how you look (and only you) and then CLICK! delete! EDIT: RESIST, RESIST the temptation (it's hard, I tried to get away with one or two once) to put any of these practice shots in your book. Unless you are making a commitment to actually being a photographer, they are only "mirror" shots. Aug 22 07 04:48 pm Link Thanks for taking the time to type all this up Holden. Reading it helps a lot. Best of luck to you!  Aug 22 07 04:49 pm Link Great advice. Good luck to you. Aug 22 07 04:51 pm Link thanks so much for taking the time to help out, i appreciate the info Aug 22 07 06:28 pm Link This is extraordinarily good advice. All of it. Well done! Aug 22 07 06:50 pm Link But none of these rules apply to "internet models." They can choose not to show up, can make unreasonable demands, change to "paid-only" after scheduling a shoot, charge for their time with no experience, alter copyrighted images without permission, insist on or bring escorts as a surprise, make themselves the most important part of a shoot and arrive drunk. I'm a stinker, I know.... Outstanding advice, thanks for passing it along. Aug 22 07 06:53 pm Link i love "H" tb Aug 22 07 06:57 pm Link This should be required reading for many, ah many model ... Regardless of their style of work. This is some Truly Awesome Wisdom that your sharing ... Thanxs ah Million an then some ... J. Aug 22 07 06:59 pm Link Excellent advice, and the very, very best to you in your new job as a CD. Aug 22 07 07:00 pm Link Best thread of this week. Thank you. Continued success in your new adventure. Aug 22 07 07:25 pm Link Holden wrote: Oh your ass will be modeling for me. No retirement from you just yet. Aug 22 07 10:55 pm Link AMAZING INPUT, WONDERFUL MODEL. Yes I had to yell that. This should be required reading for all models, photogs and MMers - good info, no in-fighting on the forum Aug 23 07 01:18 am Link All the best to you- Aug 23 07 01:22 am Link All the best to you- Aug 23 07 01:22 am Link Thank you Holden for the words of wisdom. It is a wonderful gift for many of us. Best of luck in your future endeavors. Aug 23 07 01:24 am Link As a newbie at modelling, this has been the most in depth advice I've read from anyone, and I really appreciate you taking the time to type it out. Thank you x infinite. Aug 23 07 01:28 am Link Holden wrote: Great advice and well written. I think your words of wisdom applies to anything in life. Great post and thanks. Aug 23 07 01:34 am Link Holden: Thank you for this posting. I wish you the best of luck and much success in the next phase of your creative development. Aug 23 07 05:29 am Link Very good and honest advice. Take care of yourself. Aug 23 07 05:34 am Link More. Please? Aug 23 07 02:42 pm Link Holden -- Great advice, all the way through. Best of Luck. Aug 23 07 02:52 pm Link Thank you all so much. It means a lot to me to hear congrats and thanks from some amazing people I respect deeply and newbs alike. Last show tomorrow night! I'm actually nervous for this one. Okay, so...another tip... - On the day of a shoot/show you MUST eat, even if you're nervous. And drink water water water. Eat fiber-y foods that aren't going to mess with your digestion or make you feel bloated. Like carrots, snap peas, wheat bread, peanut butter, honey, skim milk (okay, that's a list of what I've been eating so far today). Stay away from cheese, burritos, creamy dressings, mayo, etc. Aug 23 07 04:29 pm Link Oh, and I told my models this: - Before a runway show DO NOT do anything to your body you haven't tried before. - NOT the time to try a new aesthetician, wax, lotion, facial, etc. - NO on self-tanners you haven't been using regularly - do not try a new "eyebrow style" and overpluck - take off your nail-polish unless it's clear (or pre-approved), fingers and toes Also... - DO NOT LET YOURSELF GET BURNED IN THE SUN - wear serious sunscreen (no foolin' around) all over your body, every day - be VERY careful not to get tan lines Aug 23 07 04:34 pm Link Well, this is it...I'm leaving for the venue now. Love to you all..wish me luck! xx! And to those who are attending the fashion week show tonight, come say hi! Holden Aug 24 07 04:32 pm Link Holden wrote: Best of luck. Aug 24 07 04:46 pm Link |
