HB Models with Laris Marketing Associates L.T.D. Is Now Offering Marketing Promotional Packages To All Models That Want To Get Noticed. Marketing tools are very important in the success of any business.
* 5 Page Custom Website, HTML With Flash Components or Full Flash Website
* Domain Optimization
* Custom Myspace Layout
* 500 Custom Comp Card/Zed Cards
* 500 Custom Business Cards
* Mass and Targeted Email Marketing
* Press Release on 5 Major Wire Services
* Professional Photoshoot (if needed)
* Agency Contacts and Listings
Email us for more info and prices HBModels@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
You Must Market Yourself
A little bit of marketing theory...
Grab people's attention, arouse their interest, trigger their desire, and motivate them to take action. All it takes is a little theory practiced and applied, and soon you will find that marketing comes naturally.
Marketing is more than sales. Marketing is the set of activities used to
1. get your potential client's attention
2. motivate them to book you
3. get them to actually book you
4. get them to book again (and again…)
Marketing Tools
1. website - a must(www.yourmodeling.com)
2. professional photographs with fashion and artistic value
3. comp/zed cards and business cards
4. portfolio
5. model communities (modelmayhem.com, onemodelplace.com, ect.)
6. social communities (myspace.com, facebook.com, ect.)
Marketing is how you define your product (YOU), promote your product (YOU), distribute your product (YOU), and to maintain a relationship with your clients and fans to. Marketing sets the tone of the quality and the amout of work that you may receive.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Mirror Mirror, Do you do it? Do you know what it is?
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
5 minutes at a time at least once a day
By Joe Edelman - The Business of Modeling
Mirror Work. Do you do it? Do you know what it is?
If you answered "no" to either of these questions - you shouldn't be calling yourself a model. Top models practice daily and Mirror Work is how they do it.
Athletes, Musicians, Singers, Actors - they ALL practice to become good at what they do.
So what IS Mirror Work? It is "Muscle Memory"
If you have ever played organized sports - your coaches talked to you about "muscle memory." I'll give you an example - in the sport of Baseball, players take batting practice before every game. Before each at bat - the player stands in the On Deck Circle and swings the bat over and over again. All of this practice is for the purpose of training the body and its muscles how to swing the bat.
Think about it - when a ball player is standing at home plate with someone throwing a ball at them at more than 90 miles per hour - they don't want to be thinking about how to swing the bat - they need to think about where the ball is and where it is going.
This same principle applies to a piano player or a guitar player - they practice and practice the chords and locations of keys and strings, because when they are playing they need to concentrate on the tempo and music.
Models need to do mirror work for TWO reasons
The first and most obvious is posing. A smart model learns quickly that nobody has a perfect body. You must learn your best as well as your worst features and more importantly how to make them work for the camera. It is important to learn the basic bikini pose and more importantly understand why it makes the body look so good.
Every model should have an arsenal of at least 10 poses that they can do well and have the confidence of knowing that their body looks great in these poses.
Your goal while practicing in the mirror is not just to find attractive poses - but to concentrate on "how does your body feel" when you are doing a pose correctly. Remember that when you are in front of the camera, you don't have a mirror in front of you to look at.
The second and most important reason for doing mirror work is facial expressions. Modeling is acting and your face is your MOST important communication tool.
First and foremost a model must learn how to smile. It is natural for people to tend to squint their eyes or show too much gum when smiling.
Mirror work allows you to learn how your face "feels" when you smile correctly. It also allows you to learn how your face feels when you do a big look of surprise or anger or the classic open mouth smile.
The purpose for all of this practice is just like that of the athletes and musicians - so that these skills become second nature. When you get in front of acamera if you have to think for just one second, "Does my smile look ok?", "Does this pose make my butt look big?" then you have blown the shot. When you are in front of the camera you have to be thinking about the character you are portraying and the personality that is needed to sell that idea.
A few quick pointers for successful mirror work:
1. Do it alone - nobody else in the room, radio and TV turned off.
2. No more than 5 minutes at a time. Good mirror work takes lots of concentration. If you stay at it too long - you will start looking at the pile of wash that you see behind you or the books on your desk that are waiting to be read. (Feel free to do mirror work several times a day if your schedule permits - but still only for 5 minutes at a time.
3. Only work on one pose or expression in each session. Remember - anybody can look in the mirror and do a perfect smile in 2 seconds - your purpose is to learn how that smile feels. Keep your sessions short and focused.
4. When working on poses - be sure to do your mirror work in the nude from time to time. There is no better way to see how your body looks when posing then when you are naked. Additionally - it is a great way to learn how to pose your hands. With no clothes on - you have no place to put your hands. (I challenge you to come up with poses that DON'T include placing your hands on your hips!)
5. Be critical but constructive. Nobody has a perfect body or perfect face. Don't watch yourself in the mirror thinking that you are "all that" and don't look in the mirror and totally tear yourself apart. Learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and in the words of Tyra Banks, "Work it girl!"
source: http://www.joeedelman.com/faq/preparation/mirror.shtml
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Truth About Modeling Expenses Part 1
The Truth About Modeling Expenses
Expenses are an area that seem to create the most confusion and misunderstandings between new models and agencies.
Modeling agencies often hear new models say "Well, if you liked me you would pay for everything". Unfortunately, the hype surrounding modeling agencies paying for expenses is grossly exaggerated and often wishful thinking on the part of new models who don't understand how the modeling industry really works.
We understand that models have been told "don't pay an agency to represent you" - that is true. But that is much different from investing in your own basic start-up costs that don't involve the agency, such as photoshoots, composite cards, etc. These are services you need from outside sources such as photographers, stylists, printers, etc.
Agencies that were willing to finance the careers of new models were much more prevalent in the 1980's (the Supermodel era) than they are today.
In the '80's the modeling industry was booming, many of the agencies such as Ford Models, Next, Company, Elite, IMG, etc. were new and building their rosters; clients were paying huge fees for models; Linda Evangelista "wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000.00 a day" and competition between modeling agencies was fierce. Well, those days are all but over.
Modeling agencies soon learned that financing the careers of new models was more costly than profitable. Many agencies lost hundreds of thousands of dollars each year when new models were unable to fulfill their obligations for a variety of reasons that were of no fault of the agency. Young models may have found they couldn't handle the stress, they didn't like being away from home, their looks changed, they were difficult to work with, or any number of reasons that would send a new model packing and the agency holding the bill.
Today, many agencies expect to be repaid for advances even if the model does not work. Some agencies have gone as far as taking legal action against models who have outstanding debts. These days over 90% of models working with top agencies in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, London, Milan, etc. did not have their initial expenses advanced and they worked long and hard to get where they are.
As a fashion model you are a self-employed, independent contractor. You are considered a sole proprietor in your own small business, you are not an employee of the agency. In addition to basic start-up costs, professional models, including those represented by top agencies such as Ford Models, Elite, Next, Wilhelmina, DNA, Women or Karin's are required to cover all of their own promotional expenses such as composite cards, agency books, headsheets, websites, couriers, etc. These promotional expenses can run anywhere from $200 - $600 per year to post photos on the agency website, $1,500 - $2,500 per year for composite cards, in addition to couriers, postage, working visa's, legal and accounting fees. Professional models understand that this is simply the cost of doing business and it is standard in the industry for the model to cover these promotional expenses.
Don't make the mistake of telling an agent to pay for your expenses. Agents consider this extremely rude, presumptuous and unprofessional and it is a sure fire way to make the agent show you the door. If an agent is willing to help you financially they will offer it. Keep in mind this is extremely rare and is generally offered only by large agencies in markets such as New York, Paris or Milan and they will deduct what you owe them the moment you book a job.
Agencies in smaller markets simply do not have the resources to finance new models. However, the agencies in smaller markets are very important to a new model's career. Most models do not start at the top in big New York or Paris agencies, rather they learn the business, develop their look and build their books in the smaller market agencies. If you have the opportunity to work with an agency in a smaller market don't pass it up, they can be a valuable asset to your career. And please, please don't expect modeling agencies to finance your career. Remember that agents are just that - they are AGENTS. They are not bankers or magicians.
Normal Start-Up Expenses
Test shoot with a photographer
You should pay no more than $85 - $125 per roll of film and should shoot at least 3 rolls. It is not necessary to shoot more than 3 - 5 rolls of film with one photographer.
You will then need prints made from your shoot. Photographers usually charge $20 - $25 per 9 x 12 print. Models do not use 8 x 10's.
Make-up Artist
Professional make-up artists usually charge between $85 - $150 flat rate. This should include at least 3 looks and basic hairstyling.
Clothing Stylist
A clothing stylist will go to stores and gather up-to-date clothes and accessories for your shoot. Rates are generally $125 - $175 flat rate. Clothing stylists are optional but highly recommended if you can find a good one in your area.
Website
A website is the best promotional tool that you can have these days. With the agencies being more available through the internet it would behove you to invest in your own website, Myspace, Facebook, and other community sites are ok for fanbase building but not for your main promotional tool
After your shoot you can print composite cards or laser copy 3-4 of your photos on one sheet of paper. If you already have an agency they may recommend a good printer that prints composite cards. Prices can vary greatly for composite cards and laser copies so it is a good idea to check around. You may be required to cover the cost to have your photos placed on a headsheet, in an agency promo book or on the agency's website. These are all normal and perfectly legitimate expenses.
Expenses are an area that seem to create the most confusion and misunderstandings between new models and agencies.
Modeling agencies often hear new models say "Well, if you liked me you would pay for everything". Unfortunately, the hype surrounding modeling agencies paying for expenses is grossly exaggerated and often wishful thinking on the part of new models who don't understand how the modeling industry really works.
We understand that models have been told "don't pay an agency to represent you" - that is true. But that is much different from investing in your own basic start-up costs that don't involve the agency, such as photoshoots, composite cards, etc. These are services you need from outside sources such as photographers, stylists, printers, etc.
Agencies that were willing to finance the careers of new models were much more prevalent in the 1980's (the Supermodel era) than they are today.
In the '80's the modeling industry was booming, many of the agencies such as Ford Models, Next, Company, Elite, IMG, etc. were new and building their rosters; clients were paying huge fees for models; Linda Evangelista "wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000.00 a day" and competition between modeling agencies was fierce. Well, those days are all but over.
Modeling agencies soon learned that financing the careers of new models was more costly than profitable. Many agencies lost hundreds of thousands of dollars each year when new models were unable to fulfill their obligations for a variety of reasons that were of no fault of the agency. Young models may have found they couldn't handle the stress, they didn't like being away from home, their looks changed, they were difficult to work with, or any number of reasons that would send a new model packing and the agency holding the bill.
Today, many agencies expect to be repaid for advances even if the model does not work. Some agencies have gone as far as taking legal action against models who have outstanding debts. These days over 90% of models working with top agencies in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, London, Milan, etc. did not have their initial expenses advanced and they worked long and hard to get where they are.
As a fashion model you are a self-employed, independent contractor. You are considered a sole proprietor in your own small business, you are not an employee of the agency. In addition to basic start-up costs, professional models, including those represented by top agencies such as Ford Models, Elite, Next, Wilhelmina, DNA, Women or Karin's are required to cover all of their own promotional expenses such as composite cards, agency books, headsheets, websites, couriers, etc. These promotional expenses can run anywhere from $200 - $600 per year to post photos on the agency website, $1,500 - $2,500 per year for composite cards, in addition to couriers, postage, working visa's, legal and accounting fees. Professional models understand that this is simply the cost of doing business and it is standard in the industry for the model to cover these promotional expenses.
Don't make the mistake of telling an agent to pay for your expenses. Agents consider this extremely rude, presumptuous and unprofessional and it is a sure fire way to make the agent show you the door. If an agent is willing to help you financially they will offer it. Keep in mind this is extremely rare and is generally offered only by large agencies in markets such as New York, Paris or Milan and they will deduct what you owe them the moment you book a job.
Agencies in smaller markets simply do not have the resources to finance new models. However, the agencies in smaller markets are very important to a new model's career. Most models do not start at the top in big New York or Paris agencies, rather they learn the business, develop their look and build their books in the smaller market agencies. If you have the opportunity to work with an agency in a smaller market don't pass it up, they can be a valuable asset to your career. And please, please don't expect modeling agencies to finance your career. Remember that agents are just that - they are AGENTS. They are not bankers or magicians.
Normal Start-Up Expenses
Test shoot with a photographer
You should pay no more than $85 - $125 per roll of film and should shoot at least 3 rolls. It is not necessary to shoot more than 3 - 5 rolls of film with one photographer.
You will then need prints made from your shoot. Photographers usually charge $20 - $25 per 9 x 12 print. Models do not use 8 x 10's.
Make-up Artist
Professional make-up artists usually charge between $85 - $150 flat rate. This should include at least 3 looks and basic hairstyling.
Clothing Stylist
A clothing stylist will go to stores and gather up-to-date clothes and accessories for your shoot. Rates are generally $125 - $175 flat rate. Clothing stylists are optional but highly recommended if you can find a good one in your area.
Website
A website is the best promotional tool that you can have these days. With the agencies being more available through the internet it would behove you to invest in your own website, Myspace, Facebook, and other community sites are ok for fanbase building but not for your main promotional tool
After your shoot you can print composite cards or laser copy 3-4 of your photos on one sheet of paper. If you already have an agency they may recommend a good printer that prints composite cards. Prices can vary greatly for composite cards and laser copies so it is a good idea to check around. You may be required to cover the cost to have your photos placed on a headsheet, in an agency promo book or on the agency's website. These are all normal and perfectly legitimate expenses.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
RUNWAY MODELING TIPS
RUNWAY MODELING TIPS
When it comes to runway modeling tips, you must realize one thing... YOU ARE A HUMAN COAT HANGER!
Your purpose on the runway, is to display the designers clothes.
The second thing you need to realize when runway modeling is that this is a really good opportunity to get good exposure and future bookings.
So in order for you to A) Be a good coat hanger and B) Get exposed and get future bookings, have compiled a list of runway modeling tips for you to study.
The best runway modeling tip to give though, is that you should watch professional models on the runway. Recording a runway show would be best because then you can go over it time and time again.
Although watching these tapes many times may help, you still may miss a few important runway modeling details. So we have outlined what you would probably not notice just by watching.
These also happen to be the things that most models mess up on and don't know. Your agent should teach you these, but they will be very pleased if you appear to already be a "natural".
Runway modeling tips #1: Eyes
Your eyes should be focused straight ahead of you. Looking off into the distance. Just find something on the back wall and focus on it.
WARNING: There will be bright lights aimed at you! Do not try and focus on a light unless you want to go blind and walk right over the ledge of the runway, because all you can see is the after image of the light bulb.
Runway modeling tips #2: Chin
Your chin should be down slightly while runway modeling. The reason for this is because every one will be sitting, looking up at you.
There will be many photographers taking pictures aimed up at you. So for your exposure aspect, you want to have good pictures taken of you so that they can be reused in magazines. You can then take these and add them to your portfolio.
Runway modeling tips #3: Shoulders
They shouldn't move much at all.
Your shoulders need to stay still as you walk. This can take a little getting used to but will not take long.
Runway modeling tips #4: Arms
A lot of models, when learning runway modeling, tend to swing their arms way too much. Your arms should only swing as much as your body makes them.
With men and women it is a little bit different of a swing. The reason for the difference is how a man takes his steps. His step will cause his whole arm to swing more while a woman's steps will cause her arms to swing more from her elbows down.
Next time you watch a model runway modeling, watch and see how their lower arm is doing most of the swinging.
Tip for WOMEN: Concentrate on keeping your upper arm in close and somewhat tight to your body. This will ensure that only the bottom half swings.
MEN: All you need to do is just let them swing naturally. Don't assist them at all.
Runway modeling tips #5: Hands
Now hands are surprisingly quite important while runway modeling.
Here's why: Say you are walking down the runway with your arms at your side. Then someone for a fashion magazine take an awesome picture of you.
Now this is a good picture! Everything looks perfect, until they look at you hands! Why? Because you, like most people, had your fingers curled in and up slightly.
So what's wrong with that you ask? You have no fingers!!!! At least in the picture it will look like you have no fingers! Like they all got chopped off!
Always remember to have your hands open with your fingers nearly totally straightened. Not totally straight (you don't want to look like a robot), but out enough to be visible.
Runway modeling tips #6: Legs
Legs refers to walking. Men just need to walk natural. The only difference is that you take longer strides. So instead of having 1.5 feet in between your strides increase it to 2.5 to 3 feet.
The main point is to take long strides without making it look unnatural.
Women need to also take longer strides, but they need to walk with one foot in front of the other. This causes their hips to sway, which gives their arms the swing that was described in the arms section.
Runway modeling tips #7: Posture
This is fairly basic runway modeling tip. Stand straight up, with your shoulders back. No hunching! That looks insecure and disgusting.
Although this is all important, it can change from designer to designer. But, the main key is confidence. When you have that, everything else just falls into place.
If you want to have more confidence, our How to become a model course is perfect for you! Check it out on our how to become a model page.
When it comes to runway modeling tips, you must realize one thing... YOU ARE A HUMAN COAT HANGER!
Your purpose on the runway, is to display the designers clothes.
The second thing you need to realize when runway modeling is that this is a really good opportunity to get good exposure and future bookings.
So in order for you to A) Be a good coat hanger and B) Get exposed and get future bookings, have compiled a list of runway modeling tips for you to study.
The best runway modeling tip to give though, is that you should watch professional models on the runway. Recording a runway show would be best because then you can go over it time and time again.
Although watching these tapes many times may help, you still may miss a few important runway modeling details. So we have outlined what you would probably not notice just by watching.
These also happen to be the things that most models mess up on and don't know. Your agent should teach you these, but they will be very pleased if you appear to already be a "natural".
Runway modeling tips #1: Eyes
Your eyes should be focused straight ahead of you. Looking off into the distance. Just find something on the back wall and focus on it.
WARNING: There will be bright lights aimed at you! Do not try and focus on a light unless you want to go blind and walk right over the ledge of the runway, because all you can see is the after image of the light bulb.
Runway modeling tips #2: Chin
Your chin should be down slightly while runway modeling. The reason for this is because every one will be sitting, looking up at you.
There will be many photographers taking pictures aimed up at you. So for your exposure aspect, you want to have good pictures taken of you so that they can be reused in magazines. You can then take these and add them to your portfolio.
Runway modeling tips #3: Shoulders
They shouldn't move much at all.
Your shoulders need to stay still as you walk. This can take a little getting used to but will not take long.
Runway modeling tips #4: Arms
A lot of models, when learning runway modeling, tend to swing their arms way too much. Your arms should only swing as much as your body makes them.
With men and women it is a little bit different of a swing. The reason for the difference is how a man takes his steps. His step will cause his whole arm to swing more while a woman's steps will cause her arms to swing more from her elbows down.
Next time you watch a model runway modeling, watch and see how their lower arm is doing most of the swinging.
Tip for WOMEN: Concentrate on keeping your upper arm in close and somewhat tight to your body. This will ensure that only the bottom half swings.
MEN: All you need to do is just let them swing naturally. Don't assist them at all.
Runway modeling tips #5: Hands
Now hands are surprisingly quite important while runway modeling.
Here's why: Say you are walking down the runway with your arms at your side. Then someone for a fashion magazine take an awesome picture of you.
Now this is a good picture! Everything looks perfect, until they look at you hands! Why? Because you, like most people, had your fingers curled in and up slightly.
So what's wrong with that you ask? You have no fingers!!!! At least in the picture it will look like you have no fingers! Like they all got chopped off!
Always remember to have your hands open with your fingers nearly totally straightened. Not totally straight (you don't want to look like a robot), but out enough to be visible.
Runway modeling tips #6: Legs
Legs refers to walking. Men just need to walk natural. The only difference is that you take longer strides. So instead of having 1.5 feet in between your strides increase it to 2.5 to 3 feet.
The main point is to take long strides without making it look unnatural.
Women need to also take longer strides, but they need to walk with one foot in front of the other. This causes their hips to sway, which gives their arms the swing that was described in the arms section.
Runway modeling tips #7: Posture
This is fairly basic runway modeling tip. Stand straight up, with your shoulders back. No hunching! That looks insecure and disgusting.
Although this is all important, it can change from designer to designer. But, the main key is confidence. When you have that, everything else just falls into place.
If you want to have more confidence, our How to become a model course is perfect for you! Check it out on our how to become a model page.
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