Iris Apfel Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
Behind the Scenes from a photo shoot I recently did. It is still in editing.
THIS IMAGE IS UNEDITED
I decided to pursue modeling not too long ago. I never imagined it would open up doors to other opportunities. But most of all I had no idea that I would be up against all odds. A lot of people ask me questions, email me and are simply intrigued with wanting to know how to get into this industry and what it takes. The fact is that I played a role as an industry professional behind the scenes. Although I received a lot of media coverage and exposure because of my other accomplishments, modeling was a different story.
In this industry beauty depends on the beholder. Your big eyes, big lips and soft skin may not be perfect for one agency but another agency will simply love you. Your dark skin, small eyes and small lips may be great for a campaign featuring you but not for a print ad. This is a fickle industry and you must have the backbone to withstand many no’s and many doors closing.
There are industry standards and these are fact. Designers make clothes for models to walk the runway and their idea of a perfect model male or female is the body of a 14 year old boy. This is not something I made up, this is something everyone learns when they study fashion. It sounds strange but they are looking for their clothes to hang beautifully and their ideal model has just that type of body. 5’7 is short in this industry. But 5’7 and above are able to meet more requirements that someone under 5’7. If you are over 30 the odds of you making it in this industry are slim to none. You have to have great skin, healthy hair, good teeth. You have to be anywhere from a size 0-2 (4 maybe) to be a straight size high fashion model and as a plus model we are looking at anywhere from an 8 to a size 16 in any other platform in this industry. Even as a plus model one must have height.
As an aspiring, petite model I have close to no opportunities. But then sometimes something amazing happens. Like when Mac Cosmetics choose its newest face to be a 90 year old woman named Iris Apfel. All logic and industry standards are thrown out the window. But it is a small window of opportunity.
How do you stay ahead of the game? How do you set a foot into this industry and become well known? As an aspiring plus model these are the things I learned. These are the things I recommend:
- Get a coach. Just like you would see a trainer to get fit and healthy. Get a modeling coach. I recommend Plus Super Model Tracie Stern. She can be found at www.theofficialtraciestern.com. She coaches all aspiring and current models. They include straight size, plus size, fitness, etc.
- Start taking care of yourself. This means put money and work into your skin, body (yes that may mean losing weight and getting fit), hair, and teeth.
- Get some clean photos done. You don’t need professional head shots and body shots to send to an agency. What they want is clean and natural. However, I think it is a great opportunity for you to get in front of the camera and practice. Make sure you have a great head shot and full body shot.
- Learn movement. I am a trained personal trainer, group fitness instructor and a lot of the fitness classes I taught were dance based. I naturally move like a Latina dancer. But when I stepped in front of the camera I would tense up. It was different. Ballet is a beautiful way to soften your moves.
- Get involved locally. I hate this idea because I am a big dreamer. I want it all now or I do not want it at all. But you have to start somewhere. If you are lucky to call home New York City, California or another big city then you are one step ahead. But do not think that opportunities may not present themselves even in small towns.
I have learned so much about myself through this process. I can honestly tell you to not be afraid of taking on other opportunities. I have had amazing offers because of my steps to be in front of the camera as a petite plus model. If you see that there are no opportunities do not be afraid to create your own. Keep your concepts clean, natural, light and fun. You always want to show yourself in the best light. You always want to make sure you look young. Last but not least know yourself. Know enough about this industry that you know your limits and where you belong. I am 5’2 and there is a very limited need for a 5’2 plus model like myself. But that does not mean that there are no opportunities or a need for me.
Last but not least remember you are your best walking advertisement. You are your own billboard. I will continue to document this glamorous or not so glamorous journey. Why? Simply because it is a great way to document change as it happens in an industry where you are not the one that sets the standards for beauty.
Even after all of my accomplishments as a Fashion Stylist, Makeup Artist, Fitness Expert and Writer I stepped into this world and it was no longer about me. It was about the models that sold the product, models that defied what I had thought beauty was and it has become a challenge that I face with fervor. Why? Because I plan on breaking all the rules. I plan to create a new mold that others can fit into in a models world.
