I Can Style U Blog

Welcome to The Urban Jungle.  Today we will examine the Endangered Species Modelus Perfectus. 

Modelus Perfectus is a mammal sub-species coming  from the diverse yet thriving general class of Modelus Commonus.  They range in color and size from tiny to muscular, dark to light.  One of the most beautiful creatures of our world the Modelus Perfectus is on the brink of extinction.  These elusive animals are rarely seen in the wild and seldom held in captivity.

Unique characteristics of Modelus Perfectus include:

• arrives to photo-shoots at  least 15 minutes before call time.
• carries a ”model bag” armed with various kinds of undergarments, snacks , a variety of shoes, hair extensions, and clothing choices.
• always bikini ready
• perfectly manicured hands and feet
• clean/dry face and hair
• an absence of visible roots
• a professional and sunny disposition
• the ability to follow photographers instructions
• the absence of complaints
• does NOT mess with clothing or makeup after the Stylist/Makeup artist are finished
• carries “current” updated Comp Card that shows their “current”  hair color and length along with “current” body type (not ones from 10 years ago like their cousins Modelus Commonus)
• will never eat, drink, or smoke in their shooting wardrobe
• always drinks from a straw as to avoid messing up lips

Modelus Perfectus evolved from their Modelus Commonus ancestors by useing  their limbs to cat-walk, pose, and overall out beautify other Modelus species, setting themselves apart. 

Many Modelus Perfectus have adopted certain “moves” when in a photo session which make them easy to distinguish such as elbows forward not back, elongated neck i.e. turtle neck , and the infamous slouchy shoulders and rounded back.

In order to maintain a high constant body quality the Modelus Perfectus needs a nutritious and plentiful diet along with an energetic workout regimen.  The most common out of captivity sightings of Modelus Perfectus occur at gyms, pilates classes and health food stores.

Conservation of this species is vital.   Destructive Modelus Commonus activities  and bad set habits have spread over to the Modelus Perfectus group and led to the current rate of species extinction, which is at least 100–1,000 times higher than the expected natural rate.  We must direct our conservation efforts toward youthful Modelus Commonus who have the potential to evolve into Modelus Perfectus but have not been shown the way or have developed these bad habits!  The key is to encourage and teach this next generation  or we will lose this sub-species all together! 

Please join our conservation efforts by encouraging all Modelus Commonus to read these Model Bootcamp Blog Tips and hopefully together we can help to rebuild the invaluable and irreplaceable Modelus Perfectus species as well as protect and save it  so that future generations can experience their presence, value, and majestic beauty.

Prints and Logos and Stains Oh My!!

Models. Models. Models.  What am I going to do with you?  Just when I thought you were all on the road to recovery from reading my Blog Posts, I worked a job where your clothing selections made me very sad. 

Its time for another review on Set Etiquette and what to bring to a shoot!

The clothing you bring to a shoot is very important!  It is a reflection of the kind of model you are!  DO NOT cram your clothing selections into a grocery bag or your handbag!  Please pack them carefully into a hanging travel bag or suitcase!  Why should the photographer or director and stylist have to dig through a grocery bag to look at your clothing?  This looks VERY unprofessional!

Please DO NOT bring clothing that has stains, is ripped, frayed, or worn out!  I spent 20 minutes with stain remover, a sponge and a blow-dryer on a talents clothing yesterday!  A Stylist is not a laundry service and this can hold up an entire shoot!

Make sure the clothing you bring is CLEAN!  I cannot tell you how many times I start to steam a talents clothing only to have a wafting stink smell of  B.O. assault me!  Ewe. Wash your clothes!!

While we are on the subject of smells….PLEASE not only do you need to wear deodorant to set (believe it or not many talent DON’T!) but please have some in your model bag for touch ups throughout the day!  If you are a sweater..make sure you bring an undershirt to prevent wet arm-pitting showing through your shirt on set.

Make sure the clothing you bring has NO LOGOS!  Come on guys!  This is modeling 101,  yet I continue to see “Affliction” t-shirts and “Polo” shirts brought to shoots.  WE CANNOT SHOOT LOGOS!

Gents, please do not bring pleated pants unless you are over the age of 60 or you are shooting a golf look!  And while we are at it, NO DOUBLE BREASTED SUITS!  Come on where did you even find that?

If you are on a video shoot make sure the clothing you bring has no crazy patterns, solids are best.  The camera cannot process the patterns properly and results in an effect call “Moire” where the shirt looks all squiggly and weird.

Gents on set, DO NOT put your wallet, cell phone, keys, money, etc in your pant pockets!  On camera it will appear that you have strange lumps all over you!  Please find a safe place to leave these things!  Ladies DO NOT bring your handbag to set!  The Stylist and Makeup Artist cannot do their jobs while watching all the talents handbags!  Nor do we want to be responsible for them!

It is important to look and act professional on set and the clothing you bring makes the first impression!  Please take care of it and treat it with respect!  Many times the clothing you have plays a big part in where you get placed in the shot!  Do you want us to see the back of your blurry head in the Ad or YOU front and center?  Your clothing options can make the difference!

I have recently become very aware that people are actually reading my “Model Tips” and following them! 

Last week a model asked if she could have a smoke break (she was still in wardrobe) and before the photographer or I could answer the photo assistant said “You can’t while your still in wardrobe!” Then admitted he read that on my Blog!

And a few shoots back a model was on set getting ready to shoot and said “Oh no I better spit my gum out before I end up in Christie’s blog!”  Hilarious!

So my children I will continue with the Model Bootcamp Tips as they are obviously helping and are providing me with entertainment!

Size Matters!!

Most Important Tip ever! 

NEVER under any circumstance Lie to a Stylist about what size clothing you wear! 

Believe it or not this happens all the time!  I once did a “period” shoot that I had to prep in LA and then fly all the wardrobe to Reno where we were shooting.  The model/actress had told me she was a size 4.  So I pulled all size 4 1960’s period wardrobe for her. 

My assistant and I were in the motorhome setting up for the day when she walked in. 

I said “Hi can I help you”?  Not knowing who this girl was and wondering why she was in the motorhome.

She said “Oh yes I’m your talent for today”. 

My jaw dropped and I stood in silence while  I had a long internal monologue of curse words. 

There was no way this girl was a size 4!  She was a size 10 if anything! 

I looked over at my assistant who had a bead of sweat running down her forehead and a crazy “runaway bride” look in her eyes.  I motioned for her to  step outside with me to try  to figure this out. 

It was “period” clothing folks!  No quick trip to the mall was gonna fix this!  Luckily I had bought myself a dress while vintage shopping and it fit her (barely).  Whew!

Please don’t do this to a Stylist!  Know your sizes and save yourself the embarrassment of having a stylist try to cram and stuff your jiggly parts into something that isn’t really your size or worse you bust a seam or rip the clothing trying to make it fit!

  As a model it is VERY important that you know your sizes!!  There have been numerous occasions where I call a model for sizes and they say “I don’t know”.  Unless you live in a nudist colony how do you not know your own sizes!

And ladies!  You are either a 2 , 4 or 6 you are not a 3 or 5 those are Juniors sizes! 

Here is what you need to know:

Ladies:

• Chest/bra size
• Waist
• Hip
• Dress
• Shoe
• Bikini
• Height
• Weight

Gents:

• Jacket (in a number like 42R not a small, medium or large)
• Neck
• Sleeve
• Waist
• Inseam
• Shoe
• Hat
• Height
• Weight

If you don’t know these sizes get measured!!  Department store tailors will do this for free!

You should also let the Stylist know if you have any Tattoos (which may need to be covered by clothing or makeup) and if you have pierced ears or any other piercing that may interfere with how the clothing lays.

Ah my little models. Here is an addition to my  series on Model Tips and my ongoing Quest to make the Models I know and work with the best they can be! Welcome to Model Bootcamp!

I know some of this seems harsh but its in your best interest.  The last thing you want to do on a job is annoy, upset or alienate the people that hire you.  This is not to say that you cannot stand up for yourself if you are being treated badly on a job, but always be careful of what you say and how you act. Instead of confronting anyone on your job talk to your agent about the situation.

I have been noticing Models do little things on shoots lately that I thought everyone knew was a NO NO..but it occurred to me that some things I take for granted that every model should know, they don’t! Either they were never taught or they have forgotten over time.

There are several “faux pas” that a model can commit on set.  Proper set etiquette shows how experienced or inexperienced you are.  To look like a pro please follow my advice.

First and Foremost : NO GUM CHEWING ON SET!!  It doesn’t matter if you try to hide it in your mouth.  Eventually there will be a shot where your mouth is slightly open or you are laughing and BAM there it is right in the shot.  Or worse (as I have seen happen) you laugh and the gum flies out of your mouth.   More commonly you may unknowingly start chomping on the gum making your mouth look deformed in the photos.  Leave the Hubba Bubba at home kids!  No Gum!

Second: Hands off!  Hands off the hair, the makeup and the clothing!  If the photographer calls the hair/makeup artist or stylist to adjust something, let them do it!  DO NOT try to adjust it yourself.  I know you are trying to help but you cannot see what the camera sees!  We are  looking on the monitor or through the camera and know what to fix.

Third:  Stay in your position!  If the photographer is shooting and calls the hair/makeup or stylist into adjust something DO NOT move out of the position for them to do so!  What needs to be fixed needs to be done so in that position!

Fourth:  Always be on time!  On time means 15 min. early! There is an entire crew under the stress of working against time to get as many shots done as possible.  Don’t be the hold-up.

Fifth: Be professional! Approach your job with professionalism whether its paid, for tears, or a test.  You agreed to it.  Be professional.

Sixth:  Listen.  Listen to the Photographers directions.  Don’t argue or complain.  Take their directi0n properly.  Getting on a photographers good side ensures you of more work in the future.

Seventh: NO Self Tanner, perfume, scented lotions.  You may bring these items with you and ask the stylist if you may use them but especially on Editorial shoots the clothing must be returned to the store or Designer and cannot have tanner all over the inside or smell like a French whore.

EIGHTH: NO smoking or eating in the wardrobe..same reason as SEVEN.

Lastly:  DO NOT Remove tags on the clothing!  If you see a tag tuck it or inform the Stylist.  Do NOT remove it yourself!

Please read the other posts: Models Causing Mayhem and Sorry but remember you’re a hanger.

Let the Sun Shine in!

The weather is beautiful and every one’s thoughts are drifting to beaches, tanning , outdoor photo shoots and fun in the sun. 

Models will be rushing to tanning beds and outdoor pools to get swimsuit ready( and I know your tricks of going to multiple tanning salons on the same day to try to get more time in the beds!  You naughty girls!!)

Crews will be spending long hot days in the sun (and no matter how much the Vanity Squad offers sunscreen you will put it on once and forget or become to busy to reapply and end up with a terrible burn!)

Here is a reminder on why being Sun Cautious is so important!

Below are statistics from The Skin Cancer Foundation 

http://www.skincancer.org/Skin-Cancer-Facts/

I know!  You’re saying ” I like the sun! I don’t want to avoid it!” and “I don’t want to look like Dracula all summer”

You can still enjoy the sun and have a nice tan.  You just need to be a little more creative with it!

 Here are several ways:

Sunscreen                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

With so many brands of sunscreen available, selecting the right sunscreen can be difficult. These tips from the American Melanoma Foundation may help you in making your selection:

• Dermatologists strongly recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater year-round for all skin types. If you are fair-skinned and sunburn easily, you may want to select a sunscreen with a higher SPF to provide additional protection. Using a cream, oil or lotion is a matter of personal choice, but keep in mind that most oils do not contain sufficient amounts of sunscreen and usually have an SPF of less than 2. All sunscreens need to be reapplied, so follow the guidelines written on the sunscreen bottle. Gel sunscreens tend to sweat off and, therefore, need to be reapplied more frequently. Remember, expensive sunscreens are not necessarily of better quality.

• Choose a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA radiation. PABA, or para-aminobenzoic acid, was one of the original ultraviolet B (UVB) protecting ingredients in sunscreens. However, some people’s skin is sensitive to PABA, and it also can cause staining of clothing. Today, PABA has been refined and newer ingredients called PABA esters (such as glycerol PABA, padimate A and padimate O) can be found in sunscreens. PABA and PABA esters only protect against UVB radiation, the sun’s burning rays that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. Also look for other UVB absorbers listed in the ingredients such as salicylates and cinnamates.

CLOTHING

There are several places you can purchase UV-protective clothing ands hats.  REI carries a wide range but my favorite is Sun Precautions http://www.sunprecautions.com/

SUNLESS TANNING AND SUNLESS TANNING LOTIONS

Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunless tanning products are commonly sold as creams, gels, lotions and sprays you apply to your skin. Professional spray-on tanning also is available at many salons, spas and tanning businesses.

This one is for all my lovely models.   I am hoping you agree with me when I say that sometimes we all need a refresher course.  Remember  you are a mirror of what people want to strive-for, become or look like one day reflecting the image the client wants to portray.

 Models expressing their opinion at inappropriate times.  When to express them and when to repress them.

The following scenarios happen more times than not:

MODEL SCENARIO #1:
The stylist dresses you in clothing that the client has selected according to the look they are trying to achieve.  In some situations the stylist contacted  companies a month in advance to secure the latest trends in your sizes and sometimes the stylist has searched high-and-low, all-around-town, and late into the night to acquire the specific requested items.

You put them on, you walk out into a room full of clients, producers, photographer, etc.

You sulk around looking miserable and the client asks you “Do you like it?” and you reply “I hate it” or “It should be shorter” or “I would never wear this”.

They were asking your opinion to be nice, plain-and-simple. The client does not really want your opinion. The client has a specific look they are trying to achieve and the stylist pulled according to their directive.
 
I don’t care if they put you in a banana suit and asked you to sing “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, you should wear that like you own it! Be the “sexiest hottest banana” you can be!

If there is some sort of major problem with the outfit please talk to the stylist privately. Do not discuss the issue in room full of people.

We are here to work with you not against you, we want you to look your best (within the parameters the client gave us).

MODEL SCENARIO #2:
The same can be said for the makeup. On numerous occasions I have watched a client give the makeup artist instructions on how they want the makeup—the artist brings that description to fruition only to have the model sneak off to the bathroom to change it and magically appear on set completely different—then the client confronts the makeup artist with a “What happened? Why didn’t you follow my instructions?” Don’t be “Mary Kay” and start your own make-up business right then and there – trust in the artisan, believe that they will create an amazing effect on you that will translate beautifully to film.

After you read this blog post please read the one called “Models Causing Mayhem” as well.

 Recently I have noticed models  slacking on what they bring to shoots,   which makes the job very difficult for the stylist who already has so much to keep in order.

I’m not sure if its laziness, being too busy, or simply not knowing but I thought I would give a little refresher course!

If you put a bag together with these items and leave it in your car you will always be prepared!

In addition to anything specific the Stylist asked you to bring,

Female models should ALWAYS bring the following:

1. a shoe bag which contains at least 3 pairs of heels (a metallic,  black, and  nude or neutral) These shoes need to be in nice condition.

2. a variety of undergarments (including a nude thong, nude and black strapless bras, a regular bra and any breast enhancement pads you may need)

3. Always have a nude or neutral manicure and pedicure (unless told otherwise)

4. Remove all personal jewelry including wedding ring (unless told otherwise)

Male Models should ALWAYS bring:

1. a shoe bag with at least 3 pairs of shoes (including black dress shoes, brown dress shoes, and a seasonal shoe)

2. a variety of belts

3. black dress socks

4. manicured feet and hands

Remember when a stylist asks you to bring items to a shoot the more the better!  Solids are always better on camera than patterns.

We have amazing jobs.  Take pride in what you do and show up with items that reveal the professional that you are!