Classic8Media

THE PLUS ACADEMY BAY AREA FASHIONSA PLATFORM FOR THE ASPIRING PLUS MODEL

San Francisco, California-Aspiring plus models now have the platform to build, develop, and enhance their modeling skills with the launch of The Plus Academy BAY AREA.  Executive Director, Gwen DeVoe has carefully chosen her staff and has appointed plus size fashion blogger, journalist, and boutique owner, Marie Denee, as the Regional Director for the Bay Area.

On April 10th, 2010, the Plus Academy BAY AREA will host its first open house in partnership with plus size fashion designer, Igigi. Potential attendees of the Plus Academy BAY AREA will have theopportunity to meet with Executive Director, Gwen DeVoe, and regional director, Marie Denee.  Instructors for the Plus Academy BAY AREA will also be inattendance.  These instructors include former model and runway coach, Charleston Pierce of Charleston Pierce Presents; Fashion on the Square directorand producer, Y’Anad Burrell; professional model, Dana Roeting; and makeup artist Tracey Brown of BlingingBeauty.

The Plus Academy BAY AREA is also proud to announce its sponsors for the first Spring session.  They include Igigi, Plus Model Magazine, East Bay Loop, Bay Area Professional Women Network (BAPWN), Hands of Healing Massage and Spa Studio, Classic8 Designs, Full Figure Entertainment, and Naturally Delicious Skin.

Please visit the website for more information about the Plus Academy BAY AREA.

About the Executive Director, Gwen DeVoe

Gwen DeVoe, C.E.O. of DeVoe Signature Events, has risen tointernational prominence recently for creating and producing the first ever Full Figured Fashion Week™ in NewYork.  Featured in the finale fashion show were models whose careers havebeen shaped by training through Gwen DeVoe's Plus Academy, the country's leading training and development academy dedicated to plus size women and teens.

About The Plus Academy

Since 1999, the Plus Academy has provided unsurpassed training and guidance, helping to launch the careers of several plus models, many of whom have appeared in print ads, runway showcases, television programs, online magazines, designer showcases, pageants and more.  They have also offered a variety of personal development and lifestyle workshops for plus sizewomen and pre-teenagers.

Gwen has expanded her Academy to reach plus size women on a regional level.  In March, The Plus Academy debuted across the country, with workshops taught by a team of professionals who are experienced in the plus size market and in conducting workshops associated with issues affecting plus size models.  "I am delighted to announce the openings of several Plus Academy programs across the nation…” beams Gwen DeVoe. “ …aspiring plus models need a place where they can get credible training in an industry that is already very tough to maneuver.  We pride ourselves on being the number oneresource for all things related to the plus modeling industry."

The Plus Academy has been integral in the success of several plus models who received their training with the academy.  Former student and plus model Shanta Washington feels that her training at The Academy was essential to her growth as a model. "ThePlus Academy served as the gateway to success AND self acceptance for me at apivotal time in my life…”, Shanta reflects. “The Academy was the greatest starting point for me as an aspiring model while at the same time, the instructors and volunteers helped me to become in touch withmy inner self...they taught me self acceptance on another level. I would never trade my experiences and the knowledge gained through The Plus Academy and the Director, Gwen DeVoe for anything in the world...I owe my career to it!" Shanta has gone on to appear in several magazines, including Essence.

For more information regarding Open House dates and PlusAcademy locations across the country, please visit The Plus Academy Fan Page on Facebook or email your nearest regional representative at the following addresses:

The Plus Academy ATLANTA

Director: Rhonda Wilkins

Email: info@plusacademyatlanta.com

website: www.plusacademyatlanta.com

www.twitter.com/plusacademyatl

The Plus Academy DETROIT

Director: Cassandra Jones-McBryde

Email: plusacademydetroit@gmail.com

website: www.plusacademydetroit.com

www.twitter.com/plusacademyDET

The Plus Academy VIRGINIA

Director: Bella Styles

Email: plusacademyvirginia@gmail.com

www.twitter.com/plusacademy_VA

The Plus Academy NEW YORK

Director: Tonya Giddens

Email: plusacademynewyorkcity@gmail.com

The Plus Academy CHICAGO

Director: Myisha Hill

Email: plusacademychicago@gmail.com

www.twitter.com/plusacademyCHI

The Plus Academy BAY AREA

Director:  Marie Denee

Email:  plusacademybayarea@gmail.com

www.plusacademybayarea.com

So you started modeling..you might even think your pictures are great.  But if you don't know any more than one or two easy poses the photographer MIGHT have shown you, your looking pretty dull to everyone else.  Here are some easy tips to take your modeling to the next level:

1) Take all of your favorite magazines & look for your favorite pictures & poses.  Study the pose, the nature & style of the picture, the expression in the face & how it all comes together.

2) Rip out the pictures you like most & want to try.  You can paste them into a cheap art book & make a modeling reference book.  This is what I've done as a model & photographer over the years & it helps the models A LOT!  You can go to any local Walgreens, Target etc. to find a blank art book and some paste.

3) Practice the poses & FACE EXPRESSIONS in the mirror.  Look at how the light hits your face.  You want to practice these things because this is how you will create your best angles for a photographer. 

4) Practice an "event pose" or "red carpet pose" that is the basic, hand on the hip smile or looking over the shoulder.  These are simple poses great for when photographers or fans take random shots.  You don't want to look a sloppy mess in these pictures, they will end up anywhere and everywhere!

5) If you can, get a CD of your photo shoots with all the pictures so that you can study every picture and see what poses works for you & what doesn't work for you.

Good luck!!!

One thing I'm noticing is a lot of start out models do not have a bio, and when they are asked for one they have no idea what to give.

Every model should not only have a bio ready but also have a resume and Comp Card.

A resume is simply a list of the most valuable modeling jobs you've done.  Run way shows, big budget videos with big name artists, campaign ads, clothing companies, any large company you where associated with put it on your resume.  Write the resume as you go along.

A Comp card or Zen card is a models business card.  It should have a good simple head shot and body shot, along with your contact information and measurements.

*Please note: The reason most head shots are done in black & white is so that there is no distraction when casting directors are looking through thousands of pictures they just want to see your face features and expression.

A bio is actually very easy to do.  You want to keep it simple yet interesting.  You don't want to make it too personal.  For example, I know a lot of us have kids but the people you are seeking to work with do not care that you love your kids.  If anything that shows that your mind is not on the project at hand they will need you for instead you may not be reliable if you have a family.  So keep it short sweet and to the point, example:

Bio:

Me'Shelle Williams aka "Classic8" is a diverse plus model/actress/photographer who also runs a model group called Figure 8 Models.  Her creative drive originated in trying different forms of art since she was a child.  Her style can range from cute & fashionable to diva and fierce.  On a good day she'll also pose for a provocative sexy look.  At a size 16 coke bottle body shape, she is very happy with her god given curves.  She believes that all women of all different shapes are beautiful and knows that men like a little bit of everything.

Height: 5'8"

Measurements: 47-38-52

Eyes: Green (color changing to blue)

Ethnicity: White, Cajun & Native American

Example Comp Card for Web Use:

I had to share some beauty advice, because I'm a photographer/model who runs a model group I am always asked advice.  Sometimes I don't always follow my own advice but I do know what I am supposed to do to stay healthy, pretty and young looking and stick with it at least 90% of the time.

For starters, my 2 favorite magazines for beauty tips and advice along with every day fashion are Glamour & Allure.  Recently I've read an article in the September 2009 issue of Allure "Mom Was Right" saying which of the usually nagging tips moms always give really where right.  I'd recomend checking that article out it covers everything I'm about to tell you.

1)  Stay away from refined processed sugar and foods.  Eating white bread & white sugar not only is bad for your body but your skin and causes breakouts.

2) Very important, and I want to stress this to women of color as well because it is often perceived not necessary for them.  Too much sun is the leading cause of wrinkles and skin damage!!! No seriously, as a photographer I have worked with all different shades of men & women and one of the worst things I see in skin (that I have to clean up badly in photo shop) is skin damage from light fair skin to dark complexion.  You will know you have skin damage from the sun because your skin is not all one skin tone, it is blotchy and even course in certain areas.  If you want to model especially this is a big no-no.  To prevent it use SPF & UV sun screen protection in your every day lotions, and cover up if you plan on staying in the sun a long period of time.  An umbrella works wonders.  If you have skin damage, I'd recomend using a good exfolient & mud mask.  That should be a weekly ritual anyways.

3) Smoking is another big source of wrinkles in case you didn't know yet (are you under a rock?)

4) Leaving hair on you face or your back can also cause break outs.  I've seen this before as well when taking pictures and it's a real pain to photo shop.  If you want to model you want to take care of your skin, photographers, designers, anyone who you may want to work with are less likely to work with you if you have pimples no matter how pretty you are.

5) Please please please, always remove make up as soon as you can, never leave it on all day.  Also clean your brushes (simple warm soap and water does it.  I use my shampoo and make up remover if it's not coming out).  Make up will ruin your skin so wearing it all day every day is not goot at all.

6) You may have heard this a thousand times but drinking water and eating real fruits and vegetables, getting your natural vitamins is the best source to giving you good healthy skin.  Trust me from my own experience, since I've starting eating fruit and vegetables instead of starchy carbohydrates all day I feel and look so much better.

I hope this helps, stay tuned I will be giving out more tips to help models, entertainers and every day beautiful people.

On a regular basis I get emails asking me “How do I get started to be a model?” The problem with the answer is, once I push you in the direction of getting started, will you stick with it?

So let’s say you want to be a model, or just play like you’re a model to look good, get pictures and men along with the glory. There is one thing you should always understand. Although being a model is far from needing a college degree it still requires skill and having talent is often a much needed plus. I’ve heard before that models don’t need talent, I beg to differ. It depends on what kind of model you want to be. Sure, if you simply want to model for random photographers for fun not caring about the end result you probably don’t need talent. But if you want to go far and beyond the regular looking model being diverse with your skills and look I do believe that not only does that require some level of talent but a passion to model as well.

So to start, I ask you, do you want to be a model or do other people also want you to be a model? Often times models start to be models because they where asked. Models tend to have a particular look that a photographer, designer, or who ever is directing the need for the model wants. Here are some helpful tips that can help you be not just a model, but a desired one.

1) Learn the industry – What kind of model do you want to be? Fashion, Glamour, Commercial, Commercial Print, Parts, Catalog, Plus, Swimwear, Fetish, the list goes on and on. These are particular types of modeling. Google anything you want to know and you will find a wealth of information. The best models can do multiple types of modeling. To learn what is required of each type is a must. Not only to learn what the standard is, but what is the standard in your location. Different locations are slightly different in requirements for models. Picking the industry that fits your look, size, and height is best advised. I you find out that your look is not often used for a particular type of modeling but still want to do it, you’ll have to work harder at it than other models who already have the exact look and measurement the that industry is looking for. In short, make yourself stand out from the rest.

2) Grooming & Style – Obviously grooming and style are a must. For example, would you go to a shoot or audition that requires you to show your legs and not shave your legs ahead of time?

Your hands and nails should always look neat and clean. It's common for fashion and commercial to require clean short nails, while glamour often uses french tip.

Also, it’s also not about how much make up you can cover yourself with, but can you still look good without make up? Taking care of your skin, hair, nails and body are part of your job as a model. Even a plus model is required to have good shape.

3) Networking – Network, network, network. It’s better to network with other models than compete from a distance, that way you can stay in the loop with all functions such as event, castings and auditions. Networking with photographers is a must, they have an inside few of the industry models don’t have. Designers, publishers, and club promoters are also very good to know depending on what modeling you do. Don’t assume if you put your picture up on the internet you’ll be seen, that’s not good enough. People in the industry want to see you in person too.

4) Portfolio – Getting your portfolio together can be time consuming. But don’t think of it as a choir, it should be fun. After all, this is what you want to do, take pictures.

You should be careful which photographers you work with, the quality level of their work will be the quality level of your port. You should especially be careful because they are still strangers you are meeting off the internet. Best thing you can do is talk on the phone to the people you are interested in working with and ask questions. Someone who is hiding information is someone you don't want to work with. The exception is for example, video shoots working with high profile artists who will disclose locations last minute. But even with videos, shouldn't you know about the theme before you go? You might have to play a role that will degrade you how would you know if you don't ask?

If your pictures and or any video of you look bad, you look bad as a model.

Also, Photo shop is not always your friend, don't rely on it. Casting directors, agencies, designers they all want to see how you really look. So having a few really fun photo shopped pictures are fine, make sure you have a few simple clean shots that show just your face, and some with your entire body. To print them it’s best to have high resolution (300) but most photographers for trade will only give a low resolution quality. In certain cases it may be worth paying for a photographer, but if you do make sure you research them and you get a full CD of your pictures in return.

So these are some of the starting fundamentals of becoming a model. Last bit of advice for this one, learn as much as you can. Seriously, listen to others who have actually been in the industry. My favorite show for learning all kinds of tips is America ’s Next Top Model. Love or hate Tyra Banks, she really is giving up so many industry secrets take advantage!

*How to be a good Model:

You should still be fit, healthy and a good role model.  You should be photogenic, and come to all photo shoots on time and ready to shoot.  You should also have a good sense of style and be prepared for anything.  Some good tips are:

Always bring extras:
*Cloths (simple black dress, strapless bra and a good pair of jeans and simple fitting white tee are good examples)
*Extra Make up (You never know if there is an emergency and the make up artist or designer can't make the shoot) and make up remover
*High Heel Shoes (Black almost always are best, but white and red are also good if you have them) or anything related to the theme of the shoot

*Learn to pose-for most people that really does mean practice.  A lot of people take modeling lightly but it can be an art form.  It's also a lot of work.  You need to pose from you head to your toes, just when you figure out the perfect pose for your entire body you have to remember your face.  Your hands, your feet, these are the biggest mistakes I see in new models.  One little wrong twist of the wrist or awkward position of your foot can throw off an otherwise great picture.  It's a good idea to watch other models and get tips from as many people as you can. 
*Understand what the photographer does as well.  Knowing your angles, lighting and shadow is very helpful.
*Don't throw up a few camera phone pictures on web sites and expect to be paid just because your the prettiest girl in your school or neighborhood.  An agency can get you paid jobs, but any agency will tell you to practice, build your port and do TFCD first.  That's because you need to practice and learn to model, and also, if your just in it for the money you probably won't last long.  And no one is interested in working with a flaky model who does not know what they are doing let alone pay one!

These are just simple tips I've learned as a photographer and model to ensure a good photo shoot.