The Next Step(s)

I went to a casting (courtesy of Craigslist) for an agency just starting up, called Kimistry Entertainment (located in Soho, a reputable neighborhood!). [Tip: Always do research before you go to any casting - google the location, name of who is in charge, name of the event ... any info you have! This is to ensure your safety and prevent you from wasting your time.] This "agency" (I use quotes because it doesn't seem like it would be successful) is run by a chic who told me I needed photos - um yea ok (just so you know, if someone sees potential in you they will hire you regardless). Oh and she was planning to take 20% of all jobs booked (FYI that's a big cut for someone with little status to be taking). Needless to say, my visit to KE was -cue the sound effects- wah wah wah....but hey it happens. However, something positive came out of that experience: the guy I was waiting with talked to me about his modeling (super cool) and told me about the website ModelMayhem.com.


Life Changer !


If you want to be a model or do some shoots for the hell of it, Model Mayhem is the place to be (no joke). This site is full of opportunities. MM is like a myspace (def more official) for models, photographers, make-up artists (the abbrv. is MUA), hairstylists, wardrobe stylists, and designers. Get up your pics & stats and start networking. Everyone posts their portfolios and personal info on their page and has the ability to add friends, post castings, and send messages.

In order to gain a MM account your profile has to be approved, meaning the pics you upload have to be of good quality (aka no cam whore pics, the site maintains a level of professionalism). When I joined the site I didn't have any prof photos so I posted pics that I believe highlight my features/look artsy (hoping they would show photographers etc. my potential).

Now it's time to explain TFCD: Time For CD, a type of compensation. It allows models/photogs/MUAs etc to work together without monetary expense (services are free!). The photog is obligated to provide whoever he/she works with for a shoot with a CD of the pictures. This kind of collaboration benefits everyone involved; they all get portfolio pics. I NEVER (nor will I in the future) pay for pictures or make-up and neither should you! There is always someone willing to work for TFCD (not the high status professionals though so don't even bother them haha).

Shortly after I set up my MM page, I was receiving comments & offers for shoots. I got lucky and scored two shoots from Craigslist as well. I spent my entire summer (since I had plenty of free time) building up a portfolio and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. Photoshoots are a lot of fun but are lot of work at the same time. They require a great deal of preparation and are extremely time consuming! (hours & hours, no exaggeration). Hence, they are crazy tiring (but always worth it). I've met a bunch of awesome people from shoots and have had lovely experiences.


---> http://www.modelmayhem.com/Berry18 <---


I did 7 (well 8 but I didn't like any pics from one of them) shoots between July & September:

1 - Soho, my own outfit & make-up, shot in "cool spots" - 1 look
*Fun Fact: I brought my sis to the shoot because I wanted some company.

2 - Studio, theme Vintage Glam, wardrobe/hair/make-up provided - 4 looks
*Fun Fact: The shoot was a family project: a chic, her husband, & her sister each had a role.

3 - Coney Island, my outfits & make-up, beach & boardwalk - 3 looks
*Fun Fact: I had to bring a tent to change on the beach.

4 - Central Park, headshot, my clothes & make-up provided - 1 look
*Fun Fact: boring!

5 - Dumbo Brooklyn, wardrobe/make-up provided, shot in "cool spots" - 3 looks
*Fun Facts: The photographer was pregnant, the clothes were from a boutique, & I wore the purple lashes home.

6 - Studio (city hotel room), Last Looks Makeup Academy, workshop for make-up students, focus was make-up/ hair provided, paid $60 - 3 looks
*Fun Fact: I requested that my last look be crazy (yay zebra).

7 - Williamsburg, theme Urban Alice in Wonderland for upcoming designer, wardrobe/make-up/hair provided, laundry mat & chinese restaurant - 2 looks
*Fun Fact: We got to eat the chinese food inbetween the scene.
Note --shots from this shoot are posted in the body of my profile on MM


I say yes to a shoot if I have time, if I'm approached respectfully, if the concept is inspiring, if I like the photographer's work, if clothes are provided, if an MUA will be there, if the location is interesting, or a combination of these various factors. I say yes when I have something to gain and I have gorgeous pictures to show for it & stories to tell.

[Tip: Take opportunities when they come to you, be openminded, smile & laugh, say your "thank you"s, andddd -drumroll for the cliche- keep a positive attitude!!!]


I went from nothing to amazing in a couple of months through my own initiative.


= )

"How long have you been modeling?"

If you want to get technical, this whole thing started when I was at the chubby age of 4. I did some fit modeling (that means trying on clothes) for a bit. ~shrugs~
Fastfoward to the summer of 05: I started taking classes on Saturdays at Barbizon Modeling School (located in the New Yorker Hotel located on 34th st & 8th ave).
Don't do that!
I had my fun there (and gained some confidence) but it was a massive waste of money:
a - it's overpriced for what it offers
b - it doesn't get any of its students work afterwards
~shakes head~
[Tip: Never pay for anything in regards to modeling, it's unnecessary. In this case, the phrase "It's an investment" is a LIE.]

Anyways, I learned how to apply a full face of makeup and walk a runway, and those skills have stayed with me. ~woot woot~
Graduation from the program is a big fashion show, mine was at F.I.T. (I gotta admit, it was good stuff) 4/06 I also made some cool friends (which is always a great thing):
Shout Out to my homegirl Helen! Special Mention: Aly! & Besa (who I miss but went completely MIA)

After Barbizon, I let the dreams of modeling rest for a while.
(age 16)

So I went on living life...

At some point, I was introduced to Craigslist and suddenly there were possibilities (!!!) In the talent section of the site, there are plenty of listings requesting models. Jackpot? Not really. Be advised that 90% (my estimate) of the postings are bullshit or just plain sketchy. However, when you come across something legit you're set. ; )

Gig 1 - Garden Party Fashion Show 5/13/08
~ small show for fun for student at F.I.T.


Gig 2 - iforfashion Rhapsody in Red, White, & Blue Fashion Show 6/28/08
~ clothes made by children at iforfashion workshop in LI
~ show was in Green Acres Mall
~ had fun, got paid $50, & kept the candy shoes!

entire photo album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=130443&l=f90d4&id=848735181

Two other fashion show gigs acquired from Craigslist
(at lil bars, they were lame haha):
- Jewlery Exhibit for LC Beads at France Origine 8/1/08
- Fashion Show at the Katra Lounge 8/12/08

When you are starting from scratch you take whatever you can get (within reason of course), enjoy it, and watch as your experience builds up. I've gained A LOT from the start of summer 08 to this very day. What I've summarized thus far is barely the beginning, just the basis.

= )