To pay or not to pay...

So many people out there still have the belief that if an agency loves your look, they will sign you, do your pictures for free, fly you to Paris, and make you a star. With no out of pocket expenses to you. While this may have happen in the past, the industry has changed and unfortunately things don't always work like that anymore.

Having said that, the question arises, what should I pay for and what shouldn't I have to pay for. Obviously people always tell you to stray from modeling schools. Without mentioning names, you know which ones I'm talking about--yet somehow, with all the bad press they receive, they are still in business.

A good investment instead of a so-called modeling school would be any educational classes or lessons. Acting, singing, dance, or musical lessons will incur a cost, but they will also benefit you or your child in a variety of ways, adding confidence, poise, and of course adding to lines to the resume and making you more competitive. Scouting events and open castings that require an entrance fee are very iffy, and I would most likely advise against them. Typically, less than 1% of attendees are discovered at a scouting event. Any program that gives you a better business understanding of the industry, taught by industry professionals would be a strong investment, and would most likely keep you from making faulty investments in the future.

Photos do cost money, but you do not need to spend thousands of dollars on a photographer, makeup artist, hairstylist, and clothes for the pictures. It is difficult to estimate a fair cost for photos, but if I had to throw out a number I would say spending between $400 and $800 for two looks, depending on the experience level of the photographer is average.

Always do your homework! There are investments involved with starting a career in the modeling or acting industry, but no one wants to be taken advantage of.

Avoid A Scam: Part1

Everyday I speak to mothers and fathers who have been ripped off by modeling agencies, modeling schools, photographers, and the like. They are so jaded by the experience that they are unwilling to invest another cent into a legitimate program once it comes along. (And with good reason!) A healthy amount of skepticism is good in this industry because of all the fraudulent activity. Yes, there are the good and bad in this industry-just like every other industry out there. From doctors to lawyers to stockbrokers, and more... there are honest people among people who just want to take advantage of you and steal your money.

The worst part about the entire situation (other than losing a ton of money) is that your children have more than likely been promised the world by a fake agent or scout, and when nothing comes of it, they are totally discouraged and may even consider giving up on their dreams of becoming a model or actor.

As a parent, or aspiring talent, the first thing to do is research. You would never throw your money into the stock market without consulting someone for advice that you could trust, and the same goes for an investment in your career. A simple way to check up on a company is to visit ripoffreport.com. You can "Search A Company" and you might be surprised what you see! Try a few of the well known modeling schools and see what comes up...

That's just one of the many sites dedicated to unearthing all of the many scams out there, and its a simple check up that can be done in minutes. Learn from other's mistakes, don't let it happen to you!

You're Out! Project Runway Season Finale Tonight

Tune into Bravo tonight at 9PM for the Project Runway Season 5 Finale to watch Korto Momolu, Leanne Marshall, and Kenley Collins battle it out on the runway. Each contestant has a distinctly different style and personality, and it shows through their stunning collections. (Unfortunately the pictures have already been released and the surprise was ruined...) The competition is not just for the designers...the model teamed up with the winning designer gets a photo shoot in Elle Magazine. Not a bad gig for up and coming models!

So while the rest of the world is glued to the couch watching the TV, strap on your stilettos and do your best runway walk down the hallway. Practice makes perfect! Take a cue from the Project Runway models and strut your stuff. (Cross your fingers for Leanne or Korto, Kenley's attitude is atrocious and proves just how important personality is in this uber-competitive industry!)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Sara

CosmoGIRL folds!

Hearst Magazine's CosmoGIRL has just announced that it will be closing the magazine with the December/January 2009 issue being it's last.  Editor in chief Susan Schulz will stay on at Herst to work on special projects.

CosmoGIRL was the teenage spinoff of Cosmopolitian which targeted teenage girls and featured fashion and celebities.  CosmoGIRL was one of our main media partners for the well known "So You Want To Be A Model" Contest that ran with CG for over three years.

We will miss you CosmoGIRL!

Height and Weight: No Longer a Dealbreaker

Many people view breaking into the entertainment industry as either a stroke of luck, being in the right place at the right time, or a complete impossibility; becoming frustrated at the first sign of rejection and eventually giving up. The truth is…neither statement is accurate. Becoming a successful model or actor is the result of a strong desire and an unwavering sense of perseverance; it’s not magic.

One of the most popular myths about the modeling and acting industry is that a female must be over 5’8” and weigh next to nothing, while males must maintain a chiseled, rock hard physique to be successful. The good news for the rest of us out here with realistic, healthy dimensions (and for those of you who are vertically challenged…) is that this is, in fact, just a myth.

Height is required for runway work, but little else. As for weight, the trend in all entertainment work is moving towards a healthier, more shapely figure. Not to mention, that in order to sell everyday goods and services, they must enlist the talent of everyday men and women. No one wants to buy toothpaste from a high-fashion heroin-chic waif. Nor does any mother or father want their twelve year old idolizing someone that looks like he or she subsists on a diet of celery and cigarettes. So yes, if you want to break into this industry, you should maintain a sensible diet and an active lifestyle, but if you do not fit the stereotypical “model type” it doesn’t mean your career has ended before it began. Get out there and chase your dreams.

Make every sidewalk a catwalk!
Sara

Letter from the Editor

My name is Sara Shake, and as the Editor in Chief of Model Magazine, I’m here to bring you the hottest trends, biggest scams, and behind the scenes agency news of this elusive industry that so many children, teens, and young adults long to be a part of—but can’t figure out how. I love fashion, modeling, and everything entertainment, and look forward to bringing you the latest and greatest—and some of the not so glamorous things—this industry has to offer.

Growing up as an aspiring model, I saw how difficult this business can be, and after spending endless amounts of money on illegitimate agencies, photographers, and events, I eventually redirected my passion to helping others avoid the hardships I experienced. This can be an amazing, achievable career, so be inspired by our Success Stories, learn from the Modeling Advice, gain insight from the exclusive Agency Profiles, and indulge in the juicy industry gossip we just can’t help but toss in every once in awhile. And if you have a question, just ask! I’m always available at sara@esbproduction.com.