I'd Like Some Ribs & a Cup, Please!

While this may not seem like a big issue, to some people, it is. What cup size you fit into is sometimes a really big deal - especially if you're working with custom made clothing. It's kinda silly, perhaps, but think of it from a tailor's perspective:

1. THIS is my end goal!
2. These are the materials I am using. (Cotton, Spandex, Polyester, etc.)
3. These are the decorations (Tassels, lace, bells, etc.)
4. I want the folds to fall like this...
5. The rib cage can only be this big...
6. So what do I do about the boobs?
7. What type of figure am I making this for? (Hourglass, athletic, plus, or super extra small?)
8. I have this much money to put into my outfit. Better go with a smaller boob size to adjust to my budget.
9. Should she wear a bra with this? Should I make one? Should it be padded? If so, how much?

I've made clothes before. I've had clothes made FOR me. While my chest is not particularly large, my rib cage is. I had a tailor assume that my cup size was a C. Awesome! I am a C. Close to a D. For Victoria Secret. In the rest of the world, I'm a B, bordering on an A. For another brand, I was informed that I was a DD. This was so many years ago, I couldn't remember the brand if I wanted to. Yes, Cup sizes are subjective. When listing your stats, know what your actual numbers are. Keep them in a notepad or in the back of your mind. If you gain or lose weight, your breasts may ebb and flow with the change. Remeasure if this happens. When booking a job that requires you to wear any piece of clothing, keep in mind your boobs and rib cage in mind. Another note to consider: mind your hips. If you are have a significant hour glass figure like I do, that extra small will be bunched around your waist in no time - leading to a not-so-professional fitting.

Claiming a cup size that another may not agree with is no ethical conundrum to get hot and bothered by. This is why you heave measurements in numbers, not just letters.

Best of Wishes,
Aina

Apply Here! - Casting Call Responses

I have recently taught a couple of live classes concerning modeling and the industry; safety, ethics, and business management. One of the most frequently asked questions was concerning what to even say - especially in a response to a casting call. Below, I have given a few rules to live by as you pursue jobs and communications with people. Ultimately, remember to treat everyone with respect, even if they have not treated you with such. Word of mouth can be a breath of fresh air and equally a poison. As you conjure up a response to a casting call, keep mind that you are likely one among dozens or more of applicants.

•  Remember your manners when writing a response. Begin with a greeting! "Good Morning, Mr. X!" or "Salutations, AwesomePersonStudios!" are suitable responses. "Hey" does not count. You are your own business, and your response to a casting call is similar to the idea of a cover letter. Professionalism counts.
• Introduce yourself. "My name is Aina, and I am a female model based out of the Inland Empire in Southern California." Keep it sweet and simple. I also may mention, "I have ten years of yoga experience, eight of dance, and have been singing for five and a half." Briefly mentioning any skills and assets you may possess will allow the reader to brainstorm what he/she can or cannot do with you. If you express that you are as bendy as a pretzel, but can't touch your toes in reality, the false advertisement will follow you. People talk. Even your fellow model may hear of this through the grapevine.
• Express genuine interest and request more information if it hasn't already been provided. Do NOT say, "mor info plz." "I understand you are seeking a female model for (insert project here), and I believe I fit the qualifications. I wanted to know more about the project and discuss the possibilities of us working together." 
• If you would like, feel free to offer a bit about yourself. Mention that you arrive on time, ready to shoot, need two minutes to retouch your hair after the drive and put on a dash of lipstick, etc. Don't be lengthy, but let them know that you are serious about your position. As you do this, you are taking away some seeds of doubt that you are a flake and may fall through.
• Wrap up your short and concise letter with a cheerful note. "I look forward to speaking with you" is a great way to tie the bow. Here's a tip: Don't say that you "hope" for anything. Think about this for a moment. You "hoping" that I write you back may register in my brain as you don't think you're worthy, good enough, or are sure you want to work for me (and not just because you need to know m ore about the project). It's one word, but omitting that one word makes a difference in how you come across. With that said, it may not bother me at all. Play the side of caution and don't bother using the word. 
• Don't use the smiley face more than once in a message every ten messages. Smiley faces after every sentence get annoying. :) I'm glad that you want to convey your joyfulness :) But I don't want to see smileys every other damn word :) And if you insist on using a smiley every other phrase :) don't forget to use punctuation :) Again. Professionalism. :)
• Sign your name at the end and be done with it. If you would like to list other places that people can find your work, feel inclined to do so AFTER you have signed the letter to a close. Give them that option. Nothing is more annoying than five billion Facebook, Twitter, deviantART, Instagram, etc links in the middle of a message. After you have said your goodbye THEN you may post your links.

That's about it! Keep it simple, but longer than four sentences. Don't write a novel, and do NOT involve your mid life drama crisis unless it directly pertains to your work as a model, photographer, hairdresser, make up artist, etc. Get to the point. Be genuine. 

Happy Creating!

With Love,

Aina