There is some debate in the SL modeling community as to whether or not attending modeling school would be beneficial to you career. Simply put, the answer is YES! I can tell you from personal experience that you benefit for a number of reasons including you learn the basics of SL Modeling, you establish a support system and networking group, you receive tools and resources designed to assist you in your career and in many cases you have an opportunity to gain experience by participating in a photo shoot and runway show.
Some may argue that some of the top models in Second Life never attended modeling schools. That might be true, but most of them are now affiliated with or run a school. Further, most agencies won’t even consider taking you on unless you’ve had formal training.
All modeling schools are not created equally. Some schools offer prestige while others offer the bare essentials. The best way to determine what’s best for you is to do some research and determine where you will fare the best. Prices range anywhere from 3000 – 10000L and the programs generally run for a week or two. I know you may think that these prices are steep but modeling is not an inexpensive undertaking. Modeling school is one of the best investments you can make if you are serious about a career in the industry.
Several agencies have their own schools and it might be a good idea to attend a school that is tied to an agency that you know to be hiring new models. Another option might be for you to attend a school affiliated with an agency that you aspire to be a part of someday. While some of the more well known agencies do not typically hire models fresh out of their academies, they have been known to provide modeling opportunities to alums.
Some of you may prefer a more untraditional approach to studying (i.e. one on one instruction or a more flexible class schedule). There are programs out there for you too, you just have to do your homework. Others may even deem it beneficial to attend more than one school like I did. That worked for me because I was able to apply what I learned during the first program in the second and thus was a much better student the second time around. Personally, I had a much better understanding of the tools and resources made available to me the second time around.
If money is an issue for you right now, please note that most schools start new classes monthly and they offer class times that work for just about anyone. So don’t worry, you will be able to make this work.
Some Modeling schools that you may want to look at as part of your research include the following:
Ewing
UVogue
GLANCE
EVANE
Avenue
Neiva Kumasi
Super Elite
Boulevard
Moda
Maniera
Build upon this list and take the time to compare what the schools offer. Then take the time to determine which one best suits you. Good Luck!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
So you want to be an SL Model…
It’s cool… most people in SL want to model. Anybody who really wants to can be successful at it. You just have to be willing to put in a lot of work and you have to have a tough skin because rejection is inevitable.
In addition to tenacity, you will need to have a great deal of flexibility as you will be asked to achieve a wide variety of looks that are a far cry from the lovely avatar you’ve created. Countless, times I’ve been required to change my curvy frame in order to make the clothes I model look the way the designer envisioned them. You may have to change other things too including your skin in an effort to find work.
Once you have embrace the notion that SL modeling is competitive and requires extraordinary commitment on your part, the planning can commence. I’m a firm believer that any endeavor requires a plan of some sort if it is to be a successful one. That’s because anyone can create a beautiful avatar. So mere beauty won’t get you very far in SL. Only those who know exactly what they want and are focused on making it happen will be successful. Simply put, substance is not only chic… it’s a necessity!
So do you still want to model in SL? If you are stubborn enough to want to do this, the least I can do is to help you start your journey. As you start to plan your SL modeling career explore or do the following (in no particular order):
1. Invest in a great skin and model shape.
I’m not going to lie; it is often more expensive living as a model in SL. Your look is critical to your success. It is important that you present something that is different and sets you apart from the pack.
2. Assess your sense of style
As previously stated, your look is crucial. However you don’t need major lindens to achieve a hot look. There are tons of freebies and moderately priced items that are absolutely fabulous. I look for items that are well made. I also mix and match items to ensure individuality of style.
3. Explore your interests
Decide what you are most interested in as it relates to modeling. Do you want to do runway modeling? Print model? Store Model? Or do you want to be a swimsuit model? The good news is that there is room in SL for all of us, but nobody wants to be bother with a flighty model who has no clue about what they are interested in doing.
4. Set Goals and prepare to meet them
It’s hard to be successful without setting a goal. I’m not talking about anything extravagant. Maybe your goal is to be a part of a particular agency or model for a particular designer. Whatever it may be, set it and think about what you need to do to get there. Preparation may include formal model training (which I highly recommend and will discuss at another time). You might also prepare by getting some shots done to start building your portfolio (every model needs a portfolio).
5. Network and Build a support system
Get out and mingle by attending fashion shows, joining modeling groups (Model’s Workshop is a great one), or enrolling in modeling schools. This will help you… trust me. My friends and mentors encourage me daily in ways I could never articulate. Without them, I might have given up a while ago (shout outs to Jennaa Loire, Donald Feld, MrLuv Andel and Kurvy Rhode… I luv you all)
Now, I don’t claim to know everything there is to know about SL modeling but I work hard and I have a plan that has suited me well. I get better every day… all because I have a plan. My friends also have a plan and they are all successful and talented models. The purpose of this blog is to help those who want to help themselves.
Along the way, I’ll introduce you to some of my friends and mentors and provide you with tools and resources to help you in your journey. Our opportunities are limitless. Let’s ASCEND together.
In addition to tenacity, you will need to have a great deal of flexibility as you will be asked to achieve a wide variety of looks that are a far cry from the lovely avatar you’ve created. Countless, times I’ve been required to change my curvy frame in order to make the clothes I model look the way the designer envisioned them. You may have to change other things too including your skin in an effort to find work.
Once you have embrace the notion that SL modeling is competitive and requires extraordinary commitment on your part, the planning can commence. I’m a firm believer that any endeavor requires a plan of some sort if it is to be a successful one. That’s because anyone can create a beautiful avatar. So mere beauty won’t get you very far in SL. Only those who know exactly what they want and are focused on making it happen will be successful. Simply put, substance is not only chic… it’s a necessity!
So do you still want to model in SL? If you are stubborn enough to want to do this, the least I can do is to help you start your journey. As you start to plan your SL modeling career explore or do the following (in no particular order):
1. Invest in a great skin and model shape.
I’m not going to lie; it is often more expensive living as a model in SL. Your look is critical to your success. It is important that you present something that is different and sets you apart from the pack.
2. Assess your sense of style
As previously stated, your look is crucial. However you don’t need major lindens to achieve a hot look. There are tons of freebies and moderately priced items that are absolutely fabulous. I look for items that are well made. I also mix and match items to ensure individuality of style.
3. Explore your interests
Decide what you are most interested in as it relates to modeling. Do you want to do runway modeling? Print model? Store Model? Or do you want to be a swimsuit model? The good news is that there is room in SL for all of us, but nobody wants to be bother with a flighty model who has no clue about what they are interested in doing.
4. Set Goals and prepare to meet them
It’s hard to be successful without setting a goal. I’m not talking about anything extravagant. Maybe your goal is to be a part of a particular agency or model for a particular designer. Whatever it may be, set it and think about what you need to do to get there. Preparation may include formal model training (which I highly recommend and will discuss at another time). You might also prepare by getting some shots done to start building your portfolio (every model needs a portfolio).
5. Network and Build a support system
Get out and mingle by attending fashion shows, joining modeling groups (Model’s Workshop is a great one), or enrolling in modeling schools. This will help you… trust me. My friends and mentors encourage me daily in ways I could never articulate. Without them, I might have given up a while ago (shout outs to Jennaa Loire, Donald Feld, MrLuv Andel and Kurvy Rhode… I luv you all)
Now, I don’t claim to know everything there is to know about SL modeling but I work hard and I have a plan that has suited me well. I get better every day… all because I have a plan. My friends also have a plan and they are all successful and talented models. The purpose of this blog is to help those who want to help themselves.
Along the way, I’ll introduce you to some of my friends and mentors and provide you with tools and resources to help you in your journey. Our opportunities are limitless. Let’s ASCEND together.
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