Graphic Fashion Show

On February 15, 2014, I attended the Graphic Fashion Show, produced by Brainchild Events and IndyGround Entertainment, held at 2720 Cherokee!  It’s amazing how much I am on Cherokee street, I feel like I need a second home here, lol!  Anyways, back to my topic, I always love a Good Graphic T-shirt Show! It brings a different kind of runway feel that is playful and fabulous without the normal serious model looks and poses!  Even though it was an icy one out there in the streets of St. Louis, I slipped on my comfy Eskimo shoes, that ensures that Mimi does not fall (even though they are not cute, lol), and went about my Mimi way!

The venue was perfect for this event and I was very pleased with the outcome of the entire night!  Oh and of course it’s better when you are sitting in the front row next to some of the cool kids like Kevin Johnson.  The girls had fun on the runway while rocking their graphic T-Shirts and looking amazing all at the same dang time!  The music selection played while the models did their thang on the runway was great ear candy for music lovers such as myself!  I loved when one model came out with a basketball and another with a baseball bat!  Too cute!!  The vendors and live artists there was truly a site to see!  I am always constantly reminded how much talent we have here in the St. Louis community!

Being a model myself, I always enjoy coming out to support my fellow model friends!  Let me just say that if you were not in attendance, Lo Victoria and Jazz Jones WERKED the Runway!!!

The featured designers were:

• Vacay from the STL/KC area
• CLR MNSTR from the STL area
• GUM Clothing from KC
• IMNEX from STL
• and Indegious Designs from STL

Live Music was provided by DJ Mahf and Mathias and the Pirates!

Several Vendors and Live Artists were in the house including:

• SahGol
• Park Lane
• Style House
• Ian Quattrocchi
• Aerin Soroka
• and others :)

I purchased a pair of FAB earrings from SahGol, was introduced the the amazing Aerin Soroka, and told myself I need to stop by CLR MNSTR and Style House!!

Can’t wait till Next Time!!

My First Tip for Aspiring Models

**Picture by Travis Crosby during my VERY FIRST Photo Shoot!!**

Okay so I have gotten so many questions from aspiring models asking me questions like "How did I get started?"and "Can you help me because I don't know where to begin and my parents won't help?", that I decided to write several short blogs regarding modeling tips that I found helpful when I got started!

Tip #1: Portfolio

The first thing that you need to do is get your portfolio together.  I recommend starting with photographers that are willing or seeking models for TF or TFP shoots (some call them Test Shoots).  TF stands for "Time For" or "Trade For" and TFP means "Time For Print".  Basically, you are exchanging your time for their time and you both benefit by the finished product, "the photo".  Therefore, you do not pay them and they do not pay you as well.  Sometimes they may say that you will receive a certain amount of digital pictures and if you want more you can purchase more.  This is fine as long as it is discussed before hand.  There are several photographers out there that are willing to do TF shoots with models for various reasons such as: (1) to test out new products that they have purchased such as lens or lights, (2) to complete a project that they may have in mind, (3) to stay fresh on their toes during down times, (4) they may be starting out as well and may need practice behind the camera in different environments, or (5) to simply add a look to their portfolio that they are missing.

To get started, I started with www.modelmayhem.com.  This is a pretty good website that will help you find lots of people in the fashion industry such as makeup artists, hair stylists, digital artists, photographers, etc., and you can also search through casting calls in your area.  I searched through lots of pages and looked at photos for ideas and inspiration.  I must caution anyone that starts a profile with Model Mayhem!!! Lots of SPAMMERS will try to "Get You" in the beginning.  They seem to target the new profiles probably because they are thinking that the people with new profiles are new to the industry and are easy to persuade and naive!  You may get several emails from people telling you about a great opportunity; however, it will sound way too good to be true.  As an example, the email may say something like "We will pay you X amount of money and fly you to Germany with all expenses paid to shoot with X Brand".  Please use your common sense and think that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Just be careful about those, they are probably trying to get some type of information from you.

**This was a picture taken by Maria A. Cooper during 

our first shoot together, all from a model mayhem posting**

Caution Number 2, I suggest doing your homework on the photographers that you decide to meet up with.  For example, take a look at their portfolio to see what type of pictures they normally take.  If you see pictures on their website that does not represent anything that you are about, think hard about working with them.  If this is a type of category that they are trying to add to their portfolio that is a different story, but if they are not then think twice.  Reason being, why would you want to work with someone who does something that does not represent who you are?  YOU must remember that you are a BRAND and you must always represent your brand appropriately!  Also, I always suggest meeting up with the photographer in a public place where you feel comfortable and bring a friend if possible.  If you agree to meet at their studio, just be aware of your surroundings and always bring a friend or tell someone where you are going.  If a photographer requires you to sign a model release form, be sure to read it before signing and obtain a copy.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips!!

**This was a picture taken by Johnny of Crash Studio during 

our shoot together, all from a model mayhem posting**

P.S.  Most of all have fun in your shoots! When you are stressed or nervous, it will totally tell in your photos! Just try to relax, be playful, play some music, and rock out!!!