Continue reading »]]> Are you looking for some straightforward advice on how to improve your runway walk and book jobs doing runway? Read on for some key fashion modeling tips from professional model and model trainer Charleston Pierce.

Following these tips can help you to book the job when you audition for a runway fashion show or help you for an actual show to be able to give your best performance while modeling.

Tips:

1. Always show up. When it comes to auditions the key phrase is “you never know.”  Clients might thing they want one thing, but then see you and realize you are what they want. By the same token, don’t take it personally if you aren’t what they are looking for.



2. Practice as much as possible. It takes time, experience, and especially practice to be a star on the runway. Always be in runway mode whether you are walking down the street or down the hallway to the kitchen. Believe, those who master fashion modeling have studied and practiced to get to the tip top.
3. Know your role & commit to it. Remember what you are trying to sell or convey when you are modeling. Tips: it’s not about you, work your outfits and do what the designer or producer has asked you to do.
4. See your performance before you go out. Take the time to visualize in your mind and create a vision of what you want to have happen on the runway. See your beginning & your end. Own your moments in your mind, then own them on the runway!
5. Speak positive words to yourself. Keep a positive mind-set and attitude and your performance will be excellent. “I am beautiful. I am fierce. I am confident.” should be your mantra.
6. Remember to always meditate or pray before you walk your walk.
7. Ask questions if you’re not sure what to do before the show.
8. Before you enter the runway make sure you do a model body shape. Stand tall, shoulders back, breathe, be relaxed & enjoy your runway journey.
9. Have fun! If you are having fun with it, you will project the best and most confident personality for the runway.
10. Feel the music of your segment. Hear the music and listen for the beat.
11. Stay in your lane. Never walk in other models lines.
12. Keep it simple. Don’t attack too many poses, swing your arms or gallop down the runway. Keep it smooth and poised.
13. Ladies give some hips. Work your fierceness, own it!
14. Pause for at least 3 to 5 seconds at the end of the runway. Take your time and don’t rush your moments. Remember you want the cameras to catch you.
15. Connect with the crowd. Eye contact is key.

Watch Video of a great Model Walk

Develop your signature walk – Enroll for runway training in the San Francisco / Bay Area.

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Continue reading »]]> Whether you are attending a fashion modeling casting or you’ve been hired and are on set, there are a few basics that you should always remember. The rules are the same for both.  Follow these tips to book the job or to be asked to work with the client again:

1. Be on time.
2. Keep it simple - Show your personality, but don’t talk too much or ask too many random questions.
3. Pay attention and stay focused!
4. Follow directions. If the casting asks that you arrive wearing a certain look or if you are booked and the stylist wants you to have your hair and makeup a certain way when you arrive, make sure you follow the guidelines.  Clients want to work with models who are easy to work with.
5. Bring your portfolio or your card. Try to have something that you can leave with the client.  If you don’t have one these professional tools, bring a copy of a good picture.
6. Take care of hygiene including the appropriate hair removal, teeth and breath, and don’t wear too much cologne or perfume.
7. Don’t wear too much makeup.  Casting directors usually want to see what they can work with, not the finish product.  However, use your best judgment… if you need to wear a certain makeup look to look older or younger, do what you need to do.
8. Don’t chew gum. Not on set and not at castings.  The action of gum chewing makes you look simply bad.  And if for some reason you forget and are chewing gum while being photographed or when you are on the runway – its terribly unprofessional and a bad look.
9. Don’t talk on your cell phone in front of the client.
10. Bring proper undergarments to set. Ladies bring a variety such as strapless bra and a thong or nude colored undies. Always bring a pair of heels to a runway casting.
11. Don’t bring your friends.
12. Models under 18 always bring a parent or guardian.

Develop your signature walk – Enroll for runway training in the San Francisco / Bay Area.

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Obviously as a fashion model you must be concerned with your personal appearance.  Fashion modeling requires a fit and toned body that is not overly muscular.  Great hair, skin, teeth and overall grooming is also a good idea.  The following tips will help you develop a personal appearance and style that will get you booked.

1. Work out. Exercise will of course give you the fit body you need for fashion modeling, but it will also give you the energy and the a natural glow which will really help you to stand out.  Plus, you never know when you will book a job where you are required to run up and down stairs, jump, or perform some other athletic activity.  It also takes energy to walk up and down the runway! 30 Day Shred is a great model workout!
2. Get enough rest.To keep your face looking young, prevent under eye bags, and to keep you generally healthy, you need your sleep.  The term “beauty rest” is not just a cliche.
3. Drink lots of water. Water benefits you in every way from your skin tone to the health of your hair, teeth, and nails. 
4. Take it easy on the drinking, smoking, and other recreational substances. Basically, if you want longevity in this business you need to stay away from the toxins so that your body will stay younger longer.
5. Wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen is crucial toward keeping your skin healthy and young looking.  It also will prevent you from getting sunspots or freckles which can make you look old or weathered.  Staying out of the sun in the first place is even better.  Tanning is so 80′s.
6. Speaking of tanning… I’m going to talk to you like a friend here, if you are orange, you are doing too much. Compare your skin tone to a pumpkin or a terra-cotta planter.  If you seem to be the same or similar color, please let it fade.   The Oompa Loompa look is out.
7. Get your teeth whitened. It makes a big difference when  you have a brilliant smile.  Smile wide and compare your teeth to a white piece of paper or shirt.  Do they look yellow or gray?  Go ahead and buy some Crest WhiteStrips or sign up for a free trial on one of the more heavy duty products.  If you can afford it, you can also get this done with your dentist, of course.  And you can use whitening toothpaste.   Just make sure that you don’t overdo it. 
8. Keep your nails and feet properly groomed.  This is for ladies and men.  You can get
9. Don’t allow yourself to become too thin.  There is a delicate balance between “model thin” and showing way too many bones. 
10. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and proteins.  This is also a great way to keep your skin and hair looking great, to keep your energy up, and to keep from getting too thin.  It all comes together. 

Develop your signature walk – Enroll for runway training in the San Francisco / Bay Area.

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1. Do your homework.  For example, if you want to respond to a craigslist post looking for models,  check the website, find the person’s name on facebook, check yelp.com or google the return email address before sending in your pictures. If there are none listed, ask for more information when you reply. You should be able to find out quickly if there is positive or negative feedback about that person, organization or photographer.
2. In general, legitimate castings do not collect large fees. Occasionally they will ask for a small fee to keep you in their database or to cover other admin costs.  Again, do your research and look them up to see if you can find evidence of a good or bad reputation.
3. Take someone with you when you attend go-sees at unknown locations.
4. Make sure photographers have references and/or a professional website.
5. Trust your intuition and don’t make quick emotional decisions.  Even if you are super excited and feel like you have stumbled upon a great opportunity, take your time and do your research.  Think and be safe and smart.
6. (bonus tip) Educate yourself.  Look for books or websites that talk about modeling.  Learn what is normal, and what to expect.  Also, don’t feel like you are being naive if you decide to take a class.  It is always a great idea to obtain as much knowledge as possible about your field in order to achieve your goals. There ARE amazing opportunities out there, and everyone has the chance to take advantage of them.  It takes hard work, dedication and perseverance.  You may have to work for free or for low pay to build your experience and portfolio. And you should be willing to invest in yourself.  Just be careful of programs which ask for hundreds or thousands of dollars up-front and which make claims to make you a star… no one can make you a star except for you!

Develop your signature walk – Enroll for runway training in the San Francisco / Bay Area.