Ever wanted to be a Model in SL?  Not sure where to start?  Modeling in SL can be not only a profitable venture, but a pursuit that will lead you on an exciting path. You can make great friends, learn about Fashion Design, be invited to parties and fashion shows, and have a great time.  But where does the ingenue, that is, the person with little to no Modeling experience get into this world? I mean, here is the catch-22...you want to be a Model, yet it seems that most of the Agencies require you to submit a portfolio and a resume detailing your experience before they will even consider you, let alone accept you. But if you are new to the industry, and don't have a portfolio or resume, where do you get the experience? How do you get your foot into the door, so to speak?

 In addition to entering Photography and Modeling contests, one of the great ways to get some experience is to attend "Open Call" Model Searches.  What are these, you ask?  "Open Call" Model Searches are a way for Designers, Photographers, Agencies, and Stores to discover new faces, hire Models they need for their print or in-store work, and find Models who otherwise might not have Modeling experience, but are willing and eager to learn and train.

Many of these "Open Call" Model Searches are run by Agency professionals or owners of stores.  You will hear about them if you join any of the Modeling associations and groups in SL, or even by word-of-mouth from networking at Fashion Shows.  Ok, so you have found some "Open Call" Model Searches, but now you are stuck....how do you get selected during one of these calls?

Depending on the organization and people running the Model Search, there could be anywhere from 20 - 200 potential Models attending, just waiting to be 'discovered' and selected.  After all, Modeling in SL is a very competitve industry. So how do you stand out from the others who are there, just like you, hoping to get noticed? 

There are many things you can do to stand out from the crowd, and in Modeling, your ability to 'sell' yourself can make or break your career.  The first thing that I have always noticed about the Models that succeed in the SL Modeling Industry, is that they possess interesting personalities.  There is something unique about them that makes a lasting impression upon the judges.  Be it, their outlandish physical appearance, their sassy sense of humor, their self-assuredness and confidence, or it could be as simple as their kindness to the other Models in attendance.  Personality goes a long way in this industry, and without a sparkling personality, a go-getter attitude, and strong social skills, you might as well throw in the towel.   After all, every Model in SL is beautiful and well-dressed, so 9 time out of 10, your pretty face, hot body, and fashionable attire won't get you very far ahead everyone else.

 Another plus, in getting noticed is how you relate to other Models.  Are you rude and petty, or are you genuinely kind and helpful?  Kindness and Helpfulness go along way in this industry.  No one wants to work with nor employ a bad attitude or Drama Princess. Remember, if you are chosen as a Designer's Muse or an in-store Model, you will be representing the owner's product, aka their livelihood.  Bad customer relations equates to loss of customer Lindens.

I recently attended an "Open Call" Model Search.  As I walked into building, I noticed the 30 girls who were ahead of me in the judging. I observed how each girl was as beautiful as the next, all impeccably dressed, wearing their best skins, and had dazzling smiles. Honestly, if I was a Judge I would be stupified over who to pick.  I really did not envy the judges at all, thank goodness I was on the other side of the search, LOL.

So I did what I do best - I was kind to the other Models, humorous, tried to keep the atmosphere light and fun, and just treated everyone with respect and compassion.  Sure, I was nervous just like everyone else, but the main pursuit for me in attending the Model Search was to learn and gain experience, so that I could do better the next time.  Experience does not have to be necessarily something to add to your resume, it could be just watching your friends Modeling and picking up tips and hints from them along the way. After all, I do not have a long resume of Modeling achievements, but the knowledge I have gathered along the way by attending Modeling searches, fashion shows, and through social interaction will one day hopefully allow me not only to gain some profitable Modeling assignments, but gain the steady employment I am seeking.

 But as in all things, if you are pursuing somethign simply for the monetary profits, then maybe you should rethink your motives.  A lot of work and dedication is required to be a Model.  And if you are only half-heartedly pursuing it, you most likely will not get as far as you hope too.  So set small goals for yourself, put your full heart into your actions, and perhaps you will achieve your mission.  Even if you don't, just look at it from this perspective, you will gain knowledge, experience, and best of all, meet some very interesting people along the way, and make great friends!

 So if you would like to try your hand at Modeling, an "Open Call" Model Search is a great way to go!  And as always, if you have any questions, or just want someone to go with you, you are always welcome to send me an IM in-world.  I'd be happy to help out or go with you!

 *hugs*  &   <3

Arh

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