Be Discreet About Your Knowledge of the Industry

As much as I love educating others about the modeling industry and everything it embodies, I do have to warn you about being so free with your knowledge--especially when you start your agency search. There may be times when what you know can work against you.

It may sound strange to read this but modeling agencies get uncomfortable when a model knows "too much." Do they want their models to be dumb? Definitely not but it's very intimidating for them when a model potential knows just as much if not more than they do. Why is that? I'm not exactly sure but it varies from case to case.

I recently spoke with a fellow model friend of mine who just got signed to her first agency after being freelance for a while. She's pretty savvy about the business and has her head on straight so she knew no one was going to run any game on her. While talking about contract terms, her agent mentioned a topic (I can't recall what it was though) that was verbally promised to her and not included in the contract. So my friend requested that the agent put her verbal promise in writing for her. At that moment, her agent looked hesitant/suspicious and while she did fulfill my friend's request (it is totally legit to request something in writing btw) since that day, she has treated my friend somewhat indifferently. Needless to say, my friend believes that her small insight to her knowledge of the industry was off putting to her agent and may have caused an unspoken rift between the two. Is anyone to blame? Not necessarily. Is it fair? Nope.

However, like I continuously say, modeling is a business and while agencies are there to promote their models, they first and foremost are trying to make money. Agencies don't take too well to models who openly state how much research they've done, what they know about the industry, etc.

That being said, when it comes to the knowledge that I offer through my blog and through mentoring aspiring/established models online via email, it will be in your best interest to not mention my blog, myself or your affiliation with me to a potential agent you are hoping to get signed with. Any agency will do what it takes to save face and they will have no problems with telling you that what I am doing is wrong, that I am not a credible source of information, etc, etc, etc. To be fair, I am not affiliated personally with any agencies or staff and mentioning me or my blog isn't going to get you in good with anyone in the modeling industry. Does that mean that you should stop reading my blog or contacting me for information/guidance/advice? Of course not! BUT you should keep all of the information you get from me and from your own research to yourself while pursuing your modeling career. Instead of showcasing all of your knowledge (which is a great way to turn an agency away from you) keep it to yourself and draw upon it when you find yourself in certain situations. Play along if you have to, just don't let on that you know more than you really do. Oh, and that isn't a free ticket to play dumb. LOL. Still be your smart and savvy self but just be cautious about letting an agency know that you've done a lot of research and just let things work for you.

2008 Donnie Smith Bike show

The show was great! I need some time to put together a post, and some pictures on Flickr. Will hopefully have ready in a day or so. So please take the time to read the post about "Charity" below.

Donnie Smith to be continued...later,

Mr. Motorcycle

I once knew this girl named Charity.

Just kidding.

I got your attention though.

It seems as if charity is the theme of a lot of bloging, including some of mine.

3-27-08, Thursday night’s episode of American Chopper hosted Mikey and U Of Michigan, doing the lead for a theme bike for an auction for a charity event. This is one of many bikes done this way for O.C.C.
O.C.C., Orange County Choppers http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/ is always involved in charity, sometimes indirectly, but still doing charity. It seems every other theme bike they build gets auctioned off for a good cause charity event of some kind.

I’ve seen on blogs lately some of these posts…..

Bikes, Art And Rock And Roll For A Good Cause on http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/

&

Largest Women’s Only Ride. on http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/

&
Builders Breakfast Delivers in Daytona on http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/
&
Inaugural Biker Fusion Event at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse
on http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/
&

on my own site, I recently wrote about donating time and or sponshorship monies for the Adopt a Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc program.
http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/03/adopt-highway-litter-removal-service-of.html

&

Non blog related charity events held annually locally where I’m from…

Local Flood Run - Wisconsin / Minnesota for Gillette Children’s Hospital

&

Lightning Run for Diabetes http://www.lightningrun.com/

Are these all just excuses to ride, gather, party, advertise, gain publicity, get tax right off’s, Etc.???
Maybe they are, maybe they aren't.
Whatever the reason behind the charity event, it still just feels good to be a part of something bigger, to give something back.
What ever the reason behind the reason, Keep it going.

Mr. Motorcycle

Limitations & Personal Boundaries in Modeling

This post will best serve models over 18. Younger models will not have to deal with the following topics due to their age and the law.

When it comes to what type of modeling you will or will not do, just know that no one will force you to do anything, especially your agent if you have one. When you get signed to an agency, you will be asked what type of work you will do and what you won't do. This may be a hard copy form with boxes you have to check or you may be asked to do it online for your profile.

The modeling you'll be asked about includes but is not limited to:

- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Fur
- Nude
- Glamor/Implied Nudity

You will never be submitted for work that you have explicitly stated you will not do. So any worries you may have about turning down work or disappointing your agent will not be an issue in this case. This is one of the rare instances where your own personal/moral/ethical beliefs will be taken into consideration. With that being said, think hard about how you want to portray yourself as a model and what your boundaries are. Even if you are freelance, there is still a need to state your limitations. Many models do this on their websites, on their profiles online through modeling community sites, etc. And that is perfectly fine. It is much easier to avoid any unnecessary situations if people know upfront what you will or will not do.

As for myself, I have stated through my agent and everywhere else that I will not do nude work, wear fur or do gigs involving cigarettes. Alcohol is fine with me as well as glamor but only if it is for a tasteful publication and is done by a credible photographer.

It all boils down to what you feel comfortable with and as long as you keep the lines of communication open, you shouldn't run into any problems.

Not so bright biker stunt

Saturday - Sunday filler (Video of a good stunt gone bad)

By the way (not related to video above) I'm hooking up with a couple of riding buddies this weekend for the Donnie Smith Bike show. I can't enter mine this year as it's still in pieces. I should have her ready to ride soon though.

I hope to have some good Pics from the show. I'll share them hopefully Monday.

Till then, Have a great weekend!

Mr. Motorcycle

ADOPT A HIGHWAY LITTER REMOVAL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

As I was driving around the other day, I noticed the springtime temperatures we are having here in Minnesota are getting the roadside cleanup crews going. They are picking up litter all over. Many crews are directly affiliated with the nationwide Adopt a Highway Program.

I always realize how dirty our roadsides get when the snow melts off and all the winter’s accumulation of litter accrues. I am greatly thankful to those who join forces to clean up this mess each spring, and follow it through until the snow falls again each year. When I was a kid growing up, they did not have this program, and cities relied almost solely on tax dollars and volunteers like the Boy Scouts, and other organizations to help out.

Needless to say the clean up did not always happen, and I clearly remember driving by trash-ridden streets and highways all the time. The Adopt a Highway Program has clearly made a difference in my mind. Since I ride a motorcycle, & the road & roadsides are my view of the world, it sure is nice when it’s clean. Isn’t this after all one of the reasons we ride is for the spectacular views we get on the open road?

I just wanted to take the time to thank all of those sponsors, and volunteers out there helping to keep America’s roadsides clean and beautiful.

The following website shows how corporate sponsorship can get your company name on road signs for advertisement.

http://www.adoptahighway.net/

If you dig a little deeper on the Internet, searching “Adopt a Highway”, you’ll find tons of other sites with information on your local adopt a highway program. Many have free programs that work off the basis of volunteers.

A couple of examples are the two quotes from below came that came from the Texas program. http://www.dot.state.tx.us/trv/aah/ En Español

Make a difference: Adopt-a-Highway today!“Personal involvement has proven to be the best way to keep our roads clean. The Adopt-a-Highway program costs nothing for individual groups like businesses and civic organizations to get involved, and in return for their efforts, they gain public recognition.”—Billy Black, Co-Founder, Adopt-a-Highway

Looking for a way to improve your surroundings?The Adopt-a-Highway program gives groups the opportunity to help their communities by collecting litter and beautifying roadsides. This international program originated in Texas, where it remains one of the Lone Star State's most successful public-private initiatives.

En Español

Thanks again!
Mr. Motorcycle

2008 Donnie Smith Bike Show Sat. 3-29 & Sun. 3-30

For those of you who are local to Minnesota, don't forget to check out the bike show!
Biggest show in the Midwest.
Show times Sat 9AM - 7PM & Sun10AM - 5PM
click link for details. http://www.donniesmithbikeshow.com/

I'll be there and take pics to post!

Answering a Reader Question

This is in response to Anonymous, who posted the following comment on my post "The Runway Walk":

Anonymous said...

Hey
I was wondering..I am really young and wanted to get started in the modeling business but doesn't know how?. Also, is there any way you can become a model without spending any money?

To answer your first question about how to get started, check out this post I did about the very subject: Where Do You Start?

To answer your second question, you can definitely get started in modeling without throwing away a load of money. First, since you are young and inexperienced, agencies will not expect or require you to have a professional portfolio with photos. Just take regular snapshots of yourself according to what photos they ask for. When you sign with an agency that is legit, there are no upfront fees or anything like that so you're still in the clear when it comes to not spending money.

However, it is normal for an agency to require you to pay for your professional photoshoot to put together your modeling portfolio. Go with the photographer(s) you agent recommends. Expect to pay anywhere between $100-500...BUT you are paying for a makeup artist, the photographer, hair stylist and wardrobe stylist so your money will go a long way. You may pay an additional $100 for printing costs for your comp cards. Other than that small investment, the rest of your career won't come at the cost of you or your parents' wallets and paying for your portfolio is a smart investment in your modeling career. Once you start getting hired for gigs, you'll make that money back right away.

Hope that answers your question and thanks for reading!

The Pantera motorcycle

I stumbled across these guys. Their bikes sure caught my eyes. It appears as though they have taken the idea of a long and low chopper, & crossed it with a croth rocket to make a highbrid street - drag bike. I love innovation. Looks pretty cool.

Check out their website @ http://www.panteramotorcycles.com/

I know their site lists 2006 models. Not sure if they are not in production still, but their web site does say "© Pantera Custom Motorcycle Design 2008".

2006 Pantera Dragster Base Model $44,500.00
2006 Pantera Dragster SP-1 (Package includes 280MEZ rear and 3D Contour Wheels) SP-1 $48,750.00

Prices are in the range of the Big bucks bikes that Beach Cruiser was talking about. See also Beach Cruisers blog post on big buck Bikes. http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/2008/03/26/posh-bikes-rev-up-amid-slowdown.html

See also my prior blog post: http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/03/what-kind-of-effect-will-skyrocketing.html

Mr. Motorcycle

Wicked video - off road moto-cross and monster trucks.

A friend shared this with me, and since I thought it was so cool, I had to share it with you. Turn up the volume. Done to AC/DC For Those About To Rock. These guys are insane. I salute them!

Sneak preview of my new paint

On my right side banner area, I did some Flickr flash photos of my new paint job. One set is showing the tins still in taped out phase, and one unmasked. There are two pics in the unmasked set where it show the tins actually clear coated. These pics don't do justice as they are close ups of ghost. They show the ghost flames change from charcoal on black to black ghost flames on charcoal racing stripe. Hope you like. I'm getting really stoked to put them back on my bike and ride. Just gotta wait for that weather now.



Mr. Motorcycle

DaniaDenise.com Officially Relaunched!

So it's been a looooong time coming, but I am happy to announce that my professional and official Dania Denise website is now live! I worked with a great graphic designer and I am very happy with the new layout and I'm sure you'll be happy to see newer photos, learn more about myself and enjoy the cool Flash features we've all come to know and love.

Check me out at: DaniaDenise.com

rock and roll

I designed, fabricated, and custom painted a "one off" guitar body for my son. My son, who plays guitar did scalloped frets, and finished the neck of the guitar. The paint is pearl white, metallic grey, and black. This was a long term project that I'm glad to see come to completion. I'm pretty happy with the results.

.

Mr. Motorcycle

What kind of effect will skyrocketing prices of fuel costs have on the motorcycle industry this year?

I wonder it will have a positive, or negative effect.

Will the prices cause more sales, and more riders, looking for better fuel economy than what a cage on wheels provides?
Or will it cause a plummet in motorcycle sales, parts, and services as the price of fuel is driving the cost of everything else up. Since everything costs more, will the motorcycle industry be forced to charge more as a direct result of the cost of doing business? Will this in turn have a domino effect on potential bike buyers who now have less as a direct result of everything else costing more? Will it make it a double- edged sword for those looking to purchase a motorcycle?
How will the rising cost of business in general affect motorcycle sales, parts sales, motorcycle clothing sales, merchandise sales, repair shops, custom paint, etc.?

I feel fortunate because I can still afford to continue to ride, and those who are hardcore would find a way to continue to ride no matter what. It is our passion in life. It is after all, a way of life. For many, and I’m guessing most, we feel life without a ride, is not life at all. Is this not why the saying goes ride to live, live to ride?

Mr. Motorcycle

"The Scotchbrite look by MeanStreet" is what started this post today.

By the way, for any readers who don't already know, a "Scotch-Brite® " is a course pad designed for scuffing parts prior to painting them for good adhesion, used in place of sand paper, usually for hard to reach areas, etc., or also for scrubbing dishes, etc. Being someone who does custom paint, I use Scotch-Brite® scuff pads often. Anyway, to give proper credit: The name "Scotch-brite® " is pattented & from the creators at 3M. They are made with different purposes in mind, I've probably only touched on a few, The scuff pads however, come in varying degrees of abrasiveness. I also know that Scotch-Brite® has a line of many other products.

I was doing my blog reading this morning, and went to http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/. I read his post from March 19th" The Scotchbrite Look By MeanStreet. " which is about a scratched up look on aluminum parts. The look is similar to brushed nickel. You should see his site if you want to see a picture of it, and want to read more about Mean Street. MeanStreet is who is producing some of the parts now with this type of "Scotch-Brite®" finish.

I commented on the post on his site, and I cut and pasted it here as follows:

"I don’t believe the idea is very original. Look at how many “brushed nickel, bronze, copper” finishes you see just going to Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc., in the faucet areas, and bathroom hardware. The finish is very similar. However, I think it is a great idea to bring it mainstream into the motorcycle world. What a better way to open up one more way to help us make our bikes a little different than everyone elses. I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of never having anyone say to me “Hey I know a guy with a bike just like yours!”

Thanks for sharing this with us Cyril.

Mr. Motorcycle. "

Let me know what you think about the finish.
Several others commented about it too on his site. I'm kinda a fan of it myself.

P.S.,
Why do they call them Scotch-Brite®, when they make things dull?
Maybe 3M should change the name to Scotch-Dull.

Mr. Motorcycle

Don’t be afraid to step out of the box.

When I decided I didn’t want stock handlebars anymore, I started shopping around for something different. I already had the Harley (somewhat drag bars), and I was tired of my shoulders, and neck being stiff from riding in the semi crotch rocket riding position. I felt that everyone else either changes stock handlebars out to drag bars, or ape hangers. O.K. maybe “everyone else” is a bit exaggerated, but I’ve seen enough. No offense to anyone who has either kind and loves them. Most of my riding buddies have one or the other. To each their own. However, anyone who knows me and has seen anything I’ve ever owned knows I’m not a huge fan of anything stock, or anything called “custom” that’s mass produced and then mass used. It all starts to look the same to me. I wanted something truly different.

I went to Stormy Custom Bike Works for a peek at what he might have in stock for me. He said He was building a Chopper for a guy, and he had some bars he was going to use on it but the guy decided he didn’t want them on his bike because he thought the rake of the bars didn’t match nicely with the extreme rake of the forks on the chopper. So here they were, waiting for my dime. They were the weirdest looking things. I’d never seen anything like them before. And when I saw them hanging on his wall at first, I didn't even know tell they were bars, let alone how the hell they go on a bike. He said they might look cool, so we held them up to my bike. Lo and behold they did look really cool. So there you have it, many dollars, and many hours later, they are on my bike. I get looks everywhere I go with the new bars. Hopefully they're good ones. Try something different!

Giving credit where credit is due:

The bars are Chica “Flying V” handle bars from Chica Custom Cycles.

I’ve linked Chica Custom Cycles on my page permanently, and here also.
http://www.chicacustomcycles.com/.

Scott Storms, A.K.A. Stormy, did great work on my bars. This is, by the way only the beginning of the mechanical work, and other custom work done at Stormy Custom Bike Works on my bike, and many others. He works on all makes.
Call the shop at (763) 785-1600 or stop by and Check em out for yourself at 10501 Central Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434.
.
There's a great similar article that you must read about "one offs" and "innovation" and "copy cats" on Custom Motorcycle Talk by BeachCruiser Custom motorcycles - Your one stop resource! The article I refer to is called The Greatest Compliment Of All
.
Mr. Motorcycle

I woke up this morning and said WTF?

I woke up to snow, and lots of it. Can't it be spring already?


Very pretty, But.........

Mother nature is putting a damper on my spring fever. I thought this snow was going to be south of us. I want to ride so bad I can taste it. I know there are lots of people who ride snowmobiles in the winter to replace the obsession of riding motorcycles when the weather permits, and I've done both. I can say I don't think sledding compares to riding a bike. I don't even own one, cause it holds that much of a lack of interest for me.

I don't think God cares about my ridin weather either, but it can't hurt to pray for warmer weather.

Hopefully soon it'll be ridin time. .....(sighs)

Mr. Motorcycle

What do you call a brand new motorcycle? .........A starter kit!

The above 3 cartoon pictures are from: The ORIGINAL Illustrated Catalog Of ACME Products http://home.nc.rr.com/tuco/looney/acme/acme.html

If you are planning on buying a bike and want something custom, and you are planning on making it that way yourself, why buy a new bike?
It doesn’t make much sense to me to spend the money on brand new stock parts to turn around and discard them for brand new custom parts. I started my favorite bike project on a low budget.

I had to sell my pick up truck to drive a used "paid for" Saturn for a while to help me afford the economy Harley to begin with. I drove My used stock Harley for about a year before I could start the customization process. Even with a used bike, Cursing Mama could not understand why I needed to take off perfectly good stock parts and exchange them for new custom parts. If you understand biking, no explanation needed. I believe after seeing what I'v created, from what I started with, She sees the picture. If you read my post from March 11th, you'll see I'm in the process of doing my bike yet "again". I've included a sneak preview picture of the gas tank in process. It is taped out here. There is more to it than it looks like in this photo. The real magic will happen when it is cleared. More will pop out that you cannot see in the photo. When it is all done, and bike is put back together, I'll share more.

Mr. Motorcycle.

Okay, NOW the Modeling 101 Seminar is Official!

Thankfully I was able to find a new location for my seminar (at a much more affordable price, too!) and it's right across the street so no crazy changes. Yay! Now it's just a matter of filling the seats! Check out my flyer for the details. Please show your support and let others know about this great opportunity!

Get Yer tickets here!

I love stories about other people getting tickets, as I've surely had my fair share.

This one I know is true for certain, 'Cause it's about a good friend of mine. He was coming over a hill crossin state lines, and just as he started downhill, he saw Smokey at the bottom with radar in hand. He knew he was busted as the lights came on right away. He was doin about 100 MPH. He immediately hit the brakes when he saw the cop and pulled over. When the cop arrived at his bike he said that he asked if he knew how fast he was goin. He stated "No". "I clocked you doing over 87 MPH IN A 55 MPH zone." He said "I was slowing down!". This believe it or not got him a warning. I should be so lucky. He asked "How fast is that thing anyway?". "Almost fast enough to outrun a Motorola Radio.".

Another of my Faves. is the Biker who was speeding through South Dakota on his way back from Sturgis doin about 90, and a Smokey radars him and pulls him over. Says, "Son, Ive been waitin here for Ya all day!" Biker replies, "I got here quick as I could." True of not? Don't care. Still love it.

See ya

Mr. Motorcycle.

Doing the Can Can (no not the dance)

I must admit, Cursing Mama and I are a bit "green". We're not complete tree huggers or anything like that, but we are very conscientious about protecting the planet so its as nice for our children, and grand children as it is for us today today. We try to use less plastics, try to recycle as much as possible, waste as little water as possible, etc. You know the usual, that I think more and more people are doing to these days. I think we recycle 2/3Rd's more than we throw away.

Enough about us. I bring this up as I believe strongly in recycling, etc... But is there not a point when you've gone way too far?

I see this guy 5 days a week as I drop off Princess to St. School each morning during the week. He is, I would guess in his late 60's. He wears a goofy ass bike helmet, and rides his bike to the school every morning, rain or shine, snow or sleet, 100 degrees F., or 50 degrees F below. It just does not matter. He goes into the school, and digs through the trash, then proceeds to go outside and dig through the dumpsters for aluminum cans and then puts them into the aluminum can collection trailer that the Boy scouts have parked in the back to deposit his findings. Usually he only gets 3-5 cans I'd guess by the small size bag I see. Not only do I find this odd, I find it disconcerting as he is going into a school, where children are. I've expressed this to the Guy who watches the kids when I drop Her off, and he said he would bring it up to the principle. I don't think he did, or the guy wouldn't still be hanging around right? Am I nuts for caring?

I think I should bring it up to the Principle myself. I Know this guy comes in before the principle arrives.

Update on Seminar: Change of Location

Just want to inform everyone that there will be a change of location for my “Modeling 101: How to Break Into the Industry the Smart Way” seminar. Due to conflicts with the Woodfin Suites Hotel involving a boycott against them by their former and current employees, I have decided to support the boycott. I will not subject my seminar attendees to targeted protests and will choose a different venue to hold my seminar. To learn more about the boycott, Google “Woodfin Suites Hotel Boycott.”

As of this posting, the date and time has not changed…just the location, which I am keeping within Emeryville.

I’m currently talking to three other hotels that aren’t affected by the boycott in the hopes of booking my seminar there within the same time frame. One or two look promising so it’s just a matter of working out the costs and officially booking the event. So be on the lookout for another update as to the new location of the seminar.

Registration for the seminar is still ongoing, so please send your emails to DaniaDenise@gmail.com for your application, FAQ page and to secure your seat(s).

The foot bone is connected to the ankle bone,.... is connected to my wallet.

Most bikers learn early on, that just about the time you try to do one thing custom to your ride, that you rarely can do just “one thing” without it directly affecting something else. For me anyway, it usually amounts to about two to three times the cost I initially thought I was going to end up spending for just the one thing. Thus, my title the foot bone is connected to the ankle bone, ....is connected to my wallet.

I've been doing a lot of bodywork and painting on motorcycles lately. I used to custom paint for a living, but I've scaled back to doing it as a side job and or hobby. I am currently doing my 3rd bike now for about the 3rd or 4th time. I suppose you can say I'm never content with one paint job for very long, as I have the ability to do bodywork and paint myself. Plus, this way it’s a little easier to swallow the cost of the new paint. However, it never comes without a price. There is still a lot of expense and time involved. I usually end up picking up another paint job for a paying customer to help pay for my habit. So needless to say I've been busy lately. I must thank my wife and kids for putting up with my lack of being around lately as I have spent many hours away in the shop.

The cause of the problem to start with was that I put in a larger motor, which decreased clearances that I used to have with the smaller motor. I ended up "having" to do my bike again because I had a crack in a gas tank weld, caused by one of my lower gas tank brackets hitting one of the rocker box covers, which was caused by the motor heating and expanding the jugs under the rocker box cover, thus pushing it upwards into the bracket. This caused a lot of unwanted vibration on the gas tank, thus cracking a weld. (Bracket bent upward, clearance given, welded crack, problem averted). Since I cracked the weld in the gas tank, bodywork and paint was necessary. I also broke my drive belt due to having a small weak stock belt that was not suited for the larger motor. Since I am doing bodywork and paint, and need a new belt, this means the rear fender needs to come off to. Since I'm doing the gas tank and rear fender, I'm already painting two thirds of the main painted parts, so why not paint the front fender and change out the custom paint to a whole new paint job. While it is apart and in the shop, why not change the fluids. I also have easier clearance to change brake pads now, so I may as well do them too.

The larger motor is connected to the gas tank, is connected to the belt, is connected to the rear fender, is connected to the front fender, is connected to the brakes, is connected to the fluids.
Thus "the foot bone is connected to the ankle bone,...is connected to my wallet."

I’m getting that spring fever thing goin on here, since we’re climbing into high thirties. Did I mention I’m in Minnesota? Hopefully, soon it’ll all be over and I'll be happily picking bugs out of my teeth again.

Keep the shiny side up!

Hope to see you in the wind come springtime.

Mr. Motorcycle

My Modeling Seminar is Official!

Hey, all! Below are the details on how to register for my modeling seminar. If you are located in Northern California, I would really love if you could help spread the word to anyone you think may be interested. While this seminar does require paying a seminar fee, it is much much less than your typical seminars. It costs less than $30 to register yourself and a parent/guardian 21+ (for those who are under 18) and only $25 for those 18 and older.

Hope to see you in April!!!

Are you interested in pursuing the modeling industry but have no idea where to start? Not sure what the requirements are or even what kind of model you can be? Need to know where the good agencies are? Then the following seminar is for you:

The “Modeling 101: How to Break Into the Industry the Smart Way” seminar is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th from 12noon-3pm at the Woodfin Suites Hotel in Emeryville, CA.

This seminar will educate and inform you on every aspect of the modeling industry, including but not limited to:

- Breaking down the different types of modeling and how to pursue each one
- What it takes to be a good, successful model
- Fun activities that test your knowledge of the industry
- How to avoid scams and spot fake/shady operations
- A take-home packet filled with detailed information, resources and a list of all the legit and reputable modeling agencies in California, as well as step-by-step directions for how to submit to them
- And much, much more!

Before stepping foot into the modeling industry, it helps to know what you’re getting into. Dania Denise will host the seminar. Dania is a working and agency-represented model that has been in the field for 10 years—and can tell it like it is. Also includes our special guest speaker, Brooke Duthie, who is a professional photographer and shoots for one of the biggest agencies in San Francisco.

To secure your seat, send an email to DaniaDenise@gmail.com. Please put your first and last name, as well as the title “Modeling 101 Seminar” in your subject title. You will receive the registration application and an FAQ page with all the details. Attendees under 18 must bring at least one parent/guardian 21+.

Please note: this is not a modeling school, convention or affiliated with any casting agency.

Seating is limited so register today!

Let's Get Some Things Straight About Me...

So I just wanted to make a quick post to address a few things. For some time now my blog has enjoyed a lot of traffic from devoted readers and those who just happen to come across it. Lately I’ve been in the habit of Googling my blog and related search terms (keywords) to see where it pops up, who has been using the content and who has mentioned it in other websites, forums, etc.

While it’s been really fun to see others cite my blog posts in order to pass on my information to others, I have also found that many who mention my blog or myself are putting out statements that aren’t just inaccurate…they’re just plain wrong. I know more than anyone how one person’s statement about you can affect others, whether intentional or not, so to clarify some of the inaccuracies I have seen in regards to myself and my blog, I wanted to get a couple of things straightened out:

1) For the record, I am 5’4”. NOT 5’3” or any other height that I’ve seen people claim I am on the Web. One inch may not seem significant to many, but it's just funny how many times I've stated on here that I am 5'4" only to have people still say I am a different height. Guess I'm just a stickler for being factual (must be the journalist in me!).

2) I am CURRENTLY signed with FORD San Francisco’s Commercial/Print & Lifestyle division—some people have made statements such as “she was signed to FORD for a time”—ummmm that time is still now. LOL.

3) I did not “walk away from modeling because it was too much.” I think some folks who read my post “Taking a Break From Freelancing” took it out of context and may not have read my other posts to get the full picture of the type of model I am. I never “walked away” from modeling, nor do I intend to anytime soon. I talk about taking a break from freelancing in order to allow my agent (FORD) to find me legit and well-paying gigs to boost my career instead of dealing with small-time clients who pay next to nothing (often nothing) for my services when I know that I am worth much more.

4) I am not your typical model. While I do have an agent, I do a lot on my own to ensure my success and to push along my career. Unlike many agency represented models out there, I edit and retouch my own photos as needed, am savvy with Photoshop and put together my own websites, blogs, pages, etc. I’m not the type of model who just lets the agency do everything because I know that oftentimes that isn’t enough, especially being a commercial/print model, my career takes work and I am more than willing to do what it takes to find opportunities and put myself out there. So for the photographers, who responded to my post(s) about being frustrated with not getting photos back, etc…just know that I don’t need just one or two photos for my book…I do so much with my photos that I require more than the typical handful most give…if I even get the images at all. I like raw untouched images because I am capable of fixing them myself for my needs and do not need a photographer’s help in doing that. In that sense, I am one of the most worry-free models a photographer can work with because all I ask in exchange for shooting together is a cd of raw images so all they have to do is burn them. End of story.

5) Models.com is one site that seems to favor mentioning my blog, which is great, but are also prone to putting out misconceptions of me to others. Just to clarify, I don’t mind people talking about my blog, referring to my blog or any other action BUT I do ask that you at least take the time to read more of my posts and get a more well-rounded idea of who I am before you put out your own notions of who I am as a model. There is more to me than meets the eye and for those who read my blog faithfully, they know that without a doubt.

So, with all that being said, I hope that folks start to post accurate information about me. I am a 5’4” commercial/print, swimwear, and fitness model who is signed to FORD in San Francisco, I love what I do, I acknowledge that it is a difficult at times in this business but I have succeeded at it for a decade and am only going to continue to move up. I have not and do not plan on walking away from modeling, nor do I find my height a hindrance.

If you come across such inaccuracies on sites, please do me a favor and respond to them and mention this specific post. Link to it if you want…I just want people to know that I do keep track of who has my name in their mouth and how it is being used. All I ask is that you at least get it right. ;)

Modeling & School

A common question that I get from model hopefuls has to do with the concept of pursuing a modeling career as well as school. Others worry that their parents won't approve of them doing both and many wonder if it's even possible to do so. So can someone do modeling and still go to school? To keep the answer to this question simple: YES, YES, and YES!!!

HIGH SCHOOL

While I do strongly encourage education and not putting studies on the back burner, that doesn't mean that the two can't coexist because they can but it's up to you to make it work. There are plenty of high school students who also model part-time. Any modeling agency acknowledges that school is important and they will work around your school schedule. If you're wondering how often you'll need to miss class, that all depends on what type of model you are. Needless to say if you're a fashion/runway model and are always traveling and are high in demand, chances are you'll have to stick to homeschooling. But if you are a fashion model who does mostly local stuff or a commercial/print model (whose gigs typically stay close to home as well), you can expect anywhere between 2-3 times a month where you may have to miss school, give or take (it also depends on the season and if there is a lot of demand for models).

That being said, most shoots do not last longer than 4 hours (8 hours max) so you may only need to take a half day and leave school in the morning and be back by lunch or a little afterwards. So chances are you won't be missing entire days on end. Plus, these are excused absences since the agencies require underage models to use work permits, which are totally in accordance with school policies so don't fret if you think you'll be racking up a score of absences on your permanent record (parents, feel free to breathe a sigh of relief).

However, it is your responsibility to make the two work together and to keep your parents off your back. Unless you completely neglect your homework and other school-related stuff, you'll be more than able to do modeling and still maintain good grades and participate in extracurricular activities. I did modeling in high school and was still a part of three school clubs and maintained a 3.5 GPA.

COLLEGE

The great thing about college is the fact that you get to control your schedule. This makes it easy to juggle modeling and school. However, there may still be times when you'll have to miss a class or two in order to go to a go-see or a photoshoot. As long as you can maintain your grades and don't fall behind, you can reach a perfect balance between the two as well. When I was in college I cut back on the modeling because I was very focused on getting my degree. But that doesn't mean that I turned down a lot of work but there were times when I had to choose between the two. There are many top models who manage to do both college and modeling, while a few took a break from the industry altogether in order to get their degree. Do whatever works best for you and your plans for the future.

So to sum things up, if you're worried about whether or not you'll be able to do both, relax because yes, school and modeling can go together...it may take a little work or no effort at all but either way, if your goal is to pursue your education and manage a modeling career, you've got the green light.