Its the last week of the month, of which I am usually preparing to pay bills and organize my budgets for the following month, and after looking at a few receipts and invoices I noticed, things just keep going up and up and up!
I personally hate the fact that things keep going up, like my car insurance…smh Not only did I not have any incidents or claims, but my insurance increased! When I asked why despite having no issues or claims, they said it costs more to repair cars nowadays.
Really…
So because, I never filed a claim and everyone else drives like idiots, and messes up cars and property, I’m paying for it… its not fair. (currently searching for new car insurance by the way.)
Anywho, the point of my blog post is this, everything in the world is increasing for me to handle business but I don’t want to have to pass my expensive costs on to my clients/customers.
Currently seeking ways to keep business moving without reasonably raising costs for customers.
How do you cope when your expenses get higher every year?
(The video, fyi, just illustrates general costs of being in business, whether you are a photographer or not. Plug in what applies to you)
One of my blog readers had a really good question about starting off as a model. On my blog post – 3 Resaons You Didn’t Book That Modeling Gig (https://aleanelston.com/ae/2012/03/02/3-reasons-why-you-didnt-book-that-modeling-gig-modeltip-modeladvice/) Amanda asks what are you supposed to do if you don’t have any professional pictures to submit in order to start getting work? Check out the post and the comment to see the advice I gave her, and if you have more to add to this subject, please comment and discuss below.
BTW please excuse brevity this video, I’ve been playing catch up with my blogging/vlogging and in my haste to make this vid, I’m not wearing any makeup 😛
Share this blog post if you like this vid and want to see more!
So I’ve come to a point in my life where I’m like, #justdoit, lol. There are so many things that I want to accomplish and try and see, that If I wait for things to be perfect, it will never happen.
I’ve always wanted to video blog and I’m stepping out and just doing it and letting it take me where ever it may.
So here goes!
The video blogs will be released once a week, beginning the week of 8/5/13 and will cover a range of topics. If there is something you’d like me to vlog about, explain a blog post in more detail, let me know. Comment my posts and videos, email me, tweet me, facebook me send me smoke signals or whatever! The more you talk to me the more I can shape the content to best help you all.
Before I get into this post, I wanted to mention that I am still looking to feature exceptional models on my site! If you would be interested in being featured, email me [alean@aleanelston.com] 2 – 3 professional pictures, a brief list of the work that you have done, and tell me a little about yourself and why you would make a great feature. Now on to the post!
So I’ve been wanting to write this for a LOOOOONG time.
I’ve been doing fashion shows for a long time both as a model and as a producer and one of the things that I have NEVER understood is when shows expect models to sell tickets to the show!
There have been shows that I have auditioned for that tell the models there is compensation for modeling in the show. Then to find out in order to be paid, you either have to sell over a certain amount of tickets or you make a percentage from every ticket you sell?
HUNH?!
I am not ticket master! Why am I selling tickets to your show…that is the producer’s job, NOT the model’s! All a model should be doing is MODELING! It shouldn’t be a requirement for me to have to sell tickets in order to get paid. The way I see it, I am doing a job as a model, and for modeling, I should be paid. You want me to sell tickets then hire me to sell tickets, and you’ll have to pay for that too!
Lets break down the fashion show process, shall we?
I have to get to your casting to audition to be in your show (gas and maybe tolls costs $$)
I get the job, now I may have to attend a rehearsal (gas and maybe tolls is going to cost me more $$)
Its the day of the show, I have to be there early in the morning to get fitted, hair, makeup, for the show to begin later that day/evening – lets assume this takes up 8-12 hours of my day that I could be working a regular job or another gig that is guaranteed to make me some money during that time frame. (more gas and maybe tolls is going to cost me $$)
and you want to tell me that in order for me to get paid, I have to sell tickets?! Tell that to the gas station and the toll booth attendant, cause they got their money, and I need mine.
Think about it, The venue got their money for the producer to have the show, the makeup artists have to pay for their supplies and time and they need to be paid, a quality photographer need to be paid for their time to be there and edit pictures, and I MIGHT get paid depending on the tickets I sell…
It has come to my attention that a lot of models don’t understand that professionalism goes a long way in this business. Maybe its because, a lot don’t think of it as a business, but more so as something to do because they find it to be fun for them and love the attention and the way they look and feel in a photo-shoot. While all of that is fine, one must understand that it may be fun for you, but for others, its a business, lifestyle, and a way of supporting their families. You mess any of that up or you rub someone the wrong way, you can be sure that your fun career will not move and prevent you from moving forward.
Here’s a list of 3 things that models do that industry insiders say can prevent them from working with that model again:
Arriving Late to a Booking
Personally, I think we can all understand that time is money, in any industry. But what I seem to see quite often are models who think that things revolve around their schedule… Let me be the first to let those of you who think this is the case know: YOU CAN BE REPLACED!!! Sure there are circumstances that may have held you up and prevented you from getting you there on time, but when you decide not to call anyone and let them know that you are running late. You are holding up the production and wasting money and possibly light (daylight) to get the job done! What will usually happen if you don’t call AHEAD of time when you are running late (and by that I mean, call when you know you are running late not when you are running late and its 5 minutes before you are supposed to be there) is that there will be another model willing and waiting in the wings who is available and will take your job. Then because they were such a lifesaver and time saver, they will be called upon for more gigs. Lesson: BE ON TIME and if your not, let somebody know ASAP!
Having an attitude
TUDE TUDE TUDE!!!!!! ATTI-TUDE that is… It says a lot about your work ethic, your personality, and your state of mind. One thing people must begin to master is the ability to control their attitude in what is often known as checking your emotions at the door. This is very important when on set, or backstage because to be frank, NOBODY CARES about whatever is bothering you!!! There is a task at hand that needs to be taken care of and you need to execute. If you want your bad attitude get in the way of that, or if it rubs someone the wrong way or if you just can’t seem to contain it. Don’t bother coming in. Bad attitude can effect everyone and no one (especially me) wants to be hanging around a dark cloud or negativity. I’ve seen plenty of girls be replaced simply because they couldn’t suck up their feeling about what happened outside of a photo-shoot or outside of a show and get down to business. Attitude is an emotion, and emotions are personal, and Personal issues can inhibit proper business. When you get an attitude remember the saying, “Nothing personal, just business” and get the job done.
Talking bad about others
NOBODY ASKED YOU!!! Well maybe somebody did ask you… but that doesn’t mean you have to spill the beans about everything that you didn’t like about the way they did things. This industry is very small. Especially if you are working in a particular area, and begin to advance in the industry. you will start to see that you will see some of the same people over and over again. All of those people talk and you don’t need to fuel any fire talking about another one of the members of the already small industry circle. When in doubt about discussing another photographer, MUA or stylist, just smile or look shocked and act like they are the best thing since sliced bread. lol! You never know who is related to who, or could be friends with the person they are asking you about.
Stay tuned… next tip will about being professional in reaching out about modeling jobs!
No your eyes are not playing tricks on you, you are reading this correctly. Trey Songz will be in the 3D remake of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. As if the singer, rapper, crooner, model, spokesman, and ladies man didn’t have enough to add to his list of titles actor is another that the R&B star is proud to add to his growing business empire.
Those of you that know me personally know what a Trey Songz fan I am, but to be honest I can’t help but to think that this role if gonna be straight comedy for me when I see this in the theaters! Why you might ask? Well, first off the movie is in 3D, i’m expecting a lot of bloodyness and gore being tossed at the camera… Second Trey has one of the LEAD ROLES and his name is RYAN (like why Ryan out of all of the names, It so does not fit him lol)… I know we have seen him on a few walk-on roles on the small screen but #cmonson are his skills that up there to be in a lead role?! I guess we’ll see next year…and third, its a horror movie, and because its Trey in the movie… I don’t think I’m gonna be too scared, and his facial expressions in the movie are gonna be priceless! LMAO… me and my girls couldn’t take his facial expressions serious in the “Yo Side of the Bed” video when he found out Keri wasn’t coming home… watch the video for yourself and you’ll see what I mean!!! – http://youtu.be/xPd4Qp-Pdew I love him best when he flashes that winning smile!! Lets keep that for a while 😀 Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D is scheduled for release October 5, 2012.
Sidebar: I wonder if he’ll die first in the movie…. (you all know the black people in horror movie facts, lol, don’t act like you weren’t thinking it!!!)
But on another note, Mr. Songz has announced the release of his upcoming album which will be released around the same time as the movie, Chapter 5. I’m so curious as to where he is gonna take us with this album. From “Just Gotta Make It” to “Passion Pain Pleasure” you can see how he as grown musically and how many times he has switched up his musical style, but reinventing his brand each time. From my observation of Trey from beginning until now he’s come to understand his business. From the music, to the endorsements, to the deals and collabos with companies and other top brands, I think he realized that there is very little money in music nowadays and in order to keep it going financially and musically, you have to pair your music with other aspects of business and in turn both will grow…
Just my opinion tho…
Check out what he had to say for himself about it all as he talks with Black Enterprise Magazine:
So , as usual, I was supposed to be doing work and I got sidetracked by a video on youtube. This one was about developing your elevator pitch. Terri Sjodin, explains how to break down all of the information you want to get across in a short amount of time into a short pitch that should generate interest in the person you are pitching your ideas or company to. She calls it a “Sexy” Pitch because it should entice people to want to know more.
Here is the general breakdown of her methodology:
Approach the person with an icebreaker. Discuss current events, ask an intriguing question, offer a gift (depending on meeting situation), or share a short relateable story.
When it comes to developing your pitch it should have the following components:
Intro – should grab attention
3 body components – persuasive questions, convincing arguments, or compelling ideas
a conclusion to wrap up all that you have said
and a close – should be a call to action to set up an appointment with the person to further present your ideas
Here is the video in its entirety for your deeper understanding. Enjoy!
Throughout the start of my blog, one of my main missions is to share information about the business of business so that others may gain knowledge and insight on how I do things. Recently, I thought it would be interesting to gain the insight of other entrepreneurs like myself who would be willing to share their insight on business as well. Throughout my search I have found Lara Georgine through the popular networking site LinkedIN. I asked her if she could share how she obtains good clients and avoids the problem clients. Check out her response below and be sure to check out her blog, www.larageorgine.com/blog for even more insight on Lara and her business!
As an entrepreneur, I gain the most customers through LinkedIn. I have joined many different groups and I post my different websites as well as my blog (which I try to keep updated weekly). I also do artwork specifically to post on other blogs to receive ping backs and/or as trade for a listing on their site(s).
I also attend trade shows that are of interest to me and I place advertisements with Google ads, which can be great as I have received a good amount of free advertising dollars by searching the internet. I have joined some local groups which offer a link to my blog, and I respond to ads from different listing sites.
I have been very fortunate with my clients so far, and have had few problems (knock on wood!) but I make sure that all parties are comfortable with the contract I provide. I did have to learn the hard way to make sure to have the contract there in the first place, as I had sent art work without more than a vague email, which does not hold up as a contract. I lost both my art and my client on that one.
I have found that the most important thing is to be up front and to make sure that the client is aware of when I am available and when I am away. Not that I need to tweet them my working hours, but if there is a holiday or a long break, they must be aware as early as possible.
LaraGeorgine is a Philadelphia and New York City-based fine arts professional with more than a decade of experience in art direction, graphic and textile design, illustration, and corporate identity management. Her work has been lauded by major apparel and design firms around the country, and her creative, solutions-based approach has built LaraGeorgine’s reputation as a leading independent creative professional in a diverse scope of capabilities. In addition to her portfolio at www.larageorgine.com, and her fabric line at www.spoonflower/larageorgine.com, her designs have appeared on the sales floors of some of the world’s major retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Target, Sears, Walmart, Kohl’s and others. (Taken from http://larageorgine.com)
MODELEVILLE is a social media platform that caters creative professionals in the modeling, fashion, styling and photographic industry. It is an arena that showcases the imaginative works as well as a ground of meeting people with the same passion.
Since MODELEVILLE launched in October 2010, it has more than 30,000 sign ups (though not all profiles are approved), viewed in more than 150 countries.
MODELEVILLE is open to all kinds of photographers and models from glamour, lifestyle, nude, body part, swimsuit, portraiture and of course the tall and slender fashion models.
“Modeleville connected us with both, potential consumers and talent for our fashion shoots and shows.”
– Amanda Che, designer of A Che swimwear. from the USA
“I think Modeleville is the next big casting website for serious industry models, with a lot of great contacts to be made!”
– Caitlin O’connor, model and runner up for Miss Philadelphia 2011
“I met several top photographers through MODELEVILLE who, I ended up working with. It’s a very easy and direct way to connect with some of the best creatives in the industry.”
– Kristina Korsholm, Model/Actress, in new feature film “Madoff – made off with America”
“Drifting through the social networks for years… it is refreshing to finally find one which is equivalent stylish and state of the art too!”
“Modeleville is a great new site for all professionals in the modeling industry. It is easy to use and view profiles and I find it more useful than any of the other sites I have been on in the past.”
– Justine Price, FHM and Maxim Photographer from the USA
“MODELEVILLE is an amazing platform for all fashion business professionals and beyond! You can easily get in touch and collaborate with top notch agents, photographers, editors, publicists and models. I truly enjoy the Internet presentation, which is stylish and classy with very well composed portfolios. You can also link your page directly to all the major social networks. All in all, it’s great and outstanding website that I can highly recommend.”
ANTM Cycle 7 Models (no that is not me in the top of the picture, although I do get mistaken for her a lot)
I usually get a lot of questions about modeling and what it takes to get ahead in the industry. Every time I am asked I always make it a point that being a good model, means being a “model person.” What I mean by that is, be the model that you want to be. You have to model a model in order to be a good model! That means getting into the mindset of a model and executing those mannerisms in your daily life. For example, when you are starting out as a model, you might compare yourself to your favorite model. Not saying that you look like that person, but their successes and thier persona. Don’t mimic what they do, but research what it is about them that has gotten them to the point in their career that they have reached.
Aside from the physical things that one needs in order to be a good model there are a few things from within that a model must have if they want to get ahead. One of the main things is a personality.
Personality
As a model, you will meet a lot of people and the key to you getting more modeling work often lies within meeting these people. You will need to be able to talk to people and project to your potential client that you are a confident and capable person. How do you do that? You have to talk and let people have a feel for the way you are!
Strike up a conversation with someone you don’t really know at social functions. Doesn’t have to be anything deep, it could be about the weather or better yet, compliment them on something you like about their outfit. That is usually a small ice breaker that can usually get the conversation flowing, who knows where it may go.
Another thing that most models need to be a good model is a good head on their shoulders, you have to be SMART!
Be a smart model…
I can’t tell you how many models I have met that seem to be the stereotype of the “DUMB” model. Very pretty but can’t count to 10 worth a damn! lol. As a model you are in this business as a self-employed business, you are independent. Even if you get signed with an agency, you are on your own. The agency works for you, you don’t work for them, no matter what you may think. Whatever jobs they send you out for, it is your choice whether you go or not. You are on your own to take care of how you secure it, your transportation to get there, your hair, makeup, clothes, etc. you are responsible for it all. If you don’t know what you are doing, I strongly suggest that you do a lot of research about the business or start asking some questions. No client wants a model who doesn’t know what they are doing, and the ones that do, WILL exploit you for your ignorance. (MESSAGE!!! *in my spike lee voice*)
The last thing that I will mention for this article is:
You have to have “THICK SKIN”
What I mean by that is., you have to be able to take criticism, let downs, and whatever else this industry will throw your way. You can’t take everything personally and let it get you down in this business. Not everyone is going to book you, there will be times when people will tell you no and then IF they tell you why they said no and its a negative reason, you have to be able to take it as this is just the way the business is. If you cant handle someone telling you that you weren’t chosen because you have a look that they weren’t looking for, take it as you didn’t fit for this particular gig but there are plenty others where you would fit. When you find it, find out how you can exploit it and make your money to get in where you fit in! Don’t let one let down, let you down completely.
Part 2 will be up, pending the feed back from this post! 🙂
