Dear Fairy Model Mother: How Do I Get Their Attention?

Hello lovelies! The first month in the new year is winding down. Yes! You've made it this far. This is a great time to reflect on your new year's resolutions and goals. Remember earlier when I wrote Regroup. Rethink. Renew? Let's go back to that and dig a little deeper. The idea for this came from a "vulnerable moment" from an aspiring model and actress named Karmin. Here's what she says: "I am trying so hard to attract the attention of agencies but haven't had any luck in a long time. I've literally applied to 22 agencies. I don't know what I'm doing wrong... I don't know if you'll read this, but if you have any advice, I'll take it! Thanks!"

Immediately after I got her message I reached out. Karmin explained that she'd landed a campaign through COACD that had her face on billboards around New York. How cool! She'd been sending out emails trying to get representation but without much if any response. This girl is just beautiful and I can't imagine any agency passing her up, but it happens. I immediately identified with Karmin because the same thing happened to me. I'd booked a major job that had me in magazines and ads, but I couldn't get an agent to save my life. What I learned is that you can't give up.

Keep working and pushing as if you're the hottest thing to happen since foamed milk. Set up test shoots with really awesome up-and-coming photographers. If any of them has a relationship with a good agency, have them put in a word for you. Attend fun events whether it's a party thrown by Nylon or a shopping event at Opening Ceremony that will allow you to network with some fashion insiders. You never know you might be rubbing elbows with the head booker of a really hip agency. And if that person checks your Tumblr or Instagram and sees you just shot with hot young photographer Kid So-and-So, you could just have a chance. Agencies want to know that you're the next big thing and that there's already a demand for you. If you create the hype, they will come.

Karmin has been working it a lot since we first touched bases. A few times a week I stalk her and see that she's constantly creating. (You can stalk Karmin here too.) Makes me so happy. She's generating her own buzz and soon she'll be on top of the world. Don't stop! Get it, get it!

As always, if you need a pep talk... I got you, boo. The Fairy Model Mother hotline is always open.

Everyday I'm hustlin'.

Dear Fairy Model Mother: My Booker Got the Boot?!

From the Pirelli Calendar 2014

Boy, oh boy. The past few months have been a doozy. Makeups to breakups. Here's the rundown... I got word that a booker from one of my agencies was calling it quits. Of course I was disappointed because this was a person I'd come to know and trust over the years. Some weeks later quite unexpectedly, I got an email from another agent stating "Today will be my last day at..." Whoa! I was already dealing with separation anxiety from the previous and now this. As if things couldn't get any worse, another agent bites the dust. My commercial booker at the agency threw in the towel. And this was someone who was actually get me and so many other girls solid work. What the ?! I felt like I'd just broken up with my boyfriend three times over. My fellow models and I were all freaking out. Why did this happen? Who's going to represent us? Are we getting the boot next?

If you're not understanding why losing your booker is such a travesty, let me break it down to you. Your booker is by far your best friend at the agency. He or she is the one you should really suck up to. Why? They get you work! They are the ones who pimp you out and blow you up so clients will work with you. Bookers are the ones who will negotiate on your behalf and get you a higher rate for a job. They are also the ones who will blacklist you if you act the fool on a job or misrepresent the agency. When a booker leaves an agency, there's a big shake up in the company. Models start to leave. Girls get dropped. It's just like any corporate job when there's new management. Your position is at risk.

What can you do in this situation? Reach out to the necessary parties immediately. Email the head of your agency for a meeting so you can figure out your future there. Call your now-former booker to chat and get some insider info. Where is he or she going now? Can they take you along? Or can they put in a good word for you somewhere else? Before you make any moves, don't forget to check your contract if you have one. Whatever you do, don't burn any bridges. You want to maintain a good relationship with everyone involved. You never know when you'll need their help in the future. But in the end, this is a business and you want to continue working with whomever is going to get you work. But don't ever think that just because you agent is calling it quits that you should too. If this is what you love to do and you're good at it, keep going. Don't let a change of guard slow you down.

As always, if you have any questions about modeling, the hotline is open. Keep believing in yourselves, lovelies!

Dear Fairy Model Mother: I Don't Know What Else To Do

Hello lovelies! As the summer sun begins to set we are once again approaching a new season. We often spend this time reflecting on our careers and passions. Are you where you want to be? Is there something you've been wanting to do, but haven't had the guts to do it? Or are you giving up? I talked about this recently, but the subject has presented itself again. This question comes from a recent college grad who's looking to get her master's degree in film, but still dreaming of modeling...

Here's what she has to say:
"I try out for things in the area (Virginia) but I've been unsuccessful even for local things. I've submitted my photos to modeling agencies in New York and visited them when I was in my teens but still NO LUCK! I even went to agencies when I was in Milan and still no luck. I don't know what else to do! I've tried every avenue. I've retaken professional photos and resubmitted to agencies. I was thinking to try out ProScouts convention in Philly but it's $700. So long story short, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions? I really feel that I have to find someone who wants to take me on but first I have to get an agency...which proves to be very difficult.
Thanks in advance,
Abby"

Dear Abby,
Your perseverance is amazing. When faced with rejection and disappointment, you've managed to keep on going. Now you're at a crossroads where you're choosing between the logical and the crazy. But why can't those two come together? You've been working hard, but it's time to work smart. I don't know you measurements or height, but I do know you have a passion for fashion and have studied communications. Girl, become a fashion blogger! You've got the training to create your own content. If you do it well, then you'll generate your own buzz and attract the attention of the right people (agents, brands, etc). You'll get where you want to be, but you'll get there following a different path than you'd imagined. Also, don't forget there are different types of modeling. You may not be high fashion, but there's also lifestyle and catalogues...and commercial acting. Abby, you're thinking about studying film and television commercials totally makes sense to me. Explore those options. Don't ignore all of your talents and use those to get what you want. You've got a beautiful spirit and I want to see you soar!

If you think you've tried everything, think outside the box and try a different approach. Just keep believing, darlings. If you have any questions or you need an extra push, your Fairy Model Mother's here.

xoxo

Dear Fairy Model Mother: I Think I Can, I Think I Can

Hello lovelies! It's Monday, and I figured a little motivation to get through this day is just what the doctor ordered. Over the two years or so I've been in touch with one super cute aspiring model named J. She's a skinny little thing with a great face and a will to do what needs to be done to get where she wants to go. But on the road to self discovery and fulfillment, we all hit roadblocks. Here's her story...

"I came all the way from Alabama where I spent 23 and a half years of my life living to pursue my dreams in Cali, a land I've never known. I said surely I will have my dream job in Graphic Design within the first months and I would be modeling with you. So, I have pretty much sacrificed what I knew as life," she explained to me a couple of summers ago. Even though we didn't really know each other, I was cheering for her and she was cheering for me.

J. did eventually get a job in graphic design, but she didn't like it. She tried to stick it out, but was fighting against her true desires. Her heart still wanted to model. This PYT took a few odd jobs here and there to pay the bills and did background acting work while continuing to look for modeling representation. That task proved to be even harder. After a number of disappointments, J. switched gears and began focusing on normal work again.

"I ask myself the question is it worth it? Should I pack my bags and experiences and head back to my comfort zone, the south?" she explains in a message to me. "Yes, I could do this, but I won't have the platform or the opportunities that are here to even try to be that person that I keep feeling God is rooting for me to be."

So J. stepped up her game early last fall after taking some time off to reevaluate her situation. Now she's meeting with agencies and getting great feedback. Every week she goes out to castings, does test shoots, and is consistently working on her craft. I know she's got what it takes and so does she. Don't get discouraged, darlings. The world can seem like such a cruel place that's only out to bring you down, but if you believe you can do it nothing can stop you. Have a little faith and keep on pushing. As always, if you have any questions or you need a little pep talk, the Fairy Model Mother hotline is always open.