Tag: fashion career

Posted on

A Model’s Unfiltered Thoughts on Agencies

Photo by Annika Forslund

I’ve been quarreling with myself on this topic for months now. I have provided you with plenty of info on modeling agencies in the past. However, I feel there is a missing element. Bias. Today I will impart my bias in regards to the topic of agencies. Today I will open up.

While I have not had a horrendous experience with agencies, like some, it has not been particularly pleasant either. Often, agencies have felt very intimidating, even bully-like.

A model is hardly ever allowed to be herself. She is scrutinized in detail. She is never good enough, always expected to fill in this role of the unattainable. As a society, our beauty standards are warped. They are unrealistic. Yet, young girls are expected to conform. This is what it feels like to be a model. Moldable.

At age 15, I was told I had too much baby fat. My legs have been called doughy. Some people have told me I can’t “make it” due to my size. That I have to conform. I have been pressured and harassed about my skin, urged to see a dermatologist I couldn’t afford, for a problem that was occurring because of my genes, and because I was unhealthy. Being with an agency has always been a stressful experience for me. I was always pressured one way or another, bullied strategically, bossed around, and strung along waiting for my paychecks.

This is my bias. And the experience is not too different from those girls around me.

Girls. We are women, young women. Yet, why do I keep calling all models girls? It is because even I feel diminished as a model sometimes. We are girls. Young. To be manipulated. Some never grow up. Some never learn. Some girls grow up learning from this industry and are left wondering what is wrong.

Agencies not paying their models has become a norm. Clients paying months after a job. Sexual harassment on jobs, and bullying. How can they get away with this?

For one, the industry remains wildly unregulated. On the other hand: we let them. A year ago, I decided I no longer wanted to be taken advantage of by a shady company with only their own interests in mind.

Unfortunately, a model can’t advance her career much without an agency.

To be fair, I have had a lot of exciting moments with my agencies. I have been in Mercedes-Benz fashion week. I have booked huge, lucrative photo shoots. I have been given the chance to book career-changing campaigns. I have been in Anna Wintour’s office building. There are always the plus sides. I often found myself in exciting jobs and opportunities I wouldn’t have gotten without an agency.

Without having been with the agencies I have been with, I wouldn’t be where I am as a model today. My portfolio is strong. My experience is strong. From the platform of being signed with an agency, I have been given the opportunity to expand and grow, not only as a model, but as a woman.

Here’s the thing. We can change this. Together. The fashion industry doesn’t have to be a harsh reality, but a positive environment.

My experiences in the fashion industry have pushed me to create a revolution. I want to promote positive change and health. Poor, low quality living is generally secretly applauded by many industry peers. Young girls loosing too much weight is celebrated! This helps perpetuate and encourage eating disorders among young girls across the globe.

So I need your help. Soon, I will be launching a crowd-funding campaign for We Speak, the agency of the future. I’m creating a healthy branding system for retail and fashion brands to use to encourage healthy living, and healthy women.

If you help fund and promote this mission, you are contributing your piece of a huge undertaking and fashion revolution. The industry has made small movements to a more positive industry, yet the experiences detailed above are still very much alive. Are you ready to roar?

www.facebook.com/wespeakny

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:
Founder of We Speak
(917) 274-7324

P.S. We are on the lookout for experienced, healthy models in NYC! Email briaunamariah@gmail.com for submissions (our email system and site is currently undergoing construction!)

Posted on

Young Models & Preparation for the Industry

Guys, if you haven’t heard, the fashion industry is changing. Big things are in motion. Big, good, things that protect you younger models out there. This is great!

But!

The fashion industry is still, well, a bit raunchy, shady, and over-saturated. These are all things I really do think everyone should be aware of before deciding to pursue a career in modeling. While it is a lot safer, I think, and nicer in “hometown” areas like Seattle and Portland, big cities like New York are crawling with less-than-ideal circumstances.

What do I do, then, when a beautiful, smart, young girl looks to me–me!–for modeling advice? About 75 percent of me wants to warn her of all the bad, to steer her away! But look at me. I’m here. I’m doing it. What am I to steer anyone away?

I love what I do. It works for me and my lifestyle. It’s not for everyone, but that’s not for me to decide.  If you’re pursuing a career in modeling, I want you to know what you’re getting into and make sure you have your parents backing you up and giving you sound advice. Continue reading “Young Models & Preparation for the Industry”

Posted on

How to Become a Fashion Model

How to start your career as a fashion model…(REVISITED!)

There are several things to consider when you begin modeling. Every young girl grows up thinking she wants to be a model (well, not ALL). The fashion industry is put upon a pedestal by many and it is one TOUGH industry to break. Modeling is extremely rewarding if you are passionate, but you won’t get anywhere unless you ARE passionate and give your all (*see disclaimer below).

Girls start in the fashion industry very young, which is a very popular topic for discussion these days. Many models I know and know of, however, are very smart and not only make sure to finish high school, but they go above and beyond and attend college. I myself have completed my Associates degree. I recommend a lot of thought to be put into the decision of pursuing a start in modeling.

So. How passionate are you? Continue reading “How to Become a Fashion Model”

Posted on

Networking: 3 Things to Remember: pt 1 Social Media

Okay. Networking.

I love networking! I love lovely people and sharing thoughts, ideas, experiences. The term “it’s all about who you know” applies to everyone, everywhere. Once you realize that this is an essential piece of knowledge, you can continue forward, putting yourself in situations to meet experienced and talented individuals. As a model, a good majority of my time is spent networking. Why do you think I am always on Facebook?

Just through internet networking (Model Mayhem), I have had the amazing chance to work with Matthew Jordan Smith, a photographer from LA who has shot Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfry, and more. I have had the opportunity to work with Antoinette Beenders, a renowned global stylist for Aveda. I know people who know people. Connections can get you anywhere if you know how to use them.

When I think networking, the first three things that come to mind are social media, events, and chance encounters.

I’m going to dive right into what I know about social media in part one of this three part blog post and tell you about what techniques work best for me for networking through this avenue. Continue reading “Networking: 3 Things to Remember: pt 1 Social Media”

Posted on

Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Team Selection

Previously, I discussed the first few important steps to building a stunning, top-notch modeling fashion portfolio in part one of this 3-part blog post. Now, I will continue on to telling you about building a stellar team for your portfolio test shoots and give tips on how to go about getting everything moving forward.

Team Selection:
The key to a stop-in-your-tracks portfolio is being extremely selective. As you gain more experience, build your portfolio, and create a professional, skilled reputation, you will have more say with this. I strongly believe that you are only as good as your worst photo, so build it up!

In my opinion, your team should include at least a photographer you believe will deliver amazing photos for your portfolio, a makeup artist (MUA), and wardrobe stylist.

You want to make sure you love the people on board for a shoot to make it as successful as possible. Do they match the quality that you wish to attain? You may just have to build up from ground zero, but you’ll slowly gain the attention of more experienced individuals. It helps if everyone is going to mutually benefit from the shoot, especially if it is a free shoot (no one is monetarily benefiting). If everyone is excited for the shoot, everyone should be at their best for stunning photos. Continue reading “Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Team Selection”

Posted on

Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Goals, Research, Inspiration

I had a friend ask me the other day for advice on building a well-rounded modeling portfolio. To share my knowledge with the World Wide Web, I have decided to blog an answer in a detailed three-part blog post. (Congrats to my gorgeous friend for getting represented with Wunder Model Management LA!!).

Before you go about building up your fashion model portfolio, or, as agencies call it, your book, you need to keep a few things in mind.

  1. Modeling and agency goals  
  2. Research your ideal fashion industry, modeling agency, niche, etc.
  3. Inspiration. Become inspired!
  4. Selecting a top-notch fashion team
  5. Ordering, presentation, and selection for your Portfolio Continue reading “Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Goals, Research, Inspiration”