I would like to introduce a new weekly series of posts which aim at being helpful to those models who are trying to enter the modeling industry in Second Life. We all know how difficult is to become appreciated and recognized models, but nothing is impossible with hard work and professionalism. One step at a time, each week I will provide an insight on a specific aspect of modeling along with tips on how to face each situation in a professional way.
Where to start then… each model begin their career by participating to castings, and castings will become a regular daily activity in your modeling life… castings to enter a model agency, to participate to a fashion show, to be selected for print work, to proceed in a modeling or beauty contest.
Duly preparing your application to a casting is essential. Casting organizers often make a heavy selection after applications’ screening, and they may invite to the casting only few models out of the overall applicants. You understand that preparing the best application you can is of foremost importance.
Questionnaire – The first thing not to underestimate is to be complete and accurate in filling out the application notecard. Answer all questions, and simply answer to what was asked. If casting managers want to know something, they will ask in the application notecard.
Read – Carefully read instructions. Rules are there for a reason, that is to make the application and screening process as smooth as possible. Be aware of all the steps you have to carry out to complete your application, most questions will find an answer in the instructions’ notecard, so no need to bother casting managers, don’t you think? There is usually a person in charge of collecting applications and being the main contact with applicants. If you still have questions, make sure to contact this person only. If you don’t follow instructions, there’s a good chance that your application will be excluded from the selection process, no matter how good modeling potential you have.
Photos – Several castings will require you to prepare one or more pictures of yourself following a specific theme or style. If you contact a photographer for application pics, be prepared! Do not leave the whole job to the photographer, because this is your casting. Take at least a couple of hours of your time to meticulously style the outfit/s, it is even better to take few days if you have time. Once you’re ready, be very descriptive with your photographer and explain the concept and mood, or emotion, that you would like to portray in your photo. If your avatar has some strong and unique features, make sure photographer doesn’t hide them. Bringing with you some rl images or a couple of poses that really “emote” your outfit will be a good inspiration for your photographer.
Please note, some castings will require you to present a raw snapshot. If they ask you so, the biggest mistake is to present a beautiful photo with background and highly edited by a professional photographer.
Double check - before you submit your application, make sure to double check that everything is correct. In my experience, wrong photo permissions is the most common disregard. We all know SL can play tricks at times; if you’re sending textures in a folder, and not attached to a notecard, I warmly suggest you to check permissions several times.
This is only the first step, next week I will discuss how to get ready for a casting.
(Source: wp.me)
