All you need to know about plus modeling

I get asked a lot "How do I get into plus modeling?" so I decided to do a post on it.

First off what is a plus model? Most people think that if you're a plus size woman you can automatically be a plus size model, not true. There are lots of requirements to be a plus model. In the same way not many people qualify to be a fashion model, there aren't many plus women who are within the requirements to be a plus model. Plus models are basically larger versions of their straight sized model counterparts. They still have to have toned bodies, be proportioned, photogenic, have good teeth and yes they still have to be...Wait for it here it comes...They still have to be tall. I've had lots of girls ask me if they could make it as a plus model and they stand at 5'5' with platforms on, sorry honey but this is one requirement that most agencies will not budge on.

Some links with great information on getting started in plus modeling.

www.plusmodels.com
www.newmodels.com
http://www.venusdivamag.com/Pages/how-to-be-a-plus-size-model.asp

This is a thread in the Model Mayhem forums but it's filled with industry professionals who know their stuff. If they give you advice please take it 'cause they know what they're talking about.
http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=336178

General requirements

plus models range in size the most common are 10, 12, 14, and 16 (sizes 8, 18 and 20 are also used but not as often) with size 10 and 12 being used more on the east coast and size 12-16 on the west coast

Height requirements for plus models are 5'8-6'0 (although many agencies requirements are 5'9-6'0)

Beautiful face and good bone structure with a nice smile (that includes good teeth)

Toned well proportioned (bust, waist and hip measurements should be about 10 inches apart 42,32,42 etc) bodies with minimal cellulite, stretch marks and flab

In demand look (translation you must have a current look but not too trendy and not overtly sexy the plus modeling industry is conservative) think Talbots and Lane Bryant.)

clear skin

minimal tattoos if any

must be photogenic
Age ranges from 16 to usually 35
As far as age plus modeling depends more on how old you look not how old you are since one of the benefits to being plus size is we don't age as fast plus models have a much longer shelf life than their straight sized counterparts. At 26 I wouldn't even be ancient by straight modeling standards I'd be extinct.

So those are the requirements for being a plus model. It's probably a lot harder than a lot of people think it is to be a plus model. Please note the requirements above are industry standard requirements.



Here are some examples of agency signed plus models















If you don't fit the industry standard for being a plus model stay tuned. My next post "So I don't fit the industry standard. Now what?" will be all about finding work when you're not industry standard and without an agency. I'll offer tips and information on how to get yourself out there.

More to love

I missed the original airing so I watched it on hulu later therefore I'm a little late jumping on the more to love bandwagon. So in case you haven't heard more to love is Fox's new reality dating show where all the females are plus size women, hence the more to love title.

I mus admit first off these bachelor type house full of crazy women chasing after one guy who just wants to jam his tongue down everyone's throat reality dating shows are usually not my thing but here goes.

Ok so first thing I notice is this guy Luke Conley is not that impressive to me. Ok he's got a decent job but big whoop there are plenty of men who have good jobs what makes him so special? Second thing I notice is he's chubby wtf?! Please don't get me wrong I have nothing against heavier guys I've even dated one or two I just don't get why they couldn't get a thin guy. Seems like they're trying to say fatties can only date and be attracted to other fatties. I know that's not right, most of the men I've dated including my fiancée are thin. What I want to know is why the hell I need to see him eating and saying he loves food. He's heavy I get it Americans think that everyone who's fat eats a lot but I don't think Fox is doing the plus community any good by playing up that stereotype. Ok so now that we've met the dude let's meet the ladies.

Ok seriously these introductions are taking too long. Why do they need to start off with 20 chicks? Must say I do like some of these dresses though. Ok Christina needs to do a little growing up and realize that guys don't pay attention to her when she's out with her thinner friends because of he self esteem issues not her size. Did Heather really just say she's never been in a relationship because of her weight?! Honey the only thing keeping you from a relationship is YOU, weight has nothing to do with it. Heather's got a hot dress on just wish she had the confidence to go with it. Now Amanda is saying she didn't even have a prom date because of her size, I'm sensing a trend here. Just a second, why are all these chicks crying?

Did Anna just say someone who could love me for who I am? She's gorgeous what the hell is she talking about? Why is everyone acting like he's the only man on the face of this planet who likes curvy girls? Natasha said looks are shouldn't be the most important thing, I've got news for you miss plus women are hot and there are plenty, let me repeat plenty of men who love women with curvy bodies. The thought that most men prefer thin women is a myth. I've been on plenty of dates and know of plenty of men who love curvy chicks, my size has never stopped me from being in a romantic relationship. It's not about size it's about confidence without it even the thinnest girl would be overlooked. Confidence is the answer to the question "what she's got that I don't" we all have those days when we feel we look like crap but having the confidence in yourself and the fact that men are attracted to you is the key you need to get the attention you crave.

So I think I've seen enough of these introductions to realize these women were picked not because of their size but because of their insecurities about their size. This is really very frustrating for me being a plus woman who is confident and who knows that I'm sexy and that there are plenty of men who prefer my body type to others. It frustrates me because I haven't always been this comfortable with my size especially when I was a teen. It's hard for me knowing that there are young girls who are plus size who are going to watch this show and think that this accurately portrays the plus size community and how men view them.

I commend Fox for actually having this show and I will continue to watch to support them even having plus women on tv but I think they could have done a much better job. It's disappointing to me that instead of portraying plus size women and the men who love them the way it really is they decided to go for drama and exploit the insecurities of these few women who don't know any better. These women shouldn't be trying to be in a relationship based on their baggage alone. I'll watch again next Tuesday but Fox will be receiving a letter from me.

Fashion Aid LA

Ok so I'm a little late posting this Fashion aid LA stuff (it took place in December) but only a little. First off let me tell you what Fashion Aid LA is.

Every December the *Kierrah Foundation puts on a Fundraiser/Toy drive to help lend support to women who are former foster children who aged out of foster care and some have children of their own now. The fashion show was produced by Parris Harris and included designers such as Curvy QT, Stop Staring, Fashion overdose, Delisiana and more. My friends Lisa, Sommer and I walked for a few of the designers.

Below are some pics from the event hope you enjoy!

Oh btw Mr.T was there how cool is that?! Funny story, my Dad saw Mr.T in the restroom and told him he looked like a young Mr.T! To which Mr.T replied "Thank you" Lol my dad is crazy.

*To learn more about the Kierrah Foundation or possbily donate go here http://www.kierrahfoundation.org/

MoLAA spring gala 2009 fashion show featuring designer Eduardo Lucero

Hey peeps!

I got a few more pics from the show you can take a look at however the photographer only sent me pictures of me. I'm going to see if he can send me more pics from the show besides I want to see the other pics anyway enjoy!

Making my way down the runway


Striking my pose at the end of the runway. Thought I was going to fall forward off the front of the runway for a sec right before that but thank God I was ok :)


This was taken after the catwalk


What a gorgeous dress Eduardo is amazing I'm seriously gonna stalk this boy!

MoLAA's spring gala and fashion show featuring designer Eduardo Lucero

Geez it's been a little while since I last posted hasn't it? Well I've been busy with work also moved into a new apartment oh and I was in a fashion show recently. The show was a part of the museum of Latin American art's (MOLAA) spring gala '09. LA designer Eduardo Lucero created original outfits for the show based on works of art from MoLAA's current exhibits. My fiance said the show was amazing. I'm giving his opinion since I didn't actually see the show myself. I was too busy y'know getting ready and junk. They did have a photographer and videographer for the show so I can't wait to see the pics and video. Until then I suppose you and I both will have to use our imaginations. Below is a slideshow of a few behind the scenes photos sorry there would be more but I forgot my memory card like a dummy plus I was too busy getting ready the whole time.