Pink Avenue Models – Gossip

It’s almost the weekend which means that Chicago models will be out and about working various events. Here are a few things to remember when working your next event.

Be early! Models are to arrive at the event dressed and ready to work. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can meet with your contact person and get all the information that you need for the event. Leave your house early to avoid all traffic and parking issues, there is never a valid excuse for being late.

Work! Promotions may be a different type of job but it is still a job. Chicago models are expected to be fun, outgoing, nice, helpful and beautiful. Don’t let us down by being crabby, lazy and whiny the whole time. Promotions are not always glamorous, sometimes you get rained on, sometimes it’s cold and sometimes it’s boring. Suck it up, you are getting paid a lot of money.

Don’t gossip! Do not discuss pay or the agency that you are working with and do not talk about other models working the events. Models should watch what they say. The Chicago promotional scene is not that big so watch what you say because word travels.

Directions! If you are working multiple events in one night make sure that you have the address and phone number of each event. Models should always get directions to all of the venues, it’s part of the job. Always have the contact person’s number saved in your phone.

No Drinking! Some events will have models sampling alcohol, this is not for models it is for consumers. Do not do it, it is against agency rules, against clients rules and not safe for the models. If you are leaving an event late make sure you have an escort to your car, better to be safe.

Extra Shoes! Always have a pair of comfortable shoes with you. Working in heels for hours can be painful and the first thing you will want to do after the event is change your shoes. Carry a pair of flats in your bag.

The Normal Rules! Most agencies will have models sign an agreement that says they will not swear, chew gum, talk, text or email on their cell phones ect. Just don’t do it, it is wrong for so many reasons and makes the model look like they can’t do their job. Feel free to do these things on your break.

Good Attitude! Be positive, smile, impress the client and agency and you will get booked in the future. One bad review from a client puts you on the “do not book again” list.

Have fun and make money!

Team Pink Avenue

Clear, healthy looking skin is a must in the modeling industry but how do models keep their skin looking perfect? Some models are born with perfect skin and some have to work at it. What you eat plays a huge part on how your skin will look, this is more important than the products that you use on a daily basis. Here are a few things every model should consume to keep their skin looking flawless all year round.

Water. Yes it is true, water hydrates you and is great for the skin. Drink at least 8 glasses a day. Drinking water helps move toxins out of the body and moves nutrients in to the body. If models don’t enjoy drinking water green tea is the next best thing.

Low fat dairy products. Healthy skin needs Vitamin A and one of the best places to get Vitamin A is dairy products. Low fat yogurt is the best thing for models to eat, it contains Vitamin A and also contains acidophilus which is great for intestinal health.

Fruit. Blackberries, strawberries, plums and blueberries are great for a model’s skin. These fruits are high in antioxidants.

Whole grain. If models eat breads, cereals, pastas or rice try and make sure that it is whole grain. Whole grain products contain selenium which help produce skin cells.

Lean meats. It is recommended that models stick to poultry and fish when eating meats. These are high in protein and low in fat. They will contain the necessary fatty acids and vitamins that every model needs.

Models should consume water, green tea, low fat dairy products, fruit, whole grain and lean meats for perfect skin but there are a few things that they should avoid.

White flour items. White bread, cakes, pastas, sugar and white rice can have an affect on insulin levels and can cause breakouts.

Chocolate, soda, greasy foods.  These items are high in fat and have a lot of calories. Models should stay away from these items or only eat in moderation.

Eating the right foods isn’t the only thing that you can do to get clear and healthy skin. Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis is necessary to prevent skin damage. Don’t smoke! This is really bad for your skin in so many ways. Smoking will change the color of your skin, cause wrinkles and depletes your skin of oxygen and nutrients. Wash your skin daily and never go to sleep with your make up on. Use a moisturizer 2 times a day, the morning lotion should have sunscreen. Whenever doing anything to your face like washing it or applying make up be gentle, pulling on your skin stretches it.

Eat right and take care of your skin. A model’s face is the most important thin that she has. A model’s  face is what gets her jobs and makes her money so take care of it.

Team Pink Avenue

So you say that you are a promotional model but are you one of Chicago’s most booked models? Here are 10 ways to know if you are one of the best promotional models in Chicago.

1. The best Chicago models will have a drawer at home that is filled with promotional clothing. This drawer will contain t-shirts, sweatpants, dresses, skirts and anything in between.

2. The best Chicago models will have free food and drinks in their fridge. There are tons of sampling promotions in Chicago and models get to take the product home after the event. Models can live of off the food they get from promotions.

3. The best Chicago models will also have an album on their Facebook account that is called “Work” or “Promotions“. If you have enough pictures to have an album of promotions that means that you are working a lot and may be one of Chicago’s most booked models.

4.The best Chicago models have models as friends. Models work events and trade shows and meet other models. Models know each other and know the industry. Models become your co-workers and best friends.

5. The best Chicago models will work with agencies nationwide. Models that are well known in the industry should be getting multiple job offers from multiple companies everyday. Chicago models are needed at every event so make sure that you are getting offers for anything that happens in Chicago.

6. The best Chicago models have long, detailed resumes. Some resumes are pages long, this means that you have worked a lot and agencies love to see that.

7.The best Chicago models are recognized when they go out. This means that you did a great job and people can’t forget you. This also means that you can use the “I’m a model” card for free stuff!

8. The best Chicago models will have some type of promotional items in their purse, usually chapstick or lipgloss.

9. The best Chicago models will discuss good and bad promotions with their model friends for hours. When working in promotions the models have tons to talk about such as the worst promotion ever worked, good agencies to work for, worst outfit ever worn and models that weren’t so good to work with.

10.The best Chicago models will get a tax break at the end of the year because they spent so much money on things for work such as gas, lingerie for photoshoots, hair and nails, tanning, ect.

If you can relate to all 10 of these points that means that you are one of Chicago’s favorite models! If you can’t relate to most of these this means that you have some work to do. Start sending your stuff to agencies all over the country and get your name out there. The more companies you work with the more money for you. It is finally busy season in Chicago so start working!

Team Pink Avenue

Is it acceptable to wear white shoes, pants and bags before Memorial day?  I have been doing research all day and still do not have an answer.  A lot of stylists say that it is not acceptable and that it is a big fashion mistake but just as many stylists say that everyone is doing it and so should you. Memorial day was yesterday so this means that you can wear white and nobody can say anything about it. Here are a few tips while wearing white this season.

1.White pants! These are a must and every model will be wearing them all summer. Make sure that you wear nude colored underwear when wearing white pants, people should not see your underwear lines, tacky! Make sure your pants fit your body, white shows everything and isn’t the most flattering color. Male models should not wear white jeans!

2. White shoes! Models will need white pumps, wedges, sandals, flip-flops and flats. Make sure you keep your white shoes clean.

3. White tights. NEVER wear them, ever. They don’t look good on models or anyone else.

4.White looks best with bold and bright colors. You can also wear white shirts with white pants but make sure you accessorize with a metallic belt or other accessories. Too much white is not good!

Lets recap… All models must own white pants, white shoes (multiple pairs), and a cute white bag. Models should wear metallic accessories when wearing white because too much white is not good. Models should also never wear white tights and male models should never wear white jeans. Go shop, get all the white items that you need and wear them with no worries until Labor day.

Do you know if this rule still exists??

Team Pink Avenue

Are you thinking about stepping into the modeling industry? Just a warning that this is a very competitive industry and the chances of you getting rejected over and over again is very high.  A model is required to have a fit body, clear skin, and pretty hair.  Height and weight will matter too, depends on what kind of modeling you want to get into.

Anybody can technically become a model, but what kind of modeling is right for you? Runway models are 5′9” and up and really skinny with small measurements.  Plus size models are allowed to be curvy, and underwear models usually are big in the chest with small hips. If you d0n’t fit into any of these categories you can be a parts model, and of course a promotional model. The first step is finding out what category you fit into and to go from there.

The next step is getting pictures taken so you can market yourself. This is necessary to get any work in the modeling  industry. Find a photographer that you like and ask to set up a TFP shoot, chances are they may say no and you will have to pay but it is something that has to be done. Once your shoot is over pick the pictures that you like and get them printed. There will be a lot of castings that ask you to leave pictures and resumes with them so have them ready in the size of  an 8×10. Make sure that you have a headshot and a clear shot of your body. Also have a few pictures of yourself with no make up on and different angles of your face, most big agencies will ask for photos like these.

So you have figured out what kind of modeling you are interested in doing and have experienced a photoshoot or two, now it’s time to get yourself noticed. This is the hard part. It is time to do your research and to start finding agencies that can find you work. Start sending your pictures any way possible, submit your pictures online, mail them directly to the agency, call agencies and ask about open calls. Set up interviews and show these companies who you are.

Remember to always be professional, reliable and polite. Word travels in this industry and one mess up from you can ruin your reputation. Be organized and have pictures and resumes available at all times, never lie on your resume! Treat modeling like it is a real job. It is going to be hard and will take a lot of effort on your part. Good Luck!

Team Pink Avenue

I know that runway modeling isn’t that common in Chicago but we do have a few shows now and then. New York and LA on the other hand have big fashion shows all the time.

Are you runway material? Runway models are known for being tall and skinny, female models are usually 5′9” and up and male models start at 5′11”. The reason for this is because designers make their clothes in one size so all of the runway models should be able to fit the line. The purpose of a runway model is to display a designers clothing line and to do it with personality.

Here are a few tips to remember before you hit the runway:

1. Look straight ahead, never make eye contact. There are going to be bright lights surrounding the stage, don’t look into them.

2.Shoulders stay back and don’t move. Practice this because it’s difficult. Female models, stick your chest out a little and lean back. Confidence is key on the runway. Male models  have it easy, remember to  walk with confidence and be relaxed.

3.The walk! It is all in the legs. The most important thing to remember is one foot in front of the other. This will make your hips sway and your arms will swing automatically. This is very important… ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER! Take bigger steps but make it look natural, it’s tricky.

4.Arms. As mentioned above when you are walking your arms will automatically swing. The goal here is to keep the top part of your arm still and only let the bottom part of your arm swing. This is why your shoulders can’t move. Too much swing looks bad. Again, male models have it easy, just let them swing naturally.

5.Your hands and fingers. This is important in all forms of modeling. Make sure that your hands are always showing and that your fingers are relaxed and straight. 

6. Chin down. When walking on the catwalk you are up higher than the people watching the show. For good pictures and great angles of your face lower your chin slightly.

7. Add personality! Own the catwalk, show attitude, sell the line.

Lets combine all 7 steps together to make it a little easier for you to remember. Look straight ahead, chin down, shoulders back and stiff,  chest out, one foot in front of the other, arms swinging, hands relaxed and lots of personality. Now you are a runway model too. Perfect!

Team Pink Avenue

Street teams were originally started in the early 90’s and were developed by urban record labels. These record labels thought that street teams were the most affordable and effective way to get their name out there. The modern street team is now utilized for corporate branding by Fortune 500 companies worldwide. Street teams are now a huge part of every companies marketing strategies.

Pink Avenue Models has been spending a lot of time preparing for our upcoming street team promotion.  Pink Avenue Models has teamed with a new client and our Chicago models are going to hit the streets of Chicago this weekend to promote a new company.  If you are out at any sporting events this weekend make sure you say hi to the cute Chicago models while they are working hard.

If you are thinking about getting into the modeling industry working as part of a street team is great experience. This requires models that are not shy, have tons of personality and can talk to anybody. You are being paid to promote a company or brand and you need to get the name out to everyone you see. Be as loud and outgoing as possible.

Team Pink Avenue

Finally summer has arrived in Chicago! It is going to be 80 degrees today and almost 90 degrees tomorrow, that means it is time for the BEACH!! Every Chicago model has a different body and we want you to look the best that you can in a swimsuit this summer. Here is a guide so you can pick the best suit for your body.

Are you smaller in the chest area than you would like to be? Buy a swimsuit top that has a crazy pattern, or ruffles. It will add to your bustline.www.oldnavy.com

Do you have the pear shaped body that is hard to shop for? If this sounds like your body type you want a swimsuit that covers more on the bottom of your body and less on the top. 

www.victoriassecret.com

 Are you a busty model? If so you want to have a swimsuit that has a halter top for more coverage and support.

www.ae.com

Do you have extra weight in the stomach area? If so you can get away with wearing a one piece because they are totally in style again. Black is the color to buy, it makes everyone look smaller.

www.ae.com

Do you have the thin body that isn’t so curvy but is awesome for the runway? Add curves by wearing a bikini that ties on the side, it will give the illusion of wider hips.

 www.ae.com

Are you a model that  has short legs? Buy a swimsuit that has a high cut bottom, it will give your legs more length. You can also but a sandal with a small heel to add a few inches.

www.wetseal.com

Hopefully this blog will help all of our Chicago models on their next stressful swimsuit shopping trip. Don’t forget to pack everything you will need for your day at the beach. Include sunscreen, towel, brush, cute dress and comfortable sandals. See you at the beach!

Team Pink Avenue

There are tons of “modeling agencies” out there but do you know which ones are good to work for? Do your research before you start working with random companies, it will save you time in the long run. Here are a few ways to find the dirt on modeling agencies.

1. Ask other promotional models who they work for. Promotional models are going to have the best advice. They know what modeling agencies have treated them well and which ones they had a bad experience. Trust other models, models watch out for each other.

2. Google the company. If you find any negative reviews do not work for the modeling agency. Rip Off Report has an awesome website that goes into detail about why the modeling agency is fake, shady, and not good to work for. You can Google the modeling agency’s phone number to make sure that the number matches the companies name and address. Google is the best thing for doing research online.

3. Look at the modeling agencies website. Are the pictures real, has the site been updated, do they have a phone number and an address? If a company doesn’t display a phone number or address they don’t want you to know where they are located. If the modeling agency uses fake pictures it’s because they don’t have real models and if the site hasn’t been updated then they just don’t care. If the modeling agency doesn’t have a website then do not work for them!!

4.Every modeling agency is required to have a license. This is going to be harder to find out but it can be done. If you are not sure and can not find out if they have a license feel free to ask the modeling agency for proof.

Unfortunately there are agencies out there that have ripped girls off, paid them half of what they earned or not paid them at all. Before you get yourself into an awful situation take some time to research the company that you are going to be working for.

If you are looking for good agencies to work for go online and search for key words like Chicago modeling agencies, promotional modeling agencies, Las Vegas modeling agencies, New York modeling agencies, ect. Models can work for agencies all around the country, not just modeling agencies in their own city.

Do your research, sign up with great modeling agencies and start working. Summer is here and it is going to be a busy season!!

Team Pink Avenue

It’s the middle of May and still not as warm as we would like it to be in Chicago but summer is coming fast. Where will all the Chicago models be this summer? The beach! Check out the trendy beach necessities that every model will have this summer.

1.Swimsuit. You can get a cute swimsuit for under $50. Try shopping at Old Navy, H&M, American Eagle or Victoria’s Secret for the best suits.

2. Sun Glasses. I recommend buying cheap glasses because glasses get lost or broken super fast. Forever 21 and Wet Seal have really cute glasses for under $10. Big sunglasses are still in.

3.Summer dress. Dresses are the easiest thing to wear in the summer and can be worn day and night. My favorite dresses are from American Eagle and Charlotte Russe. Super cute and affordable.

4. Flip flops. Sandals are a must have. They look good with jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts and swimsuits. Stock up on flip flops this summer.

5. Beach bag. Another must have. Get a bright, big bag that can carry everything you need.

6. Sunscreen. Being tan makes you feel better and look better but isn’t good for you. To avoid being sunburned use sunscreen daily. Carry a bottle in your purse.

7. Messy hair. Summer is the time where you don’t have to spend time blow drying your hair and styling it because it won’t hold. Braiding your hair or sleeping with your hair in a bun will create soft, messy waves.

8. Polo Shirts. Polo shirts are in for women! Look cute and classy with this look this summer.

9.Accessories. A must have. Bracelets, headbands, small earrings and anything else you can find. Keep it minimal.

10. Clutch. This works perfect in the summer. It is small but has enough room for your credit cards, ID, money and lip gloss. Slides right on your wrist so you won’t lose it.

If you don’t have all of the beach necessities on this list go out and get them asap. Beach weather is coming soon, finally! Come hang out with Chicago models at the beach this summer, we will see you there.

Team Pink Avenue