The best, the worst and the ugliest

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate as a judge in the Miss Colombia USA Pageant. As much as I love fashion and beauty, truthfully, I absolutely was not looking forward to this event. But duty calls, and I was also trying to sell my upcoming fashion show to the largest Latin television network, Univision. It was their awesome cameraperson, Francis Colon, who had asked me to collaborate and be part of the panel of judges. I have to say that, at the conclusion of the event, I felt like Miss Congeniality! It was not due to a lack of respect for this type of event, but because of what all these absolutely gorgeous young ladies taught me. To prepare to be a judge, I asked some of my closest friends to suggest an interesting question to ask the contestants. In the end, I decided to learn from this experience. I simply asked each of these young ladies, “What is your definition of beauty?” I was a bit confused by the fact that not too many even understood the question. So, instead, as the one-on-one interviews continued, I rephrased the question: “What is your definition of a successful woman today?” Some contestants answered, “... to be the best family member you can be.” Others said, “... to have a career.” Some even went so far as to say, “... to help children in need.” After this interview, the second segment of the pageant took place. It was a complete turn around for the young ladies. The ones I felt had a very strong interview answer were not as strong on the stage. But the young woman to whom I had given some of the lower scores in the interview segment received first place!  where am I getting with this?  when I was listening to the answers of the young participants, I realize beauty has come a long way from the images we idolized when I was a kid.

 

I have a very extensive clientele who are past their fifties. I hear a lot of stories. It truly blows me away what, not so long ago, women had to go through to be treated equally. Today’s style is so linked to what we have to say, to what we believe, that it is almost as if the way you look tells the world who you are. This makes me believe there is such a thing as dressing for success: your interpretation of success, learning to be who you want to be, and, I am tempted to say, it goes further than education. While I was in school in Paris, I remember learning to follow very closely the person you aspire to be: find a hero and learn as much as you can from him or her. Only then will you truly know what to do, in order to become who you desire to become. The truth is, it is not the way someone looks that we consider beautiful. It is the underlying message that someone chooses to bring across with his/her image. Rarely, does it ever have to do with your natural external gifts, but with your natural ability to sell the right image of yourself to the right buyer. Yes, my dear, whether you want to accept it or not, you are in the business of selling yourself at all times. How far you want to make it is truly up to you and what you believe. All it takes is that first person "you" to believe how amazing you are and the rest will follow. Here is my message to you: consult with yourself what it is about you that you want to emphasize to the public. Learn to present that image at its best. By choosing your role models, you can learn what works and what does not work. And, as you do this, never forget that this is a work in progress that never ends. Nor is it always easy to learn. But, if you stick to it, experience and mistakes are all it takes to make you an expert at that person you want to be, that person whom no one else but you can present and interpret the way you do. Bottom line: the key to today’s beauty is to learn from others of your choice how to put your twist on the mix. This approach gives “The good, the bad and the ugly” a whole new spin. Think: “The best, the worst, and the ugliest” with no in-between. And, if you feel like it, put on a little lipstick!

 

Exporting Fashion from a Bostonian Boutique. August 11th, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel Hernandez, an international award winner and Bostonian designer opened his Newbury St Boutique’s doors for the public  June 22nd, 2010  after a successful Europian endeavor. The winner of a very fierce worldwide contest held in Amsterdam last Spring and sponsored by JUST PROUD in his effort to recognize and to thank all his voters for the nomination says: “I am very proud of my hard work and thank you all very much. I feel this is the beginning of something extraordinary that will help me to become a better artist and businessman”.

 

JUST PROUD.com is an initiative of BALLSMEDIA, a marketing consultancy group for premium brands with offices located in California, Holland and China. JUST PROUD’s goal is to turn the fashion industry on its head. Giving back to the community by the community. The contest had 65 talented designers from all over the world and votes were casted over the internet. Daniel Hernandez led the contest taking over more than 85% of the votes.  Now, the next step is to create an exclusive collection for JUST PROUD clients. Humble, however no stranger to awards, Daniel Hernandez is also an Young Entrepeneur of the Year for Massachussets and New England 2003 by SBA – Small Business Administration as well as The Alfred Award of Excellence 2003. Daniel Hernandez’s boutique and Studio is located at 316 Newbury St. DH Studios Inc.316 Newbury St – BostonTel.: (617) 818.3999 www.dhstudios.com

 

 

THE COMP CARD

What is a comp card?

(Also called composite card, z card or set card) The Comp card is a marketing tool for actors and especially models. Think of it as a business card that serves to show the latest and best of a model's work.

The comp card is one of the greatest tools used to get work. Basically, it’s a card, around 5” x 8” in size, printed on both sides.  The front side of the card is usually the models’ headshot along with the model’s name and agency logo.  The backside of the comp card usually has multiple shots of the model, usually four in number.  The actual size and design of the card isn’t always standardized, but the Modeling Agency will sometimes want all their comp cards to be similar to convey the “look” of the agency.

How do I create a comp card?

Begin by shopping around for photographers, ask for consultations as well as referrals, when you find a photographer that fits your budget as well as your desired look, create an agreement so that you have a clear idea of how many looks as well as pics you will be getting.

After getting your photographs. Cropping and placement of your photos are the most important consideration. But many top agencies insist on models following their design, which means that you have no control of the look and feel of your comp card. It's just a matter of filling in the approved layout with your photos. And very often the choices of layouts are few. But there are many agencies that allow models to design their own cards as long as they use the agencies logo. This is where Model Cards can make a big difference for you.

How should I go about designing my comp card?

Use of colors, shapes and typography can turn an ordinary comp card into an exceptional one. Keep it sample and try to customize the look to the area of the industry you are trying to enter. The front should consist of a single head shot, this will make it easier for the client to identify what they are looking for, Remember clients hate it when your com card looks completely different than you. The back should consist of 4 to 6 other pictures that show a variety of scenarios, remember to show flexibility and look like you are having fun.

What is a headshot?

The basic headshot is a head and shoulders portrait (sometimes looser) of you that represents you as you look now, that potential clients use to determine if you are appropriate for their particular project.  The headshot needs to be flattering and informative.  You need to look good in the photo, but it must still be realistic. Again remember clients HATE it when a model shows up for a shoot and they look nothing like their headshot

PATTY

PATRICIA, part of the first group in the insider guide to the modeling industry seminar with the BCAE.

BRANDING

What is a Brand?

A brand is the emotional and psychological relationship an entity has with its audience. Strong brands elicit thoughts, emotions, and sometimes physiological responses from an audience. 

What are the benefits of a Brand?

Branding an entity yields both internal and external benefits. Externally, you create an identity that resonates with your audience. You form emotional relationships with your fans. That's important because people don't buy products logically, they buy with their emotions.

Within the entity, a brand serves as an internal compass of focus. If you clearly brand your self, you have an understanding of what you are about. You have a self awareness that dictates your actions.    All decisions, not just marketing, are made in alignment with the brand. Over time, you build a stronger identity.

How do I create a brand?

For starters create a name, You can choose a word that represents you. I recommend choosing a word or words that have a positive and strong significance to you.  Name is everything in branding. It becomes the way people recognize you, something that distinguishes you from the rest. 

Why should I think of my self as a brand?

a "personal brand" is something that distinguishes you from other competing models. Personal branding is understanding what is authentic to you, what differentiates you from everyone else and what makes you relevant and compelling to agencies or bookers making decisions about you.