Hi Vansters,

I feel like I’ve been neglecting this blog due to my business coaching and consultancy company, Ignite the Screen, and wonderfully managing to get clients before the site was even launched. Things are going at a nice pace there now although I’m still very busy with it having just put out a brand new free guide which talks about customizing Facebook pages for business. If you’ve got your own business please feel free to download it.

Due to me being busy there have been no fit posts which is a shame but unfortunately they do take up quite a bit of time to compose and I’ve kind of made the decision to pull back from doing them because they took up a lot of time I needed to dedicate to my business.

But I wanted to use this post to answer a question by the beautiful, fashionable business woman  Monif C as well as share with you some ASOS related news.

This is a long post so please don’t speed read.

Monif said

Hi Vanessa, hope you are doing good…drop a line in the ASOS Curve folks ear that they should consider carrying some of the designer plus size labels on their site similar to how they do with the str8 size lines. I think Monif C., Anna Scholz, Svoboda and the like would be great on the site! Read your blog the other day, keep up the good work!

I wanted to spend some time thinking of a response. It is not the official response; it is my personal response which is very much constructed from observation. So please remember than as you read on.

Having been with Curve for nearly six months I can say it is still a very small subsidiary of the ASOS brand. It may seem big (pardon the pun) to many in the full figured fashion world but it by no means takes the amount of money its mainline does. That is just a simple fact. Curve was only ever meant to give fuller figured women the option of having select core line styles in the sizes of 20-26 (UK) and over time it’s managed to stick in a few exclusives which aren’t on core.

It’s not like Simply Be or Evans; these companies are solely set up for the full figured fashion market. Curve is classed like maternity or petite, so as a business at this point it would not serve ASOS to bring in new full figured lines as Monif has suggested. Not at this point.

This may not seem fair but from a business perspective it makes sense to leverage their own brand first before they even think of bringing in new lines.

But there is also a flip side which no one really likes to talk about but being as it’s me writing this (and not a cookie cutter PR) I’ll just go ahead and say it.

Have you ever wondered why Curve (at time of writing) is never featured in Asos magazine? Have you wondered why there isn’t a huge amount of press around ASOS Curve in mainstream media? It’s not that team don’t want this – it’s in my view because the hierarchy that runs ASOS don’t seem ready to want to put full figure out there as a main marketing niche. They market to ‘straight’ size young fashionables.

This used to make me quite angry but really from a PR perspective I can see why a predominantly ‘slim’ niche clothing company would be hesitant to show full figure women anywhere on their site. This is why I believe you will never see size 20 models on Curve.

The knee jerk reaction would be to claim ASOS don’t like fat people. That is rubbish. I know this because I’ve never worked in a place I’ve had so much love and respect from my peers as I do at ASOS. They are very dedicated and focused to giving you good clothes.

The simple fact is, in my view, they (the puppet masters at ASOS) don’t understand the power of the full figured market on a global scale, yet. Their image is slim pretty young women, not fat pretty women and therein lies the difference between ASOS and a company such as Simply Be or Lane Bryant.

It’s like asking Porsche to promote a style that looks like a Jaguar. Both are beautiful cars but each have a specific look and target market and while Porche may incorporate some Jaguar features you will always have a Porsche looking like a Porsche. I hope that makes some sort of sense?

This is exactly what ASOS do, they take elements from main line but never go all out with changing the way they brand and promote on the whole.

Why is this? It’s because the UK (where ASOS is based) have not yet caught up with the US. The UK is a very small country and we are surrounded by magazines that simply want to show off ‘slim, slim’ and more ‘slim.’  Occasionally we have a flush of  plus love but it is more to do with trending rather than a constant perspective.

Summer is the worst time to be a fat Gal in the UK. Its ‘summer diet’ and ‘that bikini look’ overload. Not many of us can say in the UK that we are not affected by the media. Even me – for the first time in my fat adult life it has got to me this year. I mean terribly. I’ll explain more, further down.

Is it any wonder that a company that is based in this small ‘slim loving’ country targets the customers with the most sway? Not at all. That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of big people in the UK but its not anything like the US.

As you can see this was too long for a Facebook note but I’m very happy Monif brought it up. J

Never Say Never

Looking forward and with Curve’s continuing success you may find the size range expanded. You may ever find it expands to other items like shoes or possibly maternity. But that’s in the future and all we can do is to continue to support Curve and its team.

They really adore making these clothes for you. They don’t see why fat Gals shouldn’t look high fashion. They are pretty particular bunch of people who will not hesitate to demand several fits if an inside leg is not correct or the bust dart is one cm too far over from what it should be.

There have been things I’ve really loved but they’ve been cancelled because the team are not getting them perfect. Of course it’s a very true fit line and also one based on my shape (not all look like me LOL and you’ll note that if you’ve followed Curve from the beginning then the previous fit model was a slightly different shape to me) but surface to say they aim to please the majority. Judging by the activity on the Curve Facebook group they are pleasing a lot of people. I love them a lot.

But it’s Time to Say Goodbye to Curve

My friends, it is with a heavy heart I tell you that I will be leaving Curve soon. Plus my contract with my agency comes to an end next year. It has been an amazing journey with this team and with this brand and it’s with eyes filled with tears I write this. If I seem dramatic then it’s because it has been truly amazing. This was not an easy decision to make because those two days a week in fit sessions make me so happy. However on the whole I am not happy within myself or in my skin.

That’s right one of your poster girls is not happy. But we’ve been through this before right? You know I made a conscious effort to lose weight and get in shape last year. I dropped two dress sizes and then Curve came and I was excited but in hindsight I didn’t think it through. I didn’t think what a heavy strain on my mind it would be to never be able to change whilst in this job. Of course it makes sense I wouldn’t be a size 14 but in my mind I never thought as time went on I would get out of shape by doing this job. And I have.

I never realised that if a first time garment came in that was simply not cut right I’d have to go through the mind hell of thinking I had failed to comply with what has been asked of me. Every month (you know the time Gals) I bloat terribly. This can often cause me to gain a few cm on my stomach but reduce around my waist. This is bizarre and obviously the team are great with taking this into account but it’s still a head screw for me.

For the past few months I’ve found it very difficult to handle the fact I must stay the exact same size. Plus I’ve had to watch a family member very close to me gain and gain and now struggle to move. This person is active but as the years go by they are finding it harder and harder to lose the excess and keep active.

This could be me in 10 years time and I don’t want that. As I mentioned summer makes it worse because their is an overload of slim everything. Mostly for vanity and not really due to long term health. But still if you spend four hours a week looking in a mirror (as I have to in fit session) whilst also being in a place where super slim models are the norm to see walking the corridors you can see that plays some head games. Of course I wouldn’t feel so bad surrounded by people that looked like me as the norm.

I’m not saying I’m ugly – I’m just saying I don’t feel fantastic anymore. Not like I once did.

I like curves a lot. I don’t want to be a size 8 or even 10. My goal is to be back to a 14 (uk)

In the ‘Community’

This could be seen as conceding defeat against the machine of ‘slim is beautiful.’ I feel it’s just a personal decision of doing what I want with my body; just like you wish to be accepted for being fat (if you are). I think the bottom line is I don’t want to end up like the family member I speak of. I’m 35 nearly 36 and it’s time to make a huge life change and not be distracted by anything else.

You notice we are not all equal as plus either. In modelling I can never be booked for anything that showcases fashion. I’m stuck behind the scenes of fashion. I’ll leave you to ponder how that makes me feel.

I’ve had a good run as fat woman in the community who is known for many things, but in order for me to have more energy etc I need to make these drastic changes.

For the record I think ‘health at any size’ is a very misleading statement and we’d do well to define it better. You may not like hearing that but it’s true. I once was one of those people who said that, so I am guilty but over the last few months my eyes have been opened (once again.)

I always said I didn’t want to grow really old so screw it – let me stay fat. But over time and with the possibilities my new business has thrown up I realise I want long term health and I just want to walk into a store again and pick up a size 12/14 (UK).

I’ll never bash anyone who wants to stay as they are. That’s their choice.

To Evolve and Inspire

What’s so scary about this is that there are thousands of women who read my blog every month and love what I do but what’s scarier are the ones that have written to me when I was losing weight and said they wished they could do the same but feel that they would not be accepted if they did.

Ladies this is BS and we need to stop it. I cannot stress enough how deeply angered I am at the way some of you behave if someone is not ‘the right size.’ It throws the whole size acceptance thing out of the window. How can you expect to be accepted when you won’t accept others for their choices? If a slim woman wants to make and sell full figured clothes who are you to discredit her goal? That is just one example of what I’ve witnessed over the years.

There are ladies out there in the BBW community for instance who are hailed as goddesses and paid to be fat. But don’t believe the hype people. Many of them eventually resent it. Yep it’s money in the bank for them but when the party is over and they struggle to lose the weight they find it difficult and they also find it difficult to stay within the community they have built friendships in because of their new slimmer size.

This is not bitterness talking its fact and truth and if you read my blog you’ll know I give it in spades.

I will evolve and maybe I will inspire some along the way.

Looking Forward

So I just want to let you know that I will still be with Curve until they find a new fit model. Beyond that I will still be in contact with the team. As one team member has said, ‘I don’t know how we’re going to replace you?’ She wasn’t talking about the size issue she was talking about the connection I’ve helped make between lovers of the range, bloggers and the brand.

I have tried my very best to let you enjoy this journey with me and to understand how the process of making these clothes happens. I think I’ve done more than the PR team at ASOS have. I’m proud of that and I’m proud of each and every blogger who’s shared their pictures and write ups about the clothes.

Please don’t stop enjoying the range. The Facebook group will stay open so you can share things and let the team know how you feel and of course I will pop in and let you know if there is anything exciting happening if the team let me know.

The word on the ASOS street is they are reading blogs avidly with a view to having a Blogger’s day. It’s a rumour I hope comes true. The A/W collection is slowly coming in for fit and I’m just like WOW. Of course most of it I’ll be able to enjoy because these garments are coming to main line – but there are a few exclusives so enjoy them. And note, Curvettes that looking forward these exclusives and some other garments will be limited for exclusivity so don’t rely on them going in sale! J

I’m going to enjoy my new journey as a business coaching consultant (and occasional MUA) as well as keep this blog going with life, fashion and beauty news. And of course I’ll be updating you on my progression in weight loss and a healthier lifestyle for me. I may have to get the amazing Debra Mazda on board for some pep talks! J

Thank you to those who continue to support me and my life choices. My new mascot as you may have noticed by visiting my coaching site is a butterfly. I’ll leave you to ponder why it is so significant to me and my life path.

Be Happy,

V x

P.S I will let you all know when I’ve officially stopped being Curve’s fit model.

Find me here: facebook/ignitethescreen

New email vanessareece (at) gmail.com (please use this from now on and if you’ve sent me mail I have not replied to please send it again to this new address)

Fashion Picture courtesy of Asos.com

You may have heard of the beautiful Australian plus size model Laura Wells? If not let me give you some inside information that’s not in this interview.

1. She gives the best hugs. Warm, friendly and totally genuine.
2. The Asos Curve team love her – and so it would seem do many of the Curvettes that buy from Asos Curve
3. I nearly didn’t introduce myself to her when she was shooting one day at ASOS HQ. Why? Well, even professionals get star struck and all I could think was *heart pounding* ‘that’s one of my model idols sitting there minding her own business.’ I’m glad I double backed and said hello.

In fact Laura was such a sweetie she emailed me an hour or so after and said how nice it was to meet me and she agreed to do this interview.

It’s been a long time coming because Laura has been jet setting around the world and is currently back in Australia enjoying time with her family as well working her plus size model curves in various fashion shoots.

In this interview Laura Wells and I cover all the bases: – size acceptance, the fashion and size faux pas, her acceptance of herself and many other things.

Sit back and enjoy the girlie chit chat of two very different models with one hope in common – that plus size fashion lives on!

Hi Laura, it’s great to finally touch base with you as we always seem to miss one another when I’m at ASOS doing my fit sessions. How are you?

I’m really well! I’m back in my home country of Australia at the moment; working hard and staying up late to watch the world cup. It’s good to see all my family and friends again even though I have now escaped the London chill to come to home to Sydney winter!

But it’s hot now in London. We turned the heating on for you. Come back! ha ha!

So Laura, you are the face we see on the header when we click onto the Curve section of asos.com . You’re totally rocking that Hawaiian Cocktail Dress!

You have become a favourite with many of the customers who buy from Curve.
Your look and poise really showcases the clothes well. You seem to be a natural born model, but I read that this wasn’t your first choice of career.

How did you get started?

My sister who is a straight size model went to NYC to go see agents about 5 years ago. I went with her and got asked by a few scouts whether I was a plus size model. At that stage of my life I didn’t even know such a model existed and I really had no interest in modelling at all, that was my sisters department and I was busy at university and travelling at the time.

When I got back to Australia I got in contact with BGM models in Sydney, and my agent, Darrianne Donnelly signed my that day. My first job came two weeks later and since then I haven’t looked back.

You’ve always had killer Curves but have you always been confident in showing them off?

When I first starting modelling and at high school I was never really confident with my curves. I also thought of myself as a lot bigger than everyone else, especially my friends, I never really understood that curves were a blessing! Since modelling I have become a lot more aware of my body shape and finally take pride in the fact that I have a curvy body. I dress to show off my curves and am now no longer afraid to do so.

We’re seeing more plus size models getting press these days, but many of the plus size models are fit into standard criteria, do you feel at any point the size definitions will increase?

Just like straight sized models, plus size models too have a standard criteria to fit to. This criteria is different depending upon the country and market but I do think that the plus size criteria will increase as the demand for plus size market increases.  Plus size models and the industry have really only just begun and I believe that there is much more room for movement in the years to come. It is definitely exciting and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the plus size industry!

Just recently Australian Designers refused to use plus size models during fashion week. This caused quite a stir. What are your views on that?

In terms of plus size modelling and the clothing industry, Australia has quite a long way to go. The industry in Australia is picking up but seems to be behind Europe and the United States when coming to accept plus models and their role in society.

It was actually quite shocking to learn that this year’s fashion week shunned the plus size model as at last year’s Rosemount fashion week, eighteen plus size models from BGM models, including myself, took to the runway for the first time at Sydney fashion week and were very well received.

I thought the City Chic parade last year had marked the way for a plus size revolution in Australia but sadly it seems the fashion industry itself ignored the praise given by the general public and stayed on the one-eyed path of the straight size model.

Hopefully media attention from the refusal to use plus size girls will change a few attitudes and Australia can pick up where they left off from last year’s parade and hail the ever increasing love society has for the plus size girls!

You’ve been very successful as a plus size model but have you ever felt pressure to lose weight?  If so how have you handled that?

No I have never felt any pressure as a plus size model to lose weight. The only time I felt pressure to lose weight was when I was younger and that was mainly pressure I had put on myself to fit in and look like everyone else. If anything I have been asked to put on weight. I’m happy with my weight now. I am at a weight that is probably my natural weight.

I don’t fluctuate and it would actually be difficult for me to lose weight. If I was in a position where I had pressure on me to lose weight I would handle it by assessing my health. If I am within a healthy weight range and am happy with myself and am comfortable with how I feel there is no way I would attempt to lose weight.

Being happy and healthy, I believe, are two of the most important aspects in life and if you have balanced them well you shouldn’t feel pressure from anyone to change that.

You recently shared the catwalk with Crystal Renn for Sheego in Germany.  Crystal’s been the most talked about plus size model in the business recently. Was it nerve racking?

I don’t get nervous before parades, so it wasn’t nerve racking. But it was great meeting Crystal. She is so down-to-earth and easy going. We all had a great time and being in the presence of someone that is so well known and respected gives everyone else great positive energy.

Yes, I’ve heard she is a very sweet, down to earth person too, just like you.  I’ve always felt in my own modelling career that is an essential key to getting ahead. What do you think?

Everyone has their own personality and reacts to situations differently but I think being down -to-earth is a good quality to have, especially in such a hectic industry.

It is very easy to get wrapped up in the glitz and glamour but having a level head and being open minded really helps you assess the situation and bring you back to reality. It’s always important to be yourself but you have to brace yourself for rejection or you will never get ahead.

Laura let’s talk about your beauty routine as my site visitors here at vanessareece.com also love a bit of beauty chat. What beauty items can’t you live without when you’re travelling as a model?

Travelling definitely takes its toll on your skin so I always have a good moisturiser with me. I think I must look like a freak on the plane sometimes because I am constantly re-applying moisturiser to my face every hour, it’s like obsessive compulsive behaviour! But I know if I don’t do it my skin will break out and that’s not always the best when you jump straight off a 326 hour flight into a shoot!

I have a big supply of cleanser and a strong eye makeup remover on me at all times. Sometimes eye makeup remover can be a life saver, especially when you finish a shoot with crazy makeup and have to get onto public transport (yes we models often take public transport, none of this ‘private drivers’, ha-ha) A little bit of remover can be the difference between you getting a whole lot of strange looks on the tube!

I also carry a concealer/ highlighter pen with me; they are great for covering those unwanted blemishes and adding a bit of sparkle under the eye!!!

You are a super clever Gal. I read you have two degrees. That’s awesome. Do you feel when you change careers you’ll focus on using those in some way?

I finished doing a science degree and also a Law degree a couple of years ago and have taken up modelling full time as it is a career you can’t really put off till later in life, so I thought I would jump straight in and give it a go first.

When I decide to stop modelling, (I suppose that will be when the wrinkles are so large they can no longer retouch them out!!) I would like to pursue my passion of being an environmental scientist. I have a keen interest in the area and would like to make a difference no matter how big or small with regards to the environment and sustainability.

Do you have an exercise routine? I’m a gym and swim Gal myself. What about you?

I try to go to the gym 4-5 times a week and mix it up by doing different classes, but it has been really difficult this year as I have been travelling so much. So when I have been in London I try to walk to most places. I give myself enough time and get off the tube a couple of stops early then walk to my shoot or casting. It worked really well for me considering I couldn’t get to the gym.

I also play soccer and in the summer time I also swim a couple of times of week. I try to stay active and mix up my routine as I have a tendency to get a bit bored doing the same thing each week. By mixing up my exercise routine it keeps me motivated.

Laura we miss you lots already at ASOS! As you’ve said you’re in Australia at the moment. Are you working on something fabulous there and when are you coming back?

Yes I’m in Australia right now but will hopefully be back in London soon. I have a lot of good clients here in Australia and have to spread my schedule between Australia and London to fit everyone in. It can get tiring but I am having a lot of fun at the moment.  I have just finished doing a shoot with my sister for Cosmopolitan Magazine so it will be one to keep an eye out for in August.

What have been your favourite ASOS Curve pieces to model?

I love the Asos dresses. They colours are fantastic and they have something for everyone and every event. I also love Asos shoes. I am a shoe lover and they have some great pieces. I think I come away from every shoot wanting to take majority of the garments with me.

When I met you at ASOS not so long ago I have to say you have a really lovely energy about you. What’s your secret on maintaining an upbeat attitude as you seem to show on and off camera?

I think the way to keep an upbeat attitude is to get lots of sleep! You were lucky and meet me after a big nap, ha-ha. I think it just comes down to being happy with yourself and where you are in life. I am blessed to be fortunate enough to be in a career that I really enjoy working in and having a great friend and family support base to keep me going. Surrounding yourself with positive energy and focusing on the good things in life are the best ways to stay upbeat, that and a good dose of chocolate everyday!

Finally Laura if you had any key advice for any model no matter what her shape or size what would it be?

Be true to yourself. Love yourself and your body and show how proud you are of yourself through your work.  A good model exudes confidence in her and should be able to convey that to their audience whether it is in print or in person.

Pictures copyright of their respective owners.

Yesterday I recieved this email (actually in my junk folder)

It was from someone who claimed to work for FHM magazine but clearly they didn’t.

Here’s what it said.

I am Tony Morgan I work as the Public Relations Officer with FHM Magazine and we have selected your portfolio for a FHM Magazine I found your profile on www.modelmayhem.com  .So all we need is your approval to enable us process your payment, no commission, no overhead costs. you just get paid for your pictures right away,  so if your interested do contact me on email with 5 of your pics , please contact me via my e-mail address (it’s the same as the one I’m mailing from now).

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Here is my Number:+44704571****

Tony Morgan

Have a blessed Day.

This person obviously thinks I’m stupid, and other models are too. You have these sometimes from picture collectors or people who want your bank details. Or even more sinister people who actually want to do you harm!

Here’s some tell tale signs:-

Ladies, you have to watch these people.

They waste your time completely.  They pry on all shapes and sizes of model but I’ve noticed from my emails from ladies an influx of  men saying they can make women ‘stars’ with glamour pictures etc..

Look, I’m not going to judge and if that’s the route you want to go down, there it is. But trust me when I say that side of the business has a professional side as well – just as maintream. It’s only vultures who send out emails like this that give all aspects of modeling a seedy tinge.

Do not be fooled by the BS.

You’re safety is always paramount. Both personal and monetary.

Please facebook share and re-tweet this if you have model friends.

I especially want these young girls to see this and think before they start calling random mobiles. It’s dangerous!

What can I say, it’s summer and model vultures will do anything to get a kick or get your money. They seem to like the fact that in summer people are less on their guard.

This BS is why I have an agent now. Before I got an agent I did check people out I worked for and all was well, but some models are so hungry to get working they miss vital clues that point to false offers.

Be careful.

V x

There are some models who don’t want to use the internet to further themselves in any way – this is totally fine and if this is the case for you then please skip this post.

If however you are new to building your online presence in order to progress in modelling then you can follow some of my top ten tips. You don’t have to be a curvy model, otherwise known as plus-size model, to gain something from these tips. Heck you don’t even need to be a model – but as that’s one of my areas of professional work I’ll use that as an example.

These things have and are working for me, and although I now work exclusively as a fuller figured model via my agency, making yourself known outside of that so you build a base of followers and supporters can certainly help you gain notoriety – even press attention.

You may already be doing some or all of these things – so if you are – keep doing your thing.

So let’s begin!

1. Make friends – By this I don’t mean start friend collecting like crazy and only speak to a chosen few. Be open to speak to everyone (unless they are rude or creepy, in which case you remove them). Share their links or comment on their tweets, blogs or Facebook statuses. You’d be surprised who you can get to know on social network sites, and in a positive way.
2. Get a blog and off MySpace – MySpace is a friend collecting haven. I have met some nice people from there but mostly when I first started. Up until last year I used MySpace every day, but in all honesty as far as networking goes it’s pretty much redundant – even if you’re a glamour gal or a musician, the saturation of people on there and all the different add-ons makes it very difficult now to form an alliance of people (I’ll talk about alliances in a minute). You may have over 1,000 friends on there but out of those people who actually comes on your page regularly, who shares your news with anyone? When I say get off MySpace I don’t mean close your account. I mean sign in say hello and then don’t go back for like a week, because honestly in that week you could set up a free blog, twitter, and Facebook and build an alliance of people who WILL share your news, and interact with you. It just breaks my heart to see so many people (especially models) waste hours trying to build a following on there when really it’s nothing more than old fashioned friendster.
3. Build your army – I know who each and every one of my army and they know I’m on their army too! Do you have an army, or an alliance of people who will re-tweet, have you guest blog, share your links and post comments on your blog? If not you need to start building. Alliances are the independent model’s most powerful tool and through your alliance you can gain amazing opportunities and contacts. Building your alliance starts with one person. One person you get along really well with. Someone singing from the same hymn sheet as you and the relationship is balanced and mutual. That person could be another model, or it could be someone who has nothing to do with modelling. From there you mutually connect with other people and you will find in no time at all you have an army of people who will watch your back and promote you. But it works both ways as I’ll explain in step 4!
4. Don’t be selfish with the sharing – If you have an alliance of people no matter how large or small do your best to support them also. It’s very easy to get carried away and enjoy all these people sharing your links, posts etc but don’t forget that that alliances are two way streets. Don’t just thank them then move onto your next project and hope they will promote it. Sooner or later they will realise that you have not shared anything of theirs and it could lead to you losing one of your army. Get on your Facebook, blog or twitter and shout out for them. Pass on their information and the karma will be returned. Link shout outs in blogs or little mentions all help solidify you care about the members of your alliance.
5. Look outside the box – Modelling isn’t just about taking a picture or walking down a runway and schmoozing with magazine editors and photographers – as you know from reading my blog there are other types of modelling to make money from. Try to reach out to people who are not involved in modelling in any way. Business coaches, Lawyers, Charity workers the list is endless and by getting to know people outside of modelling you will not only learn new and interesting things which you may be able to use in your work, you also might gain a valuable lead to a modelling opportunity.
6. Work 24/8 – Okay this may seem silly but you know there are never enough days in the week, but really you need to cram an extra day’s work blog updating, posting new modelling pictures and social networking in order to stay current and in people’s minds. I have taken to updating my site a few times a day just very recently because I realised by looking at my stats my visitors were coming onto my site at certain times of the day – and due to time differences (especially between Europe and The US) I wanted to have something fresh for people to see. I also take time to have chats with people in my alliance about their plans so I can give advice, work on something we can both promote together. As a model they say you should get enough rest – and whilst I can’t dispute the benefits of this the dedication to your craft needs for you to work even harder and longer hours than most.
7. Make fun of yourself sometimes – Some may disagree but I wholeheartedly endorse poking fun at yourself once in a while. Post a funny picture of yourself, blog about an embarrassing but funny moment as I have done recently in my blog about my ASOS Curve fit modelling session. These things make you human. People can relate. In the midst of your serious shots for your portfolio on your blog you should also have something that people think, ‘she’s comes across as professional but if I worked with her we are bound to have fun.’ Don’t be a poker face all the time! Models are the worst for this – in this day and age of sharing it doesn’t pay to be aloof with your readers or social network friends. Let them see you know how to smile.
8. Share your knowledge – If you’ve done something that you think people can learn from, share it. I wrote a book about modelling which is currently being revised and will be out again soon. You don’t have to write a book, but you can share stories you feel people will find interesting or thought provoking. Be on hand to answer questions from other models or anyone in general. Knowledge is a huge crowd puller and modelling when you’re bountifully curved is a very hot topic and one that has gained a lot of media interest. I’ve been featured in magazines and newspapers because of my knowledge of fuller figured modelling world. Never think people can’t learn something from what you’ve achieved or what your experiences have been.
9. Showcase others – This could quite happily sit under tip number four of not being selfish – but honestly it deserves to have a number by itself because it’s something that so many models forget to do. If you have a blog then invite someone to guest post on it. Guest posts are valuable in the sense they open the scope for readers of the other person to find information about that person on your blog. It opens up interest in you as well. I’ve often added people to my Facebook or twitter who I’ve found on other people’s blogs as a guest writer and conversely I’ve added people who own blogs my friends have guest posted on.
10. Meet ups offline – When organised well a meet up with photographers, other models, or simply people you’ve met online can be extremely beneficial. Obviously be aware of the safety aspects of meeting people you only know online. Big group meets are a great way to break the ice and solidify friendships made online and you’ll find people will try and support you even more once they have met you in person. If you do go to a large meet up or fashion related gathering, such as fuller figured fashion week in New York (FFFweek) take some business cards with you. Put a few of your best shots on them with your website address, Facebook page, twitter and email and hand them out where appropriate. You may not get ‘discovered’ or land the gig of your dreams but you will be doing the ground work of connecting with people and showcasing who you are!

Good luck and have fun!

Vx

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Tips to Treating Your Plus Size Modeling Career as a Business – Guest Post by Kimmoy The Curvy Coach

I’m so pleased others are getting into Polyvore. There has been a few postings on the I Love ASOS Curve Club facebook page of Polyvore composites which include items that Curve lovers have purchased.

Anyway, you may not thinking it but I do like other things besides ASOS. I’m just really getting into fashion so you’ll excuse me for being a late bloomer.

Here are some more composites. If you’re on my facebook you will have seen them already. If you want to add me on Polyvore click here.

Tropical Curve by Vxpinup featuring ASOS

Third-eye Ring Girl by Vxpinup featuring ASOS

Diva Dream by Vxpinup featuring Debut outerwear

Oh, my new site is looking mighty fine but I’m still not done yet. Thanks to Glen from FullFigurePlus.com for vetting the site for me. He rocks! Oh, his site is also getting tweeked so if it looks skew-wiff that’s because he’s tweaking it.

My interview with the Northampton Chronicle appeared last Saturday and thank you so much to 100perecentpeople.com for their involvement also and for helping with getting a copy.
You will need to click on each picture to actually read it. (once opened in a new window hover your mouse over and click to make the image larger)

In it I contribute to the discussion of having a more balanced view of being fuller figured, acceptance of fuller figured women in mainstream fashion and the effects of seeing slimmer women represent fashion and positivity on and on going basis.
V x

http://www.100percentpeople.com

Many thanks to

Anna Brosnan

Features Editor

Northampton Chronicle & Echo

Curvy Divas (and Princes),

I would love for you all to go visit my friends over at 100percentpeople.com
I mentioned their petition before and I know you are all like, ‘oh no V – not another bloody petition.’ But listen, if we didn’t have these things no one would really give a hoot what we fuller figured Divas and Princes thought about many topics. We move mountains when we unite!

http://100percentpeople.com/specials/real-bodies-unite-campaign/

The fashion industry is slowly starting to listen. Some designers have used models that don’t look super skinny in recent shows – keeping it real. I applaud them, but they’re a minority.

I’m not suggesting on the next Chanel fashion show they have me and Velvet strut down the catwalk lol (although Gaultier did used Velvet once – bless him) but terribly thin women showcasing clothes puts so much pressure on women and young girls, in my opinion.

If you’re naturally slim that’s cool beans but when you live the day on a lettuce leaf and a bottle of water just to conform to in imaginary notion that all women can only be truly demure, sexually appealing and fashionable then there is something not quite right.

We are often guided by fashion and images..we need to have balance.

http://100percentpeople.com/specials/real-bodies-unite-campaign/

It takes two mins to read and sign.

I don’t want people to be defeatist please, and can some of you who have a huge facebook and twitter following please get involved? There may be other campaigns like this but is signing more than one a bad thing?

Can other Full figured Blogging beauties (and Princes – Glen, I’m talking to you hehe) please twitter, facebook and add to your sites. Start discussions if you like, the more we discuss the more we learn.

I will add a perm link later to this site.

Thanks my lovelies,

Vx