Some fierce and fantastic people have joined the ranks of Business Model in 2015 — here are our twelve favourites.
1. Modelling Race: To Civil Rights and Back Again
In 20th century American media, African American women were rarely represented in ways that respectfully reflected their diversity of self-identities. Rather images of black women were refracted though white fears, prejudices, and preoccupations with specific ideas of gender, sexuality, and class. The Civil Rights era saw African American consumers and media express types of beauty distinct from white America, but these gains failed to endure into the 21st century.
2. Giving credit where credit is due
Half of the fun of doing a photo shoot is posting about it on social media afterward. But it’s important to credit the people who were on set with you that day. Although this all seems like common sense, people consistently forget to credit one another.
3. The Agents: Mother Model
Founded by Jeff and Mary Clarke in St. Louis, Missouri, Mother Model is one of the top management and scouting agencies in the United States, if not the world. From developing Ashton Kutcher and Karlie Kloss to up-and-comers Grace Hartzel and Jennie Runk, there’s no denying Mother Model’s eye for talent. We spoke to Mary Clarke of Mother Model about how the industry has changed, the importance of models having their own voice, and how amongst a bevy of new mother agencies, Mother Model has remained in a league of their own.
4. The Model: Madi Ross
Madi Ross is one of the most recognizable commercial faces in Thailand. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ross has worked successfully in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok. After modelling successfully in Asia, she’s taken the plunge and moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting and modelling career.
5. The Union: SDA New South Wales
In June of this year, The Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association made headlines for its representation of models, a notoriously difficult feat. In August we spoke with Bernie Smith, Secretary of the SDA New South Wales, about the history of organized labour in the Australian modelling industry, the challenges facing working models, and the opportunities for further workplace empowerment.
6. How to come to set make-up ready
Do you know what to do when your booker instructs you to come to set «make-up ready»? TBM Beauty Editor Julia Stone walks us through two looks that every model needs in their arsenal.
7. Interview: Laurin Liu, Member of Canadian Parliament
On May 14th, MP Laurin Liu, Députée, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles tabled a motion (M-610) to establish a national strategy on eating disorders and body image. We chatted with her about barriers to appropriate treatment, workplace hazards in the modelling industry, and the future of M-610.
8. The Model: Taylor R
Model, blogger, and YouTuber Taylor adopted a kawaii persona that differentiated her from other foreign models in Hong Kong and became a huge hit among industry insiders and locals alike. Early last year, she moved to Tokyo to take her career even further. TBM chats with Taylor R to find out more about the woman with 126k Instagram followers.
9. Fitspo: Selling fitness with model bodies
It seems like every model has a six pack these days. What does the «fitspo» trend really mean for models and consumers looking for alternatives to «skinniness»?
10. Transferrable skills: Why «model» belongs on your resume
Whether applying for part-time work to supplement modelling income, or looking for a job after leaving modelling entirely behind, all models are faced with a question: «Should I put ‘Model’ on my resume?» More often then not, the answer is «Yes.» Models have many transferable skills that are valuable to employers in a variety of industries. You’ve got the skills, so don’t discount them!
11. The Ultimate Model Bag
Our new Beauty Guide has a handy checklist for the ultimate model bag. Save the male or female list to your phone for flawless packing every time!
12. The Model: Nicole Jedrzejko
Polish-Somali model-turned-medical student, Nicole Jedrzejko is truly one-of-a-kind. Learn about her transition out of modelling in this new interview.
