Meet Sharon Quinn

Part 2: The 7 Deadly Sins for a Plus Model

This month's article comes from my many experiences as a casting producer for Mo'Nique's F.A.T. Chance and from my new experiences as a model booker for IPM Models.  We have weekly open calls and I repeatedly amazed at the lack of knowledge that aspiring plus sized models have about the tools needed to begin a career as a plus sized model.  Listed below is a list that I have put together over the years and I like to call it "The 7 Deadly Sins of Plus Modeling."  It consists of the things that I see over and over again in new aspiring models and I can pretty much guarantee that if you show up for a casting or and open call sporting one of the things on this list.....You will work infrequently or in most cases....not at all.

1. Bad Teeth/Gold Teeth - When was the last time you saw an advertisement (that wasn't for a dentist) using a model who had gold teeth, missing and/or bad teeth?  Dare I say never?  That's pretty much because those are not the sort of things that can sell a product and always remember that at the end of the day...it's ALWAYS about SELLING THE PRODUCT!!  A beautiful smile can be captivating and it definitely can boost sales of a product.  That's not to say that you cannot have a great career with not-so-great teeth, supermodel Paulina Porizkova managed to do this for years but the flip side of her story is that she took EXTRAORDINARY photos whether she smiled or not.  But remember that her story is the exception NOT the rule.

Bottom line:  See a dentist and get that smile in order before you start your career!

2. Body graffiti/Tattoos – I don't know what this new trend is regarding tattoos, a small tattoo can be beautiful – body graffiti is a totally different matter.  Why would you think that someone is going to hire you for their ad campaign when you show up at the casting with a panther tattooed up and down the length of your leg OR your name is written in large script letters on your breast OR you have a memorial tribute to your mom emblazoned on your neck!!!??  It's MUCH easier for the client to go with someone who will not have the staff spending hours trying to cover up 5-6 tattoos.

Bottom Line:  A small tattoo in a place that will generally NOT be photographed is cool any thing other than that and you risk losing the job to someone who's skin is unmarked.

3. Poor Personal Hygiene/Bad skin – I have been on many a set where a model shows up er..."less than fresh", this is just not good no matter how you slice it.  You run the risk of soiling the clothes and becoming fodder for the gossip mills and possibly ruining your relationship with the client.  Bad skin pretty much speaks for itself, models are supposed to be picture perfect and while most flaws these days can be fixed with retouching as I said earlier – it's much easier for the client to hire someone who has clear skin from the start.

Bottom Line:  See a dermatologist about getting your skin cleared up and always keep a washcloth, soap, deodorant & wet wipes in your model bag at all times!

4. Bad Attitude/Low or No Energy – I have had women come to open calls who can barely speak loud enough for me to hear their names.  I have interviewed women on the road who come in with some of the worst attitudes I have ever seen.  The name of the game is "selling YOU".  As a booker, I can get you the appointment to see a client but after that – it's all on you.  You must be able to convey to that client that you are the best possible choice for them and they are making a big mistake if they miss out on all of the gloriousness that is you.  You simply cannot do that if you walk in with a funky attitude or you are apathetic about everything that comes your way.  It's much easier for the client to hire someone who THEY believe can sell their product.  If you cannot impress me when you come to my open call, then why would I take the next step of signing you and setting you loose on a client who is used to me sending them the best of the best?

Bottom Line:  Your attitude and energy speaks volumes to a potential client, if you know you woke up on the wrong side of the bed – get yourself together BEFORE you leave your home and if you simply cannot pull yourself together, STAY AT HOME.  I believe it's better to pass on a casting than to show up and leave a bad taste in the client's mouth about you.  Remember the model that has a bad day, is the model who doesn't work on that particular day.