JAYOLAY | ATLANTA

This article is a paraphrase of phone interview with model Ijeoma Umeniyora:

Hello JayOlay.com readers, my name is Ijeoma and I’m a model. However I’m not just your run-of-the-mill “I take pretty pictures so I’m a model” type of model. I’m a real fashion model that is currently in New York working with a prominent modeling agency.

Early in my career, as I made my humble beginnings working the fashion circuit in Atlanta, I collaborated with Jay Olay on photo shoots and often crossed paths with the Jay Olay Team at fashion shows and events. So for this article Jay Olay asked that I give some of the up-and-coming models in Atlanta (and anywhere else for that matter) some advice on how to get started in the industry:

1. Get an understanding. Modeling is not just about taking pretty pictures and posting them on your myspace and facebook profiles. It is a business and should be treated as such. I recommend attending some network events on fashion, photography, and modeling and ask questions about the industry from those who work in it. However, different people will tell you different things about the industry. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible, and research information thoroughly.
2. Be a committed person. Once you get an understanding of modeling, you need to commit to yourself that the fashion industry for you. Just like any other business industry you will have high and low moments. I remember when I first arrived to New York and presented my first modeling portfolio to agencies. They said it was trash. I didn’t let it discourage me. I looked at photos of other girls that were apart of that agency and studied those images. I learned the look that agency wanted, and found photographers that shot those kinds of images the agency would go for.
3. Never stop working. Lets say that you just finished a shoot with a top clothier company; did you know that they have up to 3 months to pay you? So even though you have a $10,000 check on it’s way to you, you’re pretty much broke for three months. That’s why it’s important to always be working, and keeping yourself in shape. Before I was able to get to a point where shoots were coming in greater frequency, I had to continue working a regular job. Those bills still have to get paid.
4. Be humble. Don’t let reality TV fool you. No one wants a diva coming on to the set of photo shoot. Show up on time. Do as you’re told (within reason–boundaries people). Work with the photographers to get the images that the clients and agencies want you to get.

That’s pretty much all the advice I have for right now. But leave your comments with any questions that you might have, and I’ll answer them in my next interview with JayOlay.com. See ya later.