::::: Models Direct - Winter News Letter 2003/2004 ::: Page 8

Getting noticed

• Treat modelling seriously, but at the same time enjoy it.

• Don’t give up your studies. If you are still at school or college, you should be able to be a model in your holidays. Only if your career suddenly takes off while you are at college or university, should you then consider deferring your education for a year or taking private tuition.

• Make sure you have skills/qualifications to fall back on as modelling can be unpredictable and short-lived career.

• Treat castings and go-sees seriously.

• Don’t get carried away by the whole social whirl of modelling and burn the candle at both ends.

• Be wise with your money. When you start earning, it is tempting to blow your money on such things as designer clothes and eating out at expensive restaurants.

• Remain level-headed. If you become affected by the whole business you won’t last long.

• Have respect for your booker. He or she works extremely hard on you behalf. A good agent-model relationship can make a big difference to your modelling career.

• Donít take the fashion industry too seriously. Put modelling into perspective with the rest of your life and the things going on in the world!

Allanha

Earlier this month I graded for my Black Belt in Tae-kwondo - this is my biggest achievement so far. Mum started me at tae-kwondo when I was six years old to help with my concentration and behaviour.

Before a Grading or competition I go over and over what I have to do, this gives me confidence, I then relax and keep going over it in my head. Mum and Dad no longer nag me to practice as they believe in what I do and know how dedicated I am - this gives me confidence as well. If I believe in myself and always do my best, then others will believe in me as well.

My other big love is drama, and I would love to go to stage school later on. I have been doing drama for almost 6 years and have performed in the Christmas pantomime for the last 4 years. Last year I also auditioned to be a dwarf in Snow White (produced by Spillers’ Pantomimes) - this was my first professional audition and was chuffed to bits when I got through.

Mum keeps saying to me that I may have all the talent in the world, but if I don’t fit the image that is wanted I won’t get the part. Each audition I do I use as experience and learn for the next time - I have to accept this and carry on.

I have recently started taking lessons in modern, tap and ballet which I love; I am also having singing lessons and have been asked to join other pupils (mostly all older than me) in a concert as part of an international series. I’m hoping to take my Grade 1 singing exam early next year.

In between everything else I swim for our local swimming club and have just been moved up to the development squad, which means the training gets harder. The coach is tough but the training is excellent.

I have had several photo shoots done now and completed the one day modelling course in Norwich (last year). I love it in front the camera and don’t feel nervous at all, just really relaxed.