Castings And Exploding Cabs

I went to a casting the other day for runway. I was measured to make sure I met the requirement of being exactly 5' 9 1/2". (I always thought I was 5'10" until I moved to New York. They always bring out the measuring tape. There is no lying about your sizes here!)

Then, a woman who I assume was the designer,  asked for my comp card, flipped open my portfolio to the first page, and as she was turning to the second, abrubtly closed it shut and said, "Thank you!" 

And this is why I appreciate New York.

In Los Angeles, I received constant flattery and ego boosts.  "You're gorgeous. Your photos are beautiful. Your walk is perfect. We will definitely be booking you. Blah blah blah." 

Pure bullshit.

I always knew when they started talking like that I stood no chance. In New York, if I'm not what they're looking for, they usually at least give me the courtesy of flipping through my portfolio without saying a word, hand it back and say, "Thanks." Every single agency I walked into, except for the one who signed me and the others that were interested, did exactly that. Some gave me some helpful critiques. Others looked as if their day was being wasted on a bunch of wanna be hopeful models. 

This may sound harsh to some, but I am thankful for it. And when I do get a compliment it actually means something to me. Or when they do express interest in booking me, it seems like they usually do, even if it is for a different job several months later. Another designer recently took the time to tell me I was leaning to the right when I walked (must be from carrying my heavy bag all around the city!) I would never have caught that myself. In fact, he told me since he liked my look so much, to adjust it, come to his next casting and he would book me. So we'll see. 

And as I'm leaving my casting, I see a cab with smoke coming out of the windows. Then suddenly it burst into flames! And that was my excitement for the day.

Flirting 101

I booked a modeling job for a book on how to flirt. 

Really?!! Don't they know I suck at it?

Yes, yes I know.  I'm  endearing and naturally flirtatious in general. Thank you. Yes and apparently that's what the clients saw in me. However, when it comes down to flirting for real, I seriously suck. When I begin to realize I may actually be interested in someone, all my instincts fly out the window and I act aloof. And for those of you who know me, we all know how NOT well that has been working out for me.

So just know that models don't have it easy either, okay? In fact, the other models admitted the same thing. We were laughing and asking ourselves how we were all booked for this job. 

The author, and professional flirting coach, gave us step by step instructions. We covered body language, handshakes, eye contact, playing footsie's, mirroring, touch, and all that fun stuff. Then we shot some great photos!  The book won't be out until next year, so you'll have to wait to see my new flirting skills in action.

Until then, I think maybe I'll wear a sexy black dress and heels for a night out in the town, take what I learned from this job and see what happens ;)

New Fight Video!

Here is my fight video I filmed the other day. I worked with Andrew Dasz, who is an actor and stunt choreographer from Spain. I love how the cinematographer left the one shot of me clumsily tripping over the car in the final cut.  I may be able to defend myself from bad men and crime on the streets, but leave it to me to be tripping over my own two feet when dodging a parked car!

My One Year Anniversary

I have been in New York for exactly one year today. I could write a ten page report of my experiences in the city, of how amazing it has been and how disappointing at the same time and how much I've changed and how much more confidence I have because I feel at home here more than I ever did in California. I could go on forever about the energy I feel when I walk down the street that propels me to challenge myself more and more and how excited and grateful I become whenever I think to myself, "Wow. I live in New York City."

But I am way too lazy to go into specifics at the moment. 

I will say this year has been incredible. I will never forget how I felt that first month I arrived. I was SO happy. Inevitably, I have been let down in many ways, which I was warned would happen while I was in my euphoric stage, and things have leveled themselves out. There are many times I want to run away because the city is so intense (and I hate not seeing sun for 4 months. HATE it). However, that one month in the very beginning has made this entire journey worth it. My heart had been telling me to make the move for years. I finally followed it. Moving here was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Chiseled Men And Street Fights In Brooklyn

I started my day off with an interview at Hollister clothing store. My friend recruits the models and told me to go in to interview. I got lost in a sea of chiseled guys and girls looking like they were ready for a beach party. I mean, I couldn't believe how many employees this store had on the clock! I guess if I were a customer and I had a difficult time choosing which color shirt looked better on me I could say, "Hey pretty boys, let's vote! 24 for green and 12 for blue. That was easy!" 

So I have no idea whether I will get the job or not. The pay is quite decent and the hours flexible, but I'm not really feeling the atmosphere. If they choose me great! Then I'll give it a go. Either way I am going to go back and get me a bikini. SO CUTE!!

And then, I got to head on down to Brooklyn and shoot a short film involving a fight sequence. Very fun!! And challenging. I shot with an actor visiting from Spain who is involved with martial arts and  teaches fight choreography.  It made me realize how much I miss Krav Maga.I felt like a bad ass.  If it turns out well, and I think it will, I'll post it in a few weeks. 

Is That Me On The Billboard?!!

My face popped up on a billboard the other day in the San Francisco area.

My friend  text me saying she thought she had seen me on a billboard. I told her it must be my twin. You see, I have this "twin" who works constantly. I have seen her in magazines. My mom had accused me once of not telling her I was in some type of national hair product commercial. I remember in my early teens seeing this girl on a commercial and she was the spitting image of me.  My twin gets all those gigs that I want.

I hate her. 

Actually, I'll just steal her tear sheets for a month or so and book me a campaign.  And then she'll be my biggest fan. Sound good?!

But the face on the billboard is mine this time. It must be from a stock photo shoot from forever ago. And I think its kinda cool :)

Maybe some day my photo will pop up again on a billboard advertising Valtrex. But let's hope not!!!

 

Quitting My Bar Job and Working Out My Ass

"We Raise The Bar On Raising Your Bottom" was the slogan on the cute little pink shirt I got to wear today while promoting Reebok's new EasyTone sneaker. 

A great job for models and actors is promotional work, and I find a whole lot during the summer time in New York. I quit my bar job last week after realizing that I was making just as much promoting. No stress, no stupid drunk people, no long hours, no staying up until 5 in the morning?!! No dealing with a brand new food menu and crazy drink menu and not enough bartenders on staff to make our drinks come out in less than 10 minutes making me look bad?!! Um. Yes. I will no longer be coming in. Thanks. Goodbye.

(Sorry just had to release some past frustration there...)

Of course I still had to deal with  people that don't speak any English, but now since I don't have to deal with money I can handle any foreigner!  I would come up to someone and give my awesome 30 second spiel on how the EasyTone sneaker shapes up your butt, thighs and calves while you walk, blah, blah, blah- only to get in return a blank stare and me realizing they understood not a word, as they promptly walked back to the tour bus.

I love it. I got to be at the south seaport which made the day even more enjoyable. I didn't get to keep the shoes I wore, in which I so secretly hoped I would receive. But that's okay. I'd rather have a pair or those Nike heels that feel like a sneaker! Have your heard of them?! They're sexy too. I got to find me a promotion for that...

Hello Blogger World!

Today I start my blog. I really have no clue as to what to write or what angle I want my blog to take. Ideally, I would like to focus on my career and share any interesting moments or insights that seem worthy of writing about. Eventually maybe some type of theme will surface. All I know is that I've been wanting to begin this blog for almost a year and now I am doing it. And here are some reasons why:

1. Because all the cool people do it! Like The Struggling Actress and Phoenix from Res ipsa loquitur - they inspire me.
2. Writing for me is a love/hate relationship. I want to start loving it more.
3. I need the practice of getting words out of my head.
4. I would like to hold myself accountable to my career. If I don't make anything happen then I won't have anything to write about, and that would be embarrassing! 
5. Having people read what I write scares me. I want to get over that.
6. I would like to see if I can actually commit to this... haha!
7. I already have two followers. I'm off to a good start so why not?!
   
8. Because I really am that awesome and interesting ;p

And so here we are. I don't have a name for my blog. I don't know how to set it up the way I want. I don't know how to post photos or anything, but that's ok.  I figure it will all come together sooner or later. So hello blogger world here I am !!