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5 Ways To Prepare For A Modeling Open Call

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

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You can toss away the idea of having to stand out in the crowd in order to be successful at the Open Call for Models and Actors. What’s important when attending an Open Call is to let your natural beauty and personality shine through. Below are 5 tips and activities that will prepare you for any modeling Open Call!
1. Preparation
Make certain you (or your child if you’re bringing a little one!) has a good night’s sleep and is well fed before the Open Call. For the little ones: Make sure they know why they are coming! Practice speaking a little. Agents working at the Open Call will always ask your name, age and where you live- so make sure you’re prepared to answer! The agency only allows one parent or guardian to accompany the aspiring model.
2. Photos
For the Open Call you need to bring 3-5 snapshots of the aspiring talent with you. Make sure the child’s name and contact information on the back. As far as the photos go, outdoor photos are great because you don’t have to worry about setting up the right lighting. A cloudy day will work to your advantage because you won’t be squinting from the shining sun. A good rule of thumb is to have one photo of just the face and one of three quarters of the body. Photos should include the model alone. There is no need for a portfolio or professional photos – snapshots are fine.
3. Wardrobe
For both the snapshots and the Open Call, GAP casual is always a winner. This just means simple clothes like jeans or khakis and solid color t-shirts and jackets. What is most important is to be comfortable and feel like yourself in whatever you’re wearing. That’s the key to success!
4. Makeup & Accessories
The most important thing when it comes to extras is to let your natural beauty shine through. If you choose to wear makeup, keep it to a minimum and natural looking. Any hair accessories or jewelry should be subtle. And do away with the hats!
5. One more thing
Be yourself! This is the most important part. Remember what your strengths are, where you shine and why you want to be a model or an actor. Do away with those nerves, let your natural personality shine through and you’re on your way.

 

Keep JAMming to get more tips on how to be a model!

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5 Fabulous Fashion Activites For Prom!

Monday, May 17th, 2010

 

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Prom is such a hot topic right now, and your go-to pals at JAM want to make sure you’re totally prepared for the big night. Read on for our 5 fabulous fashion activities to keep you feeling great, looking fab, and ready to dance the night away!

Activity 1. Shop for style AND comfort. Heels may look totally glamorous, but they can sure make your feet hurt! When buying prom shoes, go for kitten heels or supportive platforms. Another option is to bring along a pair of chic, comfy flats, and you’ll never have to tell your super cute date that you can’t dance.

Activity 2. Make a checklist for your clutch. Writing down what you’ll need before Prom night is a fool-proof way to make sure you don’t forget any of your fave products for a quick bathroom touch-up. Lip gloss? Check. Powder compact? Check. Mini brush? Check!

Activity 3. Learn the color code. Do you know which colors go best with your hair, eyes, and skin tone? Earth tones – browns, golds, yellows, and greens – look fab on blondes with blue or green eyes. Olive-skinned beauties look best in shimmering gold, brown, or dark purple. If you have dark brown or black hair with dark skin, go for bold colors in shades of gold, purple, and pink. Redheads look awesome in orange. Gorgeous!

Activity 4. Scout out the perfect cover-up. You want to show off your dress for pictures, but it could get chilly as the night goes on. Wrap yourself in a cute cardigan or flowing shawl to feel stylish AND warm!

Activity 5. Try on your entire outfit before prom – jewels included. Sparkles are glamorous and always in style, but too much can leave you looking like a disco ball! Try everything on before prom night so you know exactly how all your pieces will look with your dress – no surprises! The key to a perfect sparkly balance is to choose one “statement piece”. If you’re wearing large, bold earrings, keep your necklace simple, or don’t wear one at all.

Follow our 5 Fab Fashion Activities and you’ll be looking and feeling your best for Prom! Remember looking great on the outside starts from feeling great on the inside. Check out my Ten Commandments of a Better Body Image in My Self: A Guide to Me to find my 10 simple self-esteem activities that will have you feeling confident about beautiful, wonderful, YOU!

 

Keep JAMming to learn how to look great, and own your unique body shape!

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Posted in Fashion, JAM Archives, Self-Esteem | 3 Comments »

Strike A Pose!

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

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If you’ve ever seen an episode of America’s Next Top Model, you know what Tyra means when she shouts out during a photo shoot to “Work it, girl!” Of course, Tyra is telling the girls to give their very best poses, to make their already beautiful features look even more stunning on camera! Every model has their perfect, never-fail pose that they know will help them look their best. Luckily, you don’t have to be a model to photograph like one. Read on for 4 great activities that will teach you how to work the camera, one pose at a time!
 
Activity 1: Determine your best angle. Finding the right angle for your face can be a bit difficult. The best thing you can do is experiment using a digital camera so that you can immediately see the results of each pose. It will very quickly become obvious which angles are most flattering for you, and you can then use that angle as much as possible in the future. The classic model’s pose is to arrange your body 3/4 toward the camera with one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the camera than the other.
 
Activity 2: Relax. Many people end up looking odd in photos because they freeze into odd facial expressions with a “say cheese” type of smile on their face! If you know a picture is about to be taken, take a deep breath and exhale naturally, relaxing your arms and shoulders. As you exhale, smile or strike whatever pose is appropriate. The more comfortable and relaxed you appear, the better the photo will turn out.
 
Activity 3: Think happy thoughts. An unnatural, forced smile can make you look stiff and silly! The next time someone’s going to snap a shot of you, imagine something really funny (don’t be afraid to laugh a bit, even) or think of someone who makes you happy. By doing so, you’ll get a genuine smile! The happier and more relaxed you are, the better.
 
Activity 4: Maintain your posture. Listen to your mother — remember how she always told you not to slouch? Good posture can dramatically improve your appearance in pictures. Sitting or standing up straight will make you look healthier and more alert and, if in a group setting, more attractive than your slouching companions. Just remember to breathe normally and relax your shoulders.

Gather some friends, break out the camera and get ready to put your best face forward! Try out these four fun (and helpful!) activities that will have your pictures looking almost like those pro’s in the magazines!

Keep JAMming to get all the details on the Wilhelmina Open Call THIS FRIDAY for ages 4-16!

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5 Ways To Prepare for the Wilhelmina Open Call!

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

 

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You can toss away the idea of having to stand out in the crowd in order to be successful at the Open Call for Models and Actors. What’s important when attending an Open Call is to let your natural beauty and personality shine through. Below are 5 tips and activities that will prepare you for the Open Call this Friday!

 
1. Preparation 
Make certain you (or your child if you’re bringing a little one!) has a good night’s sleep and is well fed before the Open Call. For the little ones: Make sure they know why they are coming! Practice speaking a little. Agents working at the Open Call will always ask your name, age and where you live- so make sure you’re prepared to answer! The agency only allows one parent or guardian to accompany the aspiring model.

2. Photos
For the Open Call you need to bring 3-5 snapshots of the aspiring talent with you. Make sure the child’s name and contact information on the back. As far as the photos go, outdoor photos are great because you don’t have to worry about setting up the right lighting. A cloudy day will work to your advantage because you won’t be squinting from the shining sun. A good rule of thumb is to have one photo of just the face and one of three quarters of the body. Photos should include the model alone. There is no need for a portfolio or professional photos – snapshots are fine.

3. Wardrobe
For both the snapshots and the Open Call, GAP casual is always a winner. This just means simple clothes like jeans or khakis and solid color t-shirts and jackets. What is most important is to be comfortable and feel like yourself in whatever you’re wearing. That’s the key to success!

4. Makeup & Accessories
The most important thing when it comes to extras is to let your natural beauty shine through. If you choose to wear makeup, keep it to a minimum and natural looking. Any hair accessories or jewelry should be subtle. And do away with the hats!

 
5. One more thing
Be yourself! This is the most important part. Remember what your strengths are, where you shine and why you want to be a model or an actor. Do away with those nerves, let your natural personality shine through and you’re on your way.

 

Can’t wait to see you all this Friday, May 14th 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm at Wilhelmina Kids & Teens, 300 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010. It is for all kids & teens ages 4-16 years old. Good luck!

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5 Activities To Help You Deal With Bullies & Boost Your Self-Esteem

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

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There’s at least one at every school. Ugh. Bullies. Just seeing the word can put a knot in your stomach. Most kids get bullied at some point in their lives. For anyone who has been pushed, teased or taunted, you know that it can make you feel scared, angry and embarrassed. The fear of confronting a bully can get so bad that some kids get physically sick over the situation.

So, what exactly is bullying? There are three main forms of bullying: physical, verbal, and emotional. Here’s a quick summary of what those terms actually mean.

1. Physical bullying involves harmful actions against another person’s body, like kicking, pushing, hitting, tripping, or any other form of violence or intimidation. It also includes damaging or stealing another person’s property.

2. Verbal bullying involves speaking to or about a person in an unkind or hurtful way. Examples include: sarcasm, teasing, put-downs, name calling, phone calls, spreading rumors or hurtful gossip.

3. Emotional bullying involves behaviors that upset, exclude or embarrass a person. Spreading mean notes, posting hurtful things in chat rooms or email, and embarrassing and humiliating someone are all forms of emotional bullying.

If you’re being bullied, it’s important to know that you aren’t alone and that you can do something about it. The next time a bully starts to make you feel crummy, follow our 5 activities to get away from the situation and deal with it in a healthy, happy, and productive way!

Activity 1. Avoid the bully: No one is suggesting that you skip school or going to a party just to avoid seeing someone. In fact, you should purposely not not go! Just know that you aren’t a coward if you chose to take a longer path to lunch or hang out in the library during recess to steer clear of the person bothering you. Sometimes it’s just plain smart.

Activity 2. Find a friend: There’s safety in numbers. Keep a good friend close during lunch, recess or on your way home. Some bullies will leave you alone if someone else is around. Offer to do the same for your friends if they get bullied.

Activity 3. Ignore the bully: When she starts her tease-fest, ignore it. Easier said than done, but bullies are looking to get a rise out of you. Pretend you can’t hear what she’s saying and leave the area immediately.

Activity 4. Put on a brave face:  You may not feel brave, but if you act like you have courage, your feelings will follow. Yelling, “No” is a good way to act like you’re strong.

Activity 5. Tell an adult: This is very important. Don’t worry that kids will think you’re a tattletale. Chances are other kids are also being bullied. Teachers and parents need to know if someone is threatening you. It’s their job to project you, so let them do it!

Remember, there are going to be obstacles to overcome in life, and bullies are one of them. The best thing you can do it use your resources and look out for number one – YOU!

 

For more self-esteem tips and activities, check out My Self: A Guide to Me in the My Tween Lifestyle Collection.

Also be sure to check out the latest JAM VIP to hear a real story of one young girls’ amazing self-esteem.

 

Keep JAMming to get all the details on Wilhelmina Kids & Teens Annual Open Call!

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5 MORE Healthy Habits That Will Change Your Life and Give Your Self-Esteem More Steam!

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

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Health and fitness plays a major part of your overall well-being and your overall beauty- skin, hair, teeth, and nails– whether you’re twelve or twenty. Whatever your age, the same rules apply. No matter what you read in magazines or see on TV, there’s no such thing as the perfect exercise. Or the perfect food. Or the perfect time to go to bed. That’s because each of us is unique, with different body types and different ways our bodies process food. Of course, there are some basic guidelines to follow. Developing good exercise and eating habits is the first step to improving overall well-being. Last week we gave you 5 great lifestyle activities to try and now we’re giving you 5 MORE that will have you on your way to feeling great from the inside out!

Activity 1. Snack the healthy way. A great way to get more fruits and veggies into your daily diet is to have them as snacks. Not only are they delicious, they’re also low in calories and high in nutrients. There’s nothing like a juicy peach or crispy apple to satisfy a sweet tooth, the healthy way!
 
Activity 2. Treat yourself… in moderation. Too much fat—saturated fat and trans fat—are not good for your health. Try to limit this in your foods. It is also good to limit the amount of sugar and salt in the food you eat. Look for these items as the last or close to the last on the ingredients list. It’s always okay if it’s something you love to eat– just eat it in moderation.
 
Activity 3. Be nutritionally savvy. It’s good to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. I tell my models to stay away from foods if they can’t pronounce the ingredients listed on the label. That makes sense to me—I want to know what I’m eating. The idea of learning to read a nutritional label is not so you get crazy about calories or fat or sugar. It’s just for knowing what’s in the food you eat, so you can take a look at the label and be able to make sense of it.

Activity 4. Practice good posture. Good posture is needed throughout the day, especially when you’re sitting in school and at home. Ideally you should sit in a good chair with back support when you’re on the computer. Avoid slumping forward and crossing your legs for long periods of time. Sit with the screen at eye level to keep from craning your neck. Take a break by standing up every 30 minutes or so. A stretch, running in place, or a quick drink of water will do. When you come back you’ll be amazed how much faster you can read or write.

Activity 5. Listen to your body. If you eat a meal and feel energetic, you’ve eaten healthfully. If any food makes you sleepy or if you have difficulty concentrating, take another look at what you’ve eaten. The way you feel is very much up to you.
 

 
Make sure to get YOUR copy of My Life NOW, for more great tips!

 

OPEN CALL! Wilhelmina is holding an open call for kids & teen NEXT WEEK! Find out more, HERE!
 

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3 Perfect Prom Hairstyles!

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

 

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Getting that gorgeous dress is only part of creating your perfect prom look. A flattering hairstyle can complete your outfit and make you feel like a total celebrity on your special night. Luckily, the best hairstyles for prom are fabulous AND low-maintenance. Read on for 3 of our favorite prom hair styles – then test them out at home to see which one you like best!

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Beauty Tip 1. Side braid. Side braids have been hot all year, and everyone from celebs to models are rocking the look. Selena Gomez sported a side braid at the Kids Choice Awards and it looked amazing! To steal her style for prom, simply pull your hair to one side and loosely braid your hair. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy – that’s part of what makes the look so cool! Finish the ’do off with a spritz of hairspray and a sparkling accessory.

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 Beauty Tip 2. Va-va-voom volume. Adding volume to long locks is easier than it sounds! After washing your hair, apply a volume-enhancing product through damp hair and blow dry by flipping hair down. Use a thick boar bristle brush to add volume starting from the top of your head and finish with hair spray. Tip: Apply a large barrel curling iron to create large curls and shake out your hair with your hands to get beautiful, bouncy tresses!

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Beauty Tip 3. Ballerina bun. The ballerina bun is an elegant, hassle-free look that’s also great if you want to show off a pair of glam earrings. First, dampen hair and brush it back into a neat, high ponytail. Smooth the ponytail with your brush and twist into a tight rope. Wrap your ponytail tightly around the ponytail base, then tuck the ends of your hair into the base. Use hair pins to secure the bun and lightly spritz with hairspray. Voilà!

You don’t need to be at prom to sport these great styles. From day to night, these looks are great for all occasions. When you’re looking and feeling your best, your self-esteem will soar!

Check out our JAM PROM ON THE CHEAP VIDEO for more great Prom tips–on a budget!

 Make sure to get YOUR copy of My Self NOW to read more about what it means to be beautiful – starting from the inside!

 

 

Keep JAMming to learn about the Wilhelmina Kids & Teens Open Call, NEXT WEEK!

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To Retouch or Not To Retouch?

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

 

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Ahh, models! They always seem to be so beautiful and perfectly “done”! Everywhere you look, advertisements are filled with gorgeous models, with flawless skin, super-white smiles, and flawless bodies. But did you know almost *every* important image that you see these days has gone through the process of photo retouching?

What’s retouching?  Photo retouching is done with the help of computer programs, and it is sometimes used to make models look so perfect that it leaves most of us wondering, “How did she get so lucky?” Seeing these beautiful models can sometimes take a toll on our self-esteem and make us feel a little insecure about our own appearance. How can they be so perfect?  News flash – they might not be.

The truth is that no one is perfect – no matter what you see on that billboard or magazine cover! This is because photo retouching can literally transform a person into someone else, by covering up everything that the retoucher thinks is “flawed” about the model. And it doesn’t stop at erasing simple things like zits or scars! Photo retouchers very often change the shape of models’ bodies by making them look skinnier and taller.

Recently, lots of magazines and other advertisements are starting to feature pictures of unretouched models. If you come across one of these ads, you may be a little shocked to see someone so… well, normal! Always remember with or without retouching behind every glossy, glam photo is a naturally beautiful girl – just like YOU.

Keep JAMming for 5 more great modeling tips from Marlene!

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4 Self Esteem Activities For Our JAM Girls

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

 

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If you’ve been tuning in to shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance?, you know that competition and the thrill of winning can be VERY exciting. But the contestants on these shows also deal with a lot of rejection and heartbreak, and being sent home after working so hard is never easy! We’ve all felt let down because you just didn’t “make the cut”– and that’s OK. We’ve ALL been there! Remember, if you’re getting out there and you take risks, you have to be ready for rejection. Here are four activities to help you through competition, and keeping that positive self-esteem in check.

Activity 1 – Winners DON’T always win! Memorize this quote and make it your feel-good mantra: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly” (Robert F. Kennedy). Some of today’s most popular American Idol contestants were actually booted from the show before making it big! Jennifer Hudson is a perfect example. The soulful beauty was eliminated in the sixth round, but that definitely didn’t stop her. She went on to win an OSCAR for her role in the movie “Dream Girls”! Then there’s David Archuleta and Clay Aiken – another two American Idol “losers” who are definitely winners in our book!

Activity 2 – Don’t take it personally! We all know that hearing the word “no” can be really hard, especially when you know what an amazing person you are! But a lot goes into any decision, and many things are out of your control. What is in your control is your attitude. Practice the power of positive thinking: every time a negative thought creeps up, banish it from your mind and replace it with something that makes you feel happy, fabulous, and in control. You CAN achieve your dreams! Winners try and try again.

Activity 3 – Make criticism work for you! Maybe the cheerleading coach told you to come back next year because your moves need improvement, or the drama teacher told you that your stage presence just isn’t strong enough for the leading role. It isn’t always easy to hear someone tell you what you need to improve about yourself. The next time someone offers constructive criticism, really listen to what they’re saying — working on their suggestions may be the secret to making the team or being the star of the show!

Activity 4 – Surround yourself with loving people. Your family, friends, teachers and coaches are all there for you. There’s nothing like a big hug from your parents or a bonding session with your gal pals to cheer you up after a disheartening rejection. Going to these people during difficult times may be just what you need to remember how awesome you really are!

We always hear contestants on these shows proclaim, “it’s not the end for me,” as they are eliminated. And they’re right! If you are dedicated and keep a positive attitude, you never know what new opportunities will come your way. Believing in yourself is one of most important things you can do to boost your self-esteem. Have faith that you can accomplish the goals you set for yourself. Make a plan for what you want to achieve and stick to it. You might not always end up where you thought you would, but you’ll be better for the journey.

Keep JAMming for more self-esteem tips and activities and to pick up your copy of check out My Self: A Guide to Me in the My Tween Lifestyle Collection.

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5 Healthy Habits to Have You Feeling Great & Put Some Steam In Your Self-Esteem!

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

 

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Health and fitness plays a major part of your overall well-being and your overall beauty- skin, hair, teeth, and nails– whether you’re twelve or twenty. Whatever your age, the same rules apply. No matter what you read in magazines or see on TV, there’s no such thing as the perfect exercise. Or the perfect food. Or the perfect time to go to bed. That’s because each of us is unique, with different body types and different ways our bodies process food. Of course, there are some basic guidelines to follow. Developing good exercise and eating habits is the first step to improving overall well-being. Read on and you’ll find 6 great lifestyle activities that will have you on your way to feeling great from the inside out.

Activity 1. Eat breakfast every day. A nutritious breakfast can help you stay focused, energized, and ready to take on your day. Try oatmeal topped with fresh berries and chopped nuts, or whole grain toast with peanut butter. Delicious!

Activity 2. Get enough sleep. Sleep is really important to your health and beauty. It’s more important than beauty products and makeup will ever be. You also know that if you don’t get a good night’s sleep, you simply won’t function well the next day. Try to get at least 9 hours of shut-eye each night. Sweet dreams!

Activity 3. Reach for water. Water is the essential building block of all life. Every one of your cells has water in it. Your job is to drink at least 8 glasses of H2O (the chemical term for water) daily to keep all systems afloat! For a refreshing treat, pop some crushed blueberries and/or strawberries in a cold glass of water, and enjoy!

Activity 4. Take the stairs. Instead of taking the elevator or escalator, try taking the stairs. We often overlook this easy (and free) way to incorporate physical activity into our lives.

Activity 5. Protect your skin. The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if the the weather is cloudy or rainy. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause wrinkles, dryness, and age spots. Even worse, too much sun can cause skin cancers. To protect yourself, always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

 

 

Keep JAMming for 5 more healthy habits!

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