Modeling in Second Life- Pandora Drezelan Reporting...

Being a model in Second Life can be a very glamorous lifestyle, but it also involves hard work, dedication, and compromise. Whether you are an experienced or a new and aspiring model, you must learn to be able to accept constructive criticism and sometimes rejection, depending on the situation.

Starting Out

If you are new to Second Life, there are a few things in store for you before embarking on a modeling career. It is important to find yourself first in Second Life and develop your own unique style.

Spend some time getting to know people, make a few friends, and learn the basics about Second Life, yourself and anything that is of interest to you.

Learn how to make folders, notecards and sub folders, sort your inventory out on a regular basis. Also learn how to edit linked parts; this is vital when fixing your hair and clothes, etc. 

Experiment with different hair, eyes, skins, shapes, make up,  jewelry, nails, and clothes. Always demo everything you possibly can to make sure that it is suited to you first.

[Shapes by MIM]

Take the time to look for a good quality AO and demo the animations; your AO is also a part of your own personal style. It is your walk and your stance and what makes you YOU.

[VISTA]

Model Training

Training to be a model can be expensive; however, there are some modeling agencies who do not charge very much. Look around at what’s available, join a few modeling groups such as Model Looking For Work and Model’s Workshop, and join other various groups having to do with fashion; group gifts are always a plus.

Start a collection of good quality hair, clothes, skin and accessories; invest in some modeling poses, (Static poses are preferred by most agencies) posing HUDS, walk replacers and a DVC  and/or a VPC. The DVC and the VPC are the ways models communicate with the coordinator and with each other as well as the announcer, mainly in runway shows.

[LAQ]

Once you have found the modeling agency of your choice, you will be required to fill out an application form. The questions are fairly basic, such as your Second Life name and birth date and maybe a list of skins, hair, clothes and accessories that you own. You will also be asked to attach a few photos of your avatar. It’s a good idea to have at least one model portfolio to begin with.

[Vanity Hair]

Start off with a basic training course, you may want to do an advanced course later on. Times and pricing for modeling classes will vary; always work with what you are comfortable with. Discuss your time zone with your trainer so that you are both on the same page.

If your shape is not modifiable and you want to keep your original face then, you may need to have a custom shape made for you so that you can make adjustments when needed and make copies of everything. Also save a few outfits for future reference.

Practice writing your resume, even if you are a model in training, put it in your profile and update it as you progress, your profile speaks volumes about who you are in Second Life, use it to advertise yourself. Keep your profile clean and clear. If you belong to any adult groups then it is best to keep those groups hidden. In addition, create a blog and join a few social networking sites. The more you advertise, the better.

[Manifeste]

The Styles Of Modeling

There are different types of modeling in Second Life:

In Store Modeling: This involves wearing the store clothes and standing on a pose stand, a live mannequin for the store basically; some models are required to assist customers while other stores allow the models to be AFK.

Print: This type of modeling is used mainly for store ads, logos and magazines.

Machinima: This type of modeling is becoming more popular in Second Life; models are used in videos as singers, dancers, for commercials and even acting. 

Runway: This is the most common form of modeling, and it is where your walking and posing skills come into play, along with your ability to put together a designer masterpiece. You may be asked to write a style card, listing the hair, skin, clothes etc. that you are wearing.

The Style Card 

This is a basic style card that I wrote up as an example.

  

Pandora has combined two styles to create this unique look. 

The vintage pin up girl with a gothic flare, she is wearing a short black and white corset dress that shows off her curves, her vanilla blonde up-do accentuates her beautiful pale skin and black make up.

Pandora brings this black and white outfit to life with amazing dark gothic jewelry. She adds the finishing touch with black half gloves, a single fishnet stocking, a black leg bandana and black stiletto heels with just a hint of red.

A daring outfit for any time of day or evening.

Hair: Blush HP Vainille Blonde by Vanity.

Skin: Elena 03 (Pale) Gothic Glow Skin by LAQ.

Earrings: Pandora Dark Earrings In Black by Allienbear.

Necklace: Black Skull Cross Necklace by Styria.

Dress: Brazen Black Velocity Corset Dress by Sassy.

Gloves: Black Half Gloves by Emery.

Stockings: Black Half Fishnet Stockings by Linc.

Leg Band: Black Leg Bandana by The Lost City Of Gothika.

Shoes: Black Foggia Pump Heels by HYATT Haute Couture.

If you really want to be a model in Second Life, it must be something that you enjoy doing. Modeling does not always pay well, but for me it is a lot of fun and it was an amazing journey that made me think outside the box and dare to experiment with fashion and different styles.

When you succeed at your modeling career, do not forget your friends or lose sight of who you are. You are still you and always treat people with the same respect that you wish to be treated. Unfortunately, this does not always work both ways, but that’s just how life is, in any world.