EMA’s Model Training - Tabitha Mercury Reporting…

Recently, while I was out venue hoping, I decided to fill out an application for a modeling position with Eden Modeling Agency (EMA). Owned by Jocelyn Amber and Aufreizend Lexico, EMA is located on the Dragon Field sim. I turned it in after filling it out with all my previous hopes and dreams about being an SL model. I have wanted to get into modeling in SL since I started years back. I was here years ago, under a different name which I had no idea how to get into, I think I may have even deleted the account. My memory grows fuzzy in my old age. *wink*

The Initial Meeting

Sue (sue.terr): I am the CEO and Trainer so you will only be with me for the course and any shows or shoots we do

Tabitha Mercury nods

Sue (sue.terr): Today I want to establish if you have the right enthusiasm behind you to become a model. The course is free and takes around 6 weeks as this is spread out so it does not interfere with your S/L life as well as your R/L life.

Tabitha Mercury nods

Sue (sue.terr): Should you pass the course you will be awarded a certificate of training and a place will be offered as a registered model at Eden Model Agency

Tabitha Mercury: (I am surprised it is free, that's a bonus for sure!)

Sue (sue.terr): yes it is

Sue (sue.terr): Besides the course there will be AO’s you will need for photo shoots and catwalk shows which could cost 2000L but I can show you which you require.

Sue (sue.terr): I do not want to mislead you thinking you have no other costs.

On shoots and shows you are given clothing jewelry and footwear by the designers which can be of 800L or more so free clothing is what you get, however you may get tips too.

Aufreizend Lexico: Tabitha, reason the course is free, is you need to buy the AO

The interview with Sue

The questions posed:

• So can you tell me why you could be a model?

• Do you have any dependents to look after in S/L or R/L?

• Are you married or have a B/F G/F who may get upset if you're not available In S/L or R/L?

• How would you feel on a photo shoot just wearing underwear with the photographer looking at you for a shot?

• Do you take orders well?

• Could you give 12 hours notice if you can not attend a shoot or show?

After pondering my truest answers and answering their very good questions, I excitedly accepted their offer (Aufrezend sat in) to do model training with them. I shot off a letter to my editor, explaining my latest article idea. A weekly peek into what it’s like to become a model in SL. Luckily, she approved and here we are.

First day of training

I landed at the sim and went into the office to wait for Sue Terr, the CEO and trainer of Eden Modeling Agency (EMA). She had a R/L thing and we started an hour later than scheduled, which was fine as I was a dingbat and thought that I would be training for 5 hours every week, during one sitting and prepared my schedule as such. It is only one hour per week, I was very relieved to find out.

We went to the modeling studio classroom and began my training. There was a lot of information given. A lot of requirements and common sense things one could expect. First we started with the rules of modeling.

1. If you go to a casting, runway practice or fashion show, be there at least 30 minutes before it starts. ( it's a Golden Rule )

2. Never ever wear bling shoes or jewelry.

3. The runway is not the place for shoes with sound.

4. Please do not wear any hair that is glowing. (use the midnight setting to see this)

5. Respect other models and designers and their work.

She stressed number 5 and mentioned she wouldn’t hesitate to drop you from future shows and shoots because she will not tolerate anything less. Personally, I think this is a very professional approach and should be what’s expected in the industry from each other.

I got lessons in lag, my body, tattoos, a hair reminder about glowing hair and the reminder that your face, body, style (clothing), is your branding. I must admit, I was disappointed upon finding out that I would have to change my petite body to a tall body on occasions, depending on the designer's needs. Lamented the fact that I would likely have to remove my tattoos and then had the horrible realization that I was going to have to remove my wedding ring, as well.

I was relieved to find out that I can go back to being “me” when I am not doing the shows or the shoots. I feel it would be smart to keep myself in “designer” clothing to keep the branding of myself going, modeling or not. My face will stay true, my body shape may change temporarily to an amazonian goddess size, I can wear my wedding band when not working as a model, and it’s a good thing this is SL and I can remove and add my tattoos at a moment’s whim.

Conclusion

I knew that modeling in SL would entail a lot. I had hoped to find a place where I didn’t really have to change my body shape but I haven’t found one, yet. You become partial to your avatar, as it is an extension of yourself and take great care in curating what you feel makes your avatar the you that you want to be in SL. I would say that if you are not willing to change these things, modeling in SL professionally is not the route you want to go. For myself, this will be an adjustment, but I do look forward to my opportunity before me!