NEW Year! New Website!

*Running in hysterically* I can't believe I am almost one month late in wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2012 has been a very busy and eventful year full of blessings. I regret not sharing them with you. But I am back and ready to blog away.

One of my resolutions this year was to work on my procrastination. When it comes to doing anything productive for myself, I am the biggest procrastinator. I wouldn't say that I am a perfectionist, but I do believe that timing plays a big part in having a great outcome. For the last 5 years, I have made "revamping my website" a top 5 priority. And each year I felt like the timing just wasn't right.

Sometimes we need special dates as a motivator. So I chose my birthday, January 3, as my launch date. So far I have been receiving great responses from my peers, clients, and associates. I have incorporated new features for my clients, such as a client log-in and a VIP Membership.

I truly appreciate the support and referrals that I have received despite of my outdated site! Now without further adieu, I present the new and improved Oddball Dsgn website (www.oddballdsgn.com).

OBD Photography's First Award Nomination

"If you want to achieve some really big and interesting goals, you have to learn to fall in love with hard work." ~Steve Pavlina

"Practice, the master of all things." ~ Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus



I've accomplished a lot in my career as an artist. But being placed on the ballot for the upcoming Fashion Awards MD 2012 has been one of the most surprising accomplishments of all. I know I know, I haven't won anything just yet, however being recognized and categorized amongst the best is rewarding within itself.

Ok, now on to the truth...these types of things make me so nervous. And I mean like stomach bubbling, sweaty palms nervous. I've never been much of a competitive person or the type to boast about being the best. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm GREAT!! These feelings aren't about self doubt, in fact I am very confident in all that I do. But I'm much more comfortable being great behind the scenes. This interesting fact makes me a total walking contradiction because I am very outgoing and I DO like the spotlight, hey I'm a Capricorn - we generally love attention lol.

I didn't realize how introverted I've become until I saw the email above. I knew that I was nominated in the general voting process, but to make it through 10,000 nominations instantly put me in a zone.  I'm super excited and extremely shy about the award ceremony. But nonetheless, I've proudly accepted my nomination.

To learn more about the fashion awards, go to www.fashionawardsmd.com. To vote, please go to http://www.fashionawardsmd.surveydaddy.com/s/fashion-awards-md-2012-official-voting-ballot-730pm .

I'd like to hear from you. How do you deal with shyness?

The Anatomy of Building a Brand: The Wonderful World of Marketing

MARKETING is the battery that keeps your business running. Now that you've selected the perfect business name and logo, it's time to present your masterpiece to the world. Here are a couple of strategies to get your company out to the right audience.

1. Marketing materials is a MUST: Often times when professionals create their business budget, they tend to put the least amount of money into marketing. You will need to start with business cards, postcards/flyers, and a website. Other things such as stickers, buttons, pens, car wraps, etc, can be purchased when you become more established.

2. Reach out to Bloggers: Business owners are starting to rely on bloggers to test their products and services, and then report their opinions to millions of visitors. Find a list of blogs related to your business topic and offer to send your item or service for exposure on their blog. Make sure you are 100% prepared to showcase your business to the world, because bloggers are giving their honest opinions to millions of viewers.

3. FREE .99: Consumers LOVE to get things for free. It can be something that they don't need or will never use, but they want it anyway. Offer something for free with your services. How many times have you gone to a sandwich shop to eat just to get your card stamped? You know that after the 8th sandwich, the 9th one will be free. Sometimes my goal is to get the free sandwich, even though I've already spent money buying 8. The point is that it makes me anticipate the free item. Put that same anticipation into your clients, and offer something for free with your services.

4. Run Contest: Holding contests is a great way to bring attention to your company. Again, you are giving your consumers something to anticipate...A PRIZE. Carefully think out your contest and be sure to provide clear details. My clients, New York Times Best Selling Authors, Ashley & JaQuavis are famous for their contest when releasing a new novel. The contests usually mandates the contestants to do something on Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook. With the right strategy, this can become one of the easiest ways to market your business because you are letting your contestants market for you.

5. Become Your Own Walking Billboard: Aside from the marketing materials that I listed above, it would also be wise to invest in items such as t-shirts, tote bags, umbrellas, etc. Whenever I do makeup at an event, wedding, or any place where there will be a lot of people, I wear a t-shirt with my logo and web address on it. If you do your local traveling on public transportation, carry a tote bag or umbrella with your business information on it. You want your logo and company info visible to as many people as possible.

6. Sponsorship: This is a great way to expose your business to a broad audience as well as give back. As a sponsor your logo and business information is usually placed on banners, programs, giveaway bags, etc. Of course your objective as a business owner is to make money, however donating your services can double your exposure for a good cause.

Hopefully this series of tips have been helpful to you. Please feel free to leave feedback below on other methods that you use to market your company.

The Anatomy of Building a Brand: Creating the Right Logo

Hopefully after reading The Anatomy of Building a Brand: Choosing a Name, you have come up with the perfect company/brand name. Now it is time to put a face to that name, with the right logo. Below are tips to consider when having a logo created.

1. Less is Not More, but Memorable: Humans are programmed to remember things better through simplicity. Let's examine the McDonald's logo. It's a simple golden M. It's not an M with cartoon fries beside it to identify that they sell fries. It's one letter that represents a multi-billion dollar brand. Your logo should be easy to remember by remaining simple. If your company's name is Big Tree Towing Company, you don't have to have a logo with pictures of a tree, car, and tow truck. That would be showing the obvious. Your name already explains what the company does. A logo's job is to give your brand character. A simple TREE image can represent the name overall as well as strength.

2. Your logo should be able to easily convert to black and white: Color is important for brand recognition and a black/white version is important for functionality. Your logo should still hold it's presence through a fax or laser print. Try to avoid logos that rely on color for an effect.


3. Avoid boxing your logo: For advertising purposes, consider a logo that does not have to be confined to a box. It should be able to work on any background. When I do graphic work that requires multiple logo placement, I am usually annoyed with the logo that is confined to a white box. It is not attractive against a solid color background and it usually has to be resized according to the box and not the actually logo design.

4. Death to the ClipArt and stock vectors: Using these items in a logo makes it less personable or more like a default image. It's almost like dressing your brand in a uniform. Even though templates, stock and clipart may be cheaper and can be done on your own, it doesn't say anything to your audience.

 

5. Avoid using popular fonts as your logo: You as a non-designer would not be familiar with popular and overly used fonts. However a seasoned designer would know, and hopefully they would avoid incorporating them into your logo. I had a client request that I use Comic Sans as her logo font. She said that she saw that font often and had an overall love for it. Not only did that font retire in the 80's, but wanting something that you see often is a mistake in itself.

6. Be Original: Copying another logo or idea goes against the purpose of branding. You won't gain more success or clientele just because your logo is similar to that of a successful company.


TIP**When working with your designer, be sure to request the following variations of your logo:
-High resolution
-Your logo as a .png or .tiff
-black and white

Hopefully these tips have been helpful to you. Please follow my blog to be notified of Part 3: The Wonderful World of Marketing. Your comments are appreciated.

The Anatomy of Building a Brand Part 1: Choosing a Name

Choosing the right business name is a very critical step because it the start of what can lead to success or failure. Below are a few pointers that can help make choosing a name less challenging.

1. Strike an emotion: The most important way to capture a potential client is through their emotions. Your brand name should have the positive, friendly and strong connotations that you want associated with your services. Let's take a day care for example. Most day care facilities have a friendly and happy name to make parents comfortable with their care. A parent would be reluctant to sending their child to "Innovative Strategic Care", opposed to "Shining Star Day Care". Make a list of adjectives that describe your services. Cross out any words that can be too abrasive and aggressive.

2. Think about men and women clients: If you are providing a service that caters to men and women, you definitely want to avoid the cute and feminine names.

3. Don't let your brand name keep you in a box: Think long-term when choosing your name. Although you may be offering just one service initially, choose a name that will work even if you decide to expand your company. A potential client wouldn't know that you also offer web services if your company's name is Red Leaf Tax Services. Think outside of "right now".

4. Using your name can be tricky: Building a brand is less about you personally and more about your service. Substitute using your name with a strong word that will describe what you have to offer. If I am looking for a caterer, and the three choices I have are Linda's Catering, Catering by Helen, and Catering Creations by Jennifer, I wouldn't know where to begin to make a selection. Make sure your brand name can immediately separate you from your competitors.

5. Do your Research: Make sure your potential name isn't already used or trademarked. This is a critical step. Locate the website for division of corporations for the state in which you will be running the business. You want to limit any legalities that can occur once your business has taken off.

6. Make it memorable: Remember the shorter the name, the easiest to remember. Some of the most successful brands are 1-2 words, such as McDonalds, Nike, Pepsi. With long company names comes issues with domains and logo design. Keep it short, yet effective.

Hopefully these tips have been helpful to you. Please follow my blog to be notified of Part 2: Creating the right Logo. Your comments are appreciated.

Dear Diary: How can I deal with the Negativity that Comes with Success?

The very first lesson that I had to learn as a new Entrepreneur was how to deal with negativity professionally and personally. No matter what type of business or industry you are in, there will always be criticism. It does not matter how positive you are, or even if your business is dedicated to saving the world - no one is exempt from it. What matters the most is how you receive it and react to it. Here are a few steps that can help you deal with what comes with success:

1. There is no such thing as a HATER. Let this phrase be the 1st thing you remember when you are confronted with negative people. Anyone who takes the time to talk about you, write about you, or even keep up with your activities, can't possibly be a hater. So I like to think of them as FANS. When a fan talks about you to someone else, think of it as free advertisement. The person that is receiving the information will more than likely research you and then build their own opinion from there. You will be surprised at how much business you can gain just from a little negativity. So appreciate your fans because ultimately they are helping you out.

2. Hear No Evil. It's easier to brush off negativity when you don't take in as much. If someone is trying to tell you something that you know will shift your mood, STOP them. Tell them you'd rather not hear it. Keep your positive mood in tact by blocking out the nonsense.

3. Recognize the weak. Have you ever given energy to something and then moments later you were upset with yourself for even responding to it? You my dear did not recognize the weak. Here is a good example. A few months ago I received a rude comment about me in my blog post (Dear Diary, I don't get along with other women), which I thought was ironic. Did I respond to it? NO. Why...because I immediately noticed 2 key things. The first thing was that the writer chose to remain anonymous. And the second thing that stood out was that this person was on my blog and writing the comment at 8:00am. People who rather handle issues anonymously usually don't think highly of themselves, so they rather hide. Why would that type of person be worth a response if they don't feel worthy enough to show who they are? And the fact that the comment was written so early in the morning instantly put them into a FAN category. I hate stink bugs, but I don't wake up thinking about them or researching them. Fans are the opposite. Once you recognize the weak, you will easily have the ability to control who and what you respond to.

4. Starve your critics. In other words, don't feed into the negativity. The one mistake that alot of people make is addressing negativity on a public forum such as Facebook or Twitter. A critic usually has nothing to lose or an image to protect. But as a professional, You DO! A critic's job is to bring you down to their level. A level that consists of unhappiness, incompetency, and jealousy. Are those the characteristics that you want representing your company? As a professional, your actions will be more damaging to your brand than someone who has nothing to lose.

5.Know that you cannot please everybody. Seeking satisfaction can be an emotionally draining task. Have you ever received an overwhelming amount of  positive feedback on a task or project, but later found out that one person thought differently? Somehow the 1% seems to outweigh the 99%. You let it suck the energy out of you and you may even start to doubt how great your project really was. These feelings are built upon false thoughts of being able to please everyone. You cannot please everyone, but realistically you can strive for the majority. And most of all stay true to yourself.

6. Don't become your worst critic. There will be enough people to take that spot in your life. Remain strong and be your own cheerleader. Don't let your critics cause you to doubt your mission. Having critics to begin with is a good indication that you're doing GREAT!

7. Lesson Learned. Some critics can offer you valuable advice. But it is hard to take it in when the delivery is negative. This is why it is a good idea to delay responding to it. There may be a true message there and a response may not be necessary.

8. NEVER Retaliate. There will be many people who will try to slander your brand and ruin your reputation. Will they succeed...? That is determined through your actions. No matter what, you must not retaliate. By doing that you are shifting your universe in the direction against success. A business is not successful just because of your work. Your attitude and energy play a major part in succeeding. Retaliation will eventually cause more damage to yourself and brand, rather than to your critics.

Please feel to share your thoughts and how you deal with negativity.

Dear Diary: The Misconceptions about Designers...

If you are planning to own or already own a business, then you should know that it is imperative to have a great graphic designer by your side. And the relationship between you and your designer will need to be strong and comfortable. As a professional designer, I have experienced and heard of many scenarios through clients and fellow designers. I thought it would be a good idea to clear up some of the misconceptions that are associated with our profession.

1. Ideas are instantaneous: I believe this is a common misconception with any creative field. Most of the time art comes from inspiration, so it may take a trip to the store or a walk through the park to come up with a solid creation. Our mind doesn't automatically generate a creation instantly. Allow your designer to take in your notes and have a few moments or even a day to think of a concept.

2. We don't take constructive criticism: When a designer disputes a change or a client's idea, most of the time it is seen as he/she is being a "know-it-all." A seasoned designer usually knows what works for your audience. Yes, you are paying for a design and you want what you want, but sometimes your vision or idea may hinder potential business for your company. Your favorite hot pink color on a flyer may not work if you are targeting a male and female audience. A designer passionate about their work will try to persuade you to choose a more logical design. Not only is the person a designer, but they are also thinking as a consumer. It is fine to share your ideas, however allow the designer to do their job as well.

3. We MUST work 24/7 and on your project only: Although most designers (including myself) work more than they sleep, we are still human beings. We like to sleep in on Saturdays, we like to post a Facebook status every now and then, and we like to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner too. In fact some of my clients are probably wondering why and how I took the time to write this lengthy post lol :o) Know your designer's official work hours. If you received an email at 3:00am from him/her one day, it does not mean they MUST work on your project at that time on another day.

4. Simple projects should be cheaper: Design work is normally priced with quotes and some designers have set prices. A simple letter logo may look easy but from what I experience, the simple projects usually take more work and time. Don't associate price with simplicity, when in fact it takes more time to make it look so simple.

5. We overcharge: Like with most hands-on work, you are charged by the time and labor. However, aside from those expenses, we also have charges with photos, fonts, and other designing essentials. Always remember that marketing and branding is a representation of yourself as well as your company, so the investment is definitely worth it. I find that people who go with extremely cheap designers are usually left dissatisfied. They usually have to spend MORE money hiring another designer to redesign what they initially paid for.

6. We are just twiddling our thumbs: The #1 complaint that I hear is that a designer is taking too long. The 1st thing that I ask when I hear that complaint is "Did you give them a deadline?" Most of the time they have not. You cannot expect your designer to know that your project was needed last week if it was not communicated. Also know that projects and project times are unpredictable. The project ahead of yours may have required more time or work. Give yourself and your designer enough time ahead of your deadline to produce a great creation.

Hopefully this post has changed your perception about designers. A positive and comfortable relationship is important for the designer as well as the client. I would love to hear your feedback! Please follow my blog to comment, or email me at davida@oddballdsgn.com.

Another Banger Revealed

I told you all that model Lauren would be featured on a book cover in an earlier post. Well it was only proper that she graced the cover for the FABULOUS 5x Award Winning Author Venesha. Kiss the Boys: Fabulous Guide to Love & Relationships is set to be released this Fall. Venesha's book covers are always a joy to create because her only demand is that they are fun and fabulous.

Kiss the Boys follows her latest best selling book, Mirror Mirror: Sweet 16 Tips To A New and Improved You!

For more information on Venesha, check out her snazzy site at www.urbanbarbiedoll.com.

HONK if you like Oddball Dsgn & Cartel Publications

Seeing my work on wheels is SO DOPE :0) Van wrap and book cover designs by yours truly (Oddball Dsgn). If you spot this fabulous vehicle around the city, please send me a picture. And be sure to check out the Cartel Publications at www.thecartelpublications.com.

TOP Apps for Entrepreneurs

Below is a list of some of the most productive iphone and ipad apps that can be very useful to your day-to-day duties as a business owner.

Dragon Dictation: This app allows you to speak your text or email messages onto your device.
PRICE: Free

ScanBizCards Lite Business Card Scanner: Why carry around a bunch of business cards if you don't have to. This app allows you to scan in business cards to store into your contacts.
PRICE: Free

Scatterbrain: How many times have you had a great thought and within minutes, forgotten it? This app allows you to keep track of those random yet helpful thoughts or things you don't want to forget. This is awesome for me, because my thoughts for some of my designs come at the most random moments.
PRICE: Free

DropBox: This app allows you to transfer and save important files onto your device. You will also have the ability to save emailed attachments into your Dropbox, and email files.
PRICE: Free

JotNot Scanner Pro: If you prefer not to carry around large amounts of paper, then this app is for you. JotNot allows you to scan items into your device with clarity good enough to email or fax.
PRICE: $.99

Contract Maker Pro: This app allows you to create contracts as well as receive a live signature.
PRICE: $4.99

Some of these apps were also available on Blackberry, Droid, and more. If there are others that you think I should add, please feel free to email them to davida@oddballdsgn.com.

Do You Have the Right Business Card?

The one mistake that a lot of Entrepreneurs make is not having the proper marketing material. The most important marketing tool is a business card. I've compiled a list of features your business card should have.

1.) If your business involves anything visual then it is a MUST to include snapshots of your work. I get so many business cards from other photographers, hair stylist, fashion designers, etc...that do not include pictures of their work. Your business card should always remind a person of why they should be contacting you. Showcase your awesome work!

2.) Using stock photographs instead of photographs of your own work tells your potential clients several things: A.) You aren't taking your business seriously B.) You aren't confident in your own craft C.) Use my services at your own risk. The point of a business card is to sell yourself and what you can provide. A person may be reluctant to using you if they can't see the actual work.

3.) When you give one person a business card, chances are other people will see it as well. Include as much information as possible about your services. Instead of listing 10 different social site addresses, use the space to list your prices or specials. My photography business card (below) has my prices and a description of my packages. So when a person calls, more than likely they are ready to just book.

4.) Having a Facebook or Twitter page these days has become as common as having a driver's license. If your Facebook or Twitter page is not 100% dedicated to your business then you should not include that link on your card. If you insist on connecting to people through those outlets then set up a business page, especially if it's FREE.

Here are my cards for OBD Photography & Oddball Dsgn. I have a collage of my work on both cards. On my photography cards I have my packages and prices. The card is also slightly larger to act as a mini comp card as well. If you are in need of a set of fly business cards, feel free to contact me at davida@oddballdsgn.com.

BLOG FOLLOWERS WILL RECEIVE 10% OFF OF THEIR 1ST SET OF CARDS

4 Inspirational Reads for Women Aspiring to become Entrepreneurs

Positivity reinforcement is a necessity when making power moves such as Entrepreneurship. I am a strong believer in thoughts becoming things. As long as you are taking in positive thoughts, you will attract greatness and prosperity. I've put together a short list of books that have empowered me along the way. Remember, you ARE what you read!

Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It

A lifestyle guide from one of pop culture's most inspirational, stylish, and refreshingly unconventional female power players. At thirty, beauty icon Kimora Lee Simmons is the mistress of her own empire of lifestyle brands, half of one of America's wealthiest couples, mother to two young daughters, and a glamorous staple of the social circuit. Now, in this uplifting and inspiring book, Simmons spills her secrets of how women can use their smarts to build a rich and satisfying life full of success, fun, and, yes, a bit of blinding bling, the "Fabulosity" that every woman deserves. Simmons explains how to balance feminine, stop-them-in-their-tracks glamour with sign-on-the-dotted-line business power; how to get past barriers that exist because of gender, race, or age; how to find a marriageable man who'll support your biggest dreams (while keeping other women at bay); and how to have the most fun of your life while doing it! She gives hundreds of insider tips on fashion, beauty, home decorating, and socializing and explains how she succeeded in business with little formal experience, building a $70 million business out of a T-shirt. Packed with anecdotes and first-person experiences from the catwalks of Paris to P. Diddy's parties, "Fabulosity" takes readers behind the scenes of this diva's diverse, action-packed life and offers insights on how any woman can channel her own "high-profile personality" and creative power, no matter what her own goals may be.  (For more information)

Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found My Passion

The creator of Carol’s Daughter, a bath-and-beauty-products company, presents her life story, along with aromatherapy recipes, in this lightly enjoyable read. Price grew up in a loving, strict African-American family in Brooklyn and later pursued careers in singing and television. She also ran up huge credit card debt, and wound up owing the IRS tens of thousands of dollars—at 28, she was forced to declare bankruptcy. It’s undeniably fascinating to learn how, a few years later, she managed to start Carol’s Daughter with $100 in cash; she slowly built the company—without loans or credit—until she paid off her enormous debt. With such an honest and inspiring tale to tell, it’s unfortunate that Price devotes so much of her time to describing celebrities she’s met along her road to success. A brief encounter with Prince gets a whole page, for example, but her decision to declare bankruptcy takes up little more than a paragraph. Readers might also raise an eyebrow at Price’s repeated belief that "God is in my corner" and that He employs Oprah and other celebrities as messengers to ensure that Price’s business continues to thrive. While Price does seem to be unusually blessed, this materialistic spirituality undercuts a potentially empowering message about discipline and entrepreneurship. (For more information)

Get Yours!: How to Have Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More

According to journalist and editor Barnett, living out a success trifecta (motherhood, marriage, career) isn't as easy as it looks. Having faced her share of sadness-from death and divorce to dead-end jobs and cheating men-Barrett chronicles her turn from despair to dedication on the path to becoming the first African-American woman to run a major mainstream magazine (recently shuttered Teen People). Eager to share the precepts that govern her productive, gratifying life, Barnett fills this book with sisterly advice; "Realize your value and demand the best" is easily the most pivotal of these tips, which also cover friendship, family, career, style, financial security, personal space, men, creativity and spirituality. Concrete steps point readers toward self-confidence and success: face your fears and "embrace them as a chance for growth" by "composing a list of 10 things that scare you"; keep family close by sending out a newsletter, or devoting one full day a month to them. Unfortunately, clichés outnumber innovative ideas, though personal anecdotes and celebrity Q&As (including Gayle King, Kelly Rowland and Venus Williams) prove revealing and encouraging. A fun, knowing and star-studded guide to success, this self-help is suitable for readers at any stage of life. (For More Information)

 
Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women

 The revised and expanded 20th-anniversary edition of Iyanla Vanzant’s first published work offers a powerful path to self-empowerment through the revitalization of one’s spiritual and ancestral roots. Written with Iyanla’s signature healing stories, this classic guide to uniting the will with the spirit teaches that only you have the power to make a change for the better. With chapters on basic breathing and meditation techniques, setting up a home altar, connecting with ancestors and guardian spirits, and the extraordinary power of forgiveness, this book is a perfect companion on the way toward the real you. (For more information)

How do you uncover and develop your own special talents? Kimora shares her step-by-step guide to achieving your wildest dreams, including her 16 laws of success, which cover everything you need to become the woman you want to be.

Whether you’re college-educated or street smart, just starting out or at the top of your game, Fabulosity has something to say to you. Learn how to cultivate Power, Independence, Confidence, and Positivity in everything you do, whether it’s finding Mr. Right, snagging that corner office, or rocking the latest fashion trend. Packed with useful lessons and Kimora’s personal tips, this book will be your instruction manual to empowering yourself, turning your individual talents into permanent success, and unleashing your inner fabulosity. (For more information)

I LOVE Seeing my Work in My Hands

When Cash Money Records started their publishing company, Cash Money Content, it was only proper that they came to one of the best designers for urban literature. Today I received the book and promo items created for them. It’s always a pleasent surprise to see your work in your hands. Yahhh me! 

Interested in Modeling? 10 DO’s & DONT’s to Being a Great Model

After speaking with other photographers & designers, and just simply having the experience, I have decided to drop my list to help those interested in modeling. Besides having the obvious good looks, there are many other characteristics one should have in order to become a great  model. Just like every other industry, the modeling world is very cut-throat but can also be very lucrative. Here are a few DO’s & DONT’s that will help you survive the industry.

1. DON’T BE LATE: Whether the modeling gig is a free one or paid, it is a must that you arrive on time. By being late you are showing that you are not dedicated to your craft. And the staff will not take you seriously. Of course things happen, tires flatten, rides get cancelled, dogs eat homework…BUT it is still important for you to arrive on time. Mapquest your destination the day before to calculate your time accordingly. Leave early. If you are too early then hang around the area. But by any means, do not show up late.

2. DO HAVE THE RIGHT MANAGER: Managers are great, but only when they’re knowledgeable. An amateur manager can make or most of the time BREAK your career. A friend who is  just trying to look out for you does not automatically mean they will be a great manager. Some photographers will not work with you if the manager has been a nightmare to deal with. So make sure that someone handling your career knows the craft.

3. DO KNOW WHEN TO TURN THE DIVATUDE ON & OFF: No one likes a Diva 100% of the time. Know when to turn the attitude on & off. You DO NOT have to walk on set with an attitude to be taken seriously. In fact that may cause some people to purposely push your buttons. Before going to a shoot or a show, find out if there will be hair, makeup, clothing, food and compensation. Those are the main issues that can cause a misunderstanding if unclear. So if you know hair is not provided, do not go to a set demanding it or complaining about why it is not provided. And this goes back to having the right manager, because he/she should gather as much information beforehand.

4. DO LEAVE YOUR ISSUES AT HOME: No one on set needs to know about your relationship problems or financial issues. Remain professional. Treat each new project like a job interview. You don’t want to mess up your chances of being referred or called back for more work. No matter how beautiful you are, if you have too much KNOWN baggage you will always be judged based on your many issues.

5. DO HAVE CONFIDENCE. Confidence controls about 100% of what you bring as a model. Having low confidence is seen through your work instantly. If you are not at least 85% confident in yourself and in your looks then you will not succeed as a model. The photographer or designer chose you for a reason. So walk on set knowing that you are the closest thing to perfection because you were chosen specifically. Think of confidence as your degree in the field.

6. DON’T BAD MOUTH PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES: Don’t fall into the gossip on a set. Bad mouthing photographers, makeup artist, and even other models is a major red flag. Always remain professional even if other people aren’t.

7. DO BUILD THE RIGHT PORTFOLIO: Your portfolio should showcase the type of modeling you are trying to do. Leave out the glamour photographs if you’re trying to be a high fashion model. It’s great to show versatility, but a consistent portfolio represents true professionalism.

8. DO HAVE STANDARDS: All modeling gigs are not conducive to your career or portfolio. Research photographers, makeup artists, designers, etc, before agreeing to work with them, even if it’s free.  If you have no interest in posing nude or in anything uncomfortable make sure you stand strong on that decision. Do not get talked into anything against your interest. Many girls make this mistake early into their careers.

9. DON’T BE A BUGABOO: If a photographer tells you he/she will return images within 2 weeks, do not contact him 3 days after your shoot asking about your images. This is probably one of the biggest pet peeves to photographers. More than likely you will have an email as contact information. Do not inquire about your images through Facebook, Myspace, text messages, etc. Once the 2 weeks have passed, simple inquire professionally through the contact information that he or she gave you.

10: DO KEEP AN UPDATED PORTFOLIO: We are expected to renew our licenses every so often for a particular reason…Our looks change. Treat your portfolio the same way. If you gave birth, gained/lost weight, changed hair, it is important for the photographer to know that. If you are still using pictures from 2005 and you’ve clearly changed, you are setting yourself up for a disaster. Weight gain is the biggest secret kept from a photographer. That is great that you have gained a bit and are feeling more confident then ever before, BUT it is important for you to show the more current you. Outdated images is false advertisement.
I hope these tips have been helpful to you. Always remember that your reputation as a model is just as important as your looks.

Intimidated with Starting Your Own Business?

I was talking with a friend over the weekend and she was telling me how nervous and clueless she was about starting her own business. After about 20 minutes of encouragement and some solid tips, I believe she was finally ready to move forward. I’m sure a few of you are sitting at your desk now wishing you can make that smooth move into entreprenuership. Well I’m here to tell you that it’s much easier than you think with this simple steps.

-First, don’t let your internet search scare you. There is so much great information online about how to start your own busines, but most of it can be intimidating. Don’t allow yourself to become overloaded with information.

-You MUST believe in yourself. There may be people that will laugh at your idea and tell you that it won’t work. But as long as you believe it will then it will! There are many positive books on the market, but the main one that helped me into my journey, was The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. (Check it out on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301942255&sr=1-1) Several days after reading The Secret, I had quit my full-time job as an Office Manager.

-Getting your paperwork in order can be a hassle. It is important to know WHAT form of business you are trying to build (sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative) so that you can submit the proper paperwork for tax purposes. Here is a link to download the proper forms: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99198,00.html.

-Once you have established the proper business entity then you must do two imporant things in order to open a business account at a bank. You must have an EIN number (Employer Identification Number), which is like a social security number for your business. And obtaining a DBA (Doing business as). A DBA is establishing your business if it’s going to be anything over then your birth name. Information on obtaining an EIN  can be found here: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html. DBAs can be processed online, but I preferred to go and get it myself. Do a google search on “Obtaining a DBA in _____(put in your state)” and it will tell you where to go to process it. I would not recommend doing this online, so I will not refer any online services. Procedures are different once your go into forming a Corporation or LLC, but for the most part these steps will get you started.

-Business License: NOT ALL businesses are required to have a license. And there are different regulations for different states. This page will break down the many different licenses: http://www.score.org/bp_12.html. But be sure to check with your state’s government website to check the regulations in your area.

-Last but not least, you must always remain positive. Know that being in a recession is just a state of mind. Of course times get hard and people ARE losing their homes, but keep up the Faith and positivity and you will make it.

Remember: It is better to stress over your dreams than someone else’s. I would like to hear about your journey into Entreprenuership.