Sunday, August 31, 2008

Polaroid still in the game with the PoGo!


Looks like Polaroid has found a new way to give you your instant print fix! Introducing the PoGo! The device is simple to use - take a pic with your camera phone and then transmit it via Bluetooth to the PoGo and presto! You've got instant images! You can also use a USB cable to connect your digital camera to the device and because it uses Polaroid ZINK photo paper you never need to worry about ink!







At $149 it's a great way to get instant prints. I'll be picking one up for use at model calls and photo shoots where we can use the prints in place of the traditional Polaroids. You can find the PoGo at Best Buy and Target.

Friday, August 29, 2008

TRU News

OK here’s the skinny (no pun intended) on what’s been happening with our model management division - TRU Model Management™.

1. New Email Address and Pending Website – Please note that my primary email address has changed and is now tru@trumodelschicago.com. We have secured the domain name for the site and will begin production of the site soon. The official URL for the site will be http://www.trumodelschicago.com/.
2. New Intern – A lots been going on since march and it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up. SO, to ensure that things run more smoothly I have hired an intern. Her name is Theresa Siaw. If you receive a call or email from her it’s no joke; she works for us! LOL
3. Submissions – Letters of Interest have been sent to several high profile fashion events here in Chicago, specifically those previously mentioned (Fashion Focus & Gen Art’s shows) as well as a special charity event for Spina Bifida. We anticipate that our agency will be well received and that our models will be gracing the catwalks for these events!
4. Addition of 4 New Models – In an effort to increase the diversity of our Standard Women’s Division we have recruited four additional models: Fatimah, Irene, Selma and Nicole AKA Nik’ol . Both models tested well and will make fine additions to TRU Model Management™
5. Submission Packet Update – We will begin submitting the actual runway books beginning September 1st. Only the Standard Women’s Book will be submitted. Prep for the Men’s and VOLUPTUA books are underway.
6. MANDATORY Runway Practice – All Standard Models 5’8 and up MUST attend the MANDATORY runway practices scheduled for September 6th, 13th and 20th ; please ensure that you are available. Practice will be held tentatively from 2pm -3:30pm at 1741 N Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 on the 2nd floor. Models must be prepared with 3-4 inch heels and a pair of tank/tee and skinny jeans or FORM FITTING dress. Form fitting tops and skirts are also acceptable. PLEASE BE ON TIME. You will have a 5 minute grace period after which a fine of $2.00 will be owed by the model. If you do not show you will be fined $5.00 and removed from submissions for 30 days. Once we are satisfied with your walk practices will be conducted once per month.

Again, we will begin making preparations for both the Men’s book and the VOLUPTUA Women’s Book in approximately one 30-60 days. Until that time please continue to perfect your craft, keep shooting with quality photographers and contact me with me with any and all questions. Regarding anything in this email (or what’s not in the email!). Thanks for your continued support and just wait – BIG things are on the horizon for everyone that sticks with us and are TRU to their passion for modeling!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

TRIBE!™ Happenings



Greetings TRIBERS!


I know some of you have been wondering what's been happening. Well, let me tell you – a LOT has been going on! We are making changes to our main site over at WhosInYours.net such as increasing interactive capabilities, preparing to add a forum and so on.




Additionally, you will be able to not only find local and regional listing of fashion and modeling professionals but you will be able to RATE them as well! So if you work with a photographer and you don't like their professionalism or turnaround time you will be able to voice your opinion on the site (obviously, you will be able to give your favorite professional the "two thumbs up" too!). This will allow others to make an informed choice about who they work with. Think of it as Angie's List for the fashion world!




On top of that, we are working to solidify business relationships with a few choice promoters and event planners to fully launch our event services division Taurus Event Services™. This is going to be HUGE for TRIBE!™ allowing us to introduce our style of interactive events for a discerning crowd of fashionistas and marvelous model friends. It's going to be SOOO HAUTE!!!




On top of THAT, we just completed the first in a series of shoots for our model management division – TRU Model Management™! The Image above is from our shoot with Joe Branske; I'll be adding images soon. All our models did a wonderful job and have proven themselves worthy of the title TRU Models!




That's all for now but stay tuned…we are about to rip the industry a new one!!!

Image Credits

Photographer: Joe Branske

Model: Cindy Loving

MUA: Stacy Renee

Friday, August 15, 2008

So So Sorry!

Greetings TO Fans!

I humbly apologize for the lack of content lately; the business has had it's grasp on me and I'm just now able to take a breather! Fear not though! Fresh new content will be back in effect beginning Monday August 18th.

Friday, August 1, 2008

August Featured Designer – Veronica Ariel!!!



Site: Veronica Ariel


This design star recently graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the Illinois Institute of Art! She's been designing for the last 6 years and has 20 plus fashion shows to her credit. From concept to final design Veronica meticulously sews ALL her pieces by hand! She received 2nd place for Excellence in Women's Sportswear during a fashion show in which Project Runway's Mykel Knight was a featured judge!

Her current line - Socialite - is inspired by classic B&W movies of the 40's and 50's as well as young Hollywood (i.e. Jessica Alba, Beyonce and Paris Hilton. "My biggest inspiration is definitely Kanye West. I love his image, his message, his delivery and his style and drive. I would love to be the female fashion Kanye!" says Veronica. If you'd like to find out where you can purchase Veronica Ariel Designs contact her HERE.

August Featured Professional – Joe Branske/Branske Photography!



Site Link: Brankse.com


Joe is one of those rare individuals you meet along life's journey that truly inspire you. Not one for wasted speech Joe says what he means and means what he says. He has a sharp eye for what does and doesn't work for a shot. The result is an image that is lasting and a testament to his ability to effectively brand his client. Click the site link to view more of his work. To contact Joe to discuss a concept or schedule a shoot email him HERE!

August Featured Model – Katie Ellis!!!



Site Link: Katie Ellis


Katie got her first taste of modeling while attending Illinois State University. A group of the school's students got together to produce a fashion show and asked her to participate – she was instantly hooked after the experience! Like many models she longs to be featured in magazines and on the runway for top designers. She also has a desire to be a decision maker in an agency that caters to models outside of the "norm" now recognized in the industry. Outside of modeling Katie holds aspirations of being a nurse. "There is a shortage of nurses in the US; they are very much needed," says Katie. If you are interested in booking Katie for your next fashion shown, photo shoot or promotional event please contact Michael at TRU Model Management.