THE VIRTUAL MODEL

What it takes to be a VIRTUAL MODEL

Everyone knows that fashion model's are beautiful.  They have that certain look that just catches your eye, and makes whatever they are wearing become "a must have" for the buyer.  In a virtual world anyone can be a beautiful avatar: just buy the right skin and use the right shape.  Being beautiful in a virtual is the easy part.  But just like in RL, being a model in a virtual world isn't that easy, and just like in RL, the fashion industry has set high standards for those who want to get in the business.   Meeting these standards, which evolve as newer abilities and 3D graphics emerge, has become an extremely demanding Role in the Cyber Worlds. 

Similarities to RL fashion modeling abound.  A virtual runway model must possess the specific physical attributes that the designer or the producer of the fashion show desire.   Your avatar must be a realistic Model.    Your avatar must be able to move with grace and fluidity across the virtual screen, creating the illusion that what you are modeling has natural movements.  You cannot accomplish this if your avatar looks like a 3D Barbie doll with mechanical movements. 

Also just like a RL professional Model, you must be flexible, versatile, dependable, hardworking, and good at taking directions.  But in a virtual world you must also be adaptable to the varies demands that are inherent in the virtual environment and those coinciding with the Real world.  You must be very stylish, and be able to properly represent the garments and items you are given to wear.   Even in RL, a good fashion model is capable of wearing all types of clothing styles that will always look good on them.

Models are under great scrutiny, and this is magnified in a virtual world.   To make it as a model, you must be able to handle being critiqued by others, regardless of their subjective opinions.  You must possess certain attributes that will set you apart professionally, and they are:

• above average sense of fashion
• must know how to style properly
• willingness to look good at all times
• able to use various applications, like makeup tattoos
• have a good walk and standing posture
• familiarity in different poses
• noticeable facial features
• above all PERSEVERANCE!

You also have to know how to convey the emotion and attitude of the brand that you are modeling for.

Just as important as your avatar's physical look, is the apparent attitude you convey through your styling, movements, and text responses.  Virtual designers, photographer's, advertisers, and even the buyer are really looking for the fresh face that will work best for them.  Being able to convey a positive and confident attitude is very important and will set your avatar apart from the many other hopeful models vying for your position.   Clients, et al, can spot the divas a mile away and are put off by them. 

Unlike RL, however, in a virtual world it is extremely important that you possess the training necessary to effectively manipulate your 3D Model in a 2D physical environment.  Therefore it has become an industry standard that your avatar has been certified by a virtual modeling school.  The term used to convey the completion of a model training program may vary, i.e.: Diploma, Certificate, etc.  but certain core standards should remain the same.  Many successful models have attended more then one school so that they may continue perfecting their modeling abilities.  Regardless of your goals as a virtual model: runway, print, advertising, blogging, store modeling, participating in, planning or designing a fashion event; the steps to get to the top can be extremely difficult but not impossible.   Choose wisely, so you can avoid the many scams that exist in any life, real or virtual.  

In Second Life, many models are able to hone their craft by entering contests.  Most complete for coveted prize of a title and or a crown!! Some prizes include automatic enrollment in an agency or a chance to be on a vendor board, or even a virtual magazine ad!  In the cyber fashion world, these two types of runway work are combined, but in the RW, modeling and pageants were notoriously separate events with separate skills and criteria.   Although some professionals have been able to bridge the gap between the two.   

Those who can find the magic to cross the colassial differences between virtual and real, cyber abilities and rl limitations, are the ones who will make a name for themselves, and change the path for the newer hopefuls coming into this career.

 ref: <http://www.fashion-schools.org/fashion-model.htm>