We all know who Cindy Joseph is… right? Cindy is the model you see all the time in commercials, ads, etc. Cindy is middle- aged and has gray hair. She has been the spokesperson for many products and most of us will recognize her image even if we do not know her name.

What makes her so amazing is her willingness to talk and discuss her accomplishments with people she does not even know.

I started this blog and a few more. I am also an aspiring model and, I must add,  a huge fan of Cindy. I wrote qa story about her and the amazing thing is she responds with comments and advice to my readers.

Cindy really is an amazing person and it’s hard to believe that she finds the time for us, but she does.

Cindy Joseph has responded to every comment that readers have added and I think that is totally awesome!

Below are some comments she posted on another entry, I just wanted to share her comments withe everyone who may have not seen the original post.

Hello everyone,

I am Cindy Joseph, the Classic Ford model.

I accidentally discovered this blog after a friend suggest I google myself. It was quite fun to see this article you posted. I am not sure how this whole thing works, however I will post this letter in hopes it is read by those who posted their comments here.
Firstly, thank you for your lovely comments about me. I remember working with Joachime. He is a talented Creative Director and I enjoyed relating with him very much.He is forward thinking with great vision. It was a pleasure working with him for Ann Taylor. I can understand the points he made. It is often very much like what he explained.
However, I am compelled to set the record straight on this little controversy. The original article was accurate.
It’s very simple. In 1999 I was standing on a street corner in the east village of Manhattan. I was approached by a casting agent looking for someone to model for a D&G campaign photographed by Steven Meisel. I thought it was a joke, having been in the business for 25 yrs. I had worked with top models and celebrities around the world. . I could not imagine someone was asking ME to model. Long story short, I did the shoot for D&G. It came out about 5 months later. I was approached again within a month for another advertising shoot and then a producer suggested I go to Ford. I have now been modeling for 10 years. That’s my story in a nutshell!
Thanks for your attention and thank you again for being interested. I believe that women my age, being represented in todays fashion, beauty advertising, clearly indicates that e western societies prejudices about aging are changing! So far, I have experienced life gets better as time goes by!! the old paradigm does not work for the Baby Boomers. We have never accepted the status quo and we are continuing to reinvent every decade of our lives. Lets continue the revolution!

Regards to all,
Cindy

__________________

Cindy,
I hope you read this because I want you to know how you have inspired me. I am 45 and have been grey since my twenties. I bought into the myth that only youth is beautiful. I agonized over it. I battled with hair dyes for years. One day several years ago I saw you in an ad. I thought “that is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen” . It inspired me to let my own hair go grey. This is turn opened a whole way of thinking for me. It literally changed my life. I embraced who I am. I feel more free and beautiful than ever. (And it all began with you in an advertisement!)
Thanks for being an inspiration.
Kimberly
North Carolina USA

____________

Kimberly,

Thank you so so much for sharing your story with me. I am thrilled that my image could inspire you to go as nature made you. Its time that all women find there own unique look right!
Yahoo!
I want to share you story with others and let the inspiration spread!!
I recently met Diana Jewell the author of Going Gray Looking Great. Check it out at http://www.goinggraylooinggreat.com
Lots of silver beauties sharing their stories and a great event this June in NY!

All the best
Cindy

the Cindy Joseph post can be found here

My friend who models for Explore Talent sent me a really cool picture of her modeling for what should be a new Rum commercial…  Now, I would hope that everyone is familiar with the Captain Morgan ad campaighn where the models and / or actors stand on one foot and bend a knee.

My friend went to a private movie screening for John Paul Rice’s new flick “One Hour Fantasy Girl” . You can read about the Independent film casting and screening on the modeling.net blog

I heard it was a fun night and the wine may have gottan to her. Check her out with MaddHouse Media rep.

Joe Luckay of One Hour Fantasy girl

I later emailed, Don Hinder, Marketing Director for Explore Talent, Don said

“The evening was a blast and I am glad Explore Talent was able to contribute the acting talent for this production”

The huge modeling and casting site Explore Talent recently celebrated a 5 year anniversary and last week had it’s first ever Explore Talent member networking party at one of Hollywood’s top clubs, Sunset One. The guest list consisted of Explore Talent members in the Los Angeles area as well as top celebs, casting agents and producers.

In attendance were reps of Victoria’s Secret, Loreal, Sunset Tan and Dancing with the Stars. Producer John Paul Rice (One Hour Fantasy Girl) was there on the lookout for talent for a new movie he is planning to shoot in early 2009 and comedians Tom Green and Arsenio Hall were hanging out with the crowd. Leif Garrett was seen hanging out and talked a bit about his Tru Tv gig and gave tips for aspiring actors.

The place was packed with models, aspiring models, actors and reality TV stars. Lucy Suicide from the Web hit Suicide Girls spent a minute giving her tips as well.

Agyness Deyn has had such a busy year it seems, Here are a few of the supermodels 2008 covers.

Agyness Deyn for French Vogue

Agyness Deyn French Elle

Agyness Deyn Japan Elle Cover

Agyness Deyn Elle Japan

Agyness Deyn China Vogue Cover

Agyness Deyn V Cover

Join Explore Talent at the Largest Industry Networking Event of the Year

There is a Mixer scheduled for this weekend in Hollywood for Models, actors and casting directors. The red carpet event is being put on by Exploretalent.com and Bullets4peace.com.

So I guess this weekend Explore Talent is Hosting a party at One Sunset. The party is supposed to be a mixer for aspiring models, casting agents, directors and other industry folks.

Victoria’s Secret, Loreal and many others will be there. Sunset Tan will be there looking for a new girl, dancing with the stars will be there as well. There will also be a few movie producers there looking for actors and talent for 2 new films

The party seems like fun, especially the painted models that will be walking around in nothing but body paint. the invite Explore Talent sent to their members along with the press release below

Hollywood, CA – Explore Talent, the world’s largest online talent resource with 2.2  Million members; will break out of cyberspace to host the industry’s largest live networking event of the year at the exclusive One Sunset club in West Hollywood, California on Friday, November 21, 2008.

Explore Talent along with special guests from Dancing with the Stars, Sunset Tan television shows and co-host, Bullets 4 Peace, will present to the show-biz industry a unique opportunity to mingle in-person with established casting directors, actors, models, singers, designers, agents, film producers, and other celebrities. The red carpet will roll out at 9 p.m.

Please reply with your RSVP if you have any questions feel free to call or email.

7 Tips to help you break into modeling

America's Next Top Model Winner Whitney

Here is a reprint of a really cool modeling article from the modeling blog.

It’s called 7 tips to break into modeling.

Before you even start the journey towards your new career, you better do your research and find out all there is to know about the career you want.

Most people are familiar with fashion modeling, but few are familiar with the dozens of other types of models and modeling jobs that make up the majority of paid modeling work.

Do your homework

Learn about the different types of models and try to figure out where you fit in. Be objective and realistic. Know your measurements and figure out what kind of modeling suits you best.

If you are of average height, then focus on work that may be geared towards your height. Many girls dream of being high fashion runway models, but most do not have the height needed to be successful. You may be the most beautiful 5’2” goddess around, but at 5’2”, your gorgeous face will not be enough to land a gig on designer runways during fashion week. Always be honest and realistic about your chances. The last thing you want to do is put a lot of time and effort into something that is non-attainable… So focus on what is attainable and to do that you must do your research.

Find your fit

Once you start researching the modeling field, you will begin to see different modeling opportunities. If you have a very athletic physique, you may be perfect for fitness modeling. If you are very curvy and have a more voluptuous shape, you may want to look into plus size modeling. If you have amazing hands, legs or feet, you may look into parts modeling. Remember, no matter what type of modeling it is, you must match the physical requirements such as height, weight, good skin, good hair, good teeth, being fit, etc..

Get another opinion

Once you find the modeling niche you wish to explore, try to get a second opinion. If you know any experts or agents, ask them for their opinion and what type of modeling they believe you may be well suited for.

Your self image may be skewed. Many girls believe they are a plus size when they are not and vice versa.

Make Sure you are photogenic

This may be a bit obvious but there are many girls who look stunning in person, yet can not translate that to film, just like there are many girls who seem plain, yet take stunning pictures.

Get an Agent

Once you’ve identified the type of modeling you are suited for, you should be able to find an agent that specializes or represents your niche.

Confidence, persistence and thick skin are your keys to success

As you pursue your new career, you will most likely find a great deal of rejection and even some criticism. You need to be able to take rejection without breaking into tears. Keep in mind that there are many models going after the same jobs and you will be rejected many more times than accepted. You must have a good deal of confidence in yourself and the drive and determination to keep going. Be persistent, eventually you will begin getting the jobs you want.

Network

As you begin your career, you will meet other models, agents and photographers. Networking is a great way to find out about upcoming jobs and industry events. People will often choose someone they already know to work with rather than someone new, especially, if you are charming and a pleasure to be around. The more people you meet and talk to, the greater your chances are of getting work.

The maybe good?, crazy, and plain ugly of the red carpet dresses …
Red carpet events in Hollywood a big deal, such a big deal that designers are continually competing for the valuable publicity brought by those events in the “what were they wearing” headlines the following day. Who can blame them? Top celebrities turn high fashion model as they begin modeling designer clothes on the red carpet fashion runway.

Every designer loves the top actress seal of approval as she talks about her gown to the reporters, however, sometimes things do not go as planned and the designers may be sorry their name was even associated or mentioned.

Who can forget this fashion disaster, this was Sarah Jessica Parker looking, ahhh… ridiculous on the red carpet in this not-very-lovely plaid red gown. Now I really don’t have anything against plaid, however, it may be a pattern that should be left for fuzzy pj’s and lumberjack shirts.

The Swan worn by music artist Bjork. What was she thinking when she got dressed and hopefully looked in the mirror..or not. That stuffed swan dress was most likely the worst red carpet dress I have ever seen, probably, the worst red carpet dress anyone has ever seen.

For the time period, that may have been outrageous. This is Cher at the Oscars many decades back. I gotta say she got the result she wanted, that dress is unforgettable and most likely made both the “well dressed” and the “what was she thinking” lists.

The Bob Mackie dress that Cher wore at the Oscars is modeled below for an event. Wow, that dress is more like a string bikini with a bit of netting on top. Oddly enough, the dress looks expensive enough to become sexy rather than sleazy. Calling it sexy, is a stretch though because not much is left that you can’t see and even though it should be in the stripper sleaze costume category, somehow, it overcomes that.

J-Lo, please do not bend over or the twins may fall out. Now, some people liked this dress and others thought it was ridiculous, but just like Cher above, the dress gave the ladies modeling it the attention they wanted and the fashion headlines the following day. If nothing else, it was daring and is still talked about years later.

Salma Hayek looked like a giant pink feather duster. I love the top of the dress, but the bottom is a bit over the top. After salma Hayak passed by, I would imagine the red carpet was cleaned and dusted behind her. Any minute I was expecting a giant maid to snatch her up, flip her over and begin dusting.

Every decade fashion changes, the 1950’s seemed slim and drab with a good amount of tailored tweed suits, the 70’s, well that may be best left forgotten for the sake of never mentioning(or bringing back) polyester again. The 1980’s saw those ridiculous leg warmers, spandex and shoulder pads,but the 60’s, those were way to cool. From the fashion and modeling blog.…

1960’s print from Verucshka, around 1964

Emilio Pucci in 1966 shows a lot more skin than the previous decade

Verucshka 1966, full of color and very 1960’s

1968 suit by Mila Schoen

Model Susan Murray in a gorgeous blue print dress – 1960’s fashion

Verucshka in 1965

I love the above dresses!

The latest news from the internet’s largest talent community and audition sites. Last week we heard that Explore Talent had hit 2 million members, today, it looks like they are at 2 million plus 30 thousand, definately a huge pool of acting and modeling talent.

August 21, 2008 — Explore Talent hits 2 million members making it the largest online talent community
on the planet.

Also, looks like the 2 million milestone came right around Explore Talent’s 5 year B-Day. Congrats to Explore Talent.

www.ExploreTalent.com is celebrating its 5-year anniversary this month by launching it’s new site. The new and improved ExploreTalent.com went through a slick redesign, revamped navigation, updated their logo and added many new features, services and sections. ‘We have been working on the new site for almost a year now, every time we thought we had it done,

we found something new we wanted to add for our members. We were thrilled to get it completed in time for our 5 year anniversary,’ explains Don Hinder, Marketing Manager.

In July of 2003 Explore Talent began its journey to unite the modeling/acting and music communities from the entire United States into a centralized online talent pool and community that covers every city in every state. Explore Talent began with a skeleton office crew and a handful of members and has grown into the largest online talent community on the planet with almost 2 million registered members. Over the last 5 years Explore Talent has expanded its services and offerings, most recently to include tools for musicians such as unlimited music and video file uploads.

The online Community is for both Talent and Casting Agents. Models, actors, dancers and musicians use the site to find work, answer casting calls and network with peers while casting agents can search through millions of portfolios to fill specific roles and post upcoming auditions.

The site adds new casting calls, auditions and gigs as they come in with over 25k new jobs listed every month covering every city of the US and Canada, 10 times that of any other talent website. As the sites membership and amount of open calls and jobs grew, a new system called CastMatch was created. CastMatch takes into account the specific requirements for the casting call such as specific age, gender, ethnicity or market. CastMatch then selects from the talent pool all those that fit the casting requirements. Members specify their own criteria and interests, when CastMatch finds a match, it immediately notifies the member about the job.

CastMatch makes sure that members only get the castings that interest them as well as those they physically fit. CastMatch saves time for everyone, members do not need to sort through things of little interest to them and casting agents only get replies from people who meet their exact needs.
Explore Talent community members can be assured that they will not miss a casting call or audition even if they have not logged into the site for a few days. CastMatch emails members the jobs as they come in. For new members, the site offers a 7-day free of CastMatch and other premium services.

Read the rest of the Explore Talent news article

Here is a video compilation, maybe more like a photo montage, of male models. These are just a few of the male models found on the ExploreTalent.com modeling and acting talent community and job board. This photo montage was made from the models online portfolios. Both male and female models can put up a free online portfolio for promotion and join the largest modeling community on the internet. Exploretalent.com also has a huge job board for showbiz industry related work offering 20k+ new jobs every month in just about every city in the U.S. and Canada. Exploretalent lists everything from this summers Victoria Secrets casting calls to castings for hair and makeup models for local shows. Definitely a great modeling resource to check out.