The modeling industry is experience a surge within plus size models. Social media is one of the biggest platforms and spotlights with a lot of fans who are accepting and looking up to us plus size woman.
Leaving us to feel accepted, comfortable, and wanting to flaunt our curves. With that being said start building your fan base and clientele with the help of social media.
I made it a priority to do my research on finding the perfect photographer(s). I’d look search for photographers near my location. That may have been where I live, where I wanted to shoot or maybe even where I was vacationing to.
Going through their Instagram pages helped a lot! In the beginning it was challenging due to me not knowing exactly what I was looking for and some photographers just starting out but overtime I learned a lot. I now know exactly to expect and the quality of work to look for.
Some days are better than the others. I will say the good outweighs the bad. The bullying, negative comments, and harassment in my dm never stop. Neither does the appreciation and from my fans either.
The level of confidence I have built helps me brush the negativity off. I have my days, I’m still human but for the most part I handle it all pretty well.
There was definitely a time that I felt this wasn’t going to work; because of how social media is. People can be judgmental. I wasn’t sure if I would be welcomed with open arms.
I push through it by just giving it a shot! I figured I’d see what happened and it turned out to be great. Not letting someone’s opinion on my worth because of my size and flaws is a beautiful thing I have grown to achieve.
I would have to say practicing at home in the mirror along with watching YouTube videos really helped me with my posing; especially the placement of my hands, feet and head position.
It’s the littlest things that photographers and companies are looking at that will possibly make you stand out. Also, good lighting is everything!
A big pet peeve of mine is seeing models with a lot of Snapchat filters. No no no! We want to see you for you, your natural beauty. This comes along with accepting you! Live through your beauty. These companies want to see what you have to bring to the table. The real you!
I grew my following on social media( mainly Instagram) by posting often. That may have been everyday or every other day. Commenting on big brands and commenting on other people’s post stuff that interested me; helped a lot!
If it’s a cooking video or a model that killed her walk during a runway and she posted it on her IG TV I am commenting and routing them on, I also got a huge following from a lot of plus size organizations on social media that were shouting me out.
Followers love to see good quality photos with great lighting and an eye catcher scenery. I’d suggest googling places that may be a picture perfect area to give you that scenery. You’d be surprised on what you might come across that isn’t being taken advantage of whether that be in your area or where you’re vacationing.
I have been very thankful and very blessed that the pandemic has not affected my work I am an ER critical care nurse for animals. My job is open 24 hours and it has been extremely busy.
As for modeling the only thing that slowed down is the traveling. Luckily I am still able to get my content out through social media, I still work with brands and I’ve actually picked up a few new companies with one being “Along The Way.” I’m very happy about that along with the support that I’ve been given all of last year and the beginning of 2021.
My advice would be don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be a plus size model. If you feel as though you have it then baby girl flaunt it! I was told many times in life that I wouldn’t amount to anything and now I look back on that and for a split second if I would’ve let those people control my life I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.
Don’t be discouraged in this industry it is definitely easy to get unmotivated but if you keep pushing forward you will be successful.
