Ready 4 My Close Up
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Katie Halchishick
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Who is Katie Halchishick and how did she become a plus size model?
RealSize Girl: So Katie tell us about your self.
Katie: My name is Katie Halchishick. I started plus size modeling when I was a 17 years old and a junior at Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane Washington. I played USA volleyball and was at a tournament in Seattle. I didn’t really know what a plus size model was at the time. I would just see some of the girls in the Sunday paper ads and not to be mean but I thought to myself “If they can model… I can model.” HAHA So I started to research plus size modeling prior to going to Seattle. I googled plus size modeling agencies in Seattle, and found Heffner Management. The reason I chose to go to their open call was because on their website they sate that you should not have to pay a single dollar to get started modeling and if you do it is a scam! After my tournament I went to the open call and I was so intimidated and nervous because I was putting myself out there to be rejected. I had taken some pictures at the park when the sun was starting to go down because that is really pretty soft lighting. I gave them about 10 pictures; some head shots some full body… (Nothing crazy) I filled out their paper work and just sat and waited. As I waited people were coming and going with a polite NO. I thought that was a good sign, and it was. I was signed that day and took some Polaroid’s. I booked Nordstrom.com off of those Polaroid’s a week later.
RealSize Girl: Wow that’s pretty cool. Now we know that you were larger a couple of years ago and you have since lost weight and are about a size 10/12. Most women would not consider you to be a plus-size model. Can you tell us the difference between a regular runway model and a plus-size model?
Katie: Plus size women do not consider me to be plus size but that is because they see me in comparison to themselves. What they do not see is what I am compared to…I am what you would call a normal size person. My BMI is dead center of the healthy range. I have size 0 girls modeling and selling products that are targeted for me and the “normal size” woman. So in return on the same scale you see size 10 to 14 models modeling for women who wear a size 26 or 28. It is difficult to understand until you are in the industry and see with your own eyes. I think people forget that this is a business and that a models job is to sell a product! Here is a way of looking at it…When you are 5’10” tall and weigh 120 pounds there isn’t much difference from your body to a girl who has the same measurements…Okay now think of a woman who is 5’10” tall and weighs 180lbs…You could have four women with the exact height and weight but all have different shapes. Because of that you have to make the outfit you are selling look universal so several different body types would want to buy it. The most important thing to remember is to take the personal feelings out of it and look at it from a business stand point and that’s when it makes since.
RealSize Girl: Okay, that does make since. What would you say are the top 5 requirements for becoming a plus-size model?
Katie: 1. The FACE - A lot of people think your stats are the most important thing to being a plus size model. Not true! You need to have a pretty Face first and foremost. That being said you also need to have nice skin and good teeth. For the most part your face should be symmetrical and really pretty, there is no way around that.
2. Body Shape - You need to be a full figured woman but with a toned nice body shape. Loosey goosey doesn’t work very well, and it takes you out of the running for big lingerie jobs. You should also have minimal stretch marks and cellulite.
3. Photogenic - You have to take a great picture! It does no good if you are amazing in person and the pictures are not so great. That is why when you see some girls in person they aren’t anything special but they take a phenomenal picture and these girls work all the time.
4. Height – You have to be between 5’8” to 6’0” tall.
5. Reality - Be realistic and honest with yourself. Look at the girls that work and at straight size models and then really assess yourself and go down the check list. Then if you truly believe you have a shot go to an open call. Don’t spend money for test shoots etc, because if you do get with an agent they will most likely throw those away, and have you do new ones with a photographer they use.
RealSize Girl: Okay so what size should you be or how much should you weigh if you want to become a plus-size model?
Katie: Every girl is different. There are several variables you should think about, like how tall you are. Where you gain weight, and how does it make your face look? At my biggest I was 200 pounds at 5’9 ½” and a size 14. It is not that I was ugly but for me I knew I could look better! I have this really competitive side that wants to be the best and I work really hard to be better. I think you can always improve your look, it comes back to that whole be honest with yourself thing. I went from 200 pounds to 165 in a year buy cutting back on my portion size, and finding fun ways to exercise! The result of that is amazing if you look at my before and after pictures, and I am still a plus size model! So just know that there is a lot of room to work in terms of weight. One of my good friends Jessica L. from Ford NY is 6’0” tall and a size 14-16, she looks so good in lingerie it makes me sick. It is on an individual bases.
RealSize Girl: What is the best part of being a plus-size model?
Katie: The money! Wwhhhhaaaa….
RealSize Girl: We hear ya there sister! What are some of the most challenging things you have had to face as a plus-size model?
Katie: Body obsession. Transitioning from a girl to a woman and then into a business woman. Learning to stand up for myself and what is good for me. Being honest with myself when I looked in the mirror. I could keep going but they are all just life lessons and I know they are going to keep coming!
RealSize Girl: What do you do to stay in shape?
Katie: I get off my butt! I love to go exploring with my boyfriend Bradford. We go hiking and to make it exciting we go off trail and hike up dried up riverbeds etc. It’s great because it is fun and a hard workout. I lift weights and we play volleyball and racquetball at the YMCA. I like to swim and boogie board… anything that is active. I hate working out on the treadmill or elliptical machine because I can’t help but to look at the time ever 15 seconds and it is soooo boring.
RealSize Girl: How do you deal with clients who do not want to use you because they feel you are not big enough?
Katie: Well when I was bigger I got I was “too big”, and some times now I get you are too small, but it is okay because you loose one client and you pick up a new one. I don’t sweat it.
RealSize Girl: Who are some of the companies that you have modeled for?
Katie: Torrid, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Debbs, Kohl’s, Dillard’s, Mervyns, Venus Bridal, Claire France, Torrid, Old Navy, Kiyonna, Robinsons May, Ulla Pokin, Fashion Bug, Just my Size, Sara Lee, off the top of my head these have been great clients.
RealSize Girl: What do you do for fun?
Katie: I love movies!!! I love the beach and driving in my jeep with the top down. I love to do nothing sometimes….I love to paint and create fun art. I love shopping but try not to too much! It’s a bad habit. Lol I love getting a mani-pedi, I love Thai food and regular cheese cake with strawberries, but to watch the calories I’ve found this place that has the best fat free sugar free frozen yogurt…OMG so good…
RealSize Girl: What other things are you working on besides modeling?
Katie: I make handbags and leather belts, wallets, watches, cuffs etc. I am also doing a line of belts and handbags in Torrid stores! I wanted to see a little bit of designer style bag out there for plus size ladies. So that is what I did and I hope they love it so I can do more!
We totally want to thank Katie for taking time out of her busy schedule to sit down and do an interview with us. She is truly awesome! If you happen to be in West Hollywood be sure to check out here boutique it is very cool and just down the street from the Beverly Center walking distance in fact. Her bags are HOT…We hope you’ve enjoyed the interview as much as we have!
A few Real Deal basics on becoming a plus-sized model!
This information was taken from plus-size modeling agencies and agents as well as plus size models and other plus-size modeling industry professionals.
Physical Attributes Modeling Agents Look For
It is important to have a evenly proportioned and toned body. It is always better to have a perfectly proportionate figure so you fit great in the clothes. Good skin, and teeth, nice bone structure, photogenic, outgoing and a team player. And she should photograph well. A beautiful girl doesn’t necessarily take a beautiful picture. A potential model plus size model should have confidence in their own body image, well groomed, professional and at ease with themselves and others.
What Plus Size Modeling Agents Look For In A Potential Model
The eyes, they say everything. Can the model look into the camera and bring the reader into the magazine. Does her confidence and inner beauty show in her facial expressions? Aside from great looks and the ability to play with the camera, one of the most important things is a Great Attitude! Very simply put, you can be absolutely stunning, but if you have a poor attitude, you will not get a call back. A model with a poor attitude who can’t seem to take control of the situation and provide the looks the client is asking for can drag a shoot out, and cause the client to lose shots. An attitude problem with one girl is infectious and can begin to wear on other models at the shoot as well as the photographer, stylist and make up artist.
Height And Weight
Well you already know that your body should be proportioned and toned. The size range differs depending on the client some prefer 14s and 16s others prefer 10s and 12s. It is safe to say that 14 is a happy medium. Most agents will want you between a size 10 and a size 18. Remember the higher your size the really scrutinize your body proportion and how toned you are. Now this is an industry standard however if you are larger up to a size 28 still proportioned and toned (yes you can be both proportioned and toned at a size 28) there are opportunities out there for you. They are far and few in between and it will definitely be hard to get an agent if you are larger than a size 16-18 but you have to work hard and be persistent.
The average height range is 5’9” to 6’0” tall. Not much you can do there if you do not meet the height requirement. However if you are under 5’7” and 5’8” tall there may still be an opportunity for you especially with print work and the websites .com business. Realistically if you are shorter than that your chances are minimal. At least until the industry starts to make changes.
What if I have Tattoos/Piercings, Cellulite, Stretch Marks And the Occasional Acne
Tattoos/Piercings
Every agent is different. Most of them would prefer their models to avoid tattooing and facial piercing. Most agents have models with the tattoo on the ankle or with the belly button piercing. But no, they do not want a human canvas or pin cushion walking around.
Cellulite/Stretch Marks
There aren’t many of us that are plus size that do not have our badges of honor cellulite and stretch marks. You are encouraged to continue to eat properly to keep your weight consistent and exercise to avoid cellulite and stretch marks. Depending on how bad, sad to say but most often this can be fixed with makeup, photoshop or airbrushing. Anything too bad will leave lingerie out for that model.
Clear Skin
Clear skin is really a must have for a model. Clear healthy skin is one of the main criteria’s to be a model. You should do what ever you have to too maintain clear skin this makes it easier for the makeup artist to do their job and when you are going for bookings, and test go sees.
Submitting Professional Photos Or Snap Shot/Polaroids To An Agent
Professional shots are not required for submission. Initially they prefer to see snapshots or polaroids. More frequently now you are asked to submit photos via email. You do want to make sure the photos are in good taste. This means no nude or partially nude photos. You want to make sure are wearing something flattering for you body shape. Pick a nice simple back ground. Take the picture with good lighting, maybe outside with nice natural lighting. Make up should be nice and simple nothing over the top. You should have at least 1 good full body shot and 1 head shot. You do not have to focus on being sexy. Try a nice natural pose; you just want to look like you are having a good time. Remember you are selling yourself!
A Few Tips For Aspiring Plus-Sized Models
Always, Always be a Pro. Understand that the clothes, shoes, accessories etc are based on the needs of the client, and not on if it is the apparel you look best in. It is not for you to judge weather you like it out not. Be yourself in front of the camera, stiffness shows. Relax and let your personality show in the final product. Practice, Practice, Practice different looks in the mirror, the slightest change in your hip or eyebrow positioning can create an entirely different look. Be honest in your sizing. If a client orders a size 16 for you and you’re really an 18 or 20, you can’t be used. Keep it Real!
Just because you do not live in Miami, New York or Los Angeles doesn’t mean you should not go for it if plus size modeling is your dream!
So you still want more information on modeling, how to find an agent etc. Got comments what ever the deal you can email Katie at Katie:
info@realsizeinthecity.com
So you’ve heard it said maybe on “Americas Next Top Model” Perhaps well here is a quick glossary on some of the most frequently used model industry terms:
3/4 Shot - photo from head to mid thigh.
8X10 - also called a glossy is an 8-by-10-inch photograph of the model, usually a head shot
Have we talked about something or mentioned a term you don't understand? Check out Our Glossary
(A)
Advance - a sum of money paid to you by your agent on behalf of an advertising company that wishes to book you for a job. This is usually paid in advance of your working to secure your services particularly if you are in demand as a top model.
AFTRA - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is a union for performers that establishes specific fees for different types of performances and protects the model's or actor's rights
Agency - an establishment that does business on behalf of the model, such as booking jobs and collecting payment for the model for a specific fee (usually 15-20% of dollar amount collected).
Agent - a person who works for an agency or who has a privately held business to book models.
Appointment Book - a calendar or date book used to record bookings, go-sees or any other business activities. You may also use this book to keep a record of your expenses for tax purposes
Assignment - this is the same thing as a booking or modeling job whereby a model is paid for services performed - runway, print, trade shows and other types of employment associated with modeling.
Audition - this is a trial performance which is given to show the casting directors how well you are qualified for the job.
(B)
Beauty Shots - pictures that are taken from the shoulders up, featuring the hair, the skin, the eyes, the smile and the makeup. Also known as head shots.
Black and White Photo - a picture that is taken specifically to produce black, white and gray images. Usually black and white photos are suggested for acting head shots.
Blow¬-Up - enlargement photo from a negative or slide
Book (noun) - a collection of photographs and tears a model uses to promote herself. Also called a portfolio.
Book (verb) - to secure a job
Book Out - when you tell your agency that you are unavailable to work for certain day(s), for example, a vacation or another job
Booker - person at agency who sets appointments for models
Booking - specific job assignment
(C)
Call Time - actual time you are due on set
Call Back - second interview after a go-see or audition that means they are narrowing down the selection and they are considering you for the job.
Casting - the act of choosing a suitable model for a particular assignment.
Catalog Work - modeling for photographs which will be used in catalogs produced by a manufacturer or distributor to sell clothing or other items.
Catalog Modeling - these models are hired to appear in catalogues like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sears or other major department stores, and sell everyday products to average people. Requirements are flexible.
Cattle Call - this type of audition where hundreds of models will show up to be viewed by casting directors or photographers. Usually new models are sent by their agents so that they can be introduced.
Character Model - a model who is not necessarily a beauty, but who may have strong interesting facial features and selling attributes for specific products. Some jobs require models with an everyday look, such as a truck driver, mechanic, grocery clerk, schoolteacher, cleaning person, appliance repair person, and so on. Also called commercial modeling.
Client - company who hires the ad agency, pays the model's fee
Collection - group of coordinated clothes being shown by a designer
Commercial Print Modeling - This refers to models photographed to promote a product on billboards, buses, magazines and newspapers. This type of modeling can be divided into two sections- Fashion Advertising and Product Advertising.
Commission - a percentage of model's fee required as payment to agency
Composite Card, Comp Card, Card - card with 3-5 photos of model and their height, eye and hair color and size information to promote and distribute to prospective clients. Currently, postcard-size is popular. One side contains a head shot, the other side several small photographs together with information about the model. Also called sed or zed cards
Convention Modeling - also called trade show modeling. These shows use many female models to demonstrate products and answer questions. You must look professional and believable to be a convention model!
(D)
Demonstrator - model who shows use of product at a trade show or store
Designer - person who creates the idea for a garment
Dresser - helps models dress backstage for fashion shows
(E)
Editorial Modeling - this refers to photography for magazines, including covers. This work is very eagerly sought after by models because of the exposure it provides. Editorial Modeling is similar to High Fashion Modeling, except that the model works for a particular publication. The readers of that publication make up a target audience for the photographs taken. Images in the non-advertisement sections of the fashion magazines, such as Glamour, Vogue, or Seventeen, are good examples of this type of modeling. The physical requirements are less stringent than for High Fashion Modeling, but the pay rate is considerably less. Many more models are needed for Editorial Modeling, and Editorial experience opens the door to High Fashion Modeling
(F)
Fashion Coordinator - puts fashion show outfits together in retail stores
Fashion Show - invited audience, stage, music; models walk down runway to show designer clothing
Fees - amount of money per hour to employ a model.
Fit Modeling - modeling the original sample garment to test for sizing - clients choose a model whose measurements match the sample size exactly.
Fitting - when the clothes are fitted to the model. Usually, a model gets paid less than the normal modeling rate for this time.
(G)
Glamour Modeling- a glamour model is used to draw attention to something - a product, an idea, a mood or a message. Whereas the fashion model should not draw attention away from what they are selling, a glamour model should do the opposite. A viewer's eyes will fall upon the model first, and then notice the message of the commercial. Sometimes when models are famous, there is no product, just the model - her or his body and personality, e.g. Swimsuit calendars, etc.
Go-see - job interview, model meets a client and shows portfolio
(H)
Headsheet - agency sheet, poster, or book of models they represent that goes to prospective clients
Headshot - 8 x 10 size photo of head and shoulders
High Fashion Modeling - high fashion modeling is the modeling of designer clothes, either at fashion shows or in publications. Sometimes, the modeling of jewelry and cosmetics falls into this category. The models are hired through agencies, and the pay rate is the highest among all modeling jobs. Of course, the advertisers' expectations also run high. The agencies choose models with a proven track record for this type of modeling.
Hold - when the agency puts you "on hold" for a job, it means the client is seriously considering you and wants you to keep the time available for them first (if anything else comes up for that time, you must notify the agency before accepting another job)
(I)
Informal Fashion Show - in stores or restaurants, walk around, no runway. Also called Tea Room Modeling.
(L)
Line¬Up - position of model and garment in a fashion show
Location - assignment site outside the studio
(M)
Makeup Artist - applies and changes makeup for photo sessions and runway shows.
Model Agency - represents model for employment and receives a percentage of the bookings
Model Bag - a large tote in which you carry all your makeup and working essentials
Model Release - contract in which the model gives permission to use the photo as the client specifies.
(O)
Open Call - casting when the client sees all models suitable for the type requested. Also refers to a specific day and time of the week when an agency sees new models who do not have a pre-arranged appointment.
(P)
Photographer Release - contract signed by the photographer. It gives permission to the model to use the photographs taken during a particular sitting.
Portfolio - a collection of photographs or tear sheets demonstrating a model's abilities in front of the camera. Also called a Book.
Print - a photograph printed in newspaper or magazine form
Printwork - photography taken for catalog and mail order, books, brochures, ads for magazines or newspapers, magazine covers, commercial photography for household products, business products and services, glamour products
(R)
Rates - fees charged by the model
Release - same as a Model Release or Photographer Release
Runway - a narrow raised platform on which the model shows the clothing. Also called a
catwalk.
Runway Modeling - also called fashion show modeling. Models work on a long, raised platform about four feet wide.
(S)
Sample - a piece of clothing from a line that is specificly created for a shoot or a fashion show. Many samples are one of a kind pieces that are produced before the line is created. Samples are sometimes maked with permanent ink or have defects so that they cannot be resold.
Scout (verb) - to look for prospective models from smaller agencies, other locations, at the mall or on the beach; finding model potential in a crowd.
Sed Card - card with 3-5 photos of model and their height, eye and hair color and size information to promote and distribute to prospective clients. Currently, postcard-size is popular. One side contains a head shot, the other side several small photographs together with information about the model. Also called zed or comp cards
Sign-In Sheet - lists the order in which each model arrives to audition at cattle calls
Slate - to state your name on camera before your commercial audition
Specialty Modeling - a/k/a Parts modeling. Fingers, hands, legs, ears, lips, eyes, backs. Anything that is part specific.
(T)
Tear Sheet - a page containing the model's image removed from a publication, usually a catalog or magazine. This sheet is usually added to the model's portfolio.
Test Shoot - when a model and photographer work together on a new idea or on their portfolios. No fees other than sharing film-and-developing expenses are involved. Model and Photographer Releases should be signed before the session. Also called TFP.
TFP (Time for Prints) - similar to test shoots. Photographer provides time and prints and the model provides a subject for the photographer to shoot. Generally offered by photographers who are transitioning into a new area of photography or trying to build their portfolio of work.
Trunk Show - informal modeling of one specific designer line, usually in a store or small boutique
(Z)
Zed Card - card with 3-5 photos of model and their height, eye and hair color and size information to promote and distribute to prospective clients. Currently, postcard-size is popular. One side contains a head shot, the other side several small photographs together with information about the model. Also called sed or comp cards.
We are always looking for ladies to model for the site. It’s all in fun. If you are interested you can email: info@realsizeinthecity.com in the subject put “ready for my close up” we will send you all of the information that you will need.
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Check out Plus Models for More Plus-Size Modeling Info:
How many times have you looked at a Plus-Sized model and said “I can do that”? So many of you expressed interest in wanting to get into the plus-sized modeling industry that we felt it was our duty to give you the RealSize deal on plus-sized modeling. We have enlisted the help of one of our very good friends and one of the hottest Plus-Sized models working in the industry today Ms. Katie Halchishick. She is young, beautiful (witch) just kidding and a one of the nicest women you will ever wanted to meet. (Shelitha) As a fashion stylist I’ve worked with many plus size models and Katie was one of the best. Together we will give you honest and real information on how to get into the plus-sized modeling industry and what to do once you get there.
We decided to start this portion of the site by interviewing Katie and a couple of other plus size models that we know that are working in the industry. This will allow you to get to know the ladies a little bit better. We have also decided to interview our very own RealSize models from our site they are not professional models working in the industry however we would like you to see what their modeling experience was all about.
From Shelitha the Founder of RealSize in the City
I could never be a plus size model, it was too hard for me however there are many of you out there that are born to do this. So the information in this section is for you, take it to heart and use it. It is your self guide to plus size modeling everyone has to start somewhere and you can start right here.
Let me tell you this from the heart. The industry has guide lines for plus size modeling. They are pretty strict, but I want to say to you if it is your dream, don’t let anything or anyone stop you. These are just guidelines, they are not written in stone. Soak up the information that is given to you, work hard be resilient and you could not only change the way the industry looks at plus-sized models but maybe you are the next big thing! We will do our best to promote true plus-sized women of all different curves and sizes. Change has to start some where so why not here!
Katie will give you plenty of helpful tips not to mention she will be answering all of you questions regarding the plus size modeling world. We will give you basic information that will help you get started. We will not beat around the bush with information, we will be straight forward and real. No matter if you are in Oklahoma, Manhattan or Los Angeles. The same rules will apply for everyone.
Meet the Current RealSize Models doing the Spring/Summer RealSize in the City Photo Shoot!
Meet Our Models Below!
These are "Real" women just like you not actual models. Think you can "Work It, Own It...Rent to Buy It", LOL...
Think you have what it takes to be a plus model for RealSize in the City?
Email us: realsizegirl@realsizeinthecity.com
In the subject put: Model Info.
Include: your name, contact number and a good time to give you a call. Also include your age, height, "Actual" dress/pant size
Must live near the Los Angele area.
If we are interested you will receive more info via email.
Now...R U Ready 4 Your Close Up?
Meet The RealSize Models...Our Models pictured are sizes 14 & up!
Meet
Nani
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Darvy
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Jennifer
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Shannon
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Chanell
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Eli
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Sonya
