Talent Industry Tips/Advice:

GigRight is dedicated to helping you advance your talent career/hobby.  Here are some very useful talent tips on becoming successful in the your talent field:
Copyright 2007–2011 GigRight

* Develop an “I will make it no matter what it takes or how long it takes” attitude, and remember first and foremost that you love what you do no matter what the sacrifice.

* Develop and perfect your talent so you can perform confidently.

* Do not let others discourage you. This is your talent and your dream. Believe in yourself.

* Update your resume regularly after every job.  Keep your photos, songs, videos and contact information current, along with whatever other materials you need for auditions.  Maintain a professional portfolio. Keep track of past auditions and jobs, contacts, and related details. 

* You and your work are saleable commodities and others can easily copy (steal) your works without your knowledge, so legally protect all of your work. Copyright every single piece of work, be it songs, poetry, books, photographs, art work, fashion designs, etc. Spend a small amount of money to copyright now, and avoid years of frustration and heartache later. As you grow and become better established, hire a talent attorney to represent and protect your name and your work.

* If you are a performer, perform live gigs as often as possible. If you are an artist, fashion designer or photographer, publicly display your works in such venues as galleries, magazines or online. Gaining a solid reputation and rapport through frequent public exposure early on, is paramount. When first getting established, expect to and be willing to perform or display your art works for free in order to gain initial exposure and recognition. Remember, you are building your foundation for your career, so do not expect to make much money in the beginning but do not let others exploit you, either. Be willing to ‘pay your dues.’

* Manage your time, money and resources carefully. Make logical, well-planned, decisions when purchasing equipment or supplies. Keep a log detailing and itemizing expenses, contacts and performances. Be a businessperson. Always be thinking about how today’s decision will help your career’s future. If your gut feeling tells you to not do a gig, then don’t do it. One bad gig or a poor quality piece of artwork could prevent you from getting future work. Word of mouth spreads quickly. Keep things positive. Never compromise your integrity and reputation as a true artist. Always think and act professionally.

* Be patient, and set realistic goals for yourself.

* Become very familiar with companies and important people in your talent field. Research and educate yourself so you will be able to find reputable managers, agents, publicists or publishers.
Know your competition.  

* Be honest with yourself and your level of talent. Continue to expand and improve on your talent. Realize that not everyone makes it in this business, even though they may be very talented. Gigright is here to help you find ways to further develop your talent and branch out into the entertainment/art fields. You can make it happen for yourself, where others have failed.

* Do your own research! Never take for granted what a prospective talent agent, talent school or other talent people tell you. Always double check and research several sources.  Ask many questions and get many different opinions. Do not be afraid to question a prospective talent scout/agent/employer during an audition…you can ask in a professional, brief and respectful manner. They understand that you have questions, so please ask away. Auditions usually are crowded, noisy, often unorganized and a bit chaotic, particularly those that have a large turn-out with dozens or even hundreds of hopefuls. Listen intently during announcements. Take notes. It is paramount that you get full details such as dates and times, contact names and phone numbers, and what materials to bring to the audition or rehearsal. Usually you only get one shot at getting this information. Know where you are going, map out your driving/travel directions beforehand, and allow travel time for possible heavy traffic congestions. Auditions and working jobs typically are held in busy downtown urban locations. Most importantly of all, BE ON TIME to all auditions, rehearsals and jobs!  Punctuality is critical.

* Do not allow yourself to be naive, or ever allow yourself to be exploited by non-reputable people. Talent just starting out in the business are the most vulnerable. Sites such as GigRight can offer you accurate and current suggestions, to help educate you in the business and avoid accepting ‘bad’ gigs. Trust your 'gut' instinct. Too many new talent get overly excited, or through frustration due to lack of work they accept sub-standard or non-reputable jobs. You are the best judge of whether or not you should accept a job. Accepting a non-paying or low-paying gig is considered part of “paying your dues”. When first starting out, this is pretty much expected and generally a good idea to help build your resume but don’t compromise your integrity. For example, if your specialty is fashion modeling, it is highly recommended not to accept full nudity photo ops.  Yes, tasteful partial/borderline nude posing has become an industry standard and is frequently expected of adult models. However, if you are approached by a smooth-talking questionable talent scout, offering you to come to their “professional' modeling photo session that, “Oh by the way, you will be required to pose completely nude for our cameras", please use common sense. Be sure this is really what you want to do and the direction you want your career to go. Be aware that even one non-reputable photo op could ruin you. After all, who knows where your photos will end up someday. Remember, there will always be 'predator' talent scouts out there, often in the vicinity of an open talent audition, passing out their business cards. No matter how flattering the offer may sound, use your best judgment!  Verify that they are who they claim to be and double check their references. Any reputable talent agency would never risk their professional reputation with sleazy sub-standard photography. Also, ALWAYS have someone you know and trust to go with you if you will be posing nude. Remember the old adage, “There’s safety in numbers.” Also, a reputable photographer will never touch you inappropriately while you are modeling. For example, if a photographer insists on personally applying oil to your skin to enhance your muscles before a shoot, he/she is not reputable. Leave right away.

* Auditions: Be on time…always early when possible! Be prepared. Be professional. Practice good hygiene, and present yourself well, maintaining good posture, eye contact, and a firm handshake. Be polite, speak clearly, and show determination and confidence about yourself.   Bring your resume, comp card, or photos, songs, musical instruments, videos, or whatever is required. Relax…stay calm and focused. Dress the part…do not under or over dress. Never have a negative attitude. Listen intently…take notes and follow directions. Be aware of your competition, but do not let them intimidate you or make you nervous. Most modeling and acting auditions only give you from 1-10 minutes to perform.  Use your ‘minute in the spotlight’ to shine and do your best work. If this is a follow up audition in which you were previously instructed to rehearse/memorize your dialog, pose or runway walk for example, then please, practice, practice, practice, before returning to the follow up audition.  Do not waste your time or theirs by being unprepared. Know your stuff before you walk into that room! 
If you are not selected, do not get discouraged or take it personally. Understand that each audition is completely unique. Every prospective employer is looking for something different. Each job requires a person or group of people with a certain ‘look,” “feel,” “emotion,” or “attitude”. There may be other factors required by an employer also such as age, race, gender, height-weight proportion, a specific personality, voice inflection, walk, or even a certain smile. Never try to guess what that particular scout is searching for. Sometimes they may tell you what they are looking for, but more typically they will not. 90% of auditions may never tell you what they are really looking for, so if you are not selected, just value the experience and move on to the next opportunity. On some rare occasions they may announce what they’re looking for. For example, it may be only Asian males over the age of 18 between 5’ 8” and 5’ 10”, or only Latin kids between the ages of 8 and 12. Yes, it is frustrating, especially after all the buildup, waiting in long lines, possibly spending hours at home preparing yourself and then not getting the audition or the job. But remember that they call the audition to find what they are looking for and YOU may just be the one they are looking for. Don’t give up! Talent scouts have their professional reputation on the line at every audition. The company whom they represent, is expecting these scouts to bring back results. Auditions are stressful for everyone involved…not just for you. Just focus on getting through that interview or audition successfully within your allowed time slot, and let your talent shine through!
If you don’t get the gig, use it as a positive learning opportunity. As difficult and frustrating as rejection is, it builds character and makes people stronger. Every time you go to another audition, they become easier since you are becoming more confident. You will eventually learn to expect and predict the time sequence and routine. This will make you a much stronger and determined person if you use these auditions to your advantage. However, never become over confident and think you know exactly what they want…they can change their minds in a heartbeat.

* A word about age: Some talent employers only want children as models and performers. This may be their area of specialty and there is a big demand for children as entertainers.
However, other employers may not want minors as employees because they would require a legal parent or guardian present at all times to ensure the child’s safety and best interests. Sometimes the parent or guardian can also be a distraction or even detrimental to a child’s success. Employers don’t want to have to deal with “stage parents.” These are parents that are bossy, pushy and demanding. They mean well and want the best for their child but frequently cause more harm than good. Employers want parents to be supportive of their child but not interfering with the business. Generally, it is just much easier for employers to hire talent over 18, in order to avoid potential legal hassles with minors and parents involved. Adults tend to have more flexible hours, consistent transportation and more readily available for gigs and auditions.

* Most importantly, love what you do and please have fun doing it!
Copyright 2007–2011 GigRight

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Talent Trivia:

Did you know…

* Janice Dickinson is often referred to as the first "supermodel", claiming the title in the 1970's. Many in the fashion industry also recognize Lisa Fonssagrives as the world's first supermodel. Lisa appeared regularly in many of the leading fashion magazines during the 1930's through the 1950's.

* Some early forms of primitive cameras and use of photographical chemicals, date back to the middle-ages. However, the first practical cameras and contemporary photographs are often credited to the French during the 1820's.

* Art in some form or another, can be traced back 75,000 years ago or more.
Early paintings on rocks, inside caves, or primitive sculptures have been found by archeologists.

* The rock band The Who were originally know as The Detours during the early 1960's, one of many up-and-coming ‘British mod’ bands. They were heavily influenced by many American musicians who were popular then, with a particular interest in American blues, R&B and even county music. Many other early British bands, among these The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, also had strong American music influences. John Lennon and Paul McCartney both were influenced by American music legends Fats Domino and Little Richard.

* Until recently, a model's career generally was over by age 25. However, a new market has now emerged for fashion print models over 35, commonly referred to as 'classic' or 'sophisticated' models.
Although Runway is still primarily for 25 and under, 'mature' print models are now in high demand.

 * In June 2008, a rare lost nine-minute tape of the Beatles was discovered in a garage in south London. The tape was a recording in a Scottish Television studio in 1964, which interviewed John Lennon and Paul McCartney.