My Experience with Modeling for Japanese Companies

Hey there Killjoys!

I feel like it's been way too long since I last posted (when in reality it's only been about a week), but I hate slacking!

Today I wanted to share my experience with some of my modeling, specifically with Japanese companies. I feel like I get asked the most about these gigs, so I'm going to explain how I got started in it, what my experiences have been, and what to expect if you're trying to get involved in modeling.

I got my modeling career start as a kid. My mom used to take my to NYC weekly for auditions and gigs. Once I hit middle school, I stopped modeling until after I graduated high school. I started looking into building a portfolio and started building experience as an "alternative" model.

What does that even mean, right? Alternative? It can be described as a more "goth" style of modeling, or models with tats/piercings/dyed hair. My personal definition of modeling was based off of my personal style and well, the fact that I was no where near "agency standard" of 5'9. I'm barely 5'1.

After getting a somewhat solid portfolio under my belt and some print and runway experience under my belt, I started getting more involved in cosplaying and conventions. I went to my first convention fashion show at AnimeNEXT 2010 and saw the Hangry+Angry runway show as an audience member.

When I was a young kawaii Killjoy xD

I loved everything about the show. The clothing, the energy, the models, literally everything was amazing. I immediately started looking into other companies in the area. Of course to my dismay, all of those companies were based in Japan, and rarely came here. I found a few Japanese-inspired designers and made it a priority to work for them, which I did.

Candy Rock Couture 

Bishoujo Bomb Designs

Fast forward a few months to NYCC. I found out Hangry+Angry was going to be doing another show and had opened up applications for their show. I had never filled out an application for a modeling gig. I always was either contacted by the designer or would send out my portfolio and info when I heard of casting calls. But I filled out the application. And waited. And waited some more. I didn't hear back so I assumed I didn't get the job. Then just a few days before the convention, I received a call from the woman running the show and was told I was picked and was soon sent an email with the info.

I was so excited and couldn't wait to go to NYC for the show. I went to NYC for the fitting that Thursday and the show was Saturday. When I was there I met the other models, most of which were so nice. As I've done more of these shows, I notice there's always the same type of groups. There are the girls that have been doing these shows on a regular basis (I feel like I now fit in that category lol), the girls who have never done a fashion show or modeling gig in their life, and the girls who were agency models who happened to apply and get the gig and felt like they were better than everyone and did the whole "holier than thou" thing (which, there are those girls at ANY runway show).

It was a lot of fun. Very hectic. I admit I felt really out of place since many of the girls either spoke a little or a lot of Japanese and could talk to the designers. I needed the translator that was with the designer to understand what was going on. The show was very different than most I had worked in the past. It was super high energy and crowd interacting. I was so used to the serious face/typical model runway thing, but was glad to get out of my bubble.

Sixh.

After the show, I remained in contact with many of the models and networked with a few others on the team. After the convention I worked with some of the models in other workshops and learned a lot about other Japanese designers and fashion, which really started my love of Japanese high fashion.

It didn't take long for my closet to begin to grow and for me to take a Japanese class to better understand some conversational Japanese. I also built up my portfolio a bit more. Over the past 4 years, I've worked various shows at both conventions and non-convention venues for Japanese designers. Many of which were similar, if not identical with my first experience with Hangy+Angry. Very last minute, hectic, but overall a fun and AMAZING experience.

Gramm.

Each time I apply for a job, I never know if I'm getting it because there's such a small amount of girls picked for the show, and I know more girls are applying since Japanese fashion is becoming more and more popular. Some of the companies that I've had the pleasure and honor of working for include Hangry+Angry, Sixh., H. Naoto, Acryl Agirtt, and Alice and the Pirates to name a few.

Alice and the Pirates

So overall, my advice would be to build a portfolio, know your stuff, study your craft, and have fun. I'm not saying you have to already be a professional model to work for Japanese companies. On the contrary, as I said earlier, some of the girls had zero experience and sent in head shots that friends took on their phones.

Sixh & Mint.

The key is to just have fun, network, make connections, and if it's something you want to do, take it all in and learn from it all.I feel like I learn something new at each show and no two shows are the same. The style is slightly different, the energy, the speed/style of how they want you to walk...it's all different! The only things that are the same is the chaos that ensues at every fashion show, but I've come to expect that over the years.

Acryl Agitt

An awesome part about the experiences is that I've made so many connections, that I've actually talked to designers and photographers in Japan that want to work with me when/if I ever am out there (which I hope is soon!).

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on applying for/doing these kind of runway shows:

• Don't get discouraged if you feel like someone else got a "cooler" outfit. There's a reason the designer thinks you can rock that outfit.
• If something goes wrong, don't panic. Sometimes the clothes the designer has picked for you won't fit or doesn't look like they thought it would. Just calm down. They're going to do what's best for the show, and most designers will try to accommodate you as well.
• You don't have to know Japanese. It definitely helps, but they almost always have a translator.
• Things are going to be last minute and you're going to be pulled in a million directions. Just go with it.
• Be helpful. Everyone involved is doing a bunch of different jobs. Just offering to say "hey if I can get you anything or help just let me know". I did that at the last show and ended up helping the other girls with hair once mine was done.
• Speaking of hair and make-up, ALWAYS bring your own supplies. I can't tell you how many times the artists ran out of time or bailed and models had to do their own hair/make-up.
• On the same note of things to bring, always bring a snack, nude bra/panties, and a spare pair of shoes. You'll thank me later. Oh and maybe a book or something because sometimes there will be A LOT of time to kill between models getting hair and make-up done.
• Be respectful. They know we have different ways of showing respect in America, so at least shake their hand and say thank you. It goes a long way.
• Have fun. It will show in your face if you're having a miserable time.

As for non-runway Japanese modeling, I treat it like I would any other modeling job. Some are actual paid modeling gigs, and some are ones I do for fun when I feel I need to update my portfolio.

You can also find a few of the fashion shows I did available on my YouTube as well as a full look at my portfolio and designers I've worked with HERE

I hope this helped anyone that wondered about modeling for Japanese companies. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

xo Jeanne