The X-Factor Reference Fashion Manual

Just what is the "Art of Expression"?  This is, in my opinion, one of the main ingredients of modeling (and acting) success.  Looks matter, especially in the modeling world, but there are two things that are even more vital in just shear physical attraction:  (1) Drive and devotion and the will to stick it out and keep on trying until you achieve your goals , and (2) The ability to express yourself into whatever situation or character that the photographer or director requires .  This article shall discuss FACIAL EXPRESSIONS .  It applies to both models and actors, though the article itself may seem slanted more toward modeling.  It's applicable both ways, so don't let that confuse you if you're reading this as an actor or an actress.

Imagine you have been hired to do a commercial or ad for a specific service or a product.  You're on the set and don't have a whole lot of time to prepare because there was no script or sides to practice from.  You're given some instructions on the intent of the images and perhaps even provided the general motivation.  You may need to look surprised, afraid, alluring, sad, angry, sly, deceitful, cheery, insane, or any one of a hundred other emotions.  Achieving these looks require expression.  Your mouth, your eyes, the way you hold your head, the position or demeanor of your body (think "body language"), etc.  How can you achieve exactly what is needed?  How can you perform to the best of your abilities, provide the image that the clients want, and continue on the path to stardom???   PRACTICE!

Actors never stop practicing and learning.  They attend workshops, they do improv, and they study with skilled acting coaches.  For a specific role they may have to cry on cue, or scream insanely with delight.  Facial expressions are natural to an actor learning, but this applies to modeling also.  While this may not apply to fashion and runway applications, commercial modeling is often all about selling a service or a product... and often through the use of emotion.  For a model (or actor), the mirror can become a best friend.  It is a private acting coach that you can stare at and experiment to.  You can see how well your looks come out and trash those that don't work, but mentally record those that show the right emotions. 

Where do you practice all of this?  Well you've heard about singers who start out by "singing in the shower," right?  Same principle.  The bathroom mirror is a great place to start and I'd be willing to bet that most of you reading this (even those who don't act or model) have at least once stood there plucking eyebrows (girls) or shaving (guys) and made a few outrageous expressions.  I haven't, of course... but you probably have!  All kidding aside, you can benefit by spending even ten minutes every day in front of the mirror working on your expression looks.  Make yourself a list of various emotions and then select one per week and work hard at them.  Don't worry about looking silly, because only you and that person on the other side of the mirror can see you ("Mirror, mirror, on the wall..."). 

THE COMMON MYTHS :
"Modeling and Acting have no relation to one another."
Some want-to-be photographer once posted that general concept on one of the model photography message posting boards I own.  He stated boldly, in all his ill-wisdom, that models and actors have very little in common.  This is so far from being accurate that it is a challenge to determine if the concept is sickening, or just funny.  Actors express themselves through their voice and motion.  Models have to perform the same as the actor, except in a still image.  In fact, acting skills may be even more important to a model than they are to an actor?  Well no, not quite, but they play a big part in a models' success. 

MORE MYTHS :
"Models must be tall and thin."
For high fashion and runway?  Yes, this is true, of course.  Pick up any magazine, however, and thumb through it paying attention to the ads.  Commercial advertising consists of people who fit the role of the product or the service being sold.  You will find, upon an inspection of this type, that most of the models in the ads are NOT tall and thin.  You will find men and women, boys and girls... all ages... all sizes... all ethnic backgrounds.  You will discover the true reality of the industry when you cast aside these myths and look at what really exists.  If you don't fit the classic "mode" will you become the next big Cindy Crawford type super model?  No, probably not.  But can you model and do advertising work, and even catalogs?  You bet you can!

In Conclusion...
Your face and your body are your tools - actors may include their voice as well.  Learning how to use your tools will help you to develop yourself into a sought after talent.  Make friends with your mirror, find those expressions that work best for you, and never give up trying if your goal is success.