Monthly Archives: August 2010

Featured Business: Empress Jade Vintage, Online Vintage Clothing Retailer

I had the pleasure of working with and interviewing Lynn, the owner of Empress Jade Vintage.
Lynn is a fun person to be around, and she is very good at styling clothing and directing models.
I have worked with Lynn on several occasions, and have seen her large inventory of beautiful and unique vintage clothing.

The following image is from our most recent photoshoot for Empress Jade Vintage.

Credits: Photo-IMS Photographic, Make Up-Gracee Blair, Models-Gracee, Myself, ShayRae,Wardrobe/Styling-Empress Jade Vintage

When I asked Lynn to tell me more about her business, this is what she said:

I started selling vintage full time about 4 years ago but I was dabbling in it for a number of years beforehand. Like most vintage sellers I started selling when my own personal collection of stuff got out of hand. When I was your age I was interested in avant garde and theatrical fashion and never found what I was looking for in the malls so it was easier to carve out a unique look by incorporating some vintage elements. I found that vintage clothing offered exceptional style at a fraction of the cost of new and many older garments are simply made better with finer fabric and details. Modern clothes rely on stretch fabric for fit but vintage garments are darted and seamed to follow the curves of a woman’s body. Many women prefer the tailored womanly fit of vintage clothes.

Empress Jade Vintage sells mostly fun inexpensive women’s fashion focusing mainly on the 50s to the 80s, with the occasional piece that is 40s or older. You won’t find too many basics in our store; I prefer to offer crazy prints, bright colors, sexy cuts and things that make a women stand out of the crowd. Empress Jade’s target market is hip, urban woman aged 18 to 30. We also sell a lot of vintage lingerie and our customers are just as likely to wear a vintage slip or a nighty out as clubwear instead of wearing them as undergarments. Surprisingly I do not sell very much locally; 99% of my sales are outside of Canada with the majority of sales from big city centers like LA, New York, London, Paris. I sell strictly online and right now have stores on both Etsy and Ebay. I do think there is room in Victoria for a brick and morter vintage clothing store, and I have certainly considered opening one over the years, but for me an online business offers a lot of flexibility and it fits my lifestyle. For the future I hope to expand my advertising efforts and re-launch my own website in the Fall.

You can check out Empress Jade Vintage onFacebook and
Twitter
Shop at Empress Jade Vintage on Etsy, and Ebay

I wish Lynn all the best with Empress Jade Vintage, and I always look forward to working with her.

Thank you for reading,
Aviva

Kevin Lee Baldwin Interview: Clothing Designer, Team Force One Apparel

Kevin Lee Baldwin is one of two fashion designers who are involved in the creation of the clothing line called Team Force One Apparel. His partner’s name is Amos Walters. Throughout their careers, they have received positive feedback and have participated in several fashion shows.

I am thrilled to have been able to interview Kevin about his fashion line. He and his partner have put in a lot of effort, and the clothing looks unique and comfortable.

AVIVA: How did you get started with clothing design?
KEVIN BALDWIN: Ever since I can remember I was a bit of an artist. I would draw and sketch just about every chance I could get. I believe that when I was in the fifth and sixth grades that I started paying more attention to the clothing I was placing on the caricatures in my artwork. I eventually became obsessed with creating all types of men’s clothing designs and decided to take a sewing class when I was in the 7th grade so that I could make some of the clothes I was sketching. My mother is a skilled seamstress and with her guidance I learned to alter the fist pattern I ever worked with in my first and last sewing class to create a nice piece of work that my class instructor praised. Unfortunately my father was not very pleased to see one of his only two sons (I had four sisters and one brother), sitting at the sewing machine when he came home from work. He hit the roof and I had to quit my desire to learn how to sew. From that day on, whenever I needed an outfit to perform in (because I was also a young musician and singer), I would draw my designs and my mother would do the actual labor. After High school, I quit creating apparel designs and focused on performing with my bands and attended collage at the University of Washington, (studying of all things Sociology and Psychology). I designed a few outfits for my two different bands during my musical carrier and that was it for many years. (1981 or 1982)

AVIVA:How long have you been designing clothes
KB: I did not start up designing again until around 1997 when my friend and now also business partner Amos Walter and I were working with at risk youths as Track and Field coaches. So from 1997 until now thirteen years of serious design. (not including the younger years.

AVIVA: Why did you come up with the name “Team Force One Apparel” for your company?
KB: The program we were working with did not pay for the uniforms of the children who were participating, so if their parents could not afford the uniforms, those children did without. Amos and I decided to create some Track body suits for boys and girls. So we talked about it and sketched some ideas and I drew up the final designs. From there, we created uniform designs for another Track & Field Program and obtained a small grant so that we were able to produce the garments at no out of pocket costs from us or the children, guardians and/or parents. Amos and I had long before the Track & Field, been working a starting a Record Company that was to be named Force One Records. When we began working with at risk children we thought that if we were able to raise money to start an apparel manufacturing company it would be Force One Sportswear. We hoped to be able to raise money for the child athletes and start our own organization for at risk children sports and name it Team Force One. We liked the name and kept it for the Apparel line. Team Force One will be the umbrella for a great many lines of Force One products.

AVIVA:Do you have any designers that inspire you? If so, who?
KB: I do not draw any inspiration from the accomplishments of others nor do I consider myself to be in the same league as any of the famous designers since I am self taught.

AVIVA: What excites you the most about clothing design?
KB: The thing that excites me the most about clothing design is that you are creating. Creating something that you hope others will love, like, desire and/or appreciate. I am also excited that my three sons took an interest in what I am doing and my middle son Frederick attends the Seattle Art Institute, for design of men’s apparel. He has a desire to start his own apparel company someday and may beat me to the success ladder. If he does I won’t mind because I love my children and had a part in something positive.

AVIVA: Can you tell me more about your uniform donations to schools and your volunteer work?
KB: The girl’s basketball uniform donation came straight out of Amos Walters’ pockets. I just helped with the artwork on that one. We hope to create an amazing non-profit education and athletic program someday for at risk youth as well as for those who are not at risk. We want to create an atmosphere of accomplishment and pride in the realm of academics, music, sports, arts (dance, design), and give the children’s parents help that they might need to succeed in their desires. We have a children’s line of clothing on the back burner where the profit proceeds would go to help fund this organization. We have a name of the non-profit and the apparel but do not desire to spill the beans at this time. It may never happen but this has always been the motivation behind all of the clothing and the return to my designing.

AVIVA: If money/time were no object, what is your ultimate goal with clothing design?
KB: Our ultimate goal is to be limitless. We want to be able to send young people to school so that they can learn and come back and contribute to the company and maybe start their own. We want to provide schooling and training for the leaders of tomorrow so that they will not be faced with the same obstacles that stood in our way. I don’t think that you will be able to receive the image that I am including but it is one of our logos for Team Force one. The large triangle represents the mountain that we are climbing to reach our goal. The space / void in the middle represent the barriers we have and must overcome in order to get to the top. The triangle in front without any space / voids represent those we hope to bring up after us in our shadow without facing the ignorance and lack of tolerance we face everyday in our jobs while trying to make to the top. Now the taller triangle / mountain we climbed looks a little like the number 1.

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You can see Team Force One Apparel on Model Mayhem and YouTube

I wish Kevin and his partner all the best in their designer careers. They have set out to make a difference, and I hope they succeed.

Thank you for reading,
Aviva

Kat of Nightshade Beauty: A True Artist from Vancouver

I am thrilled to have been able to interview Kat, the creative director of Nightshade Beauty. She is a make-up artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist, creative muse, model scout, and much more!

Kat is outstanding at what she does. She is very dedicated to her art, and truly enjoys being creative.

I met Kat when I traveled to Vancouver for a photoshoot with Eriko Yamamoto and Shimon Karmel for submission to Contessa. For more info about the shoot, see my post about Working On Set With a Great Team of People
After I got my photos, I was amazed at how beautiful they looked! The make-up that Kat did was flawless. When I looked at her portfolio on Model Mayhem I saw the rest of her beautiful work, and therefore I wanted to share her art with others.


Above Image Credits(Doll Parts 3):Model-Oxana,MUA/Hair/Concept-Nightshade,Photo-Shimon Karmel,Styling- New World Designs and www.deadkittie.com


Above Image Credits(Doll Parts 2): Model-Tina,MUA/Hair/Concept-Nightshade,Photo-Shimon Karmel, Styling-Flaming Angels Boutique and www.deadkittie.com

AVIVA: How long have you been involved in the fashion/beauty industry?
KAT:I’ve actually only been involved in the beauty industry for about 2 years…but fashion and beauty have been a lifelong obsession. I used to get home from school and watch Fashion Television religiously…everything was so beautiful and I wanted desperately to be a part of it. From my very first photoshoot I knew that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.


Image Credits: Model-Natalie (ModelMayhem #1422917),Photo-Melissa Dinsdale(Model Mayhem #870421),MUA/Hair: Nightshade

AVIVA: How did you get started in this industry?
KAT:I’d been wanting to take makeup artistry courses for about 10 years before I finally had the time and support to do it…when I finally found a school that I could take classes at part-time (evenings and weekends) I couldn’t deny it any longer. I dove right in to photoshoots and fashion shows while still in school and it hasn’t stopped yet.

AVIVA: Besides make-up, I know you also do a lot of other things at shoots. What else do you do?
KAT: I have a very hard time settling into a role as JUST makeup artist…I do
hairstyling, wardrobe, art direction, posing direction, hold lights and reflectors, find other angles for the photographer…just about anything I can to help achieve the best finished product. I’m a one-woman team sometimes. Depending on the shoot, I always have a vision in mind of what “the shot” should look like, and I take a lot of pride in what I do and in my involvement. The final look of a shoot is just as important to me as it is to the photographer.


Image Credits: Model-Cori(ModelMayhem #1187383),Photo-Ben Lee (ModelMayhem #420549), MUA/Hair-Nightshade

AVIVA: What excites you the most about being involved in make-up artistry?
KAT: Like many makeup artists, I truly enjoy helping people see a different side of themselves…makeup is transformative. I’ve seen shy, quiet models (who might not even be models) turn into demons in front of the camera because they feel so strong and empowered.Otherwise, the creativity of this art drives me the most…pushing boundaries and creating something new and unique is my goal…I love learning about my craft and I’m always pushing myself to try new techniques and new ideas.

AVIVA:Do you have any weird/funny/interesting photoshoot experience that you would like to share?
KAT: Oh I’ve got LOTS…but my favorite shoot is actually my very first shoot…at an abandoned house in Richmond. We did the posters for a fashion show called “Doll Parts” and it was my very very first creative shoot…I was SO scared to mess up, but everything came out beautifully and that’s where I got the idea that it was normal for a MUA to assist in every part of the shoot…it just felt right. FYI, there are VERY large rats in Richmond…ugh.


Image Credits: Photo-Melissa Dinsdale (ModelMayhem# 870421),MUA/Hair/Concept-Nightshade

AVIVA: You’re also a co-owner of Morrismore Productions; could you tell me more about the company?
KAT: Morrismore Productions is very special to me…my husband started the company in 2005 as a networking opportunity for Vancouver artists, focusing on musicians and liver performance…over the years it’s morphed into many things, but we’re still all about collaboration and helping people grow as artists, whether they are musicians, dancers,models, designers, or makeup artists…it’s all about making the industry into something better through cooperation and support within the artistic community. Something that we feel is lacking in Vancouver. In April we launched Morrismore Models, the only Alternative Modeling Agency in Western Canada and we’ve already signed 42 amazing alternative ladies. I have to mention that Alternative has many connotations…when I say alternative,I mean “non-mainstream”, the MM girls are tall, short, burlesque, diverse, tattooed,dreadlocked, every shape, size and colour, and are ALL gorgeous creatures who are dedicated to what they do in every aspect of their lives. We are very proud of them and what we have created together.

AVIVA: Where has some of your work been published/featured?
KAT: I’ve been fortunate that in the short time that I’ve been active in the Vancouver fashion scene to have worked with some amazing people. My work is featured on a monthly basis with Miko Kuro’s Midnight Tea (www.mikokuro.com) and has been published in the “Midnight Tea Book” in January 2010, and UBC’s online “Skewed” Magazine(Issue #8). In April, I was invited to Paris, France, to participate in an international Midnight Tea, an experience which will also be documented and published. My first tear sheet was from July 2009 in the Georgia Straight for a fashion show with Nancy Perreault (I was so excited, I think we have about 15 copies at home). My first photoshoot was also turned into posters, flyers and tickets for Morrismore’s Doll Parts show in November 2009. I’ve also done online catalogue work with fiveleft leather(www.fiveleft.ca) and Spark Design (www.spark-girl.com). Giuseppina Magazine will also be publishing some work I did in their next issue (September 2010) and Vancouver Fashion ezine’s September 2010 issue as well as their annual print issue for 2010. I’m always hoping for more…


Image Credits: Model-Miko Kuro (Model Mayhem #1249666) www.mikokuro.com,Photo-Dafang Jiang, MUA-Nightshade

AVIVA: If time/money was no object, what is your ultimate goal in this industry?
KAT: No object? Hmmm… Well for starters, my kit would be FULL of all of the products I drool over constantly… Time is my biggest brick wall currently…I’d love to have the time to get all of the stuff that’s in my head on to paper and on to faces and into print. Ultimate goal? Creative control on an Haute Couture Paris runway. That is my gold ring.

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
KAT: Two quotes that I love, and take with me all the time…

“I don’t like standard beauty – there is no beauty without strangeness.”
~Karl Lagerfeld

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”
~Kahlil Gibran
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I wish Kat continued success in this industry. She is very talented and I only hope the best for her.

Kat’s Website can be found HERE
Become a Fan Of Nightshade Beauty on FACEBOOK

Thank you,
Aviva

Swimwear Designer Feature: Piret Collection

It was a real pleasure interviewing Piret, who designs beautiful swimwear, called the Piret Collection. Piret is currently residing in Naples, Florida.
One of her designs will be featured on one of the contestants on Miss California pageant in November.
I am extremely impressed by Piret’s talent, especially when it comes to making crochet bathing suits. She is very creative and has a unique product to offer her customers.

Image Credits:Photography by Dan Paradise, Models: Adriann and Heather

AVIVA:How long have you been doing fashion design?
PIRET:I have done Fashion design since I was born- that’s the way it seems to me. When I was little, I was doing paper dolls and clothes and selling them to my friends. A doll was 1$ and it came with 10 clothing items and any additional piece was 10 cents.
I made my first crochet bathing suit when I was 16.
Studied clothing design in college. After college got off the track, took a course in hospitality and traveled around working in hotels. That’s how I came to the USA. When I decided to stay in Florida, that is when I started to look around to find a way to design professionally.
I started Piret Collection just a year ago.

AVIVA:What got you into swimwear design?
PIRET:I started focusing on swimwear when I moved to Florida. It is bikini season all year long. And I really fell in love with bikinis, monokinis, tankinis etc. I’m a bikini girl myself. It is the sexiest clothing item a girl can have. That’s why it is important, when you choose a suit make sure it is flattering. Don’t look for something that just covers you up, go for suit that shows off what you have.

AVIVA:Do you have any designers that inspire you? If so, which ones?
PIRET: I’m inspired by all the designers; all fashion industry is fascinating. I love reading about designers’ life stories, and my favorite is Coco Chanel. Style wise I love Diane von Furstenberg and Betsey Johnson.

AVIVA:Besides clothing design, what are(is) your other passion(s)/interest(s)?
PIRET:My passion is life. Trying to do the most in this lifetime. I love all kinds of art forms.Love traveling and adventures.
I’m also interested in visual media-it is something that I did a little bit in college, and now trying to pick up again. Just got a new camera for my birthday.

AVIVA: What excites you the most about being a fashion designer?
PIRET:I love playing around with materials. It is fascinating how I can imagine something and then make it real. Coming up with new trends.

AVIVA: What is your greatest motivation for being a fashion designer?
PIRET:Making girls look pretty. Seeing a smile on their faces when they are trying the suit on. If you find that right suit that makes you look good- you feel good and confident. And you are going to have a good day.

AVIVA:If money/time were no object, where do you hope fashion design will take you?
PIRET:I’m looking to build Piret Collection into full beach and resort wear brand. I started with crochet bathing suits. Now looking to add fabric designs, and beach dresses and hopefully come out with full collection next year. Every swimwear designer’s goal is Miami Swim Show.

AVIVA:Do you have any additional comments?
PIRET:For the models-when you pose for bikini shoots you have to show confidence. That’s why it is really important to also choose a good suit, and definitely shave before the bikini photoshoot!!! I had a girl, who wanted to become a model, come to the photoshoot unshaven. It was a nightmare. It was impossible to fit the suits on her and I ended up asking her to leave. There was no way we would have got good images.
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I definitely believe that whatever Piret will come up with, regardless of the materials she uses, it will be beautiful and sexy!

I wish Piret continuous success in the fashion industry, and hopefully one day our paths will cross. 🙂

You can follow Piret Bikinis on FACEBOOK as Piret often posts product and discount information.
Also, you can find Piret on MODEL MAYHEM
And WEBSITE

Until August 23rd, you can enter to win one of Piret’s swimsuits:
Click here for details. Winner Chosen on Aug. 23

Aviva

Featured Business: "No Strings Lingerie"

One day, I was browsing around on Facebook, and I found No Strings Lingerie. When I saw the photos of the lingerie, I really liked the products that they were offering. Although I have not yet ordered anything, I thought that some of the lingerie would be great to use for photoshoots.

So, I decided to send the owner of No Strings Lingerie a message inquiring about an interview for this blog.
The next day, they got back to me and let me ask them a few questions 🙂

They are just starting out, so I hope they do well.

AVIVA:How did you come up with the name of your business?
NO STRINGS: I was just brainstorming one night and it was just one of those things that stuck in my mind,I think it had a ring to it personally,so that’s what I went with.

AVIVA: How long have you been in business?
NO STRINGS: Not long we have only been in business for about 2 or 3 weeks.

AVIVA: Who is your target market?
NO STRINGS: My target market is women who want a sexy outfit for that sexy someone or event.

AVIVA: What sets you apart from other lingerie retailers?
NO STRINGS: I believe that we have great prices and our shipping rates are the cheapest out there for not only local but international.Our customers always come first.

AVIVA: What is your business philosophy?
NO STRINGS: Always keeping our customers happy.

AVIVA: Best case scenario, what is your ultimate goal with this business?
NO STRINGS:To become the cheapest largest lingerie business on the net.

AVIVA: If there was one thing you’d like to change about your business, what would it be?
NO STRINGS:Nothing I’m happy with it just the way it is.

AVIVA: How should people contact you if they’d like to buy something?
NO STRINGS: Simply send me an email on Facebook and I will get back to you within a few hours.

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
NO STRINGS:Checkout our store its filled with a great selection,if there’s anything you want but cant find contact me and i will get it for you at a cheap price.

Check out No Strings Lingerie on Facebook, where you can see and order the products.

Thank you,
Aviva

And Now, Featuring Savilla: Model and Clothing Designer From Vancouver

Savilla has been involved in the fashion industry for a long time. She has extensive experience as a model, having worked as a model since she was 16 years old. Savilla has appeared in various ads, billboards, magazines, commercials and much more.

As a designer, she has been sewing since she was 15 years old. Savilla designs beautiful, custom swimwear for all body types. She believes that when it comes to clothing “anything is possible”, and thus uses her creativity to bring her unique designs into the world of fashion.

She is very talented as a model, actress, and designer. Personally, I am a fan of her work.

I am very glad that I was able to ask her a few questions about her career and her achievements in the fashion industry.

AVIVA:What got you started in this industry?
SAVILLA: Designing: My mother said I started drawing at age 2, and I would draw very elaborate shoes and dresses. I always had an interest in beautiful clothing, but what made me actually start sewing is my inability to find clothes that fit me well. I was a very skinny and tall teen, and size zero didn’t exist back then. So I bought size 3 and altered them. I taught myself how to sew on my grandmother’s Singer at age 15. It was then that I discovered that anything was possible in the way of clothing.

Modeling: The concept of being a model never occurred to me as a young girl, because I never thought I was pretty. My mother was a model and a beauty queen, and she entered me into a beauty pageant when I was 16 without my knowledge. I protested, but participated anyway. I ended up winning first runner-up, and won a partial scholarship for my college education. Later, I was approached by a the same talent scout who discovered Linda Evangelista. I signed with a NY modeling agency that year, however furthering my education was always my top priority.

AVIVA: How would you describe your involvement in the fashion industry?
SAVILLA: I work as a designer and a pattern maker. I like to fit the clothes on myself, so I get a good idea of what feels and looks good, and what is practical to wear. This gives me an idea of what I think would sell and what wouldn’t. I never thought I’d still be modeling in my forties, but here I am.

AVIVA: You are also a model. What are some of your accomplishments as a model?
SAVILLA: Here are the credits from my portfolio:
PRINT WORK: Magazines, Billboards, Catalogs, Calendars, Posters, etc.
Worked all over North America and Europe.
ACTING:
Acted in many films, TV shows, commercials, and documentaries.
Supporting actress in the film “September” which won a Leo award.
Voice-over and ADR for films.
Body double for main actress in TV show “Killer Instinct”.
TV FEATURES (as myself):
Urban Rush, The Express, Anna & Kristina’s Beauty Call.
OTHER:
Runway for several designers in NY.
Fit model.
Artists’ model.
Playboy “Girls of Golf” model.
Buffalo Bandits Pro Lacrosse cheerleader for 3 seasons.
Hair model for Redken, Sebastian, and FHI Heat.
Foot, legs and hand model for various ads.
Model and spokesperson for charities involving organ donation awareness.

AVIVA: Besides swimwear, what else do you make/design?
SAVILLA: Jewelry, evening gowns, wedding dresses, costumes, uniforms and dog coats. I also paint on canvas.


AVIVA: What is your favorite thing about designing clothing?
SAVILLA: The freedom to let my creativity flow. So many things inspire me, so when I get an idea, I usually drop everything and go to work on it. Sometimes the best designs come from just experimenting and making mistakes along the way.

AVIVA: What are some of the notable publications where your designs have appeared?
SAVILLA: Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood, various online sites, TV shows, commercials and films. I also designed the cheerleader and dance costumes for several pro sports teams.

AVIVA: Do you have an exciting/strange/weird shoot experience (in your career as a model and designer) that you would like to share?
SAVILLA: Modeling is a business like any other profession, so I always maintain a friendly yet professional attitude. I ask for references, and I request all the pertinent information regarding the photographer and the shoot prior to the event. Therefore I’ve been lucky in avoiding potentially dangerous situations. I have had a few embarrassing/funny things happen…
I walked the runway with my skirt tucked into the front of my pantyhose.
I had a photo shoot with Fabio in the early ’90s, and during the shoot, he gave my bum a good squeeze! I was so shocked and my expression showed that in a few of the shots.
At an auto show when I was showing the Delta 88 in the late ’90s, I asked why they would show an old car from the ’80s! The boys got a good laugh out of that one.

Funny story in my design career: I costumed several plays in NY, and one year I designed for “The Wiz”. I was rushing to meet a deadline, and a couple of my sewers didn’t work out, so I sewed like crazy to get the costumes ready for the first performance. Maybe I didn’t give the attention to detail that I should have, because in the Emerald City dance scene, there were two wardrobe malfunctions. On of the male actors split his pants wide open, then when one of the female dancers turned quickly and separated from her partner, she faced the audience, while the top part of her dress had ripped off and was attached to her partner’s suit jacket! It turned into the adult version of “The Wiz”!

AVIVA: If you weren’t modeling or designing clothes, what else do you see yourself doing?
SAVILLA: I’m sure I’d be involved in something that involves talking with people or public speaking. I’m very outgoing and I really enjoy a social atmosphere where I can interact with interesting people. I would also be more involved in charity work. I currently volunteer for charities that raise awareness about organ donation as well as animal rescue. I would love to have a large property where I could care for homeless dogs.

AVIVA: If money was no object, what would be your ultimate goal in the fashion industry?
SAVILLA: Money doesn’t enter the equation for me because I’m already doing what I love and I’m happy. BUT… if anyone is looking for a fashion commentator for a TV show, I wouldn’t turn it down!


AVIVA: Do you have any last comments?
SAVILLA: In fashion, I think it’s important to wear what you like and what makes you feel good and compliments you. It’s great to watch trends, but you don’t necessarily have to follow them. Don’t be afraid of color… basic black is easy, but it can also be boring and predictable. It’s OK to be a little different because that’s what makes you unique.

To see Savilla’s work, please click HERE
Follow Savilla Swimwear on FACEBOOK
Model Mayhem Accounts: Modeling, Clothing Designer

I thank Savilla for her time, and I wish her all the best for many years to come.

Aviva

My Interview with Pat Yuen: Talented Fashion/Commercial Photographer, Blogger, Web Designer, and More

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of asking Pat Yuen a few questions about his take on photography and modeling, as well as his involvement in this industry. He is a commercial/fashion photographer, and web designer from San Francisco.

Additionally, Pat writes a very interesting BLOG, which informs the readers of his take on fashion, photography, and technology.

What I like about Pat is that he is not afraid to speak his mind, has great technical knowledge when it comes to photography, and is very clever.

Here, he shares some of his experiences, advice, and general thoughts.

AVIVA: How long have you been in the industry?
PAT YUEN: I don’t really consider myself in any industry to the extent that photography of models, fashion, and modeling is generally a very small niche in San Francisco. With Gap, Banana Republic, Levis, and many high tech companies in the Silicon Valley, San Francisco tends to be more of a commercial market. Many have tried and failed to get a fashion sector going. Gen Art used to do some local fashion shows but they closed their doors nationally earlier this year. I’ve had to travel to Los Angeles to shoot a decent Fashion Week and even there, IMG pulled out a few years ago leaving the LA market to small independent shows. With that said, San Francisco does have a small group of talented fashion designers like Verreries & Sako and Colleen Quen Couture as well as a few dedicated fashion colleges. Since it is a small market, you tend to see the same people at different fashion events.

I started shooting fashion in 2005 starting with local runway shows and moving on to working directly with fashion designers.

AVIVA: What got you into fashion and commercial photography?
PY:It was kind of a fluke. I was asked to shoot makeup and hair at a local runway show and after I shot the makeup and hair, I shot the models on the runway. It was a typical club show with bad lighting and local models but it evolved from there after becoming friends with designers, models, stylist, mua, etc.

AVIVA:What is your favorite thing about photography?
PY:I think the friendships I have formed are the most rewarding. Every once in awhile, I end up with a picture that I like and that’s rewarding. I hate the tedious chore of post processing so I’ve used my extensive technical knowledge to refine and minimize that process.I do know a lot about the technical side of photography but I’m not a gear head that obsesses about equipment. I also hate carrying around all the stuff so sometimes shooting with just a camera and a model has its own rewards.

AVIVA:Could you share some advice for aspiring models?
PY:Be realistic and go for work you are qualified for. Short models are not going to model fashion or become agency models. But there’s no shame in modeling as a hobby, modeling glamor, or working local fashion shows. Dreams and drive don’t make successful models. It’s an extremely shallow business where outer beauty rules and inner beauty means little. Initiative is also important. Most aspiring models think they can throw up a profile and sit around and wait. Yes, the offers will come but they will be from scammers and perverts trying to get the model naked. I advise models to initiate contact with photographers they admire. Be polite and be humble. And don’t ask stupid questions like “Do I have what it takes?”

AVIVA: How long after you started model/fashion photography did it take you before you started working for big names and major commercial clients?
PY:I got paid almost immediately. I always tell artists that if you give away your work, your work will always be valued as worthless by a potential client. I’m not saying there is no room for trade. Just don’t work commercial jobs for exposure or promise of future jobs. When I get approached by someone telling me this job is great exposure, I tell them to pay me now and I’ll give them double my rate after I book my 10th job from all that great exposure. So far, no one has taken my offer. And I don’t have any big name clients to brag about. Small, no name clients’ money is just as good. The banks don’t care.

AVIVA: Do you have any advice for photographers who aspire to be professional?
PY: Yeah. Do something else. It’s a tough way to make money. Do it as a hobby or for the fun of it. The business of photography is brutal and not very rewarding.

AVIVA:Would you like to share any funny/interesting/weird/crazy shoot experience, if any stands out?
PY:While shooting this picture with Morgan, there was a heist of Louis Vuitton bags from Neiman Marcus about 10 feet away. I turned around in time to see security trying to break the window of the getaway car with the butt of a gun while it was stuck in traffic. I didn’t get any pictures.

When I shot this nude image of Engel on a public street, a taxi sped past, slammed on his brakes, backed up and watched us shoot for 5 minutes.

AVIVA:What are some of the major publications where your work has appeared?
PY: Nothing major. A local magazine called 7×7, the cover of Bay Guardian, some smaller publications nobody has ever heard of.

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
PY:Lately, I’ve been focused on creating a modeling community website called ModelingWiki to provide modeling and modeling photography information. It’s strictly non-commercial, ad free, and not tied to any modeling sites. I’ve built the foundation and it’s up to the community to determine if it makes it or flounders. Like most wikis, no registration is required to create or edit articles so if anyone has any knowledge to share, they are encourage to jump right in.

I’m also doing a lot more writing. I am currently shopping a 7,500 word article about a modeling topic to newspapers and magazines. My chances of it being sold is slim to none and I’m not giving it away. If I don’t get a buyer, I’m going to just publish it myself. Additionally, through a referral from Roger Talley, I may start writing for Examiner.com but it’s not set in stone yet.

Also, I asked Pat if there were any questions that no one has ever asked him in an interview, but he wished someone had. His response was “Yes”, and these are the questions he wanted to answer.

Q:Are you Dirty Vegas?
PY:No.

Q: Even though you’re banned from Model Mayhem, do you still have other accounts there?
PY:Of course I do. I’m not stupid. I’ve had many legitimate accounts there long before they banned me and they will never find it because I’m a smarty pants like that.
————————————————————————————-
I wish Pat all the best in his writing career and any other plans that he has. He has the experience, knowledge, and skills in order to do a great job of informing people about the industry.

And again, I thank Pat for the time he took to answer my questions.
To see more of his work, please go to his
WEBSITE

Stay tuned for more interviews, features, and articles,
Aviva

Working on Set With a Great Team of People


Photo Credits: Shimon Karmel, Eriko Yamamoto, Nightshade Beauty.

Oh July 11th, 2010, I did a photoshoot in Vancouver. However, I must add, it was not a regular photoshoot where I am hired by a photographer to upgrade their portfolio.
This was a shoot that involved a team of creative people, including photographer, make-up artist, hairstylist, and 2 other models. The purpose of the photoshoot was for Eriko to enter a national hairstyling competition called the Contessa. The theme of the hair styles was “birds” and the bird I was supposed to be was Toki. The other models took on the roles of Owl and Peacock.

Before the photoshoot took place, a lot of careful planning had to be in order. When working with many people, it is important for everyone to be on the same page, especially when it comes to scheduling.

In order to achieve this look, first, I had to go in for a precolour 2 days before the shoot. Naturally, my hair is light brown, so Eriko had to spend a few hours turning my hair blond. The next day, I had to come in for a colour and a trim, to get the look of the Toki bird.

The shoot went extremely well, and Eriko put a lot of work into doing our hair. She did a great job! I hope she does well in the Contessa.

Of course, I also credit Kat of Nightshade Beauty who did the amazingly beautiful and unique make-up, as well as photographer Shimon Karmel for being able to capture this wonderful image.

Links to the portfolios of the team who all worked together to produce this image:

Eriko’s Work on Model Mayhem can be seen HERE
Nightshade Beauty WEBSITE
Shimon Karmel WEBSITE

Hopefully, I get to feature them soon 🙂

Aviva
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Always August Tanning, Victoria, BC: Featured Business

I have been a customer at Always August Tanning for about a year. Although I am not a huge tanner, I can definitely say that Always August has everything that a tanning salon needs.

Every time I came into the salon after booking my appointment, I always had friendly and knowledgeable staff greeting me and letting me know that my tanning bed is ready for me to use.

All staff at Always August Tanning are all Smart Tan certified, so be assured that you are in safe hands.

Also, what I like about Always August is that when I first walked in, I did not have a high pressure sales person trying to sell me the most expensive package. Instead, I got the best deal possible with my student discount. Being a student, I am very picky about how I spend money, but I like Always August, and I will be a returning customer.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Melanie Neumann, the owner of Always August Tanning, while I was passing time before my appointment.

AVIVA:How long has Always August Tanning been in business?
MELANIE NEUMANN: Two years in October of 2010

AVIVA:What do you believe sets you apart from other tanning salons?
MN: Our business model is based upon all the things that I was looking for in a tanning salon. I have a customer service background and I like to give customers what they want. I believe it is important to keep customers satisfied and I will go out of my way to do so. I base my whole business on looking at it through the customers’ eyes.

AVIVA: What are your prices like and what kinds of specials do you offer?
MN: Our prices are about average/middle ground. We are not the cheapest, but at the same time affordable. There are discounts for students, mall staff, and ongoing monthly specials that are different every month.

AVIVA: What other products and services do you offer to your customers?
MN: Spray tanning, airbrush (no UV rays), tanning accessories, UV tooth whitening, and everything else that’s related to tanning.

I would like to thank Melanie for her time in answering my questions about her salon.

If you would like to visit Always August Tanning and check out the products and tanning beds, it is:
Located at University Heights Mall at the main entrance.
324 A-3980 Shelbourne St, Victoria BC V8N 6J3
View Website By Clicking Here

Aviva

And Now…Featuring Remi Swimwear

The other day, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ed from Remi Swimwear because I was very impressed by his designs. Ed is a clothing designer and photographer who loves what he does. Ed produces beautiful swimsuits using high quality fabrics. He is currently based in New Jersey.

You can see his beautiful swimwear collection
HERE and on
Model Mayhem

AVIVA: What got you into designing swimwear?
ED: It began with being a fashion/glam photographer. While doing portfolio work for models, it used to irritate me when the girls would bring in cheap looking and or poor fitting suits. Either they thought the suit may have looked cute on the rack or they had friends who would say the suit looked great on them. I’m guessing so the friends would then look better by the pool or at the beach. Either way, it was difficult to have a nice body shot of the models with an average (at best) swimsuit on. So, with the help of a designer friend (Thanks always Silvia!) who needed images photographed of her line, I drew up some designs and had Silvia make them for me to photograph. The suits looked amazing and received very positive feedback from the models. The models then wore my swimsuit designs to a few casino parties and were asked repeatedly by the other girls where to buy the suits. It was then I decided to pursue my own swimwear line.

AVIVA: How long have you been designing?
ED:This is a project going on 3 years now. At first I had no knowledge of sewing or how to begin making suits myself. So I recruited 3 other seamstresses whom all failed for various reasons. Most notably one who bought suits online and told me that she made them but took the liberty to change my designs a bit. I also had one take nearly a a month to design one sliding triangle top.(Which is obviously a bit to long!) So, when these seamstresses failed, I took it on my own to take some lessons from another designer (Thanks Karen!) Now I design and sew the suits myself.

AVIVA: What is your favorite kind of fabric to use for your swimwear?
ED:I use only imported 4 way stretch fabrics that are completely swim-able but are really designed to look great and to make a girls body look better!

AVIVA: What excites you the most about being a clothing designer?
ED:I would say being able to see my work on a variety of people and body types and sizes. A big kick for me is seeing a models face when they first put one of my designs on. It’s usually followed by a big smile, a little more strut in their step and a bit of flirt in the eyes.

AVIVA: Do you look to any other designers for inspiration? If so, who?
ED:I do, but not anyone specific. I try to see where the trends are heading and adapt my style and fabrics accordingly. However, I’m a huge fan of floral prints and will always continue to utilize them.

AVIVA: Besides clothing design, what is (are) your other passion(s)/interest(s)?
ED: As I said earlier, I am also a photographer which allows me to photograph my swimwear as needed. I’m a huge auto racing fan. From NASCAR to Australian V8 Supercars and anything in between, if it’s on, I’m watching! I am also a retired tennis instructor and a big fan of billiards. However, I haven’t played so much lately and would like to get my game back on.

AVIVA: If money/time was no object, where do you hope that fashion design will take you?
ED: Around the world. This is an amazing place and I’d love to see as much as possible…. Especially the beaches!!!

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments that you’d like to share?
ED:Looking forward to seeing everyone at Miami Fashion week someday,
Cheers!

I wish Ed all the best in his career!

Thanks again for the interview, Ed.

~Aviva

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