TIP OF THE WEEK #19
How To Choose A Nail Competition Model by Vicki Peters
Many of you are not competitors and
some of you want to compete but need the
perfect partner, a competition model. Because The Premiere Beauty
Show is
approaching I am getting lots of calls from first time competitors
and
thought I would address how to choose a competition model.
First, look at your model as a "partner"
not just someone your using that is
going to get a full set. This person must be committed to you
for the entire
day and understand the mechanisms of what it takes to be a competition
model.
So you must educate them, even if you don't know what to expect.
I am going to refer to my completions
specifically for the Premiere Beauty
Show in this article. Some other competitions may be slightly
different.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a competition model:
1. The natural nails must be longer
than wider.
2. The natural nails must be flawless and even in length.
3. No white spots, hot spots or electric file marks or nail biters.
These
problems will not earn you better scores. Big Gun competitors
bring perfect
models. (Would you drive a broken racecar in a race?)
4. Hands must be attractive and in good shape. Older models are
ok because
it is all about the nail work, however the presentation of a younger
hand is
better. Make sure the hands are in good condition and if there
is an
unexpected cut or bruise don't worry about it - there is no place
to mark
down for this.
5. Cuts and red cuticles that happen during the nail competition
will be
marked down on the cuticle score. Judges can tell if they are
fresh cuts or
not and I do not mark the scoresheets before hand on pre-existing
cuts.
6. Exfoliate and condition the hands and nails for a few weeks
before the
competition and again the night before.
7. File all the free edge complete off for a sculptured competition
and
leave slight corners to catch the forms on when applying.
8. File the free edge a bit less for a tip and overlay competition.
Make
sure when the judges turn the nails over we cannot see the natural
nail
underneath.
9. Choose someone who will commit to spending the entire day with
you.
10. Arrive or drive together so you have control of her all day.
11. Make sure she stays for the awards program because if you
win we want to
see the nails and you can get a critique from the judges after
the awards.
12. Choose someone who will be into like you are.
13. Give her a job description - like watching the clock for you,
or another
competitor.
14. Position her in the competition so she can see what is going
on and she
can report to you during the competition.
15. Choose someone who will understand your stress and will be
supportive.
16. Make sure she understands that everyone will want to see her
nails and
teach her how to "model" them so the other contestants
can see the nails
without touching them.
17. Educate her as to what competition she is in - i.e. Sculptured
or tip and
overlay, etc. Non- manicurists don't always know the difference.
18. Schedule pre-show manicures and conditioning treatments for
the weeks
prior to the show.
19. Pay your model or give her some free services for her commitment
and
always have a backup model in mind.
20. Tell her how the day is going to go. How long the briefing,
competition
and judging will take. Judging usually takes 1 hour per 15 contestants.
21. Choose someone who is a positive person, not a "whiner".
22. Tell her what is to be expected while judging (under a curtain
- they
cannot see what the judges are doing)
23. Explain what is going to happen in between the end of the
judging and the
awards ceremony.
24. Definitely let her know she cannot go the bathroom during
the competition
and until after the judging is done.
25. If you were to win explain to her that she needs to accompany
you on
stage and cross her hands over her chest for the photos. This
way we see the
nails in pictures. Leave purses and bags of stuff you bought behind
or on
the edge of the stage as you walk up.
26. Have her wear black, so you can use her black outfit as a
backdrop when
viewing the nails as you work.
27. Tell her to dress warm, long dress or pants, jacket, close
toe shoes. She
is going to freeze, that is always the way it is from sitting
there for so
long.
28. You may want to bring a heating pad to set under your table
towel to keep
her warm, even in the summer. It is amazing how these poor models
get cold
sitting there for hours so do what you can to make them comfortable.
The main thing is you want to bring someone who not only has nice
nails but
also is a positive person who will be an asset and support you.
Someone who
takes this as serious as you do and makes a commitment to you
completely. So
many times I have seen models that travel with competitors that
think it is a
free for all and go out drinking all night and do not get enough
sleep. This
not only stresses the contestant but puts a damper on the whole
experience.
Choose someone wisely and if they work
out and you produce good work from
their nails, you may want to make her a permanent partner, especially
if she
can travel freely with you. I had the perfect permanent partner,
Margie Hess
who later went to school and I gave her my clientele when I went
to work for
Nails Magazine. She was just as committed as I was, we coordinated
our
outfits for every show and we were seen as a strong team, everyone
knew her
as my model. She was embraced by the other competitors when we
arrived at a
competition and she networked as much as I did. She was the ultimate
model
and set the standards for modeling in nail competitions.
It is a team effort so look for a team
player and take care of her; it will
be worth it for both of you.
Vicki Peters
DISCLAIMER
Any products mentioned in the "Tip Of The Week by Vicki Peters"
is not an
endorsement of any kind.
The Peters Perspective
"When you stop learning your career ends and your job begins"
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