TEOM Academy: An interview that will tell all p. 8
“If you are a beginner model you are unlikely to succeed in being selected for the top ranking Competitions� Pageantry with Eleseren Brianna p. 13
Bad Seeds Boutique: An exclusive interview with the designer p. 42
A Youthful Vision: Skippy Beresford
p. 6
Staff Spotlight Monica Querrien
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About the Cover: Photographer Profile By Bijou Lee
Two years ago, I would never have dreamed that I would be a part of such a talented group of photographers, editors, and writers at TEOM. When I joined Second Life, I intended to explore, or even make a few friends. Little did I know, I'd end up meeting such an amazing influence as my partner! He is a fantastically talented photographer himself, and he showed me the ropes so to speak. Through his guidance, I began to explore my creativity more and more through Second Life photographic
art, and it has become one of my most favorite things to do here. Whether I'm spending time with my partner, goofing off with friends, decorating different spaces, trying on too many clothes, or finding new subjects to photograph, Second Life has become so much more than just a vehicle to explore, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
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The Scoop on TEOM Academy By Amity Sorbet
TEOM Magazine is pleased to have former professors of TEOM Academy, Isabella Moonlight and Red Jess (redtess69 resident), in this issue of TEOM Magazine. The two professors will speak about their modeling experiences and hopes for the future of the academy. We are grateful to them for taking the time to answer our questions.
Amity Sorbet: Thank you so much for participating in this interview! Tell the readers about your modeling background. Isabella Moonlight: My modeling background was always small, even though I wanted it to be bigger. I would study everything I could get my hands on and follow all the blogs and groups. My knowledge is extensive even though it hasn't been practiced much. There are still things I need to learn and pick up along the way. Red Jess: I came to SL in 2011, curious as to what SL was all about. I quickly got swept up into the fashion industry. I attended Next
Top Model contest, and then graduated from Costa Rican Sims Modeling Academy and Amici Modeling Academy. I was offered some amazing modeling jobs on runways and at Mohna Lisa Couture as an instore model. I was also asked to teach at Amici, and I did for 2 years. I taught styling in Haute Couture and Avant Garde. I love fashion and all the creative aspects about it. I have also managed to start a group and support young models to get their careers going. Then, I had a RL loss and took a year off. Â When I returned, I jumped right back in and attended and graduated from Miss SL Academy followed right after with winning the title of Miss Denmark VW 2016. 8
AS: How did you get involved with the academy and why? IM: The academy was always something I wanted to do for the kids in SL. We have a lot of great kid designers and fashion savvy kids on SL. I wanted people to see this. When I got interviewed for the pageant I was doing, I mentioned this to Selena [CEO of TEOM Academy] and she asked how I would like to join her in making an academy. RJ: I became involved through a friend that I first met in 2011. She said that I would be the best candidate to teach models again. I think Moni [Monica from TEOM] knew I needed to get back to teaching. I love teaching, and giving back.
too. RJ: Helping people look and be their best. Many people in SL don't know how to ask for the help, but those that come to a school are willing to try something and learn something. I want to share and help as much as I can.
AS: Tell us what you are most proud of both in your own career and in terms of the academy. IM: Well, mostly I'm proud of what I have learned along the way as I now start looking for casting calls and shows for myself. My last graduating class auditioned for a show and were accepted. This made me so proud of them! [Editor’s note: Isabella was chosen as a store model for LaVian & Co.] AS: What do you like most RJ: Teaching at TEOM has about teaching? given me a different IM: I love to see how perspective on teaching, and interested the kids are, how it's been a good challenge to much they learn. I love seeing see the differences in the them go out and look for teens and children avatars jobs and actually remember when they model. I love the what I have taught them. I work here. like the interaction with them as well and even as I teach them, they are teaching me
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AS: What are some of the graduates doing now? IM: A few of them are now store models, print as well as runway. They [did a show at Penumbra Fashion Week]. RJ: So far, I have only taught two graduates, and they are working hard on their avatars and making them evolve and becoming independent and unique individuals. Seeing them make these choices makes me proud.
RJ: Walking and posing. Something we take for granted is walking... As a model, it is so different, and has a big bucket of challenges from lag to HUDs and outfits. I love it! Challenges me more!
AS: What are your favorite lessons or skills to teach and why? IM: The shapes are my favorites. It becomes your own and no one else will look exactly like you.
AS: What are your views about kids/teens/tots in the fashion world? How do you want to see the industry change for those models? IM: I think there are a lot of talented kids in SL. I know they AS: How do you see the have to work twice as hard as academy growing and changing most adults for them to be in the future? What would you taken seriously. I want to see like to see happen? that change. I want to see the kid and even adult designers IM: I can see it getting bigger as people find out more about start making more in depth things for these kids. Teens it. I would love to have more can wear most anything that students and eventually have adults do but for a child that's more teachers for it as well, 3 to 10 they need specialized and perhaps even do more things for their bodies.   intensive classes for the kids RJ: There are tons of designers that have already graduated. out there that need a canvas. RJ: I think TEOM can be the The grads of TEOM are that force that brings teens to the canvas! Teens and kids need forefront of modeling. more time on the runway!
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TEOM Magazine Is looking for: • Marketing Sales Director • Photographers For more information please contact Amity Sorbet
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A Youthful Vision By Lira Savira A large part of the allure of a virtual world is the ability to create, in aspect, anything we can imagine and develop into a 3D form. It is the potential for broader possibilities that we are seeking. Skippy Beresford is a very skilled photographer whose primary avatar is in miniature form. Through the images he captures it is easy to remember how full of wonder the world appears through a child's vision. Many of the images invoke a poignant sense of magic and mystery, and a neverending, imaginative journey. The ability to perceive what something could be instead of how it is typically seen is one of the reasons children are so incredibly creative.
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For example, a child might see a small broom as having the potential to be a sword or a symphony conductor's baton. From a model's perspective, you might try seeing the items a designer presents to you in a new light and never assume their intended style. Find the blending of styles that makes it the most interesting with the most impact. When describing the main reason for his choice of using his child avatar Skippy said, "In order to tell a good story with an image, I feel you have to create a character. You have to imagine this character, the history, and what you’d like to tell about them in the image. You have to breathe life into this world that you're framing with your camera by imagining a life. Your life, or the life of whoever or whatever you're photographing.“ He further stated, "I personally rarely role-play being a boy here, but I do
imagine myself as a boy through my images. On some level, all my adventures in world take place in my imagination and through my images. The more you see of my adventures in my images, my reactions, the specific things I do, the more alive I become for you in your imagination as well." The pictures speak volumes regarding the special ability of children to use play as a means to grow. Personal growth seems to be the primary theme throughout all Skippy's photographs. Each post also includes an inspiring and sometimes motivational caption such as, "Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun." The images depict a wonderful range of emotions and principals such as overcoming fears, building friendships, finding the magic, and appreciating the moment. 14
This type of approach to creativity and realization is a useful example for photographers and models alike. Carefully craft your characters and employ your vision in your style. See things not only as they are, but as though could be. Find the story and tell it in the most interesting ways visually possible. Each time you assemble a new vision, try to think of all the ways it could be seen and all the ways it might be expressed. Seek the potential in everything and you will find your own potential.
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Blogging in the Kid World By Kymber Baron
I have always played my Second Life as an adult, but after being diagnosed with cancer and not being able to work RL, I decided I needed more. I needed a family; I needed someone to take care of me. I created my kid avi, and the rest is history. There are so many cute designers for kids in Second Life and I have always enjoyed taking photos in SL as well but I never really knew where to shop or what to get. I found some kid blogs, and that was the start of my passion. I loved watching what the bloggers did, the stories they told, and the creations they shared. So with my extra time, I thought maybe I could try this too.
I started out blogging for fun, then slowly one by one found sponsors. Now I have many sponsors including events such as The Play Room and Fairytale Forever. I am really busy with blogging a good part of my day, and I couldn't be happier! When someone IM's me inworld or on Facebook to tell me how much they enjoy my blog, it makes everything worth it. I started out creating my blog in March with very few people visiting my blog. Today as I am writing this, my blog views are closing in at 7,000. On my flickr page, the likes grow daily as well. I never expected to find a creative outlet in SL because...well let's face it - I can't even build a box correctly. This has helped me in so many ways.
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I can write stories, go to amazing sims for the photos and show off so many designers’ creations. I cannot imagine not doing this. If blogging is something you are interested in doing, I would encourage you to start out slow, find your style. Don't go out and spend lots of money on new things only to go broke look in your inventory and
create outfits from your mix and match type stuff. Always include credits where you can and SLURL's so that your readers can find what they love. Â You never know if someone else just may need to have what you have. I love making new friends in world and my IM box is always open if you need advice!
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#surprise
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Model No-No’s: Opinion from a professional For this issue, Jeanie Waydelich, CEO to Fierce Model Agency visited TEOM to discuss etiquette and how models should behave. Darla Watanabe: As a teacher, how do you feel about model etiquette? Namely, how aspiring models should act during runway shows, pageants and photo shoots? Jeanie Waydelich: What I try to stress to my students is to always be professional. During a photo shoot, look to get ready by following the given guidelines. Make sure that your prims are edited well. For a contest, make sure that your look shows the proposed theme. In a fashion show, always follow the instructions of the show director, and avoid engaging in conflicts or
heated discussions. The same goes for contests. What students have to bear in mind is that they will soon graduate, and as models, their function will be to promote the brand that they  may represent with style and confidence. Also, to have an outstanding personality without overdoing it, and be caring of interpersonal relationships that are developed in the professional environment.
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DW: What advice would you like to give to aspiring models? JW: Always read group notices, and read all the news and notecards with attention. If you do not understand, stop and read again. Many people ask unnecessary questions and give the impression of disinterest due to asking questions that are already answered. Always follow the guidelines. Agencies that plan and develop shows are extremely organized, and have extremely professional teams with SL fashion legends, the notes comes with all necessary information. Always check your look and your prims, be available to accept positive and negative reviews or advices, as well as winning or losing in contests. Enter and follow magazines and fashion groups, participate in castings, shows, contests. You will learn about the SL
fashion world by doing these things. And be polite and avoid drama - not all people will like you, and you also will not like all people. Just avoid verbalizing it so that the behavior of these will not harm you. And take the time to always have beautiful pictures for your portfolio; choose good photographers. Fashion is an investment and study, always be aware of it.
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Reigning Style By Lira Savira
Miss Zoomy Bluebird, who is Miss Colour of Couture 2015 and a Miss Virtual World finalist, lets us know what she has been up to since being on the cover of TEOM in the last issue. Lira Savira brings you her latest news from the busy world of competitive modeling.
model for NanTra poses featuring her new Pro Series line. Currently, I'm waiting on SL Fierce Magazine to release their next issue where I've been captured wearing Wicca's Wardrobe. Lastly, I modeled a very unique hat created by the reigning Miss Virtual World, Eleseren Brianna and I look forward to Lira Savira: What new things seeing that ad on display, as have occurred in your Second well. Life modeling career since appearing on the cover of LS: What would you like to TEOM Magazine? say to the readers of TEOM Zoomy Bluebird: If there are and other models finding their way? any new things that have ZB: How about my favorite occurred, the most notable have been within myself. quote? Â Written by one of Modeling isn't easy, virtual or America's Founding Fathers otherwise, so I've educated and known polymath, myself on how to focus on Benjamin Franklin...."Do not the positive and leave anticipate trouble, or worry everything else behind. about what may never happen. Keep in the I am also grateful to have sunlight." I'm doing my best, been featured in BOSL, Mr. Franklin. Doing my best! Eclipse and ModeLS Magazines as well as a guest 24
Zombie Couture By Silky Soulstar
It’s the apocalypse, and you’ve got to look your best undead. The well-heeled zombie definitely plans ahead, because whether you’ve been put under the uncontrollable spell of a voodoo princess rendering you mute, or turned by your halfdead boyfriend who passed along a nasty plague, there is absolutely no excuse for looking disgusting. Zombie couture is a fashion irony. We get zombie couture when the unsuspecting, disheveled mess degraded into a primitive dummy meets the intelligent well-to-do, and up scaled artistry of tailored finery. Stand patiently while your couturier measures everything about you. Your bosom, shoulders, arms, and waist; even the shape of your calves. The seamstress spins behind the both of you, tirelessly threading your garment to life. It’s tedious, but you look into the mirror and you’re gorgeous. It is all so worth it, but you wonder what the poor, undead are up to. Zombies are violent, horribly
grotesque wretches staggering sickly away from their graves! Considering the circumstances it’s not unexpected that their tattered clothing reeks and is in disrepair. Zombies teeter along looking for a good bath. A zombie apocalypse is worth preparing for to avoid at all costs, because no mani, no pedi, chapped lips and dry crumbling skin that exposes bleeding and broken limbs is enough to make a person kill. Be iconoclastic in your merger of each of these scenes on the runway and you get a sense for Zombie Couture. To complete your look, show some pale skin. Use black and white lace for a touch of Goth. Be edgy but well put together with your overall styling. Bleed a splash of red frilliness just about anywhere, but gash your breast bone or midsection with it for a very dramatic effect. Go heavy on the eyeliner and pile it on thick. Line up your seams impeccably, and put on a fiercely seductive gaze. Don’t drag your feet! Stomp with confidence and knock ‘em dead. 25
Pageantry by Eleseren Brianna If you are a model in Second Life, pageants can be some of the most fun things you do. They can also be a great way to promote yourself and build your career. In competitions there is usually only one winner, however there are lots of other ways to 'win'. By competing you are showcasing yourself, especially if the competition is highly visible. People start to notice and follow good models, even if they don't win. If you don't achieve a win, reaching semi-finalist, finalist, or even runner up positions are still important in building that resume record them! Contests, if you approach them right, should really push, stretch and grow your abilities as a
model and stylist. Think of this as a 'win' too. What competitions to enter though? There are some basic things to consider. Does the competition seem well organised with sponsors especially respected sponsors like big stores or magazines? Does it promise at least some transparency with feedback and visibility of scores? Â All these are promising signs, especially if the competition is established and you can see how it has been run in the past. How candidates get selected is important too. Pay to vote competitions generally only measure the size of friend lists, and not necessarily skills. Â Think carefully about what level you are at as a model - enter competitions that give yourself a 26
reasonable chance, even if they stretch you a bit. If you are a beginner model you are unlikely to succeed in being selected for the top ranking competitions, and will be left feeling disappointed and maybe a little discouraged. There are different types competitions, some may appeal (and suit your skills) more than others. Â Pageants focus on physical beauty, presentation and fun, but not necessarily high fashion challenges. 'Top-model' competitions need great runway, posing and fashion-forward styling skills. There are designer 'face' competitions too, where the winner will represent the brand to some degree. For these you really need to show that you have loyalty and passion for the brand, and may even need to show you can and have blogged the brand as well.
The moment you submit your application for a competition, you will effectively be 'in the competition' even if it is just to be selected as a candidate. Make your application as good as can be. If they need a photo, make sure it is the best you can submit in quality, styling, and presentation. Ditch those floating eyelashes, ill-fitting prims, poses that break mesh and make sure you look polished and perfect. If there are questions to answer, read carefully and answer them thoughtfully, honestly, and to the point.
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If selected to audition, remember again to be as polished and perfect as you can - prim perfect, pose perfect, well styled, punctual, and show you can follow instructions. These will maximise your chances greatly. If you make it as a candidate, congratulations! This is where the real work begins. Don't just rely on a pretty face and pretty stylings. Missing rehearsals, deadlines, or behaving in a ungracious manner will not leave a good impression. Did you know some competitions (including Miss Virtual World) deduct points from your scores if you are late for rehearsals, or in sending in style cards? Practices like these will damage your chances of winning. Understand what they want in your challenges, do your research thoroughly, and strive for well put together stylings that meet
the brief and that are eye catching and elegant. Don't rush or treat your posing as an afterthought - it should really 'finish’ your look and present it well. When you walk, follow instructions. Be ready for your runway walks, and do not miss your cues because you are distracted (e.g.chatting). This shows that you are professional and are serious about the competition. All of this will help; the rest is upto you and your abilities. Whatever happens, try and be brave and ask for feedback...you will learn a lot. Good luck!
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Fashion Trends: Autumn Chic & Steampunk 29
AriannaJasmine Jacket, pants, boots and bag: LaVian & Co Body Suit: Fakess Fur Stole: Peqe Necklaces and earrings: GeWunjo Eyeshadow: Slackgirl Lipstick: Glam Affair Hair: Ploom
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Venum Aimes Cardigan: Purple Moon Pants: Ricielli Pumps: Miamai Bag: Shey Necklace: Glow Studio Hair: Wasabi Pills Earrings and ring: Lazuri Lipstick: Madrid Solo Eyeshadow: Zibska Nails: Luna
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Kai Mannequin Earrings: Pure Poison Necklace: C'est la vie Dress: La Penderie de Nicole Coat: hoorenbeek Boots: BLOKC
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Resmay Bloodstorm Outfit, Headpiece, Wings: Jumo Necklace, Earrings: Jumo Hair: Son!a Lipstick: Madrid Solo Cosmetics
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Maxana Birdsong 35
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Stasha Benelli Sideways Hair: Pocket Mirrors Hat: PIXEL BOX Monocle: PIXEL BOX Necklace: PIXEL BOX Blouse: HW by Harm Skirt: HW by Harm Boots: HW by Harm
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Interview with Eeilee of Bad Seed Boutique by Darla Watanabe
A lot of SL is about clothes and shopping for them. There are so many varieties out there for adults but now kids are catching up with having just as big and cute wardrobes thanks to many new child designers, one of which we met up with for a chat! Darla: Hi Eeilee, so jumping right in - what is your SL experience previous to designing? Eeilee: I'm a huge fan of World of Warcraft, which is a game with numerous NPC's. On my first day in SL, I came across a beach with a hammock...and two people were in the hammock. I shouted to my husband, "Woah, the NPC's are naughty in this game." A second later, one of the
"NPC's" said "Get the *bleep* out of here" - haha! I basically spent my first month or so just running around and exploring. Darla: What inspired you to create kids’ clothing? Eeilee:I am a girly girl through and through, and love ruffles, lace, pink and pretty things. You can really go all out on the fluff when you create for the children's community. There's no such thing as too much fluff when creating toddler size clothes! I also enjoy the community itself. There's so many friendly and interesting people in the children’s community that are worth getting to know.
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Darla: How did you end up in SL? Eeilee: I was looking at Sims expansions, and thinking I wished there was a giant open world sim where I could create anything I wanted. I Googled my thoughts and found Second Life. I had never even heard of Second Life before! I was amazed that it was exactly what I was looking for! Darla: Which items are the most popular and why do you think that is? Eeilee: Mesh body parts (e.g.heads) I think because of the realism. Many people take their RP very seriously and want their avatars to look as realistic as possible. I kept this in mind when I created my first Baby Mesh Head. Original clothing is sought after as well. Everyone likes to look and feel original.
Darla: Do you have a mission in SL? What is it? Eeilee: I enjoy helping people to enjoy their SL childhoods. I think for many people that reliving or improving their childhood experiences can be very therapeutic. Creating things to improve their SL is a great feeling. Also, I simply love making the world a little cuter. Darla: What inspires you? Eeilee: I am often inspired by the past to recreate clothing and styles that are a little bit on the retro side. Much of my original designs were inspired by watching old television shows like "The Brady Bunch". I love the older dress styles on little girls. I am also a huge fan of vintage children's apparel.
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Darla: What has the response been like to your clothing? Eeilee: It's been great! The positive feedback also inspires me to keep creating! Darla: What does the future of your brand look like? Eeilee: I will always create original clothing but I am leaning towards mesh body
parts and possibly in the future, an entirely new mesh baby and toddler avatar. I have lots of plans for the future of the SL child community. Darla: Thank you so much Eeilee for that insight, it’s definitely made me optimistic about seeing even more variety for kid avatars in the future!
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How to Blog in Second Life by Lolita Paragorn
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Becoming a blogger on Second Life is a vast subject. I will give an outline on what I think is important. If you have decided to become a blogger, there are some steps to follow. It is important to be a blogger for pleasure and not just to get free items. The pleasure of styling, photography, the staging. There are also disadvantages that I will mention later. You can be an independent blogger, or be a blogger that has sponsors. If you are an independent blogger, you are free to blog when you want, how you want; you are free. The blogger who gets sponsored items should respect the rules established by the designer (frequency of posts, time of publication, number of post views) and publish the posts containing these items. Website Hosting You can host your blog wherever you want; you are
free to choose. The site should match your taste, have ease of use, good design, etc. Some examples to choose from are Blogger and Wordpress. Customization of your Blog The presentation of your blog is like your business card. The greater the presentation, the better it will be perceived. We can add gadgets, effects, music and more. But remember, your tastes may not be everyone else’s tastes so try to get everyone interested. When you have sponsors, you may want to put the sponsors’ logos on your blog. Picture and Format True bloggers take their own photos. Of course, everybody is not equal. But if you can, make a nice, well framed photo.You can help your photo by using software like photoshop, gimp or the numerous others out there. 43
A key point is to present a nice styling and if necessary, make big plans for small items (nails, shoes, hair). Of course, you must describe all of the items you wear, and put the SLURL so that the reader can find them easily. Some bloggers decide to write a little text to present, others prefer to say nothing. Personally, I write nothing. Why? It is simple many designers, many nationalities, and I prefer to be simple. I confess my English is basic. The Commercial side Blogging is an advertising technique. You must promote your blog with sites like Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+. The objective is to show and to be seen. It is easy to create an account on Flickr, Facebook, etc to find groups and to display your posts. Personally, I find it's the boring part of being a
blogger. You can increase your numbers of views by syndicating your blog to Second Life feeds. Its free and it means that your posts will be posted on other websites. There are many feeds such as Blogging sl, sl Blogger, Grid Syndicate, iheartsl. Blogging is a pleasure, and it is not necessary to be a model to have a blog. I can say that the best bloggers in SL are not models. Before becoming a sponsored blogger, I advise you to start a blog with your own favourite outfits. to show what you're worth. The fashion world offers a diversity of style, and you can easily find your own. It is very important to do the same quality work for all designers, and not just your favorite ones. I hope these few steps will help you with your own blog and I hope present you with my blogger of the month next time!
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Thank you for reading!
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