Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Plus-Size model?

What it takes to be successful? To have your curvaceous body accepted, and in demand?

100% People meet Cherriane McDonald, a Plus Size model living in London. She has kindly written a diary of her day. Discover what a ‘real’ model get’s up to when’s she’s out and about in the big city!

Cherriane is off to a casting for an underwear assignment and then on to her modeling agency BW Fittings, for a photo shoot!

This is her ‘Day In The Life Of… a Plus-Size Model’

9.45 am- Wake up!

Yaaaawn! I’m a night owl so I like to go to bed late and wake up late!

9.55 am- Breakfast!

A cup of green tea (for the anti-oxidant properties, I think it helps me to look younger! I haven’t had a proper cold for a few years and I put this down to my green tea too), toast, 2 boiled eggs and if I’m feeling naughty, bacon. This makes me feel satisfied and it’s just in case I don’t have time for a mid-morning break.

10.30am- Glad-rags at the ready!

I wash my face in plain water and always ensure that I moisturise well before I put on my make up.

I wear a good fitting bra, and matching undies. It’s important to be clean and well-groomed when attending castings. Today I go casual and opt for jeans and a t-shirt.

11.15am- Out the door!

I take a camisole top as I may need to strip to my undies! The camisole covers my dignity in between trying on bras. I also take my make up, wipes and body sprays.

I travel by train and taxi to the casting. (Fares are usually reimbursed for assignments that are outside London).

11.45am - Arrival!

When I arrive at the assignment I ensure that the client knows I’ve arrived (It’s always important to have a contact name/ person or dept. to ask for) so I let the receptionist know my name and who I’ve come to see. I then sit back and relax!

It’s common to see familiar faces at castings so it’s a great time to catch up on each others news!

12.00pm- The Casting!

The casting is very quick. The client takes my measurements and asks about experience and availability. I’ve had experiences where I’ve been told straight away that I’ve been successful, but on this occasion I’m left wondering if I’ll ever get that call!

12.25pm- Lunch!

Lunch is always rushed! Just a baguette today (bearing in mind what I ate for breakfast!).

13.10pm-The Shoot!

I had to bring with me 6 different outfits! They wanted me to show different looks, so I had to change 6 different times! I was also responsible for bringing my own accessories (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, shoes etc.).

The photographer looks at the general colour of each outfit and establishes what background he needs to use for each shot. The outfits are then hung up on a rail, we don’t want creases! I love having my make up done, it always feels like I’m being pampered. I then change into my first outfit and we’re ready to start.

14.00pm- Say cheese!

Although I may not always feel it, I always appear confident in front of the camera! It’s good to practice poses and facial expressions in the mirror at home.

The shoot takes up the rest of the day. The photographer is friendly and I’m even given a few freebies from wardrobe!

6.50pm- Homeward bound!

I don’t go out after the photo shoot as it’s been a demanding and tiring day. I don’t even bother to take off my make up- I have big false lashes on and I don’t care. I travel home on the tube with them on!

7.25pm- Dinner and bed!

For dinner I have salmon with spinach leaves. Mmm, this is my meal of the moment!

Then I take a relaxing bath and watch cartoons! I’m like the girl who never grew up!

Before bed I religiously cleanse, tone and moisturise.

I’m asleep and dreaming of photo shoots, portfolios and make-up before the clock strikes 12!

Cherriane has been modelling since 2004. Her humble beginnings quickly took off! Cherriane has modelled on various big brand assignments, including Debenhams, Marks & Spencers and Shock Absorber. She has appeared on Gok Wan’s How to Look Good Naked as a member of the ‘The Naked Army’ and travelled to Europe for various modelling assignments. Cherriane also works as a Life Coach and runs her own business Positve Journey, check out her site at www.positivejourney.co.uk

For more information on how you can kick start your Plus-Size modelling career watch this space for our feature “So you want to be a Plus-Size model?”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 at 12:01 pm and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.