Thick Skin vs. Thin Skin

Although many people have dismissed the gift, internal strength, and integrity that goes along with being a model (especially starring in music videos and the such), I have always looked beyond the outer core and admired that special "umph" that goes along with choosing a profession or hobby such as modeling. ***See: "VIXENS"*** There's a strength, confidence in it that is very rare amongst women. Of course some people may discount it and say that there is nothing hard about shedding some clothes and posing or dancing in front of a camera, but it's not so cut and dry in my opinion. When it comes down to it, many women do not have what it takes physically AND mentally. As a model, every photograph you take is fair game for hard criticism and judgement. Every time you're in front of a camera or in eye shot of anyone, you will be constantly judged on your appearance...even if you're just pumping gas or perusing the aisles of Walmart. You will be called a "video hoe", slut, whore, groupie, bitch, and all the derivatives thereof even if you're NOT that. Some brothas will disrespect you and only see you as a sex object and some sistas will hate on you while secretly wishing they could be you simply because they ASSUME you are less intelligent or talented as them. Your parents, family members, and friends may even wish to distance themselves from you based on your decision to explore the world of modeling. There's a lot at stake and it's clearly isn't meant for everyone.

Although I've never been a woman, I know from the lovely women in my life that they are constantly pre-judged and either accepted or rejected solely based on their appearance. The scrutiny that models deal with is that times TEN (maybe a hunnid). With that said, premier video model Melyssa Ford has took some very edgy and creative photos with celebrity photographer Derek Blanks and the outcome was extraordinary. Here's what Ms. Ford had to say after the photoshoot.

Thick Skin vs Thin Skin

There are two “fixed givens” I know to be true right now: One is that you need “thick skin” to deal with the entertainment business. Two, is that Derek Blanks is the hottest photographer right now and his “Alter Ego” series is THE thing to do. Celebrities are clamoring for Derek to photograph them and the “other version of themselves”. His vision is uncompromised, his talent is undeniable and I’m grateful that we finally crossed paths.

The photos that you see are the culmination of our constant communication and the implementation of my vision. The conception of this photo came to me one day while hiking and Derek Blanks and Saisha Beecham, my makeup artist/body painter more than made it a reality, which their unimaginable talent and creative execution.All of us know what it feels like to have to “turn the other cheek” or “be the bigger person” or “turn a blind eye and ear to their critics and the nay-sayers”… I OVER-stand this concept, hence my visual interpretation of the reality: that we all hurt and are not immune to the pain caused by harsh judgment.

Love, Melyssa
Here are some photos:

Great job on Melyssa's, Blanks, and make up artist/body painter Saisha Beecham whom I've had the pleasure of working with during my "VIXENS" shoot with the homie Fabiola.

Oh yeah...Shout out to the homie Challedon "Shy" Saltor who's also celebrating a birthday today!!