CONFESSIONS Model Spotlight: Jen Tafler

I am so happy and proud to present to you our next Confessions Model Spotlight: Jen Tafler. She is a bright shining star in the SL Fashion Industry who possessed grace, beauty, and a witty sense of humor. She is hardworking, reliable and someone I’m honored to call friend and family. She is one of my mentors and someone I look up to and completely trust.

Let me introduce to you one fantastic model, Jen Tafler. I am honored and excited as well to WELCOME her as an editor to Confessions of an SL Top Model Blog. She will be an awesome addition and will add a feminine touch to the blog. =)

Q. Please tell us about yourself how you ventured into the modeling industry.

JT. After my first six months exploring SL I came across a runway show at Avenue.  I was so impressed by the models and loved the idea of expressing feeling through a designers creations.  I realized that was what I wanted to do in SL.  I attended many runway shows, became friends with many people in the industry and went shopping for everything I needed.  Once I  had that, I was ready to practice and train hard.  And I haven’t stopped since.

Q. Please tell us about some of your accomplishments within the modeling industry and describe what would be one of the most defining moments of your modeling career.

JT. I recently won 1st Place in the GIA January 2010 Modeling Photo Contest and was one of the few female models to walk in Men’s Fashion Week organized by Siren Productions  Also, I was a 2nd Round Finalist in the SuperElite SuperSearch 2010 Contest, placed 2nd Place at the September 2009 Champagne Contest and selected as the January Model for the DMI 2010 Calendar.  I have also done photo shoots for many designers, most recent was with the talented Ranena Olivier of Ranena Olivier Couture.

Q. You have certainly established yourself well within the modeling industry. Please tell us what you believe are the essential elements to being a successful model.  Do you have any advice for aspiring models?

JT. To be a successful model you need perseverance, a strong will, determination to never give up on your dreams, and to keep yourself open to learning new things always.  Also, enjoy every minute of it.  I believe if you are not having fun, even while training or practicing, then you are losing an important aspect of modeling.  But the main thing to always remember is that you are there for the designer.  It is their heart, soul and sweat that was put into what you’re wearing.  Wear it with grace, fierceness and commitment.

Q. What do you like and dislike about modeling?

I love bringing life and personality to a designers creation.  To add another dimension to a designer’s creation is an honor.  I also love meeting new people, learning and sharing my experiences and making new friends.  I dislike when SL plays games and won’t attach my prims or clothes.  Nothing like being a bald, half-nekkid model on the runway.

Q. Finally, please tell us what motivates you to be a model. Who inspires you the most and what is your inspiration?

JT. To me, modeling is like art.  It’s being creative.  Whether through styling or putting modeling poses together.  This creates a visual expression of how you think the designer sees their creation coming to life.

For me, my inspiration comes from the designers, agencies and every model I have had the pleasure to meet and work along side with.  But I wouldn’t be the model I am without my SL family.  They are always there to support me and give me honest advice.  I value that the most.

Q. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

JT. I am always thankful for the opportunities I have been given and I look forward to the future.  I would like to send a special thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way and even now.  I wouldn’t be here I without you.  There are too many to list, but I know they know who they are.  To my family, I love you always and no ocean or land will ever change that.  Thank you for being there.  😀  xoxo

*Thank you so much Jen for letting me interview you and for sharing with us your modeling experiences.

PS: Please welcome Jen Tafler as an EDITOR to this blog: Confessions of an SL Top Model.
Due to real life, Mikey Batriani has not been able to contribute, so Jen will be an awesome help and will add a nice feminine touch to the blog. =) Welcome & TY Jen.

Please give some love and leave comments below.

FASHION & MUSIC: “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson starring Natasja Schumann

MUSIC: Breakaway
ARTIST: Kelly Clarkson
MODEL: Natasja Schumann
MODEL INFO: I’ve been active on SL runways for over 2 years. I’m active within several agencies, including Diversity, Avenue, ModelX, Modavia, Timeless, Opium, EIMA , Bestyle and Agata Model Agency. I am a ShowDirector for ModelX, plus Mentor Director for Diversity. I’m a blogger for Timeless Modeling Agency and Glance International. I’m also a photographer for Avenue Magazine, plus I do independent photography. I’m a Miss Virtual World 2010 Finalist and Second Runner up for Miss Gems and Kisses 2010. Finally, I’m working as a store model for Gems and Kisses. I enjoy being a model because it lets me take an active part in the fashion world, and allows me to always meet new and interesting people.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Natasja Schumann
FASHION:
Wallpaper: Deviantart by *Nuahs
Texture by Distressed Textures
Poses: free fence from Gliterrati
Outfit: DeeTaleZ Pants riding overall tweed grey
Hair:[Shag] – Somewhere Across Forever – chocolate
Necklace: [MANDALA]Pearl Rain Jewelry Set/Cream Gold
Bracelet: [MANDALA] REIKI Bracelet /White
INFO:I love the simplicity of this picture yet it is just beautiful. This is from Nastasja Schumann called “Natasja_Schumann306 copy”. You can see more of her work at flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/natasja_schumann/ If you want your picture to be picked for a spotlight here at Confessions, Kindly join our Flickr group and post your awesome pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/model_confessions/

WATCH:

LYRICS:
BREAKAWAY

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I’d just stare out my window
Dreaming of a could be
And if I’d end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)

Trying hard to reach out
But when I’d try to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I’d pray (I would pray)
I could breakaway

[Chorus:]
I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly
I’ll do what it takes til’ I touch the sky
And I’ll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won’t forget all the ones that I loved
I’ll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
travel on an airplane, far away (I will pray)
And breakaway

[Chorus]

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging with revolving doors
Maybe I don’t know where they’ll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

I’ll spread my wings
And I’ll learn how to fly
Though it’s not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won’t forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway…