We are truly honored to have Mr. Clyde Saunders as our next Confession’s Model Spotlight because he is a fantastic supermodel and truly beautiful inside and out. He has graced the pages of many SL magazines and been under many runway spotlights. He has won many prestigious awards and honors but the best thing about Mr. Saunders is that he is down to earth, humble and approachable.
HONORS:
Semi-Finalist of Mr Moolto 2010 Contest (Ongoing)
2nd Runner Up – Mr. Virtual World 2009
Face of ALPHAMALE
Vain Inc. Magazine Best Male Model 2009 Winner
IFA 2009 Best Male Model Nominee
RUNWAY 2008 Model of The Year Nominee
Vain Inc. Magazine Best Male Model 2008 Nominee
AGENCIES:
MAD Agency – Model
AVENUE – Model
Modavia – Supermodel
IMAGE Model Agency – Model
BeStyle – Model
GLANCE | International Agency – Model
Boulevard Agency – Model
Timeless Modeling Agency – Model
FACES – Model
Presenting…Mr. Clyde Saunders.
Q: Please tell us about yourself how you ventured into the modelling industry.
CS: My venture into the fashion world was fairly unconventional. I started out like most just purchasing a typical shape with the instructions to find the matching skin, hair, outfit, and shoes. I was then recruited after my third week in Second Life to join an agency called Club Mannequin, which performed its fashion shows inside a club. I have always had a RL interest in fashion, so the idea of modeling in Second Life definitely intriged me when the offer arose. I walked in my first fashion show just five short weeks into my SL, without any knowledge of walking, posing, or turning. To this day, I have never been “professionally trained” by an academy, but have learned everything through experience and growth in the industry. Ever since my first SL fashion show, I have constantly pushed myself to be a better model.
Check Out The Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te5LfuKN76w
(Recognize That Blond Stud!)
Q: Please tell us about some of your accomplishments within the modelling industry and describe what would be one of the most defining moments of your modelling career.
CS: Over the last two years in my Second Life, there have been countless experiences that have aided in my career getting to the point where it is today. I am very proud of the prestigious agencies I have the pleasure of representing. I currently represent MAD Agency, Modavia, AVENUE, BeStyle, GLANCE | International Agency, Boulevard Agency, Timeless Modeling Agency, IMAGE Models Agency, and FACES. I also am the Director of Costa Rica Sims Productions.
Some of my accomplishments have included RUNWAY Magazine 2008 Model of The Year Nominee, Vain Inc. Magazine Best Male Model 2008 Nominee, and International Fashion Awards 2009 Best Male Model Nominee, and most recently Vain Inc. Magazine Best Male Model 2009 Winner. I was most surprised that by the end of my first year, I was already recognized as one of the top male models in SL. Shortly after my first rezz-day I was the announced as the Face of ALPHAMALE Clothing in 2009. This was an absolutely amazing experience to develop a 1-on-1 relationship with a prolific SL designer. Nothing is more exciting than seeing your photos in ad campaigns and clothing vendors. I also competed in the first Mr. Virtual World pageant as Mr. Greece and was the second runner up! This was also an incredible experience to be a part of such a grand event and to have custom outfits created by some amazing designers. More currently, I was a face of Alatiel Fashions finalist, Opulent Magazine Top 10 Second Life Hottest Hunk, and am currently a face of MOOLTO semi-finalist.
Q: You have certainly established yourself well within the modelling industry. Please tell us what you believe are the essential elements to being a successful model. Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
CS: Being a successful model takes time. Success is not achieved overnight. Some essential elements would definitely be recognizable, yet distinct and unique look, patience, and dedication. Professionalism and reliability are two additional factors that play a major role in the duration of a models career. Nobody wants to work with someone who is unprofessional and unreliable. You can easily be replaced. It is important to keep in mind that models are a canvas for content creators. We style, advertise, and promote products through print and runway modeling.
Modeling in Second Life is a highly competitive career. There are dozens of agencies, and hundreds of models. When starting your career, I would absolutely suggest investing in a model academy in order to learn model basics. These fundamentals will be carried throughout your career. Marketing yourself is another key factor that can get your name noticed by designers, agency owners, and photographers. Webpages such as Flickr, MOOLTO, Pixelook, Plurk, and WordPress can all benefit a model to keep them networking with other members of the fashion community. Above all, be yourself, and do not pretend to be somebody that you are not.
Q: What do you like and dislike about modelling?
CS: I love the designers, photographers, and dedicated agency owners who are able to consistently produce work for many models across the Second Life grid. I am so amazed by both male and female designers and the content they create. So much has changed during the two years I have spent in SL, and it continues to amaze me how quickly things evolve. I also love the fellow models whom I have had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with, both experienced and new. The fashion industry, although it is highly competitive, has many models who truly care and constantly support each other.
I dislike the drama that evolves from the modeling profession. Sometimes it is inevitable, but I do my best to not get involved. Maintaining professionalism at all times is a very admirable characteristic. I also dislike those with a lack of patience, “diva” attitude, lack of respect, and jealousy. Nothing in the modeling profession is handed to you, everything is earned.
Q: Finally, please tell us what motivates you to be a model. Who inspires you the most and what is your inspiration?
CS: I am constantly motivated by the rapid evolution of the Second Life fashion industry, and the rush of walking in a runway show, having a photo shoot, seeing your face in a magazine, or a store, being interviewed, winning contests, and even SL television appearances. I always try to keep myself updated with the latest trends, while having an amazing time with some truly incredible people in this industry.
I am most inspired by music. Music is absolutely amazing and its constantly playing while I am in SL. Various songs may inspire an outfit, or a photograph, or a particular theme for a fashion show. It is just something that can always rely on, no matter what mood your in.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clydesaunders/
http://moolto.ning.com/profile/ClydeSaunders
We sincerely thank Mr. Clyde Saunders for this very informative interview and amazing modeling tips. Please give him some love and leave him a comment below. TY.
The Mind & Musings of RicoRacer Flux 