Androgyny 101

Hello All, So I decided to put more thoughts to “paper”… Everyday I’m asked at last 5/6 questions regarding modeling so I wanted to address one that I get most frequent. “How do I become an Androgynous Model?”  Well like with anything aspiration this does not occur overnight. It takes work, it takes heart and most importantly it takes dedication. Most important it takes passion. It has to be more than the fact that you are photogenic! I find myself repeating the following step actions almost daily to folks so! I decided to officially blog my words. Now this doesn’t mean if you follow exactly what I say that you will automatically be a successful Androgynous Model. BUT! It does guarantee that you will be equipped with some knowledge. And as we all know “Knowledge is power”....   1.       Research your Market. Who and what do you wish to appeal too? This will help you determine what action steps you should be taking. For example if you wish to be a “Fitness Model” you probably wouldn’t want to spend time submitting your portfolio to agencies and representatives that deal mainly with your “GQ” Model types. Know your Market! 2.       Research your Craft! If you wish to be an androgynous model. Know the definition! Know how it applies to you and know how you wish to bring life to the craft. Secondly I strongly recommend that you know of at least 3 to 4 other models working in your category! 3.       Which leads me to my third point: Make yourself familiar with the works of others working in your field. You should know who is flourishing! You should also make note of those beginning. At all times you should be aware of what’s working and what is not working.. 4.       Figure out your strong points. This includes features, body, your walk, your presence etcetera. It’s also very important to know! That all models won’t be great at both Print and Runway. 5.       Which is a great Segway to my next point. All feminine women dressed in masculine clothing does not automatically mean you are “Androgynous”. This takes me back to point number 2. Know the definition of Androgyny and Androgynous (Because in all actually the term may not even apply to you.)   Well: Instead of cramming your brains all at once. Stay tuned for part two…. Much Love, ~Vjay      

Androgynous???

Vjay's Androgynous Thoughts: Just felt like releasing some thoughts and a few facts. Seems like nowadays "androgynous" is one of the most over used words in the English definition!. Or maybe it's just in my world.. I definitely don't have a problem with the word itself because truly it's how I choose to identify. My issue happens to be those who use it...But have no idea what it means.... so allow me to drop a little knowledge if you will. Androgyny refers to the combination of masculine and feminine characteristics. Sexual ambiguity may be found in fashion, gender identity, sexual identity, or sexual lifestyle. It could also refer to biologicalinter sex physicality, especially with regards to plant and human sexuality.[1] Etymology The term derives from the Latin: androgynus, derived from Ancient Greek: ἀνδρόγυνος, from ἀνήρ, stemἀνδρ- (anér, andr-, meaning man) and γυνή (gunē, gyné, meaning woman).[2] History Androgyny and homosexuality are seen in Plato’s Symposium in a myth that Aristophanes tells the audience. [3] People used to be spherical creatures, with two bodies attached back to back who cartwheeled around. There were three sexes: the male-male people who descended from the sun, the female-female people who descended from the earth, and the male-female people who came from the moon. This last pairing represented the androgynous couple. These sphere people tried to take over the gods and failed. Zeus then decided to cut them in half and had Apollo stitch them back together leaving the navel as a reminder to not defy the gods again. If they did, he would cleave them in two again to hop around on one leg. Plato states in this work that homosexuality is shameless. This is one of the earlier written references to androgyny. Gender identity For humans, androgyne (/ˈændrədʒaɪn/ an-drə-jyn) in terms of gender identity is a person who does not fit neatly into the typical masculine and femininegender roles of their society. Androgynes may also use the term "ambigender" or "polygender" to describe themselves. Many androgynes identify as being mentally between woman and man, or as entirely genderless. They may identify as "non-gendered", "gender-neutral", "agendered", "between genders", "genderqueer", "multigendered", "intergendered", "pangender" or "gender fluid".[4] Hope this helps! Androgynous Is more then just a female in men's clothes or a male in female clothes. It's a lifestyle. It's a culture. It's art brought to life. My journey through androgyny has opened my eyes to all things beautiful in any state... Photo credits by: Mye'l Lassiter of L'eym Photography:

Men's Fashion Week Chicago 2014

Hey All, I'm finally back up and blogging. I KNOW it's been a while. Life has been super hectic. 24 hours in a day just isn't enough! But I wanted to make my first entry for 2014! A new year! And hopefully new opportunities! This year I have many exciting projects planned. And I can't wait to start to see them unfold. My first major project will be Men's Fashion Week Chicago 2014! Over 200 models auditioned from all over! Only 60 were chosen! By the grace of God! I made the cut! When I started my runway mission in 2009 my goal has always been the same. "To diversify the Face of Modeling". As 2014 rings in humbly my mission and focus remains the same. "I May not make it to the mountain top" but one day I know my people will... Much Love, ~Vjay

Dream Award Nominee !

Hello All, I have been nominated as one of Chicago's top Androgynous models! Please take a moment to cast your vote for Vjay! At www.dreamawards.info. You can vote until June 25th 5pm! Thank you so much for your continued support! ~Vjay: The Androgynous Model

Model Spot Light

Hello All, Check out what's new in Vjay's World! As models one of the most important things we all must do is Brand ourselves! You are your brand! Are you looking to branch out, network, and see others on the same mission? Well then submit your information for a chance to be featured on the model spotspot light section. Please included: Name, model name, years you have been modeling and at least 3 pictures to: Vjminer10@hotmail.com Good Luck! ~Vjay

Getting back to Me

Hello All, Its been far too long! It's ironic how happiness can cause one to lose inspiration to write. One would think that happiness would act as a muse and inspire all sorts of creativity. But for me it's the opposite. It's pain , worry, and doubt that brings me back to my humble beginnings of writing. For years it's been simply my pen and pad that's acted as my band aid. The one source thats never casted judgment on how i feel or what's hidden deep inside me. To be candid with self means to truly look at self naked and examine what's in front of you. This is my challenge i have placed before myself. To find all of self. The parts i recognize, the parts i love, the unfamiliar parts and even those parts that frighten me. There is no clear goal one can set with this... I can't say what i lost or gained like with weight.... I can't physically measure my growth like with hair... But i still embark on this journey of getting back to me. There is a part of me i lost a long time ago... And i realized i need that back... Much love, ~Vjay

Androgynous Modeling 101

Androgynous Modeling : 101 (continued)

Lately I have been getting a lot of questions about HOW TO BECOME AN ANDROGYNOUS MODEL? Well contrary to belief you just don’t wake up on Saturday morning and decide “I want to become an Androgynous model.” Well you can ..but in the long run.. Like with anything else you decide to do it takes time, dedication, preparation, and willingness to really take heed and learn from others. Modeling is a craft. You must study and practice to turn your craft into a skill.  You can eventually turn your craft into an amazing art form. But this will not happen overnight and it most definitely will not happen if you do not have the passion for it.  Your skill level may not be the best when you start but with a combination of what I just mention and the will to thrive, it definitely puts you on the right path for success.

 

First lesson in Androgyny 101 is... Know what an Androgynous model is and/ or does. There are many types of Androgynous model so you may not fit into every category or you particularly may not even fit in any of these categories. Educate yourself and most importantly don’t be discouraged by the discovery of this because Androgynous modeling over all is a fairly new category of models and there is definitely room for a broader definition. Androgynous models will not have it easy. You have to remember in modeling there isn’t a actual need for models like us.. With that being said our mission is to create that need and deliver.

 

Second lesson in Androgyny 101 is… You are your product at all times as a model you want to be seen in the best light. This does not mean you can’t have fun or you have to live a very boring life, but what it does mean is, instantly you become a role model for others. There will always be someone who is inspired by your courageousness and your journey so you’re every action on the stage and off the stage will be magnified. Be ready! And be someone that demands respect.

 

Third lesson in Androgyny 101 is… You are your business!. You are an independent business looking to be “hired” by a major corporation. Represent your business how you would as if you were applying for the job of your dreams. This means, have a model resume (this will accurate list all your relative experience, business references, and most important your credentials and contact information.) Next, create a business card. This could be fairly simple. As long as it has your contact information and ways that interested perspectives can get in contact with you, then you have met this objective. Also a business card comes in handy when placed in any network situation. Pen and paper or phones may not always be readily available, but a business card could literally save the day. Plus it looks way more professional. With Androgynous modeling being so new, it is important that we be professional at all times. Also, it is very important that you market yourself. It’s very easy to get lost in this ocean we call modeling, so it is very important you create a platform to stand on.

 

 

STAY TUNNED FOR THE NEXT 3 LESSONS…

 

Remember Rome was not build overnight and a prosperous Androgynous modeling career will not begin overnight either.

 

Much Love,

~Vjay: The Androgynous Model

Giving you what you want...

Welcome Back!,

After careful consideration and many requested I decided to ask a question with a very simple YES or NO response. I have been asked by different people where can I buy “VJAY STUFF” from? Initially I was humbled by that question and simply replied with, “well, there isn’t any.” After I’ve been asked by many people and after I have filled a few special request, I decided to revisit that initial question I was asked. As a result, I wanted to see, if this was a good idea of not. Should I create “VJAY STUFF.” This would include items like: buttons, magnets, pictures, t0shirts, desk calendars, coffee mugs, pens, note pads, etc… The idea baffles me a bit that someone would want to drink coffee or tea out of a coffee mug with a picture of me on it lol, but after being asked 5 times, I figured why not give it a try. Before I do I wanted to do a quick poll to see how many ppl would be interested in buying “VJAY STUFF” and what exactly would you like to see.

STAY Tuned I will put up two polls just to get a better idea of what my next move should be,

As always! I appreciate everyone who has supported me and my vision! Much love and Respect,

~Vjay