Sometimes life gives you lemons….. make lemonade.
I was thinking over what has been in the last week. First off finding out I didnt make it for the last week of Beningborough was a little bit of a blow but I am up against some pretty stiff competition. I must say the pictures were of a great calibre this week. If you havent seen them then go to http://houseofbeningborough.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/beningborough-model-awards-finalists-week-4-runway-models/ to see the lovely finalists and from that there was the monthly winner Naiya Kazyanenko – so congratulations to her and her wonderful pictures 
The next blow was the disappearance of one Jason Grant – CEO of MPI Agency and also the main co-ordinator of the Miss Refined competition that myself and 24 other contestants were competing in. At first it was thought something serious has occurred to Mr Grant but sadly it seems like so many others on SL that his RL issues have taken over and he is no where to be seen or to be contacted. As such the competition exists no more and the agency has been removed. This was a great disappointment and shock to many of the girls and very upsetting for the MPI family as we have been torn apart as an agency. It was sad to see so many valuable members leave and have to find work else where.
Personally I was upset at the effort some of us had put into the contest only to have nothing to show for it. But on a good note I have enjoyed blogging and when I can will continue to do so as I find it very cathartic to do. I am afraid I will not be blogging in the same vigour as the competition denotes but will promise that you will have a few little tit bits so to speak from me a week
So lots of bad with a little bit of good news there… I have been lucky to be cast in two up and coming shows and ill shamelessly promote them later on when I have full details. One is the Red Carpet event for Infinite Focus agency with lots of great designers. THe second has been postponed more for January but I am looking forward to it – FSC will be putting on a show with designer Detaleez and I am so excited that I am involved as it is a punk show Look forward to hearing more about that. I think in an earlier post I showed you the skin and hair also an outfit I used to for the casting so you get the idea
Finally the good news – I was made a model with SSMA – Sophisticated Secrets Modeling Agency through the work and studies I have done with Fashion Institute. I would like to thank Colby and Thalia for all the help they have given me and the many wonderful mentors and trainers at the institute. Also to Rumour Market the Dean of the institute for all her help in guiding me through my path. I am so thrilled to be working with them and hope to enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with the agency. Please go check them inworld they really do try to suit their courses to you here is their web site also http://www.fashionpalace.tk/
Well that brings me to present date of things I have been up to and on with and I hope that I can write a little more frequently to tell you more about what has been happening with me.
I do hope to also show you some pics I have had done through Anita Claven for the Anges Finney – My Precious Royal Princess. Here is a taster for you
TTYL
Keeley ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
Musings of a model.
This weekend is really a good time for me to catch up on things. I know once I get home from work on Friday that I need to start getting orgainsed for the week ahead. I have quite a few shows and some fashion shoots coming up. Some of the many things a model must do.
1. Organise Inventory – very important because you need to know at all time where things are.
2. Make sure the huds you are using for shows have the most appropriate poses for the outfit and show you are presenting.
3. Make sure the clothes that I am wearing for shows are in files with all accessories including hair, skin, jewelery, eyelashes, shoes, the works.
4. Have the files located easily for the show with notices and running orders.
5. Sort some folders with all items needed for photo shoot.
6. Check for prims and adjustments just before shows or shoots.
This is just to name a few things to do. I am sure the list will grow as I go
TTFN
Keeley~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
Challenge me baby !!
Well its been a while since the last challenge was due I was expecting by new we will have heard about this new half challenge but as yet nothing. MMMh maybe they are concocting something truly outstanding for the last one. I was pondering over what it might be. Style an outfit in twenty mins?? Creat a mini show of our own with three outfits for a runway walk?? A Miss America style q and a show?? Maybe to create our own walk up and down the runway in a three min time slot? What they have in store is a true surprise. Many of the girls have been working so hard for Miss Refined. Lots of them keeping up with their blogs, some of them finding friends and family from far corners of the SL world to vote on the site. And just a few have posted their interviews with a variety of people from friends to imaginary Oprah appearances and like me interviews with real SL journalists for SL magazines. All in all I am sure like me they are hanging on tenterhooks. Things have been a little slower for me of recent days which has been good as it has allowed me to do my blog regularly and to make sure I have things up to date. I did however manage to pick up two shows which I am pleased about and through my store modeling I have been meeting more and more contestants for Miss Refined with the different things I have been doing and it is lovely to chat with most of the girls about the challenges we have been set as well as their experiences. It really feels like they are part of a little family on SL
TTYL
Keeley ~~~~~~~~~~~@
Casting punk style.
Tonight I went off for a casting with FSC model agency. They are a fairly new agency and I was lucky to be accepted way back when they had their opening a few months ago. They also host a shop for clothes called Zeen. The two ladies that run the agency and the shop are Elyna Carver and Jennifer Felissimo. To very lovely people I have had the fortune to know.
We were give a skin and eyes and asked to style ourselves in a punk style for the casting. I was very nervous but did what I thought a punk was like. I didnt know till i googled the meaning that there were so many different types of punks. It was really interesting to find out what Wikipedia had to say.
Please excuse the above pictures but as anyone knows trying to take a pic listen to the instructions and model is soooo hard to do:)
2 Different styles
2.1 Standard punk
2.2 Hardcore
2.3 Anarcho-punk
2.4 Crust punk
2.5 Gothic rock, deathrock and horror punk
2.6 Psychobilly
2.7 Skate punk
2.8 Pop punk
2.9 Droog
2.10 Suicidals
I must say I wont copy all the information here but it was unbelievable all the different styles. I real enjoyed the styling and choose the following items
Skin : *NOIR* female skin
Eyes: *NOIR* eyes
Hair : .::MADesigns HAIR::. ~ SETH ~ CB V
Clothes :>>GothiCatz<< Dystopian
Shoes:BAX Ankle Boot Black Patent
Accessories: Gems and Kisses long drop earrings.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and was so lucky to make the cut with five other talented people including the girl you can see in front of me Kat.
Well done everyone a great casting.
TTYL
Keeley~~~~~~~~~~~~@
Challenge 3 : Interview for Catalyst of Fantasy Magazine.
Firstly I just would like to take the time to say thank you so much to Noa Daffyd a fantastic person all round for allowing me the option of doing a real interview for my Challenge. It was lovely using a real live interview as the basis for this challenge.
“I like to keep true to my ideals as a person”
Written by Noa Daffyd, writer for Catalyst of Fantasy Magazine
The Miss Refined International contest is in full swing. Through all the heavy challenges, Miss Keeley Cooperstone made some time to speak with the Catalyst of Fantasy Magazine. We found out that this Miss isn’t only beauty. She also has brains and a warm heart.
*Miss Keeley Cooperstone can you tell us something about you?*
I am fairly new into the fashion industry, but I have been educating myself in as many aspects of SL as possible. I have developed not only a bit of my building skills, but photography as well. I see it as a huge learning curve that is only the start of what I want to achieve. So far I have been trained by one agency, but I ‘m about to finish training at Fashion Institute. This has helped me to develop my skills even more. Through this I have met some of the industries greatest teachers and models. Through listening to them and asking advice I think I’ve learned more then I ever could learn on the runway or in a studio.
*What do you want to achieve as a model?*
I want to be good enough that I can say that I’ve walked for the best designers, but still have managed to keep grounded as a person. When I’ve reached that I want to pass on what I learn to other aspiring models.
*Would winning Miss Refined International be one of those achievements?*
Competing in Miss Refined International already is an achievement for me. When the competition came along, I had barely graduated from Modelpages International. As nervous as I was, I walked down the runway with my hands shaking on the keyboard. It was my first official casting and I tried my best in front of the judges. I was lucky enough to be selected from the thirty girls that applied in September!
*You’ve came really far, how?*
I think an element of it has to be luck or fate, being in the right place and right time. But also the right outfit, hair and the right competition. I thought really long and hard about my styling and the poses I could use. I hope that through that and through my written application they saw I was serious and committed. I was determined and able to walk against some of the best models.
*Why did you enter the contest for Miss Refined International?*
The main reason was to prove to myself. I wanted to see if i had what it took while being under pressure by a judge. If I crumble too easily, I wouldn’t be made out of the tough material that all models need to be.
*How do you judge your chances against the other contestants?*
I think we all have a chance, but the important thing is to remain focused and to always try your best. For me that’s been my motto the whole way through. I feel that is what will help me in the end. To keep true to myself to make sure that I do my best. I do have a great fondness for many of my competitors and we all have crossed paths at some stage. But again it is a competition and we all have to focus on what we are here for.
*Obvious you came for winning the crown. You have to do some challenges for that, how did they go so far?*
You never expect to write a business plan for a competition. Or to write a blog two times a day for a whole week and maintain that for a month. But I think I have taken them on board quite well and I now enjoy my blogging. The business side opened up a new door for me and I did get to learn more about promoting myself. For some that is a huge effort, but I managed to apply it to me. I am quite impressed that the contest is also about other aspects then looking lovely. It challenges the brain as well.
*One of the challenges was to fake an interview, why did you chose to do it with a real SL writer?*
I hoped that by using a real SL writer, I would have a more authentic account of my thoughts. It would have been very easy to write what I wanted, but how would that show the commitment that I feel? I also felt that doing an interview with a real writer would enable me to experience to be a spokesmodel for Miss Refined International.
*What are you willing to do to win?*
I like to keep true to my ideals as a person. I try not to compromise my beliefs. It is important to have a hunger to win, but not at all costs. I would be prepared to do what I need, but within the boundaries of decency and with others in mind. You won’t see any knee knobbling here. I want to be chosen for the right reasons. As the title says its for Miss Refined and for me that means someone who is elegant and suggested taste. Who also showed and has good feelings, one who was not vulgar and/or displayed no impurities. I want to emulate the meaning of refined and in doing that I do not have to trample or upset anyone
*What would it do to you if you won?*
It would be a great step to what I want to achieve. Not only would it bring me some more notoriety, but it also allows me to share with others what I’ve learned. I hope it shows people that you don’t have to be rude, aggressive and nasty to get where you want. Kindness and consideration as well as sharing helps us all. That’s how I want my career in modeling to go.
*The final question, why are you Miss Refined International ‘10?*
I am Miss Refined International because the judges recognised that I have developed, changed and challenged myself along the way. In doing this I still remained who I am as a person.
TTYL
Keeley ~~~~~~~~~~@
Wicca’s Wisdom.
Once upon a time you get an opportunity to do something that you don’t normally do and for me that was attending the session at Fashion Institute where you could talk to the famous Wicca Merlin in an Open Forum with Wicca. The info for the session only said ‘We are delighted to invite you and all of your friends to an open forum with Wicca Merlin. Wicca is a top professional model in SL and here is your chance to come and quiz her on any aspect of modeling.’
I was quite interested in what she would have to say and curious how one of the best in the industry handled the pressure and all the requirements of modeling. It was a great talk and she was a lovely person to be so honest, open and frank. We listened to her talk about her time in the modeling industry and some do’s and don’ts she would suggest. As well as talking about some interesting things that had happened to her during her time so far. She had some very good advice about being unique and to have a unique style and I didn’t realise how much trouble she went to, to keep her face as similar for all pictures as possible – so the brand of Wicca Merlin remains the same. It was interesting also to hear about other areas of modeling and the fashion industry that she was involved with. I think she was promoting as it being very important as a model to be involved in your agency in other capacity. I really was so enthralled by the session and it was lovely to have Shal come along with me to support me in some of my training. He is good he always helps out and I think honestly I am very fortunate to have such a supportive special person in my life . During the time with Wicca I was fortunate enough to ask a question so I included the information about what I asked and what was said. What a great answer
[15:48] Wicca Merlin: if you like to ask it is Keeley
[15:48] Keeley Cooperstone: I just was interested how do you find the time to fit in all that you do
[15:48] Sparkie Funizza: lol good question
[15:49] Sakura23 Bleac: lol that is good
[15:49] Wicca Merlin: against all rumors i have an RL ..i have the advantage that iam a musician in RL so i can do my schedule by my own
[15:49] Wicca Merlin: but
[15:49] Wicca Merlin: count the time you have
[15:49] Wicca Merlin: for your self
[15:49] Keeley Cooperstone:
[15:49] Wicca Merlin: and then think what all you can handle
[15:49] Wicca Merlin: and think about what takes you hwo long
[15:49] Wicca Merlin: for example
[15:50] Wicca Merlin: if you have 4 hours time
[15:50] Wicca Merlin: you can go to the store you model for ..then you can open a small window for example photoshop and edit your pics or write a note cards and you even can pay attention for the incoming customers
[15:51] Keeley Cooperstone: lol yeps im hearing my life right now
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: then you can sort your inventory and thinking about what time you else have for another appointment
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: time managing is it
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: get yourself an agenda
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: for SL onöly
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: only
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: get in your important RL times
[15:51] Keeley Cooperstone: multi tasking
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: and make frames of times in a colored way when you have time to do some
[15:51] Wicca Merlin: write that down and follow that plan
[15:51] prazillo Lemon is Online
[15:51] Keeley Cooperstone: nods
[15:52] Wicca Merlin: never change a running system and first come first serve
[15:52] Noa Daffyd: are there any agenda’s you can use in-world?
[15:52] Wicca Merlin: nop
[15:52] Wicca Merlin: i only have a “ols” paper calendar”
[15:52] Wicca Merlin: that never gets lost
[15:52] Wicca Merlin: or SL eaten
[15:52] Rumour Market: great discipline!!
[15:52] Sakura23 Bleac: lol
[15:52] Veronica Krasner: right I use my cellphone and set it with alarms
[15:52] Wicca Merlin: or some else
[15:52] Talyia Tarber: google calendar is wonderful.
[15:52] Anabella Ravinelli: lol
[15:52] Keeley Cooperstone: i use google
[15:52] Keeley Cooperstone: snap
[15:52] Anabella Ravinelli: google is amazing
[15:52] Sakura23 Bleac: *hugz google*
[15:52] Rumour Market: hehehe google fanatics R Us!
[15:52] Anabella Ravinelli: hehe
[15:52] Keeley Cooperstone: lol
[15:52] Lorac Cleanslate: yes I do all threee
[15:52] Lorac Cleanslate: have back ups
[15:52] Anabella Ravinelli: (thanks to Colby and Tal)
[15:52] Wicca Merlin: iam a very “classy ” person and always scared that all what i don’t have in my hand can get lost
[15:53] Keeley Cooperstone: mmh
[15:53] Wicca Merlin: but everyone can set his or her own favourites to use what is the best
[15:53] Keeley Cooperstone: ty wicca
Well I look forward to other sessions like this so that I can learn more about how to be my best from the best – learning is so important to development.
TTYL
Keeley~~~~~~~~~~@
Madness, complete madness.
Well today at 8AM SLT time I was helping out the wonderful crew of Rock Me Amadeus where I currently store model.
The contest involves the applicants to upload a picture three quarters to full length wearing an outfit from our store. It is available to experienced and professional people as well as anyone that just enjoys taking great pictures in good clothes. The applicants get their pictures up on our wall and for the week their friends can vote for them. As well as this form of choosing winning entries some of the models and the owner Amadeus Beattie will be selecting the pictures they feel have tried their hardest and these can come from all walks of SL life. I was very proud to be associated with this contest as Ama and the girls try to keep all the people entering aware of the rules and keep them above board and honest.
I was ready in store before the 8 am kick off but I could not believe how popular this actually was. Many of the other models that have been with Amadeus when they held a similar competition said it was totally mad and they were 100% right. I just could not believe all the people that were there before time and after 8 am had been and gone more upon more upon more came to get their pictures up. Total madness. We were helping people left right and centre and even when I managed to take a breath it was two hours later and I didn’t realise the time had passed by. Amazing I do not think I have ever seen something quite like this.
I must admit I do not envy Ama having to make a decision about the winning pictures. But over time it will become more apparent when we get to inspect the pictures closer that some people have really put lots of effort into their entries. I can’t wait to see what comes with the week and any new challenges that are thrown up as the models work in store to support this event.
TTYL
Keeley~~~~~~~~~~@
My greatest achievements.
Today when chatting with a friend I was reminded how much things have changed and the sorts of events and achievements that I have had since starting in Second Life. Back in the day when I first started out it was an achievement for me to actually move around with out bumping into people and going into sims half dressed 
I finally progressed to an acceptable avi that soon learnt in a few weeks the ins and out of navigating around Second Life as well as how to put together a moderately well made avi. Although I did have to answer the question of was I an alt a billion times. We move forward a few months and I was sucessful in aquring a job for Kayia Islands at one of their sims called Cupids Lagoon. It was a dream job in those times Hosting a venue with some fab people learning lots in Second Life and enjoying a job I loved to do. Sadly I had to leave as I was possibly moving in real life and also I wanted to spend a little more time doing my real life job. After a few months things settled down and I decided that it was time to try a new venture. That was when modeling came along and tempted me. So I signed up to a few agencies and it was Modelpages International that won my heart. My first big achievement there was to start the programme with them. Then I was lucky enough to graduate all be it a little later then I had hoped due to real life interruptions. Graduation day was wonderful and my first real live fashion show with them. I also managed in the same month to get selected for Miss Refined International and as a new model it was a huge achievement. Next along the line was to be lucky enough to be accepted to Rock Me Amadaeus as a in store model. I love working for the store and my family of girls are the best. In the last two months I think my greatest achievement has been being accepted into the Miss Refined contest. It was a great honour to be put through in Septembers round and I am totally enjoying the challenges to make it through to the finals. Recently I have also spent time on the House of Beningborough runway. It was also another highlight in my modeling career to have my pictures chosen as weekly winners with some of the best in the business. Of course there have been many others like walking in shows for a variety of other agencies. But to me these are the ones that stick out them most.
To finish with I want to try and include a song that I find inspirational. I played this for children in Year 6 in my RL job – we try to encourage them to stive for the skies It is their last year in our primary school age and a great song for end of year to help them remember how great they are
Click the link to hear a live version
R. KELLY
Miscellaneous
World’s Greatest
Album: Chocolate Factory (2003)I am a mountain
I am a tall tree
Ohhh, I am a swift wind
Sweepin’ the country
I am a river
Down in the valley
Ohhh, I am a vision
And I can see clearly
If anybody asks u who I am
Just stand up tall look ‘em in the Face and sayI’m that star up in the sky
I’m that mountain peak up high
I made it
I’m the worlds greatest
And I’m that little bit of hope
When my backs against the ropes
I can feel it mmm
I’m the worlds greatestI am a giant
I am an eagle
I am a lion
Down in the jungle
I am a marchin’ band
I am the people
I am a helpin’ hand
And I am a hero
If anybody asks u who I am
Just stand up tall look ‘em in the Face and sayI’m that star up in the sky
I’m that mountain peak up high
I made it
I’m the worlds greatest
And I’m that little bit of hope
When my backs against the ropes
I can feel it
I’m the worlds greatest
Makes me smile
TTYL
Keeley ~~~~~~~~~~~@
Say cheese.
LOL well as the title suggest its not about the well loved dairy product but rather about a class I attended in SL on the Ins & Outs of Photoshoots and was taken by Anabella Ravinelli. I have talked about the Fashion Institute a little and although my fantastic grounding as a model was done at ModelPages International, which I will be ever so grateful for. I feel that they are my first true family of models in Second Life but Fashion Institute is where I have been further developing my studies. I am only a lesson or two away from graduating with a bachelors there. So decided to attend the photography one to see if there was anything else I could learn to make shoots more professional. It was great luckily for me I was the only class member that night so got some specialist treatment. The class was mainly focusing on these areas….
This class will cover how to be professional and easy for the photographer to work with, as well as poses and preparation. Class will consist of both lecture and hands-on practice.
It was funny when we did go up and try some hands on practice
We arrived in a fake photo shoot room. Anabella played the part of a model and I was to play the part of the photographer and we acted out a photo shoot. It was interesting as she started chatting to me in local chat and after everything said to me prior being I love to talk for England I totally forgot that its more appropriate in IM for a photo shoot !! Well it was certainly strange being the other one behind the camera and it did make me appreciate how difficult it would be taking a photograph and then having a model twittering on or not paying attention. So I guess the main thing that I learned from this class is make sure you pay lots of attention and that you don’t interrupt the photographer whilst they are working unless its to clarify something. Keep chat to a minimum! Something to learn to take on with me into the future.
TTYL
Keeley ~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
That was me then…. This is me now……
Well we got the official second challenge in on Sunday and as part of the challenge as I mentioned before we had to complete a picture of our avatars from the time we started out to where we have got ourselves to now. It was a great experience as I had to redress and put on all my old avatar skin and hair and what ever clothes I could find that I used to wear back in the day. Luckily its just over a year for me so not all of it was gone yet. But it did make me think i need a huge clean out
Here is the resulting picture that is now up at the ModelPages website http://modelpages.net for voting. I suppose I could beg unashamedly for votes but it would not be very refined now would it
TTYL
Keeley ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
