Q - What image services do you suggest for the professional actor?
A - Whether male or female, understanding good grooming, proportion, suitability, understanding how the camera sees you and having the ability to employ a variety of looks is definitely an asset - in fact, a must in today's competitive market. Understanding makeup application, suitable hairstyling and proper wardrobing for the actor's particular uniqueness is a skill that should be honed as part of their tool box.

A look is like a tool - you need 4 basics - natural, professional, glamorous & a character. As the actor is their product, its smart to keep fit, well groomed and be skilled in producing the basic looks.

Q - Which of these services is the most important in advancing an actors career?
A - Well, with twice the membership and half the production these days, its like any other business. Ask yourself - "what's going to get me out of the starting blocks faster than the people standing next to me?" In business its considered the competitive edge. So I would say all three components.

Great facial focus relies on even skin tone, well shaped brows and defined eyes and lips. Hair styles that balance and give you at least 3 easy variations is your crowning glory. One great fitting suit that is suitably styled with an enhancing colour, and which can be used in a variety of ways is a great investment. When all else fails, your suit won't. And when it feels and looks great your aura becomes more confident. And like in any other business, its always better to dress on the more upscale side than downscale.

We know a hockey player does better if they've had figure skating training; or a narrator does better if they sing; or movement is enhanced by dance training. So wouldn't our character(s) be improved with congruent exterior packaging? If you were selling widgets you would package them so people would want to buy them. The actor's product is her/himself and the same selling principles apply.

Something to consider - What do you do if you're on a low budget gig and they can't afford the makeup and hair artists? You don't want your appearance to be victimized. Being skilled in replicating your package is just plain smart business sense. And as a small business person, it should be thought of as part of your marketing and selling strategies.

Another consideration - A congruent, appropriate look and presentation works better for the camera, the auditors and your agent, than Birkenstocks and cutoffs

Q - At what stage in an actor's career do you recommend they seek the services of an image consultant?
A - The sooner the better. Once you make an impression at an audition it's a lasting one. So its wise to make it a good one. It's a fact that you are judged within the first 7 seconds on your competence and skill levels by how you look! Think about how many seconds it takes to get from the door to your mark. This is 55% of the impressions you make before you even open your mouth.

Q - What is the most advantageous time for an actor to seek an image consultant (before headshots, auditions, performances, etc...)?
A - Definitely all of the foregoing. And if you don't feel confident enough to do your own makeup, hairstyling or wardrobe styling - hire an artist. From a financial perspective, it makes sense to invest in your investment - what good is a photo session if your hair doesn't work, your skin tone is uneven, your still sporting that uni-brow or your wardrobe is overpowering your face? Its called false economy not to get the most out of an investment in your photo shoot. And when you go to an audition it's a really good idea to look just like your picture!

Q - How long does a consultation and/or session last? What is to be expected?
A - Different consultants have different approaches. Personally, I like to work with a video camera so the client has a learning tool for afterwards. A session would take approximately 1 ½ hours and pictures are taken for reference. Men benefit as much as women do in my sessions. And they don't look like they are wearing makeup.

After a month of daily practice, I like to have clients return for a mock audition and show each look with 5 minutes in between to make their changes. Notes are taken and the client is free to tape the critique. A refresher every year or so is a good idea to avoid entrenching bad habits and to adjust to the changes that show up in a maturing physical appearance.

Q - What will an actor come away with after the consultation and/or session?
A - A better understanding and appreciation for their uniqueness and how best to groom, balance and package their product - themselves. I also demonstrate tricks with hair pieces, wigs and styling rats for hair styling and period looks, as well as beard, moustache, goatee and sideburn application tricks for guys. Clients are shown how to go from natural to business to glam with minimal products and established tricks of the trade.

A range of private label makeup for client convenience including media kits for guys is available. Clients love the quality, ease and efficiency. Its about using products as a tool, not being a slave to the fashion industry.

Q - How does an actor go about finding a qualified image consultant?
A - That's a really good question? As performers, we have a very unique approach to our appearance because we need to look a variety of different ways. Its very difficult to get one consultant who is skilled in all three aspects, so you may want to investigate the resources of people within each sector. Do be wary though of "fashion" over "enhancements". Going to a makeup counter, won't usually do the trick. MAC, as an example takes a very fashion forward or avant-garde approach to makeup which may serve the model's needs, but not necessarily the actor's. However, as a performer and a makeup, hair and wardrobe stylist for over 25 years, I certainly have the ingredients that ties these elements together.

Q - What is the most common problem actors seek your advice on?
A - They're not sure what their best looks are so I help define some basic possibilities. For both genders a good foundation is to understand and create a natural, professional, glamorous and at least one character look that's best for the individual.

Q - Could you suggest three simple tricks that an actor could use to improve their on-camera presence?
A - Be very clear about their background and approach(es) to the character, know your lines and enhance your exterior in a way that augments what you are there to do. We all know that putting on a hat or jacket can "bring out the character" in anyone. So defining what you need to wear, being appropriately groomed and having your makeup and hair reflect what you need for the part are essential for underscoring confidence and rounding out the character(s) which are always reflected in the eyes and the aura of the performer.

Q - What is the most important piece of advice you can offer to the professional actor?
A - Hang out with people who share your passion for acting, work on all your skills every day, be smart about your money, and package your skills to reflect the very best of who you are and what you have to offer. In short - your attitude or approach to your passion is the thing. Be as professional toward acting as any other professional in any other arena. I wouldn't want my doctor to use a pen knife rather than a scalpel for surgery.

An important point - being on set should not be considered a spa day or a chance for a free hair cut. The makeup, hair and wardrobe departments frown on people that have this attitude and the "impression" you make with them lasts. But when you show up well groomed, (showered, clean hair, exfoliated and moisturized face, clean and pressed wardrobe) they remember you for that too.

Q - What would you suggest to the actor for dealing with audition or performance nerves?
A - Confidence is one of the greatest nerve fighters there is. And confidence is nothing more than the daily habit of improving your skill set. So that said, practice your looks till they are well honed. Suitably packaging your skills is like putting the icing on the cake, getting "off book" with your lines, or landing the part when you know you deserved it. Its worth every minute of practice for the confidence it instills.

Q - Any final advice for the professional actor or individual?
A - Learn to accept and adapt to your ever changing physical appearance. Always define and augment your strengths. Embrace and minimize your weaknesses. Get out your video camera every six months and tape every angle of your face and body. Then grab the popcorn and a martini (you may need it) and study yourself from every angle - close up and full length. Try different facial expressions and body postures to see which ones work best for you. Have the four basic looks well honed - hair styling, makeup and wardrobe included. Practice each look totally until you can do them quickly and well. That's when they become an important tool that serve you whenever you need.