How to create your own specific Next Real Model page on Facebook

Hi guys...as promised, here are the instructions to create your own page to help in your bid to win the Next Real Model competition.

If you are already logged in, simply go to the menu bar on the left hand side. You should see Ads and Pages under Photos. Click on this and it will take you to an area where you can Create a Page. Simply complete the info there and hit submit. Some ideas on what to call the page are:

Your name for Next Real Model
Vote Your Name for Next Real Model
Your Name to win Next Real Model
The Next Real Model will be Your Name

These are just some suggestions - try to include Next Real Model in the title so it makes it easier for people to search for you. Facebook won't let you call it just Next Real Moel as we already have that one.

If you are not logged into Facebook or do not have a Facebook account (but want one) then simply hit http://www.facebook.com/ and under the signup area you will see a button saying create a page for a business, celebrity, etc. Clcik on this. Complete the form...if not sure, list yourself as a public figure then submit. At this point you wil either have to create an account or sign in. From there it is easy...just type in some info, upload images and you are off and running.

Couple of key things about your page - keep updating it...don't let it just sit there.

Let us know and, if possible, we will add it in our fav pages on the Next Real Model fan page. For some we can't - not sure why but for those we will try to feature you as well. Plus, when you let us know we will add the link on your profiel on the Next Real Model website.

Also, add the Next Real Model page in your favs (the link should be just under your profile pic) and get all your fans to follow our page...they will help to promote you throughout the competition...not just through your page.

Hope this all helps. We look forward to seeing your pages upload soon.

Some thoughts and news from our 2009 Next Real Model winner - Laura Love

“The journey of Next Real Model has been an eye opening one! Not only did I get an amazing amount of prizes but I also have a lifetime supply of Goldmark jewellery to enjoy plus I was also able to give my family and friends lots of gorgeous jewellery for Christmas. I really enjoy giving to others which was wonderful opportunity for me to give them all such lovely gifts. Thank you!

After winning the competition I was over the moon at the opportunity the exposure would bring. In the year I finished my University degree in psychology then shortly after moved to the beautiful Gold Coast and began having an amazing lifestyle. This went hand in hand with modelling and my second degree in Nutritional Medicine which I am now studying. It was amazing that moving to the Gold Coast opened my eyes to the social hub of celebrities up here, I started seeing many models out and about at local beaches and shopping centres, which affirmed to me that moving up here for the lifestyle was a good move :).

I was already with an excellent agency in Sydney but after the competition was signed with an agency up here in Brisbane and had a few excellent experiences of wonderful on location photo shoots in surfers paradise and in amazing Byron Bay – something I have always wanted to do.

I have discovered, that modelling takes a lot of continual discretin. Being the NRM, left me with an enormous responsibility to positively portray women.

I had offers for shoots which were too raunchy and not compatible with the direction I want to go, so in this industry sometimes I had to turn down what seemed like exciting opportunities. I realise I must be centred happy and listen to my feelings to truly create and attract great opportunities into my life.

I was given enormous support and guidance through the wonderful Di Andrews, who I am so thankful for. She is an asset to the competition and a woman of immense class and integrity.

I have realised that I must continue to work on myself from the inside out, to truly shine as a model and believe in myself, which is why I have taken some time out to refocus my energies and to someday better re-enter modelling when I have study, health and fitness all in a great balance. I am a very health conscious person and this combined with a positive mental attitude is my number 1 priority.

In the new year I hope to work on the Gold Coast as a professional model, as long trips into Brisbane are quite demanding in the midst of my tertiary studies. I have approached some fantastic agencies who are itching to sign me in the new year until then I am working on my portfolio, which is a models necessity to ensure work. Thank you Next Real Model for the journey and teaching me so many invaluable lessons!

I have learnt not to take myself so seriously, to love who I am and believe in myself. Modelling should be fun and enjoyed! May next years winner be passionate about the experience and be in for an exciting, eye opening real look at the world of modelling. May they know that everything on our journey contributes to our growth to ultimately teach us about who we are and what we value!

Have fun on the journey, wherever it may lead you!

Love & Light :)

Laura xx“

Government's Body Image Initiative stalled until after the election

Last month we wrote a post to let you know about the Body Image Initiative that the Minister for Youth had launched. We were very keen to get behind it and support in whatever way we could...as we believe the Next Real Model concept embodies what the initiative is trying to achieve.

We contacted the Minister, Kate Ellis MP to let her know about the concept and to extend our support. A couple of days ago I received a letter from her department commenting that, due to election, the Government is essentially putting the initiative on hold....fair enough I suppose, although it is very disappointing.

There have been many people working behind the scenes on this and we would encourage everyone after the election to ensure the incoming Government does not simply shelve this great initiative. Let's be sure to ask the question...as I am sure the many committees and bodies who had input will do also.