FAQs

I AM A DESIGNER...
...and someone got in touch with me saying they were from Metro, and demanded free samples of my work. What's going on?
...how can hiring Metro Models help me sell my products as a virtual designer?
...and was wondering, how much would a fashion show cost me?
...and I'm just starting out and I don't have a lot of L$ to start. Can you still help me?

I AM A MODEL...
...and I want to join Metro, how do I apply?
...and was wondering if I should join an exclusive agency in Second Life?
...and was wondering what I should pay for model training in Second Life?
...or rather, I want to be, and was wondering if I have what it takes to be a model?

DESIGNERS

Q. Someone got in touch with me saying they were from Metro, and demanded free samples of my work. What's going on?
A. This is a known scam that affects any model agency in Second Life. Only Alaska Metropolitan or a staff member listed on this site will be in contact with designers. Anyone else is simply using the agency name in the hopes of ripping you off.

Q. How can hiring Metro Models help me sell my products as a virtual designer?
A. You could market your products youself. You could design your ads, come up with your branding, run your own promotions, and so on. But by hiring an outside fashion agency to take care of some (or all) of these things, you are getting experienced team that knows what works. You also have more time to work on products and come up with new ones.

Q. How much would a fashion show cost me?
A. There is a sliding scale for show production costs, which varies depending on your needs. After talking to you a bit about what we can offer, we'd be happy to provide an estimate. There are also three packages we can provide if you're a little bit indecisive, priced to meet any budget. :)

Q. I am a new designer and I don't have a lot of L$ to start. Can you still help me?
A. Yes! There's an informative blog entry you can read on 10 cheap (or free) things you can do to promote your business. We also offer a spotlight on new designers called New Shoots. This fashion show is free to designers under 6 months of age, and the next New Shoots will be held in December 2008.

MODELS

Q. I want to model with Metro, how can I apply?
A. We regret to inform potential applicants that our agency is currently full. Please watch the blog for open calls or more information. We are not accepting model applications/portfolios/notecards at this time.

Q. Should I join an exclusive model agency in Second Life?
A. Modelling in SL works a little differently from First Life. Fashion shows and shoots happen, but there are many aspiring models in the virtual world and not a huge amount of well-paid work. We suggest joining as many agencies as possible to get the most work you can as a model. Many model agency directors are friends, share info/models, and network. It's not a conflict of interest for Metro if you join more than one agency.

Q. Should I pay for model training in Second Life?
A. This is a personal decision. Like First Life, some models go through a school and find the experience rewarding and helpful to their career. Others found it better to learn on their own. You are not required to pay for any training to be a Metro Model and our workshops are free for agency-signed models. There is a drop-in training fee for models who are not signed with the agency, to cover instruction costs.

Q. Do I have what it takes to be a model?
A. First Life and Second Life's modelling worlds are almost a direct reversal. In First Life, "model" standard beauty is quite rare and agents often overlook a lack of intelligence or personality in favour of an astonishing face. In Second Life, anyone can look fabulous. What makes a great virtual model is good communication, a good work ethic, a love of fashion and a great personality. Models who are asked to come back time and time again are the ones who help others, are kind backstage, and follow directions well on shoots and on the runway.