As America’s Next Top Model‘s “petite cycle” launches tonight, many people have wondered whether it’s even possible for a model under 5’8″ to get any work.  The answer is yes – just not in the fashion industry (unless, of course, more designers decide to specialize in the shorter woman).  Isobella Jade, who at “almost 5’4″ has been booked for TLC, Teen Vogue, Marshalls, Victoria’s Secret and more. Isobella is also an avid blogger and has written two books.  The first, Almost 5’4″, is now available in stores and online and her graphic novel, Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior, hits stores later this year.

Isobella Jade has faced many challenges over the years. She has, for example, been homeless, crashing at people’s apartments and eating fast food on a daily basis.  Her first book was entirely written at an Apple Store.  However, this has not stopped Isobella Jade from getting ahead in her career through promoting herself through blogging, podcasting, YouTube videos.  She also sends numerous photos to agencies over and over until she is called back.  She has even reached out to media and has received attention with major outlets such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Ad Age and even Fashion Television.

Isobella Jade on being the height issue – why height rarely receives attention when it comes to body image:

Well we can’t control our height as much as our weight perhaps? Looking proportioned can be a challenge for a shorter girl, and the more proportioned she is, the taller she will look. Heels of course can help to lengthen the leg. And certain colors of clothing can make a person look thinner which can make you look more proportioned and taller. I personally wish more retailers/designers would create more jeans, dresses, gowns, and skirts that work for a shorter girl’s inseam.  There needs be more trendy petite labels out there.  We need them!

On her books, Almost 5’4″ and Model Life:

Almost 5’4” is my written dream come true, but it wasn’t always like this. At first it was like therapy to write.  The book is written from journals and from memories of the not so glamorous moments I encountered during my early days modeling. Revisiting the start of my modeling pursuits was refreshing and closure. I typically like reading about the “start” of someone, not just about their existing success, so I started writing Almost 5’4” as a tribute to all I had been through as a shorter-than-average model.

I started blogging and using social media after I finished my first  book – I also podcast weekly and have my own channel on YouTube. Because of all the media about the modelling industry, I felt that to an extent, I had to give a voice to the short girl, to give the right perspective. The book, Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior, is an illustrated format based on the experiences I have had as a model.  With a comic book feel, yet it is very humanistic with a New York City skyline. The graphic novel is not like typical comics/graphic novels in that it involves sort of a mixed media of art including illustration, photography and little written journals throughout the story.  

Tips for “non-standard” sized models:

Get good photos!  A nice headshot, facial shot will get you further than any other shot. So, focus on working with a professional photographer and getting that beautiful headshot made.  After the headshot get some full body shots of you showing your personality, smiling, laughing, walking down the street, enjoying life, print agencies want to see that you have life in you. Personality is sellable -so the more you show an agent you have energy, personality and an upbeat appeal, the better.

Isobella Jade will be discussing and analyzing Cycle 13 of America’s Next Top Model on BuddyTV. Also, check out Isobella Jade’s blog, Petite Modeling Tips.