The Actor's Image

As with other industries, the economics hitting actors is difficult at best. More than ever the actor needs to package, market and sell their talents and skills in a more assertive way. Putting the skills aside this article addresses the actor's personal packaging.

1. 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.

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 auditioning with me?" In business its considered the competitive edge.

2. Great facial focus relies on even skin tone, well shaped brows and defined eyes and lips. Hairstyles 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 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.

3. 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. So making use of an experienced presentation stylist who is either adapt themselves at all elements of packaging or knows competent artists to refer you.


4. 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!

5. 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 - check out the photos of guys at www.sharondanley.com

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 each to make the necessary changes. Notes are taken and the client is free to record 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.

6. A personal session helps to better understand and appreciate the individual's uniqueness and how best to groom, balance and package their product - themselves. Look for tricks with hair pieces, wigs and styling rats for hair styling and period looks, as well as beard, mustache, goatee and sideburns 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.

7. Performers have a very unique approach to their appearance because they need to look a variety of different ways. Its 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.

8. Actors often aren't 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.

9. Actors need to be clear about their background and approach(es) to the character, know their lines and enhance their exterior in a way that augments what they 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

And remember - people open a velvet covered box over a cardboard box every time due to the perception of its contents.

Available for private consultations and photo shoot styling.

Sharon Danley, Master Artist
Voice & Image Specialist based in Toronto