Crossovers Model - crossover |?krôs??v?r|model |?mädl|. noun. A model with the ability to serve duo and or multiple markets.

Every Issue Kiss Magazine will bring you models from the four corners of the globe that wear this badge. "The Cross Over." The model tall enough to wear the designer cut on a runway, yet hot enough to rock a urban magazine spread, and talented enough to read a script, and have professionally done so leading to this point.  The preview issue of Kiss Magazine introduces.. Erika Mayshawn in her first narrative conversation. 5,10"...32DD...24"...38"...Dress size..2... Weight...125.. With heels on, Erika is often the tallest model on an urban set. "In heels I'm about 6,2" or so." However, on a commercial set, where height requirements are no less than 5 ,8" and no taller than 6". Erika blends right in. "I never thought being tall was anything special until recently, Growing up, I always wanted to be shorter, It's a little tough always being taller than most of the cute guys! It wasn't until I started doing ballet when i realized my height and slenderness could work as an advantage in life for me, You could say it's what really gave me the confidence I have now." As a lot of aspiring models, Erika was talked into modeling by close friends, and almost daily posed with the question.."Do you model? No? Well you should!" Eventually, Erika was talked into shooting. "From my 1st shoot I landed a clothing ad. I was kind of excited about it as any model is when they see themselves in magazine ad their 1st time. Ironically, my 1st job and 2nd are in total contrast of each other." Erika's 2nd job landed her a PLAYBOY gig. Almost every girl I've come in contact with always says "I'll only get nude for PLAYBOY.." Few ever really have the tools to actually land the job. Erika landed it it 1st try.

" I wasn't excited about PLAYBOY until I was on the plane to L.A., and I thought to myself.."Wow, out of all the applicants in the country, they're flying ME out here!"

Since then, Erika has landed roles from being a "Beer Girl" on a SPIKE TV show, To the cover of XXL R&B Soul next to the King of R&B, R.Kelly. From King Magazine, to 2 of the last 3 issues of PLAYBOY SE editions. " I've been told by executives in the entertainment industry to stay away from music videos, unless it's R&B and to steer clear of reality TV if I want a clean slate when entering the professional world of acting. "A broadcasting agent told me I'll only get one chance to make an acting impression, and I should be mindful to what that impression/image will be. Models often ask me about nudity, as it is a big deal for some, not for others. My view is, Iman is the true God of Black Women in the modeling world, she's done plenty of nudes, I'm no where near her level, she's done it, and done it properly, It must not be a bad thing, as well, supermodels, Cindy Crawford & Naomi Campbell have both done PLAYBOY, and countless other nudes. Victoria Secrets models Giselle and Adriana have beautiful nudes they have done, not to mention Kate Moss, and Janice Dickenson. Even Tyra has some nipples floating around the net. I feel the all time greats have done them properly, I'm gonna follow that blueprint, to be truly successful at higher end modeling, you can't be body shy at all." Just for kicks I had to ask a couple of cliche questions to Erika, to help our readers get more of a grasp of her super laid back persona. Here at Kiss mag. Where not big on the "what type of guys do you like, what's your favorite color? or What position do you like most questions. We'll leave the redundancy for the usual suspect mags. We think we find out more about our subjects if you let them ramble a bit, so, we throw a question out there..oh..like...what would you describe as "Your comfortable environment and crowd?  Basically, tell us about the real YOU."  "Ha! This is an original one, hmmmm, I've done the black tie affairs, red carpets and events like that, but I'm more comfortable event wise at a barbeque with family and friends, with barbeque sauce stains on my shirt! I'm really a book worm, I read about 25 novels per year, I attend University College full time, so my modeling is really secondary, until that huge ad campaign contract comes through! (laughing) then I'll have to work school around that!

My Major is fashion merchandising with a business minor which will set me up to have my dream job of owning a higher end store, as well as possibly moonlighting as a fashion stylist. I'd like to do wardrobe for Soaps, TV shows, etc. I'm also a food fanatic, I can watch food network for days at a time, no one would know that I can eat like a horse! (laughing).

"As far as men are concerned, I'm drawn to confidence, looks are okay, but I like a man that's in control. A man with an edge to him, like a Omar Epps in "In too Deep." A Blair underwood, or a Diddy type. " 

On the business side of "YOU," What would you tell new models out here? "Well, 1st, figure out what path you can follow with the tools you have. Height, weight, body shape etc. modeling is segregated by niche. If your not tall enough, you miss the fashion niche, but may fit the acting or music video niche, as, alot of artist and leading actors are shorter. I've missed out on a few videos because I was too tall to stand next to the artist, although my height hasn't effected any acting jobs (yet). Research your market, don't just jump in front of a camera because the opportunity is presented to you. Steer clear of TFP shoots, either get paid for projects or pay for your images, TFP normally has you ending up on a website next to 500 other girls for reason at all. Unless your just taking pictures for attention, which, isn't "modeling" in my book, we call that "playing dress up." If you want a certain quality of career, you have to employ a certain quality of photographer, agent, stylist etc. As said, you only get one chance to make a 1st impression, be weary of the Myspace vultures saying "you should let me be your manager." (laughing).