PM: What are you currently seeking in a plus size model?
PB: 5'9", size 12-20, age 16-35, great attitude! (note: Lisa has a particular need right now for size 12/14s)

PM: Tell us a bit about Brand and your clients.
PB:Brand is a full service talent agency specializing in print, plus size, runway, kids, commercial, tradeshow, and classics. Brand has been a leader in the industry since 1986. Our clients include Catherines, Lands End, Dockers, Guess, Gap, to name a few.

PM: How many models are in Brand's plus division? How often does your average plus girl work?
PB: Brand represents approximately twenty models. Our plus size models can work from one to five times a week.

PM: If a woman reading this interview right now thinks she has what it takes to be a Brand model, how can she submit herself for consideration? Would you rather see snapshots or professional photos?
PB: Please send candid snapshots to Lisa @ Brand Plus Size Division (address follows).

PM: How much bearing does a model's experience or prior representation have on Brand's decision to represent her?
PB:Brand is interested in fresh new faces. Experience is not important. Height should be at least 5'9". We are not as interested in models that have been over exposed.

PM: I understand that Brand is seeking to exclusively represent models. What are the pros and cons of exclusivity? How does it affect a model's growth in other markets?
PB: Lisa runs our plus size division at Brand and successfully represents models throughout the United States for all the major Plus Size campaigns. Our plus size clients have been great in the fact that they are eager to consider models regardless of where the model or the agency resides. Today's technology has enabled us to compete agressively regardless of the distance. By exclusively working with one agent, the talent knows that the agency is not landing the job solely because they happen to negotiate the lowest rate. Clients learn what agent represents what talent and clients never have to get involved in a war between two agents bidding for the same job, not to mention the stress the agents can put on the model who may also get caught in the middle of a loyalty war. The relationship between a model and a booker is crucial to a models' c areer and the agency's reputation. Open communication is a must.

PM: When Brand models are up for jobs out of state, how do you market them so that they have an edge over models who might live closer to the job?
PB:Electronic mail, fed-x, relationships, reputation, no problems.

PM: Is it true that larger clients go to larger agencies? If so, how do you fight this?
PB:Absolutely not! Boutique Agencies are the rage! Brand has a great reputation in the industry and love going up against any name. Brand has fourteen women working together and we are all like family. We have created a comorodery that also extends to our clients, models and even the office cat. People feel the energy when they stop by Brand and that's what we're about, positive energy.

PM: With the large number of NYC based models, are west coast models at a disadvantage when it comes to national work?
PB:Again, dead wrong! Clients are always looking for fresh new faces. Location is rarely a factor.

PM: What are the advantages of being signed with an agency like Brand versus larger agencies like Wilhelmina and Ford?
PB:Who says Brand doesn't have the same advantage when it comes to the clients? We seem to be getting all the calls. We're hungry, aggressive, and have an urgency to serve our clients as well as promote each model as if they were the only model we represent.

PM: What are west coast clients seeking in a plus size model right now? How do west coast preferences compare to the rest of the country?
PB:The market and clients all seem to be seeking the same thing, that special image that will sell their products the best!

PM: What is the average career span of a plus model (age-wise)? Is there an age preference right now?
PB:The average age span seems to be between 16 and 45. As far as we can see, the baby boomers and their kids are still the major driving force in the industry.

PM: How have things changed since late last year with the close of Mode, the slow economy, and September 11?
PB:The agencies that were barely hanging on, closed their doors. The remaining agencies simply regrouped and continued paving the road for a much larger plus size market.

PM: Lastly, what are your predictions for the future of plus-size modeling?
PB: Huge!