How has the plus-size modeling industry changed since you first started out as a plus-size model?
When I first started modeling, in 1994, I started in Canada where it was a regular thing to see a plus model in fashion shows, on talk shows (in Canada) and in catalogues. After working in Toronto for three years, I built a portfolio that was good enough to start looking around in the States for representation. I signed with Elite Chicago in 1995 and once relocating to Chicago in '96 I really learned what modeling was like, clients paid for airfare, they fed you on set, they paid for hotels and they paid you in American money, this was a great thing.

The main thing I have noticed about the changes is that when I first started there wasn't room for 'Super' models in the plus world. We weren't considered 'real' models, even to this day there are photographers who won't shoot us because they carry that same attitude, but, today, clients are recognizing that there are models, both plus and straight that can carry a product equally, there doesn't need to be sizeism, beautiful is beautiful. The fact that Vogue has put an editorial layout with Kate Dillon and Glamour has done a cover with Phillipa has proven that Plus models are more than a novelty, we are now closer to being considered equal to our thin counterparts.

Are clients abroad much different from American clients in terms of what they are looking for in a model?
I have only shot for a few overseas catalogues, primarily German, although I have done a few editorials for a Swedish Magazine, I find that each country has what works for them. Germans will use models from a size 8 to a 12/14. Italians, a size 12 to 16, English clients will use 12/14 girls, South American clients are now starting to introduce 'plus' models into their shoots, but are using size 10 girls. American clients also tend to vary on what sizes they use. There are specific clients that will only use size 16 girls, some Americans prefer 14s, and then there are some that will book a 10/12 girl and pad her up.

I find that clients want a girl who is beautiful, is easy to work with, professional, and also a girl that sells their clothes, and sometimes if those qualities are in a size 10 girl, those size 16 clients will sacrifice the size to get a girl who can sell. Lingerie clients prefer a girl who is fit, in other words, toned body, low cellulite and proportioned, it doesn't matter the size, except for of course they need to fit the bras.

What was your most recent project?
There have been a few. In the past couple of weeks, I have done shoots with August Max Woman, Yonkers (Kansas City), Sears, Fashion Bug, and presently I am doing a 4 day shoot with a German client.

You are just gorgeous, but everyone feels that they have flaws. What do you perceive your flaws to be? In turn, what do you think your clients love most about you?
Thank you very much for your compliment. My flaws, that's a tough question. I try not to focus on flaws. I try to stay positive, so on days when I don't feel a hundred percent, I try to focus on the great things about me instead of the not so great things. The other thing is when a model is insecure in herself it shows up in pictures, which is another reason why I stay positive and don't focus on flaws but I find what I do like about myself and accentuate those areas.

I hear alot of " You have a great smile" from clients. Honestly, I am a professional. I always show up on time, I do my job, I take it seriously. My nails are always freshly manicured before any job, my feet exfoliated, I'm always lingerie ready (even if the client doesn't ask specifically), I find out what the client wants and do my best to give it to them. So to answer your questions, I'd like to believe that clients hire me based on my work reputation and not just my looks, I believe they go hand in hand.

How can you tell when your agency is working for you and when it isn't?
If you feel that your agency isn't working for you, first talk to them, find out if maybe your card isn't getting a good response, or find out what response the agents are getting from clients. The only way to fix a problem is to know what it is. If the agency isn't too responsive to your request, start looking around at other agents. You don't need to sign anything. You can meet with them, no obligation and find out what other people would do to market you.

Knowledge is power, the more info you gather the stronger you will be. So, talk, quietly, but talk. It's your career, your car payment, your groceries, your daughters schooling, that's what you are responsible for, so you need to know what is going on. It's business and first lesson in modeling.......THE AGENT WORKS FOR YOU.

I got a "Just My SIze" catalog in the mail recently and I think I saw you. Was that you?
It's quite possible that it was me, I'm not sure though. I sometimes shoot for ad agencies who are hired by a company to organize their shoot. So I don't always know where the photos are going to be used until I see them somewhere or someone tells me I am in a certain catalogue. So, if you think it's me, it probably is, I'd be interested to see the photos though. It's nice to know that there are people who recognize me and actually know my name.

To learn more about Tracie, visit her website at http://www.TracieStern.com/