Marie29 Button - iCMotions Modeling Academy Instructor
I had the privilege of spending some time with one of iCMotions models, Marie29 Button, who has recently become an instructor at the Academy.
Marie has had training at HQ academy, EMA models, and ICMotions Academy (Advanced). She is a model for JCNY, IC Motions, Angelwing, Maritima, UEMA, Bellissimo Angelo Arcobaleno, and T&K. Her blog at http://virtuamodelsarchive.blogspot.com/2010/08/marie29-button.html contains more information and photos.
Some of her interests include sailing, surfing, dancing, and socializing along with her modeling and teaching.
Hi, Marie, glad you were able to meet and chat with me today. Have a seat. What led you to want to be a model in SL?
Want the truth?
Depends on what you want people to know.
My RL twin sister was a model in NY, and her life ended 6 years ago now due to a drug overdose. I felt in this way I could keep her memory alive and see the trials and tribulations she went through on a day to day basis. And to see how hard and how much work is involved.
That is a compelling statement. What a wonderful way to remember her.
Yes, that is rather depressing but the truth
The fact that she gave up her life is depressing, but how you have handled it, is very inspiring.
Well thank you, and I do love modeling here.
To become an instructor is quite a step. How has that occurred?
I just really want to help others succeed, and Kris (Astrokris Messmer, CEO and owner of iCMotions) had seen something in me from the second day of class. She is the one that steered me in this direction. I actually still have that in a NC somewhere.
I sat in on one of your classes. I must say I saw leadership qualities in you that day also.
Awwwww, thank you.
How long were you in SL before you made a decision to pursue modeling, and what did you mostly do in SL before becoming a model?
Well I met a man who owned dance clubs, so we ventured out together, and had opened three others, purchased a sim and rented that out. So real estate and Clubs were my life before I started modeling classes on May 1st I believe, two months after I was born here. I needed to be happy with my looks first and that took some time and research. I met a skin and shape designer here in SL, and she took RL pics and made my AV look as close to real me as possible. Then I went out.
Was there more training to become an instructor?
I have talked with some of the best here in SL about the instructor positions and what is involved, and have been in many shows now.
Experience is the best teacher.. and the best training.
I feel I can really help guide and be a positive influence on new models.
You work with other modeling agencies, Are you willing to share which ones you prefer, and why?
Well IC is my favorite hands down. Because of the family feel here, everone feels as if they are conected. And that is very comforting. I am personally helping UEMA agency also, They did not have a sim that would hold enough people for shows so I purchased a quarter sim and have put in a skybox at which to hold shows. I believe Bellisimo is interested in (using it) now also. I will always put IC first, I made a personal promise to Kris about that.
What is the best advice you can give to other models to prepare them for casting and shows?
To stay calm. For a show they were picked because the designer saw something in them. Hold that dear to your heart and feel confident. You will do them proud. A casting is a trial run through, you never know what they are going to want exactly. So do not get discouraged in that.
What have you enjoyed the most about being a model… what is the hardest or most frustrating part for you?
I like the feeling of being in front of all those people knowing that even just for that moment all eyes are on me, it is a feeling like no other. The hardest part, is the constant work. This is no easy task. Like I said, I was busy running clubs, scheduling, keepin clients happy. That is a cakewalk compared to this. You have to have dedication to model and be a success.
Will you continue casting for shows?
Oh, definitely. I have 3 more shows scheduled this month alone.
What else do you enjoy doing while in SL besides what you listed in your profile?
Well I have started this new venture, with the skybox idea and renting it out for shows, so I have started really building things and it is a lot of fun.
Readers like to hear a bit about a model’s personal Second LIfe. Anything you would like to tell about an experience you have had here that was significant for your SL?
Well behind the work as a model my life here in SL. I think I am known in my circle of friends as the listener, the nurturer, and the person, even if you only know me a little, can come and talk about their, sadness, loss, triumphs, and dreams, without ever being judged. I will bend over backwards to help a friend, and ask for nothing in return. This is what makes me happy here in SL and in RL also. I have a big heart, and tend to trust and care for anyone first. My heart does get stepped on from time to time because of this, but all it takes is that one person in ten that says “thank you for being there for me”, and it all becomes worth it. And one thing I would like to add, is that my Icon here and very close personal friend is Fuzz Lennie. She has been there from the start of my career and is like a sister to me. I want to be that person to others that need advice
Anything else you would like the readers to know about you?
Yes…. There is a stigma here just like in RL. A model is nothing more than another person that has worked very hard to get where he/she is. It does not mean in any way shape or form that we are better than others or untouchable. I see that a lot here and when people get to know me they see a simple girl with simple values that just loves what she does. I get that in RL also so I know this very well
That’s a great statement, Marie. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you and getting to know you better. I hope you have good times in SL.
Oh I am… loving my SL 
. I really appreciate you spending time with me, it’s been fun.
(I was very impressed with this young lady and feel certain that anyone who becomes a student of hers here at iCMotions Academy will be fortunate to have her as a modeling instructor)
