Showing posts with label how to get into modeling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to get into modeling. Show all posts

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Business of Modeling: Money, Money, Money


“Coco Rocha, a model who has a management and ownership stake in Nomad Mgmt Modeling Agency and has served as brand director, works with models to help them develop strategies for their careers. She spoke to WWD about the lack of financial transparency in the modeling industry.

The bottom line? Models needs to read their contracts carefully and take the time to understand what they are signing.”  Lisa Lockwood, WWD


The business of modeling is just that: a business.  Supermodel Coco Rocha has evolved her career into sharing her expertise with new models both in front of the camera and on the business side of a model’s career. Her Coco Rocha Model Camp not only teaches models how to pose and model creatively, she also shares her knowledge of the enormous role social media now plays in a modeling today, and how to treat a modeling career as a business.  Agencies all over the world have had decades of developing a system by which a model is never fully aware of her earnings, debts to the agency for expenses, claimable taxes, or what the model’s rights and responsibilities truly are.  It is intentional and often models are made to feel that it will affect their work prospects if they ask for clear accounting on a regular basis, and in most cases the only explanation of accounting is in the initial contract a model signs when they agree to representation by an agency.  The onus falls on the model, often a teenager, to either agree to how the system operates, or to step back and reconsider working with the agency.  It isn’t right and without the industry taking a strong stand on clear accounting practices, it is up to the model to be informed, educated, and where possible well-advised by an independent accountant or lawyer. Getting paid for work and having receipts for expenses is tougher than you think in modeling, not to mention having everything needed for tax preparation.  No one, including legendary supermodels has escaped this complicated system unscathed, and Coco is seeking to inform models by explaining how it currently works and how to protect themselves as best they can.  In many cases agencies are not the cause of a delay in payment but a client that has not paid the agency.  Agencies bill on behalf of the model and often spend time and resources chasing payment themselves.  Of course this delay is past along to the model. Modeling is a business and being just a beautiful, talented model in front of the camera isn’t enough. Coco answers questions about financial responsibility, both on the side of the agent and model, and gives advice for managing this aspect of a model's career in her interview with Lisa Lockwood for WWD:





                                                                XOXO  Shelley



#businessofmodeling #howtogetintomodeling #modelingcontracts #howdomodelsgetpaid #modelingagenciesaccountingpractices #cocorocha #cocorochamodelcamp #modelingcareer #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Get Scouted: How can I get into modeling!







All model hopefuls need someone to notice just how amazing they are, and one of the biggest hurdles is to catch the attention of a model agency or model scout.


Do your homework and research online the most reputable agency in your local area. It’s a good place to start, but in the age of social media, it has never been easier for scouts and agents from the top tier agencies in NYC, Paris, and other major markets, to find the most promising “new faces” online, no matter where they live.

There are several ways hopefuls can be in contact with agencies:  online submissions on agency websites, social media, open calls at agencies, and through contests or model conventions and showcases. Let’s break it down to find the best approach for you to get your face in front of the decision makers in the agencies:


Open Calls:  this is a set time at an agency where they will meet drop-ins.  You should come exactly on time, do not wear makeup, wearing skinny jeans and a tank top or t-shirt.  Make eye contact, be yourself, and put your best attitude and personality forward.

Online submissions through agency websites:  go to agency websites and look for a menu item that might say either “Be A Model” or “Get Scouted”.  There you will find their submission guidelines with a questionnaire and a place to upload specific photos of yourself.

Social media such as Instagram:  agencies maintain social media accounts, especially on Instagram. Make sure you are following the verified account of the agency and not a fan account.  The best working models have very active social media accounts with images that show their personality, interests, behind the scenes shots, and sometimes they show their tear sheets from work.  Think about your own account and remove any images that might make a potential agent or scout leave your account, such as nudity, club life or party images, duck lips (!), wearing too much makeup, and pictures that are missing a head! All the best agencies check Instagram every day and most of them have a hash-tag # that you can add to three or four of your best pics, that they will check.  Just as a matter of protocol, hash-tag only one agency at a time on a photo, and edit and change the hash-tag to a different one from another agency after about ten days if you have not received a direct message from them. 

Conventions, showcases and contests:  often these events cost money – a lot of money - and promise to put a model in person in front of agents and scouts, but your chances are no better than if you submitted online, or went to an open call or hash-tagged an agency online – and these are free!

So ... Key things to remember: 

Be natural with a fresh face without makeup, have clean hair worn in a normal style, and show the real, genuine “you”.

No professional photos needed – phone pics are preferred.  Use good, natural lighting and avoid a busy background behind you.

Modeling schools are not necessary and do not qualify you to be a model.

There should never be a fee to apply to submit yourself to agencies. Ever. 

Girls should wear skinny jeans and a tank top and guys should wear jeans and a plain t-shirt for online submissions to agencies so they can get an idea of your proportions and figure.  Every agency has different requirements so make sure you read the guidelines.

Don’t lie about your age or height – imagine if you get to actually meet the agent in person and you are caught in a lie??  It’s not the way to begin a business relationship. 

Finally – don’t get discouraged!  Keep in mind that many top models were rejected by one or another agency along the way to building their careers, due to timing, their particular look, their age, or just being the right type for that market.  It’s business, not personal. 

“No” might mean “not right now” or “not this agency”, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in the industry!  Don’t give up!