Showing posts with label model business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label model business. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Study Up! Top models know their industry! #homework




Just like any business, education is the key to becoming more successful. And so it is that an informed model, is a better model. Think smart AND pretty!  It is so easy to do your homework online and research the top players in the business today ... search for the iconic supermodels of the past, and even movies stars that influence the industry.  Often a photographer, editor, designer, or advertising clients will have references that give a creative direction to a project.  

If the agency sends you details about a booking and names the photographer or client, do your homework ahead of time and know who you will be working with!  If it is for a magazine, and the editor’s name appears, look them up too. You need to build a knowledge base that covers the top international magazines and editors, the top fashion photographers past and present, fashion designers, famous models, and movies old and new.  

Hypothetical situation:  you arrive on set to shoot for a major international fashion magazine with a superstar photographer and editor, and the theme of the shoot references the movie “Roman Holiday” staring Audrey Hepburn, and you don’t know who these people are and have never even heard of that movie, then you will be lost on set and not be able to fall into the “story” or bring some imagination to the shoot – talk about a missed opportunity! Your booker will give you as much info ahead of time as they can, and it is up to you to do your homework online and arrive with more than a clue about the project.  And if you haven’t been given any prior info, then by all means ask!  It shows you are interested and invested in working with the team to create the best campaign they are creating.


Check in often with sites like www.vogue.com where you can view the latest designer collections. Follow all the top photographers, international editions of fashion magazines, and models on Instagram; Look up these same magazine’s fashion editorials online through Google, and stay on top of the business.




So, if someone says “we are shooting jeans and channeling Kate Moss and Markie Mark in the 90’s Calvin Klein ads, you will know to what they are referring, and be ready to participate in the project! 


Starter Reference list:

Top Photographers:
Patrick Demarchelier, David Sims, Nick Knight, Mario Testino, Inez and Vinoodh, Arthur Elgort, Cass Bird, Ellen Von Unwerth, David Bellemere, and Hans Feuer, to name a few.

Magazines:
Vogue Magazine and its various international editions, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Numero, The Face, Porter, Bon, Frenchie, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Jalouse, Nylon, W, and the list goes on.

Super models to know: 
Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bundchen, Claudia Schiffer, Natalia Vodianova, Linda Evangelista, Chanel Iman, and so many more.  


Everyone loves a model who arrives and is prepared, and that means having a good understanding of the industry and knowledge of the key players.  If you are passionate about modeling, then do your homework and educate yourself – it will really help your career!


Photo Credits:

Vogue China, February 2015
Model:  Lara Stone (IMG)
Photographer:  Mario Testino (artpartner) internation
Styling:  Tonne Goodman
Hair:  Christiaan        
Makeup: Yadim (artpartner)


Sunday, March 30, 2014

How to be a model: It should cost you NOTHING! FREE tips




I have been represented by some of the top modeling agencies in Miami, Chicago, and currently work with the prestigious Ford Agency and internationally with Silver Agency in Paris, and one thing I know for sure is that it should cost you NOTHING to break into the modeling business or to sign with an agency. Truly the only thing you need is a digital picture in great light, which is FREE assuming you at least know anyone with a smart phone.

The reason no-one will tell you this is because this is how people make money. Modeling conventions, modeling schools, workshops, conventions .... Don't get me wrong advice about what to do and how to look your best is all good, but the truth be told -most girls that get signed with an agency that have been "schooled" are told to forget about almost everything they learned.

Getting agency representation is the first step to becoming a model and any agency will tell you that they do not require their new models to show up with a professional portfolio on day one. In fact, if they sign you, most agencies will want you to work with a few particular photographers and groom your look to a specific market. Many girls I know spend a small fortune on sub-par photographs that the agency immediately takes out of their books. It is better to have 3 great, strong photos than 20 so-so photographs. One thing I have learned over the years is that a client will remember you by your best and your worst photo. You never want to let them see anything less than great! A first impression in this business is a lasting one.

Study the agency or company website you want to be represented by and find out what it is they require and give them exactly what they are asking for. This is not the time to try to be clever. Again, give them EXACTLY what they are asking for. 

Many agencies may also have an open call day or some may have online submission. Below is Ford Model's submission guidelines and you will notice that they specifically ask you NOT to submit professional photos, NOT to wear makeup and NOT to pose.




Agencies are looking for that "IT" factor. Yes you must be 5'9", you must be thin - but just as important is your personality, energy and spirit - they are looking for diversity, not a cookie cutter mold of measurements.

The most critical warning I can share with you is that you must prepare yourself for rejection. As a wanna be model, or working model, this goes with the job. I have not gotten jobs because I am both too tall or too short, because I have blue eyes or simply because they really wanted a blonde. Once I was booked for a job with a very dark black girl and the art director was upset that I looked so "fair" next to her and proceeded to direct the makeup artist to make me appear darker. We were already on location and the makeup artist only had some brown eye shadow with her so she proceeded to try to paint it on my face. It was humiliating. Rejection is a never ending part of the model experience so you must expect it and prepare to learn how to handle it. If one agency turns you down, try another. And never sign with an agency that wants to charge you money for classes or photos first.

There are many examples of famous models who were initially turned down for representation. Tyra Banks was rejected by many Los Angeles agencies before landing at Elite. Gisele Bundchen has reported that she was turned down by 42 agents before she was 17. Both of these women have appeared on countless magazine covers and runways around the world, earning them SUPER-model status.

People of all races, ages and backgrounds can become a model. Some make alot of money and others do it to have fun, but one thing is for sure - it shouldn't cost you a penny to try!! Check in with me here at A Model's Secrets for more advice on how to become a model and tips I have learned behind the scenes. Check out my post about How to MOVE like a model for a photo {HERE}

XO
Shelley