modeling

MODEL HEALTH

courtney

A common misconception in the modeling world is that one can only be a model if he or she is ultra thin.  The truth is, models need to work on their natural build.  Whatever your size may be, it is best to be true to that size.  The key is to be the best version of yourself as you can possibly be. 

Models need to be healthy and fit.  Good muscle tone and strength are absolutes.  Here are some ideas of things you can do to get started RIGHT NOW with a health routine.

  1. Exercise! Work outs that focus to lean out the muscle. Ideas for this type of work out are yoga, pilates, barre exercises, and SLT (strength, leaning, toning) training. Almost any kind of martial arts/boxing is also a good bet. Experts say that the more your mind has to work along with your body when exercising, the more your body gets from the movement.

  1. EAT CLEAN! Focus on incorporating healthy foods into your diet!

  1. Eat Breakfast, yes it IS the most important meal of your day!

  1. Water, Water, and more Water! Make sure you are staying rehydrated throughout the day. Drinking a big glass of water in the morning will help wake you up and get you on the right track after 6-8 hours of being deprived.

“You are worth it.  Your health is worth it.  Value your health and understand that it is about progress not perfection.  What one thing can you do today to move forward to become the best version of yourself?” – Ali Emly, health coach.  

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MODELS

SOCIAL MEDIA

There is no denying that Instagram is the hub of model media.  A social media that highlights photos and images makes perfect sense for a model to showcase him or herself.  However, the sophistication of social media can be taken way beyond utilizing Instagram.  

Taking on a career like modeling means more than having selfies posted every day.  A serious career in modeling involves an intentional method of branding.  Understanding how to brand yourself as a person of interest is an absolute must in today’s modeling universe.    

BRANDING ESSENTIALS

1. Be Real– Social media has made it possible for everyone to have a voice.  While that can be a good thing, it also means there are a lot more voices out there begging for attention.  Models must have a genuine show of self to be taken seriously.  Do not try to copy anyone and the skills that person may have.  Do your own thing.

2. Show all of your interests– Models aren’t just pretty faces anymore.  Companies are wanting models who represent a connection with their brand.  Are you an athlete?  Do you love to cook?  Are you artistic?  Show the world those interests and what you can do!  

3. Understand your platforms-Once you determine your style and brand, you need to select which social platforms will be more useful for you.  Remember, Instagram is vital for models but there are other platforms to consider such as Facebook, Snap, LinkedIn, among many others.  Each platform has its own pros and cons.  

4. Separate accounts?– One of the most common questions we receive about social media is whether to have a personal account and a professional account.  Most national scouts and clients prefer to know the real you and recommend that models have one account that is a great overall representation of you!

FILL YOUR MIND

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One of the sure fire ways to educate yourself on modeling and fashion is to read about the history and the major players in these industries.  This was a difficult list to nail down as there are plenty of great books revolving around fashion and modeling icons and topics.  However, we did our best!  We have compiled a list of the best books on modeling/fashion for you to run out and buy asap!  We recommend these books for our readers 18+. Here a list of our top 8 choices for information packed reads:

8. THE BATTLE OF VERSAILLES by Robin Givhan

7. CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA by Maureen Callahan

6. THE BEAUTIFUL FALL by Alicia Drake

5. MODELS OF INFLUENCE: 59 WOMEN WHO REPRESENT THE COURSE OF FASHION by. Nigel Barker

4. BECOMING by Cindy Crawfod

3. A NEW MODEL by Ashley Graham

2. THE END OF FASHION by Teri Agins

1. MODEL WOMAN by Robert Lacey

We hope you enjoy these resources!  If you have other ideas of great modeling/fashion books please let us know.  We would love to hear from you.

SKILLS THAT PAY THE BILLS, REALLY.

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You want to be a model. What does that mean? We speak to a lot of people who don’t really understand what it truly means to be a model. Here are some top tips from our models to help explain what skills are vital to start a career in modeling and maintain that career. 

PATIENCE: As a M&I model myself, being respectful of clients goes a long way! Whether being on time, listening to direction, acting and speaking professionally, or taking care of clients garments better than your own; always show respect. With owning my own clothing store, it’s important to me that models return all clothes the exact same way they were provided. Respect; it may be just the thing that gets you rehired by the same client and/or referred for the next opportunity by another client! —Parker Mitchell – Gentry Ltd Menswear, Owner 

BEING ABLE TO TAKE DIRECTION: “Being able to take instruction is key when trying to create your image in this industry. Most clients look for models that will do absolutely anything they ask when they ask no questions about it because they want he process to go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Ten times out of ten the client will want to rebook you if you were easy to work with and had a good attitude!” —Konstance Harris, National Model 

CONTINUE TO LEARN: “It’s important to remember as a model that you always have room to grow and learn more about the industry and your role in it. Modeling is a learned practice and not one that can be accomplished overnight – the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Also, never be afraid to try something new or out of your comfort zone just because it isn’t your ideal job, you never know how much you could enjoy it! You should never view yourself as being “above” or “too experienced” for a certain job or booking because you will always learn something new and the experience will always benefit you.” — Jenna Hainke, Local Model 

BE ON TIME: Everything I learned about being on time I learned from my dad. He told me that “being late is one of the worst things you can do, because once you’re late no one knows just how late you will end up being, Disrupting everyone involved while at the same time showing that you’re unreliable.” So I’ve always tried to make being on time a priority. I think being on time is one of the best ways to show that you value a project. A lot of effort goes into shows/photo shoots, and I never want anyone’s job made more difficult or have the show suffer on account of me being late. — Preston Campbell, Local Model 

HAVE A BUSINESS MIND: Brief notes on having a business mind when modeling: Modeling is more than the stereotype to “be fabulous and make the clothes look like a million bucks”. You are your own brand, and you need a business savvy mind to rival the greatest on Wall Street, while combining the ability to market yourself like a Fortune 500’s latest campaign launch. If you only see yourself as a model, and not as a commodity, a business, a marketing platform… you will not reach the success it takes to become a national or international model. Always put yourself in the best light, whether it be through your professionalism, promptness to all auditions/fittings/bookings/etc., and courteous behavior to everyone you meet (you never know who could be the client, or your next opportunity!). Also don’t be afraid to use whatever you have at your disposal to have an advantage. Do you have a large social media following? Do you have particularly high engagement, even with a smaller micro following? Use it! Your sphere of influence extends across others who engage with you, and through a 2nd/3rd/4th/etc. degree of connection you could have amazing opportunities to grab. Be sure that your profile represents your brand… YOU! Do not portray anything publicly which could make a client choose another model over you. Always take the chance to promote yourself, your brand, and your potential. You are a model, but being a model is a business. Never think otherwise! — Meeghan Hansen, Local Model, Blogger & Marketer 

Modeling can be an exciting and rewarding career! There are many careers, such as photographer, make-up artistry, styling, marketing and branding and digital content strategy, that coincide with modeling as well. Please reach out to us with any and all of your questions. We are happy to help and hope to hear from you soon!!

HOW TO GET STARTED!

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“How do I get started?” This is the most common question we are asked.

Depending on where you live- there is more than likely an agency or agencies in your area. The first thing to do is RESEARCH THE AGENCIES. Look for reviews on social media, google, check out the websites. Talk to their models, see what experiences they have had. 

The most common request from agencies will be for you to send a headshot and possibly a full body shot. They may also ask your height, age, size, etc. It is important that you have images and know your stats.

Agency visits- Open calls are usually as far as you can get in the door unless you have a mother agent scheduling appointments for you. Having a mother agent is vital to move forward in this industry.

Fill yourself with knowledge about the industry. Doctors go to medical school and lawyers go to law school. Anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. Research current trends, read books written by and about people in the industry. Learn everything you can about the industry you want to enter.

Learn from people who have done this. Take advantage of their experience. Make sure if you are paying for training that it is with an agency/school that you have done your research on and also the people teaching are ones who have ACTUAL experience in this industry. These are subjects that can’t be taught out of books. 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in being a model we would love to hear from you!




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