In Search of Model's Search

Today we would like to talk some more about Model's Searches by various companies, brands and even agencies.

It is not something they do on daily basis but it is worth checking whether there any open casting calls. It means that you should have your eyes open all the time and check their websites from time to time in order to find out when they are looking for new faces and apply.

In order to apply you need to have some photos prepared.  

(Click here to let us help you with that)

Some companies are looking for models to be involved only for some specific campaigns but there are also agencies/brands which are looking for models to sign a contract with them for a longer period. Either of this cases is a big chance for you to get into the industry. It's also good to be up-to-date with new faces search by modelling agencies, as even if you can always apply to join one, sometimes they are in urgent need of new faces and they inform about a model's search so it might be more likely they will choose you. To give you a heads up, we've listed few model's searches you might be interested in..

• Various Model Searches Across UK

• Glamour Model Search

• Male Model Search

• Model Search For Scotland

• Model's Jobs

Remember that it's all up to you whether you will become a model or not. It is a hard work but once you get into, it is worth it. You need to make the first step, have your pictures done and apply to various kinds of modelling jobs. Sure it is hard at the beginning but We're sure you can manage all that!

Types Of Modelling: Character Modelling

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and not every model has to be super-tall and super-thin.

If you think you might not be a runway model material you might try to get into character modelling.

Character models are used in all forms of media including advertising, commercials, promotions, and as TV and film extras.

Unlike fashion models, characters are not restricted by height, weight, body shape and age. What is quintessentially important about characters, whether they are ‘plain’ or ‘eccentric’ looking is that they have a gregarious personality; excellent people skills and are the right face for the job.

Character modelling is about something else all together and the clue is in it’s name. What you need is character and plenty of it. We can advise on your look and help you to find your character. For example, you might be anything from an ‘every day type’ or an unusual or extreme look. There is work in this industry for a wide variety of ‘looks'.

As a character model you can portray ordinary people or humorous types, you might have an interesting face of an unusual body. No matter what you look like, it is only important that you communicate well with the camera. Whether you are plain or eccentric looking, the only ‘must’ is that you have a gregarious personality; excellent people skills and are the right face for the job.

As with all forms of modelling, the key is to work hard and to be persistent but realistic. 

Here are some agencies for character modelling:

Ordinary People

Reality Check
 
Ugly

Models Of Colour: Asian Models

Following the recent post about African Models, let's focus today on Asian Models and their situation in modelling industry.

Fashion industry realizes the importance of diversity and choice.
We start noticing exciting things happening; over the last few years there is a whole generation of Asian Super Models showing up in Western and European Fashion Capitals.

In the past, model agencies in New York, Paris, London and Milan preferred to represent only one or two Asian girls, but now their presence is becoming more and more obvious. Today, Asian models are starting to change the world’s definition of beauty. If in the past they used to be featured only as representative of their community in Gap and Benetton ad campaigns. These days they are featured as super models in the Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue US ,Vogue Paris, Numero, Elle and many others. 

Asian women are climbing the rank of the modeling world as names like Liu Wen, Tao Okamoto and Shu Pei win high-profile runway spots and ad campaigns.

Twenty-three year-old Wen, born in China's Hunan province, is the first of East Asian descent to walk a Victoria's Secret fashion show. In 2010 she became the first Asian face of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder.

One of the leading Asian faces is Du Juan (see pic below) , an ex ballerina from Shanghai. Du became the first Asian to grace the cover of French Vogue. She also has appeared in advertising campaigns for Armani, Gap, Anna Sui, Uniqlo, H&M.

People do pay attention to those changes and try to embrace the asian models in modelling industries:

http://xxgirls-asianmodels.blogspot.com/

http://asianmodelsblog.blogspot.com/

Asian Beauty and Fashion Magazines

Asiana-Top asian fashion mag

Asian Woman

Agencies for Asian Models

http://www.asianrunway.com/

http://www.caramelmodels.co.uk/

http://www.mahoganymodelmanagement.com/

However to apply to some of the agencies you will need professional photos to submit while creating your application. If you need help with prepapring your pressional modelling portfolio click here. 

Enter A Competition Miss Asian Model 2012


Some observers see the embrace of Asian models as a strategy toward tapping into the booming Chinese retail markets. According to ABC, the Asian cosmetics sector is poised to become the world's largest.

Have a look at the graph showing diversity of models in 2010 in fashion shows

Models Of Colour: African Models

We've already mentioned a modelling competition called Top Model Of Colour however we would like to  write more about this part of modelling industry and give you some useful links and tips to follow as well.

By models of colour we mean models that are of African, Caribbean, Asian, Hispanic, Oriental, bi & multi racial ethnicity. 

In this post we would like to focus on  posibilities for African Models in the modelling industry within the UK.

Apart from applying to universal modelling agencies, there are some agencies which are specialized in hiring African Models only or Models of Colour. The African Models are getiing more and more popular to be hired for catwalks and fashion shows.
See below the agencies for non-white models.
However to apply to these agencies you will need professional photos to submit while creating your application. If you need help with prepapring your pressional modelling portfolio click here. 

Modelling Agency for African models

http://www.africanmodel.com/

Agency for multi racial ethnicity models

http://www.mahoganymodelmanagement.com/

Sola Oyebade, chief executive of Mahogany Model Management, has been running a Facebook, text and email campaign in an attempt to make the 'black'  issue the biggest-selling Vogue ever (the issue was published in 2008)  'We believe there's industry apartheid and this is something that the black community does feel very strongly about. I've had so many calls from people asking where they can get their hands on a copy. I've had shops like Harvey Nichols ring me up, telling me we're causing them a lot of problems with supply, so we've been liaising with them, too. Our fashion industry is institutionally racist. The explanation for why they don't use black models is always that we don't sell, but this shows that's not true. Black people are among the highest consumer spenders in the UK for material goods.' - she said.

We've already mentioned a Modelling Contest called Top Model Of Colour which is organized for African, Caribbean, Hispanic, Oriental, African, Asian & Dual heritage ethnicity.
Top Model of Colour competition is providing models with exposure to the modelling industry. Most of the candidates are from UK, Europe and Africa.

You can read more about it here

It might be useful to have a look at  Ebony magazine  as well as The Special Vogue Pages

African models at catwalk for spring 2012

More about Top African Models

http://www.demotix.com/hub/african-models

Have a look at this article about Donyale Luna, The First Black Model To Cover Vogue UK
as well as African Models appearing in fashion magazines in Russia, UK and USA 

Child Modelling Tips

Child modelling is quickly growing in popularity and profitability as another branch of the modelling industry.

Children can experience all kinds of work, and can be required to work all over the world. The requirements for a child or infant model are not as strict or defined as most other aspects of the industry.

Personality and attitude are very important in child modelling.

The temperament of the child model is the key to their success. It is essential that any child model be co-operative and good natured, and it is imperative that the child is easy to direct and quickly at ease around strangers and under the spotlight.

A shoot can last for hours so it can be difficult for children to remain attentive and interested.

Visit the website of the National Network for Children in Employment & Entertainment (NCEE) www.bucksinfo.net/nncee/employment/ for more information on the employment of school-age children. If your child is offered work, she will need a performance licence from your local authority. A good children’s model agency should help you to organise this.

If you decide to give it a try, remember to:

• Be a good timekeeper, reliable and prompt. You will need your own transport and be prepared to travel and to be flexible.

• Take food and drink along to the shoot – it may not be provided and you may be there over a mealtime. It’s also a good idea to take along books and games to keep your child occupied.

• Make sure your child has clean and tidy hair and nails, and a clean face when you take her to a shoot. A few changes of clothes are also a good idea.

• Above all, enjoy it. If either you or your child stop having fun, don’t do it.

For the castings calls for kids you can register on Kids Casting Call Pro or Mandy.

If you think your kid is ready to work with an agency here are some child modelling agencies in the UK:

Bizzy Kidz


Scallywags


Truly Scrumptious


Tuesdays Child Agency


Elisabeth Smith Agency

Online Model Profile

So you've got your first portfolio ready and what next? 

How to get into castings, jobs and agencies?

Where to start?

As we all know the Internet is the right answer for all of these questions and also the easiest way to show to the world your possibilities.

Creating a profile in social media and uploading your modelling photos is a good thing to do but it is not enough though.

 

First of all you should create your profile on the biggest modelling portals.

 

Model Mayhem would be the first one on the “to do” list. You should create a profile, upload your photos (they accept only professional images to be uploaded on the profile) and start to get connections through the website. You can contact photographers, makeup artists, there are many casting calls for various kinds of modelling jobs as well.

The truth is that you need to send your photos to people in order to get the job, they are not going to find you on their own (at least not at the beginning of your career).

 

StarNow is another website with a big number of job offers and casting calls. You even do not have to create a profile in order to apply for jobs.

There are many of websites like these.  You have nothing left but to have a look and start sending your portfolio! You can also try the ones listed below  (in order to apply for these jobs you have to create a modelling profile on their websites) 

 

New Faces 

 

Casting Call Pro

 

To Be Seen

 

Angel Stages

 

When you have a look at the job offers you may notice that some of the jobs are not paid or expenses paid but as you have no or little experience it is still a good opportunity to apply for this job. You will get more experience, some photos and what is the most important – connections. If they like you they could recommend you to some other (maybe paid) jobs. Making friends and staying in touch with people you are working with is very important in this industry.  

So don't waste your time and start creating your modelling profile!

Travelling Tips For Models

One of the perks of modelling is the chance to travel all over the world or at least all over the country. This is something you should be prepared for. There are some advantages and disadvantages of this kind of work. It might be tiring to move between so many places at such a short periods of time but you would have a change to meet a lot of different people, can contacts from all over the world and have an adventure of your life. 

Before living this experience you should stay focused on preparation for yout trip. As once you leave your home you should have everything neccessary with you.

• Travel arrangements will differ from agency to agency so make sure to find out what you will be responsible for in preparation for travelling

• Carry as much information as possible as, such as the address of where you will be staying and the details of who you will be working for as Immigration Control will request this information when you arrive

Model travel tips:

• Ensure your passport is always current. Most countries will not allow you entry if your passport is within 6 months of the expiry date

• Keep hydrated and get enough rest on the plane to arrive looking and feeling good

• Get the contact details of the agency in the country you are visiting in case there are any problems

• Carry a detailed street map of the town you are working in and familiarise yourself with transport links in the city. You will have to find your way from casting to casting or to shows so plan how you are going to get there ahead of time, it is very unprofessional to be late on your appointments

• Carry a form of ID on you, but leave your passport in a safe place

• Visit The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for detailed travel and visa advice to the country you are planning to visit www.fco.gov.uk

Model's Bag

Being professional regardless of experience and age is essential to survive and succeed in the modelling industry. In an industry as competitive as modelling, these qualities can often determine how much work you get. Acting as a professional at all times and being prepared for any situation that may arise will ensure that you get noticed and get booked.

• A model should always be prepared. Clients, photographers and stylists appreciate it when you are professional

• Always carry a street map with you and make sure to plan how you are going to get to where you need to be

• Always be on time. If you are running late, make sure to let the client know straight away.

• Be patient. You will work long hours so make sure to bring along a book, a magazines or games to keep you busy for when you are not needed on set

• Have a designated model bag for bookings, castings, shoots and shows. See below to find out what to keep in your Model Bag

Essentials:

• Book/portfolio
• Comp cards
• Mobile phone
• Street map
• Diary
• Pens

Beauty Products:

• Make-up and mirror
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Hair bands
• Nail file
• Natural nail polish
• Face wash and moisturiser

Clothing:

• White, nude, black underwear
• T-shirt bras (incl. Convertible or strapless bra)
• Flesh-coloured body stocking
• Spare pairs of tights
• Gel pads
• Heels

Accessories:

• Book or magazine
• Safety pins
• Healthy Snacks
• Mints
• Water
• Pack of straws
• Wet wipes
• Sunglasses
• Tampons

Model Personality

Today we would like to discuss what kind of personality should a model have. Sometimes your looks might not be as important as your ability of dealing with people and getting into different kind of jobs. And if you think you may not be that kind of person it would be the high time to try changing your habits and becoming one!

Model should:

• Love being in front of the camera and an audience

• Be able to perform on demand

• Be committed to and serious about modelling

• Be hard-working – a modelling career isn't just going to fall into your lap

• Be professional and pleasant to work with

• Be patient and resilient

• Be intelligent with the ability to learn quickly

• Be versatile, willing to learn and able to take directions

• Have good self-esteem

• Be able to take rejection and constructive criticism

• Be extremely determined. A model may need to go to many castings before being offered a job

• Be able to attend lots of castings, sometimes without much notice

• Have great organisational skills to keep track of schedules and finances

• Be able to sell themselves and sell the product

• Have a passion for fashion

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat the right food and get at least eight hours of sleep a night

• Work out to maintain a healthy body weight and fitness level. This will also reduce stress

• Have a good skincare regime. Skin-brushing from head to toe will help to increase your circulation and give you an all-over glow

So...do you think you've got what it takes to be a model?

Everything You Should Know About Model Releases

When you will get some work in modelling you may be asked to sign a model release. A model release is a document in which you allow the photographer or the company he/she is doing the photos for, to use your images for commercial use. Without your agreement they won't do much with the photos. Note that the photographer is typically not the publisher of the photographs, but usually licenses the photograph to someone else to publish. It is typical for the photographer to obtain the model release because he is merely present at the time and can get it, but also because it gives him more opportunity to licence the photograph later to a party who wishes to publish it. Unless a photo is actually published, the need (or use) of a model release is undefined. And, since some forms of publication typically do not require a model release (e.g., news articles and other editorial use), the existence of a release is irrelevant. Note that the issue of model release forms and liability waivers is a legal area related to privacy and is separate from copyright.

However, the photographer when taking the photos – automatically owns the copyrights of his work and he decides whether share these copyrights or not.

Types of releases:

• Adult Release: This is the form most commonly referred to as a "model release". The language of this release is intended for use by models over the age of 18 
  
  
• Minor Release: This variant of the model release contains language referring to the model (who is a minor) in the third-person, and required signature by a parent or other legal guardian of the model. A release which is not signed by a parent or guardian affords no legal protection to the publisher
• Group Release: This is a modified version of the Adult Release which includes additional signature lines to accommodate use by multiple models or subjects in a single image

If you're interested how the release may look like, please see example

Types Of Modelling: Commercial Modelling

Commercial modelling is a very big part of modelling but with fewer restrictions to size and height than fashion modelling. It is known also as character modelling.

Models working in commercial modelling can earn some money as they are selling their image to some products and this part of market usually has a lot of money.

The models are presenting and promoting products or services. Depending on the product the model should represent a target group but should be a bit more ideal, for example if the product is targeted to mothers or teenagers the model should look like an average mother/teenager but should have something interesting in the look. 

Commercial modelling usually is being displayed on product packagings, brochures, leaflets, billboards, posters and also is for TV commercials.

There is no specific height for a commercial model, it will depend on what the client wants and what the model can offer. For example if a client wants a head shot of a model smiling, for a tooth paste ad, they are not going to pay much attention to models shape or height. They would want an attractive, healthy looking face with a great set of pearly teeth. Usually the way you smile is quite important as most often models advertising different products are smiling. It doesn't mean there wouldn't be someone needing a sad or angry face in the commercial. For working in commercial modelling it's good to know how to present yourself, to know a bit of acting and be able to make different face expressions. The producers also pay attention to personality of the model because it reflects on the photos (especially if you have to look angry or disappointed on the picture). The model needs to be flexible when it comes to the look.

If you are not sure if you are appropriate for this type of modelling, sign up for a test shoot with Candi Models and try out how your face expressions look in front of professional photographers.