Modelling Advice
Do you have what it takes to be a model? Read here for advice from Alba, the modelling industries governing body.
The Right Character
All models must have the ability within them to be outgoing and of good nature, patient and have common sense along with the ability to apply that common sense as well as a strong happy personality which will withstand the demands of this job. Resilience, good health and fitness plus the mental ability to cope with rejection IS ESSENTIAL at all ages. All models must the ability within them to SAY NO if or when they do not want to do something they are asked to do, which may not be in line with, either beliefs, religion or principles. Be strong and stand by them, even when under pressure, or even the threat of not being assigned the work. Never give into pressure to indulge in drink or drugs.
Those that do have the attributes necessary or the foreseeable promise of them must realise that Modelling is hard work and very competitive. It can be very boring and time consuming standing around at castings and auditions amongst hundreds of other beautiful people all wanting the same assignment. Models are expected by their Agency at some times to attend castings, and it can be upsetting to see and hear of other Models getting assignments when either you or your child model has not.Many models can attend over 30 auditions and castings and still not have had one assignment, and it can been very upsetting and also an expensive outlay if you have to travel to get to the casting. Which is why most of the novice models live in or a short train journey away from London or the other fashion cities throughout he UK such as Manchester.
The main types of modelling are...
Child Modelling
Children are one of natures beautiful gifts, however, when it comes to modelling no matter how much of a beauty, or how full of character, EVERY child model must be well behaved and have good manners. If you have a child, which will become either a shrinking violet, sulky or throw a tantrum or burst into tears when spoken to then forget it ! Child models must be easy to direct and when you are present at ease with strangers, such as the photographer, or client. Although it is many parents dream to see their child in a magazine or upon an advertisement poster, it is also very hard work for both the child and the parent. You must be a good timekeeper, reliable and prompt. You will need your own transport, your own telephone line or mobile and be able to be flexible with your time. You will have to have a pleasant personality and remember that no one likes a pushy or bolshy parent. If you have commitments which will prevent you from undertaking assignments with your child at a moments notice then you have to be realistic and get your child another hobby. We say that because it is better to think of this as a hobby and assume that child modelling will not pay huge sums of money. Please note that fees earned by your child must be paid into a bank/savings account in the name of the child. Chaperone fees are paid in the name of the parent. The most important factor when thinking about child modelling is that your child or teenager must enjoy participating, the minute they do not, then it is time for the modelling to stop.
Teenagers, Education and modelling
They go hand in hand, the child licensing system was put in place to ensure that education health and welfare does not suffer. Any child or teenager under the legal school leaving age and in full time education must obtain permission by way of a license, from your local authority for him/her to work in a modelling or entertainment capacity. Thankfully child labour is restricted in this country and there are rules governing child modelling, acting and dancing for theatres. Ask at your local council and they will be able to give you the up to date details, as there are stringent rules about children missing out on education, as well as the number of hours that they can legally work. All good agents will also explain this legal requirement to you. Many teenagers dream of becoming the next Kate Moss, discovered at 14 years of age, however, it is a fact that Kate did not get her first real modelling opportunity until she was 17 years of age, and although she attended castings & auditions whist of school age, she did finish her education first. Modelling does not last forever, many give up after a few months and so any teenager should aim at getting that fist full of qualifications as good looks can fade, but no-one can take away what you have achieved for yourself!
Catwalk & Fashion
You must be at least the minimum height stipulated as some of the girls can reach 6 feet tall. You will have to have stamina as well as the resilience to cope with the very competitive nature of the people you will be working and competing with. Never listen to back stabbing or bitchy comments. Always remember that other models do not decide who gets the job at auditions & castings it is the client or the casting director so keep focused on that fact and never let anyone get you down. You do need to learn good posture plus specific moves and turns before attempting this field of modelling. Some agencies will ensure you are given the training and then the fee is deducted from your earnings once you start work. We never recommend people take catwalk training courses before a genuine agency has agreed you have the potential.
Photographic, advertising & T.V. commercials
Fairly tall; but people such as Kate Moss got away with being a little bit under the height criteria and some chaps around also made it into agencies at 5’10 ins. You really must have something extra, which shines through and you must photograph well. Patience is essential as you will probably have to wait around for the correct lighting and you should be keen and interested enough to help the photographer or film/video director to achieve the pictures they want.
Parts Modelling
You will have a body part or body parts which are an asset to you such as Legs, feet, hands, torso, eyes, lips, teeth, nose ears. People will have probably remarked upon the asset(s) and you can model these. You must take care not to get bruises, scars or cuts, and look after the asset at all times as you never know when you may be asked to work. Usually this is only part-time work so get another income.
Look-a-likes & Character
Do you resemble someone famous? Or do you have a certain look, which is not perfect? The chap ‘Norm’ who did the Twix bars adverts is a character model. Some agents specialize in Look-alikes, character and striking or even unusual looks.
Plus–size or petite
Plus size modelling can vary from size 14 upwards, usually to size 18. There are a few agencies and sensible clients who have noticed that not every person is rake thin. The Fashion Industry is, hopefully going to become more realistic about size, but this is still quite a new category and believe there is a long way to go before we see the catwalks full of blossoming, sexy, voluptuous women! See our plus size agencies listed on the A List of agencies page. Petite models are usually around 5ft 2” to 5ft 6” and sizes 6 to 10. Girls and women who undertake this work usually have a second income or work in promotions as well.
Promotions
This is where quite often the smaller models with heaps of personality knock the tall lithe beauties into a cocked hat. To be a promotions model height does not matter. It is having a friendly, bubbly, helpful and fun personality that counts. Promotions can be fun since the work is not always the same. It can be from handing out free advertising brochures at something like the boat shows, to greeting VIP guests at big nightclub opening parties or wearing a company logo “T” shirt and just standing next to the riders at the motor cycle championships. Whatever it is it is well paid and fun.
Glamour
You do not have to be tall to do this type of modelling. You should never go into this aspect unless it is your decision alone, never be influenced, persuaded, flattered or pushed into this aspect by anyone, even if you are in love! This is not easy money to be earned, you will need to have a very outgoing, bright personality and strength of mind to say ‘NO’ when you want to. You will have to work hard and put up with an awful lot of flack. You need to be sure of your goals and what you are and are not prepared to do, as well as how much of yourself you are prepared to expose.
Call the publications you would consider working within and ask which agencies they use, as they may be able to give you details. DO NOT try to go this alone, and get a good agent as this does attract the sleazy and exploitive type of person as well as cowboy agencies. So look after yourself and do also follow all of the guidelines given on the site.
Fashion Models
Very few fashion models make it into the glamorous world of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell or Linda Evangelista. While some models get the chance to be photographed in exotic locations or star in high-profile catwalk shows, all models face a tough, competitive, insecure and short-lived career.
Many models prepare for their ‘early retirement’ by keeping another occupation in reserve, often in a fashion-related career or the Television and Entertainment industry.
The main areas of work are live fashion shows, photographic modelling and television commercials. Although they require very different skills, some models do all aspects.
In both live and photographic modelling, there is a strong show business element to the work. Models use theatrical techniques to help create atmosphere and illusion.
For more modelling information visit www.albamodel.info