New Model Tips

How do I Start

Starting a career in modelling can be quite a daunting thought. There are loads of agencies out there and not all of them will act with your best interests in mind. There are a few really important points that you need to watch out for before signing up to an agency:

• Once an agency has said they'd like to represent you, you will need to have some professional photographs taken. Typically these will be at a professional photography studio and will include styling and make-up. This is the main investment you'll need to make and provides you with some great pictures that will form the basis of your portfolio; it is these pictures that will be shown to clients who are looking to book you.
• To get a good portfolio you will be looking at around £200. I have heard tales from people who have spent £700+ on a portfolio; this is far too much and usually comes with loads of promises that are never fulfilled.
• If an agency says they can guarantee that you will get work, they more than likely wont!
• Remember you want to be a model to EARN MONEY; a good agency earns its money by taking a commission from your earnings.

How old do I need to be

Some agencies do have a minimum age limit for them to represent you. The Model Company represents both adults and children, the only age limit we set is 18 months or over. Remember Kate Moss started modelling at just 15 years old!

Do I have to be a certain height

Certain aspects of modelling require models to be a certain height; mainly these are for fashion shows and fashion photography. However, there are hundreds of other clients that do not require models to be of a certain height. You'd be amazed at the obscure requests from clients, remember there is a model for every campaign.

Getting work

When you are with an agency most of the promotion will be done by them, via their website and sending out your Z cards. However, the most successful models will network in their own time making sure everyone knows they are a model. You'd be surprised as to who you meet and indeed who they know. Remember it's not what you know or who you know, it's who they know!

Things to watch out for

There are loads of unscrupulous 'model agencies' in the market place. Some of which may tell you 'you have the perfect look' or 'just what we are looking for'. Then they will charge you £700 plus for some rubbish pictures only to be told to now go away and find an agent. This is a way that unscrupulous photographers get you to pay for portfolios that you then have to take to real agencies.

Other SCAMS include meeting an 'agent' in a hotel or other large meeting place, for a kind of open day. They will conduct a phoney interview and tell you that they'd like to represent you, but only if you pay £400 plus for some pictures. Theses are taken in your own clothes on a cloth background. This is not the way a professional portfolio should be taken, the results are substandard and you'll never hear from the 'agency' again, let alone get any work!

Under new regulations brought out in March 2008 by the BERR, an agent is obliged to follow the strict regulations that they have set. This is to make sure models are not mislead and duped out of money from con artists. You'll be pleased to know that The Model Company adherers to all these rules and regulations.

Health & Fitness

As a model you have to take good care of yourself, this includes eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. To ensure you have healthy skin make sure you drink lots of water and milk, eat leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits.

Eating vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin A and C promote sparkling eyes, fresh looking skin and health hair. If you'd prefer not to take vitamin supplements these vitamins can be found naturally in dairy products, green vegetables, raw carrots, all fruits and meats.

Going to the gym or running at least 2 times a week will help keep you in shape. Try to eliminate from your diet fried foods, excessive sugars, nuts, cheese, fizzy drinks, alcohol and caffeine.

Interview Techniques

When attending castings or interviews it is very important that you make a good first impression. Within the first two minutes, the interviewer will notice:

• Your looks
• Your dress (This is 90% of the first impression you make)
• Your voice

Pay particular attention to the following which interviewers particularly dislike:

• Poor posture
• A limp handshake
• Interrupting
• Lack of eye contact
• Multiple earrings
• Short skirts
• Too much perfume or aftershave
• Body odour

If you follow this advice when attending an interview you will be sure to impress the interviewer and strengthen your chances of getting chosen for the job!