ARTICLES MODELING
THE MODELIXIR MAGAZINE
SPECIAL EDITION 1
6
INDUSTRY
The Different Types of Modeling Starting a Modeling Career Your Pictures, Good is not Enough! Modeling is a Business! The Day-To-Day Life of a Model How to Get Signed with a Modeling Agent
TABLE OF Contents
1 2 3 4 5 6
PAGE
04-05
PAGE
06-07
PAGE
08-09
PAGE
10-11
PAGE
12-13
PAGE
14-15
The Different Types of Modeling
Starting a Modeling Career
Your Pictures, Good is not Enough!
Modeling is a Business!
The Day-To-Day Life of a Model
How to Get Signed with a Modeling Agent
Cover:
Model : Lisa Carina Hair and Makeup : Claudia Busch Wardrobe artist : Nadine Cendelin Photographer : Thomas Zeising www.thomaszeising.com
SPECIAL EDITION 1 MODELING INDUSTRY
Welcome to our special edition dedicated to models! This little guide will give you precious information and tips if you are contemplating getting into the business. Besides having the look, you need to be prepared to compete with other models and it is a tough world! Modelixir hopes you will make good use of all this information and that you will be successful. Don’t make mistakes you can avoid! Modelixir is a monthly online magazine dedicated to the amateurs and professionals of the modeling, photography, entertainment and art industries. We also have blogs and in 2013 we will be launching the Modelixir Universe. Stay tuned by becoming a fan on Facebook. We love our fans! When we reach 5000 fans, we will raffle an Ipad.
MODELIXIR MAGAZINE w w w.modelixir.com
TheUniverse Magazines
mag.modelixir.com
Forums
www.modelixir.com/forum/
Blogs
www.modelixir.com/blogs/
Partners
partners.modelixir.com
Galleries
www.modelixir.com/gallery/
Contests
www.facebook.com/Modelixir
BE PART OF THE ARTS The Modelixir Team
Copyright:
Modelixir International, LLC
1 The different types of modeling T
here are several types of modeling; each of them has requirements and characteristics. This article will describe each division you can find within a modeling agency.
Commercial Modeling
Commercial Modeling is also called real people modeling. To be a commercial model you do not have to be over 5’9”. You can be any age, any ethnicity as long as you represent the population the client is trying to reach. Commercial models must be able to express all sorts of emotions. Indeed, you will be playing different roles and thus you have to be believable in each character (mom, nurse, patient etc..).
High Fashion, Editorial and Runway Modeling
Models in these divisions have to respect very strict height and weight requirements. Females have to be over 5’9” and thinly built. Men have to be over 5’11” and fit. Agencies request models to fit these criteria because they must wear designer clothing samples. Designers only create one piece before they decide to go to production and thus there are no options in terms of sizes. The sample has to look good as it is.
4
Each type of modeling requires separate talents. For instance, a runway model has to be able to confidently walk the runway and cope well with the stress of a fashion show. High fashion models have to be able to make striking poses. They have to “dislocate” their body to make the pose unique. Many models say the more it hurts the better it looks. Editorial models have to be capable of telling a story on each page. They have to carry the emotion and the atmosphere of the shoot.
Beauty Modeling
For this division, models will work with cosmetics, hair, and jewelry companies. To be selected, the model must have clear skin, a nice smile and beautiful hair, as photographers will mainly be shooting close-ups. If you live in a small market, the local agency might not have a beauty division, but in larger markets such as New York or Los Angeles, you will have specialized agencies.
Part Modeling
Part Modeling is for models with an outstanding feature such as beautiful hands, legs, eyes… This
can be a very lucrative career so consider it in addition to other gigs.
40+ Modeling
Long gone are the times when models would retire at 25 years old. Nowadays, companies are targeting mature models and even seniors. Clients will be pharmaceutical companies, beauty products manufacturers‌
Plus Size Modeling
Plus size models have to respect height and weight requirements. They have to be tall and wear at least a size 10. Plus size models also have to have beautiful skin, hair and teeth and some striking features. Plus size models are used for runways, advertising campaigns, and magazine spreads.
Promotional Models
and Tradeshows
The models working for these markets are in charge of promoting a product or a brand. The tasks go from distributing samples and coupons to animating a stand. This market is not competitive and is a great way to network and build your confidence. Although it might not be very glamorous, promotional modeling is a great way to have a steady income.
Fitness Modeling
Fitness modeling is for models who are professional bodybuilders. They work mostly with fitness magazines, supplement companies and diet programs. These models must be very muscular.
Fit Modeling
Fit models are used when designers are presenting their new collections to buyers from department store. Since they only have samples, they want the model wearing the clothes to look great in them. When a model gets hired for that job, it will be very important to have a stable weight. It pays very well.
N
ow that you know the different markets available, you need to assess which one is for you and work on the skills necessary to succeed. You can belong to several divisions and thus increase the castings you go to and the jobs you get.
2 Starting a modeling career
How to smartly avoid some common mistakes!
P
eople eager to start a modeling career should be aware of the risks involved in this industry. Modelixir wants you to be fully informed, please read on carefully.
Don’t drop out of school
You will find plenty of paid gigs for nudity. However, taking your clothes off is not required to be successful in the industry. If you aren’t working with an agency, you could be taking some huge risks. You could be exposed to dangerous people with harmful intentions. A picture can quickly become erotic, don’t get involved in shady projects. Follow your gut feeling! If you are not sure about a situation, excuse yourself and leave. The damage it could potentially cause is not worth the risk!
A degree is a vital tool for gaining credibility in the job market. Carefully consider your future. Betting your life on your look is not a smart decision. Instead, combine your modeling career with higher education. Doing this will help you mature and if your career does not pick up or slows down, you will be able to get back on your feet.
When you sign with an agency, you will be filling out documents stating what kind of jobs you are looking for. You don’t have to accept nudity work if you are not comfortable. Do not feel pressured, a reputable agency will respect you and your preferences.
Motivation and drive are very important criteria to reach your goals. However, you should not blindly throw yourself into the modeling industry in an attempt to achieve your dream.
If an agency sincerely wants to work with you, then they will understand your choice. If you do sign a contract with a major brand, continue your education with courses online. Being pretty and smart is a huge advantage in life!
Don’t take every job that is offered to you
Sometimes it may be hard to make ends meet, but never give up your principles! It takes a long time
6
to build a solid reputation, but only an instant to destroy it.
Everything that glitters is not gold
When you want to start a career, carefully research the agencies, photographers, makeup artists, etc. in your area. It will help you to avoid scams and deceptions. Modelixir is a great way to network and meet people whose style you like. Eventually you will work on projects and gain precious experience. My experience has shown me that when a photographer talks a lot about how great he is, it is because
in reality he is not actually that good. Pictures don’t lie, so if the photos are not awesome then they won’t be any different for you. Don’t waste your time!
Read what you sign
It is critical to understand the consequences of each contract you sign. If you are not sure, seek advice and find out. Here is brief overview of the basic legal vocabulary you will encounter: - Exclusive contract: you are represented by ONE agency. The agency will take care of you 100%. It will look for jobs in different cities/countries. This type of contract is more common for high fashion models. It is great because they have contacts all over the world and if they sign you exclusively it means they see something in you! - Non-Exclusive Contract: a contract that allows you to be represented by many agencies in different markets. - Model release: when you want to develop your portfolio, you can sometimes find a photographer willing to work for free, in exchange for the use of the pictures. This is called Time for CD (TFCD) or Time for Pictures (TFP). In exchange for the time he spends shooting you, he gets the rights to the pictures. Each contract is different. In general, they can use the pictures for self-promotion (website, book) but sometimes they will put these pictures up for sale. There might also be a restriction on the size of the picture. Beware! You need high resolution photos for your portfolio; web edit is a big no-no. Obtain a copy of
the model release before the shoot and review it thoroughly.
T
his advice will help you to avoid many negative experiences. There is, however, a lot more to learn!
3 Your Pictures, Good is not enough! T
he most important aspect of your portfolio and composite card photos is not quantity but rather quality. You want people to say “WOW� when they go through each page. Here are some useful tips to achieve the best results.
Find a great test photographer
Often, the agency will refer photographers they work with. You do not have to use one of them. If you are not signed by an agency you have several ways to look for a photographer, such as yellow pages and the Internet. When choosing a test photographer, you must see their portfolio. It will show you right away what they can do. If you are searching online, glance at their galleries. If they do not have an online portfolio, then set a meeting to look at their book in person. It is always a great idea to see the latest test shot that person did. You will be able to see if there are a lot of great shots or not. Like models, photographers only keep the best pictures on display and you want to make sure these were not random successes. Once you find a photographer whose style and budget match yours and who you feel comfortable with, set a date for the shoot. Remember if testing for an agency, you should not have to pay for the shoot. They will pay for you and then reimburse themselves with your future bookings..
8
Get ready for your first shoot
It is not always easy to look comfortable and have great poses on camera. So before going to the shoot, you will need to practice. Look at some magazines and choose the poses you like. In front of a mirror, train yourself to copy these poses and memorize them (at least 10). Also work on your facial expressions, try to be sad, surprised, joyful, mysterious, mad, etc. Models must be able to communicate their emotions through their eyes. Still facing the mirror, try to switch poses and strike, move your head, your hand, and your hip. Sometimes the photographer will guide you, which makes the shoot super easy, but other times you will be doing the work. Be prepared. If you already know which clothes you will be wearing, practice dressed up. Clothes can accentuate some features, so you need to make sure it looks great. Think about using your pockets, jewelry, bag, hat, etc. If you have a shy personality, you can try to take some improvisation classes, which should help you feel more comfortable with yourself and others.
The day of the shoot
Try to get there a little early to get to know the photographer and confirm what you will be doing. Be sure to bring plenty of clothes, shoes
and accessories to create the strongest looks. The length of the shoot will depend on the number of looks and hours you booked. Usually you can count an hour for makeup and an hour for the actual shoot per look. Be patient, the photographer will be adjusting the lighting, the background. All of this is necessary to get the absolute best results!
Create your portfolio and composite cards
The pictures from the test shoot might be edited, so you will have to wait a week or two to get them. The agency will help you pick the best ones. If you are not represented (yet), after the shoot, pick your favorites and have the photographer edit them and send them to you. Your portfolio can be bought from several locations and can vary greatly in price. You can start with a simple binder. Some things to consider when choosing your portfolio support are: the quality of the material, pockets in the front and the back to store papers, and the possibility to put a picture in the front. Sometimes your agency will sell their own book; they can be expensive but are of good quality. Do not use one of these, however, if you are multi represented. It would not look professional. Choose two different photos from each look. For example, choose one close-up shot and another full body shot. The closer shot should be put in the left side and
the full length to the right side. If you have been published already, put your tear sheets first because they will impress the client. Remember to show the best! Your composite card is like your business card; this is what the client will have left of you after the casting. Sometimes clients don’t even take the time to look at your portfolio! If you are not represented, composite cards can help you get an agency. In the front, you put one beauty shoot that shows your eyes, your complexion and your hair. On the back, place four pictures showing your market (business, catalogue, parts, etc.) If you are planning to do commercial modeling, it is very good to have a shoot with another person; it is called an interaction shoot. The portfolio and composite cards are essential tools for your self-promotion as a model. Clients will judge you on these; so do not bargain on the quality of your photos. Also, once you start modeling on a regular basis, update them because it will show you are working a lot and build your credibility as a talented professional model.
N
ow you know exactly what you have to do. Take the time you need to get the best results or you will just be a pretty face among others.
4 Modeling is a Business! M
odeling may be your passion, but it is also a business. To be successful, you will need to know how the business of modeling works. This article will be useful for those wanting to be a professional model, read it carefully.
Do I need a manager?
In the modeling industry, a manager is not necessary if you have the time and energy to seek representation yourself. A manager may know a lot of people in the industry, but realize that you will have to pay a commission to your manager for each job you take. If you hire a manager, and your manager is able to find you an agency, you will have to pay 20% commission to your agency and additional commission to your manager. That will not leave you with much in the end! Unless the market is highly competitive, look for agencies yourself.
What is a freelance?
Working as a freelance model is possible if your market is very specific and agencies do not usually represent your peers. For example, if you are tattooed or have an eccentric look, you can expect to find job by yourself. If you are easy to work with and your pictures are awesome, you will be referred and able to work on a regular basis.
10
If your look is more typical, try to obtain the contact information of the artistic director of a brand. You can try local designers and boutiques that might be happy to have a free spirit eager to succeed, much like them. Also, check online to find offers near you. Be very careful when booking directly with a client; do not put yourself in a dangerous situation. Make sure to ask for a deposit before the shoot to make sure you will be paid. Search for template contracts to review or use.
Always market yourself
Modelixir is a great way to maintain an online gallery and references from people you have worked with. It gives you credibility as a model, but you should also have additional marketing tools: your comp card and portfolio. Whether or not you are agency represented, you need to update these materials on a regular basis. You are not the only beautiful person out there! Clients want to see that you can deliver great pictures. You have to be persistent and pro-active to make things happen. It won’t come to you without effort, your agency will be there to help but ultimately you will do the job! If you don’t get pictures from your bookings, then do some test shots with local photographers looking to expand their portfolios (just like you!). It will be TFP or TFCD (Time For picture or Time
for CD). Stick with a natural look so that clients see the real you.
What about money?
When you are agency represented you are not involved in the salary negotiation. The agency and the client discuss multiple criteria to determine the amount of usage of the shoot. They will consider how the image is going to be used - in a magazine, locally, internationally, etc. Basically, they need to know the exposure of the picture to assess how much money you should make. Sometimes, the pay is hourly and ranges anywhere from $150 to $250 per hour. You may be eligible for a bonus if you are on a package. Jackpot if the contract is exclusive! Beware that your paycheck may take a while to arrive in the mail. Follow up to know how long you should wait. If you do not have another job on the side, you have to be smart about spending your money. Learn to budget until you get bookings on a regular basis.
B
eing a model requires dedication, intelligence and professionalism. Some investments are necessary to stand out in the crowd but you won’t regret them. Modelixir is offering you multiple tools to be successful, don’t hesitate to check them out!
5 The Day-To-Day Life of a Model B
eing a model is more than posing in front of a camera. It is a lifestyle with a specific work schedule and routine to adopt. Modelixir offers the following advice to those seeking a successful career in modeling :
Stay healthy
A model should not be anorexic. Being thin does not mean starving yourself. We all have different body types and it is important to respect that. A healthy diet and regular work-out schedule is extremely important to your physical and mental well-being. There was a time when modeling went hand in hand with drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, times have changed. A model is no longer expected to be present at after-parties. Many models never attend late events. Try to keep a regular schedule as much as possible. Adequate sleep is very important to staying in shape and beautiful. It is understandably difficult to be constantly judged on your looks, but unfortunately it is part of the job. Pay attention to comments and suggestions, but learn to keep only the best. Your agency and your family can be very helpful in keeping your head squarely on your shoulders.
Prepare
It is extremely important to prepare yourself for each
12
casting and audition. It will make a significant difference and help you stand out among the other candidates. For castings: research the client and the look you will be presenting. For example, one client may be interested in sports attire, while another may want to see you in an evening dress. Your agency should be able to give you the information you need, as they have already been in contact with the client and discussed the specific project. For auditions: you must absolutely obtain a copy of the text you will be presenting. Practice your text until you feel comfortable. As you practice, experiment with different emotions and tones. Always arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. It will give you time to relax, adjust your makeup/hair and rehearse one last time. A successful model can be very busy, so invest in an appointment book or calendar. Keeping it up to date and organized will save you lots of trouble!
Meet Clients
Sometimes an agency will send you on a “go-see�. This is a meeting intended to introduce you to their regular clients. The client will check your book and take your comp card. As a result of this introduction, they might contact your agency to hire you for projects. Go-sees are not a waste of time they are opportunities to be hired in the future.
Some clients might contact the agency with a request casting. This means you have been preselected and they want to see you in person. It does not mean you are hired!
Work for a client
If everything goes well, a model won’t spend her time running around chasing castings. She will be hired and work for clients. Some clients may require that you arrive with your hair and make-up ready. This allows the client to save time and money. When you arrive, be ready to shoot. Always bring a bag with makeup, brushes, hair styling tools, hair styling products, pins, etc. You should also bring your shoe bag to the shoot unless you are told otherwise. A shoe bag should contain around 10 pairs of shoes in neutral colors (black, white, silver) and different styles. You should have a variety, i.e. business shoes, evening shoes, etc. If you know the style of the shoot ahead of time you can plan to bring appropriate shoes. It is often the case that shoes are not provided on a shoot because they cannot be returned once used. At the end of a booking, a model should fill out their model voucher and have the client complete their portion. This is the proof that the job was done and the ticket to payment.
Update your portfolio
Before leaving a job, make sure you collect the photographer’s and the client’s contact information. Let them know that you would love to obtain a copy of the photo to add to your portfolio. It is better to get the picture directly from them because you won’t have to worry about tearing it out from a magazine or finding that the final result isn’t really useful for your portfolio. It’s always ideal to obtain an original. Inquire about when the pictures might be ready and follow up with an email once that date arrives. If you are unable to reach the photographer and/or client, you still have the option to get the tear sheet from the magazine/brochure. You have to be extremely careful when you tear it. The best method is to break the magazine in two and then get to the page by tearing one at a time. It takes some time but is worth it because your portfolio requires photography with a clean edge. Practice beforehand to make sure you can get it right. The more published photos you have, the better. Clients love to see that other people want to work with you. As you can see, working as a model is a demanding job. It is essential to be professional as you build a network and gain experience. Start your professional modeling career today by joining Modelixir. com.
6 How to get signed With a modeling agent B
efore blindly applying to modeling agencies, it is key to do some research on what is available in the market you are targeting.
Determine your geographical area
Look for agencies close to you because you will have to be available to go to castings and go sees. If you get signed with an agency that is 100 miles away, do you think you will be willing to travel that far for a casting? And if you have a job and the client does not pay for travel expenses, can you afford it? Starting with a smaller market is a great idea because there is less competition and you will be able to gain very valuable experience for the future.
Investigate the agencies
All agencies do not offer every division of modeling. All agencies are not serious. So before you contact them, go online and talk to people to make sure they offer quality gigs and numerous opportunities. If you are a commercial model, do not contact a high fashion modeling agency. Focus on the agencies that you might be of interest to. You can absolutely contact several agencies in the same area, but you will only be able to sign with one. Multiple agencies often send their girls to the
14
same castings. You don’t want to have multiple agencies send you to the same casting. What if you are selected, which agency will get commissioned? This is a headache you want to avoid!
Get your application ready
To apply to an agency, it is not necessary to have professional pictures so don’t stress out. Here is what you need. Put some natural makeup on your face and put your hair up to show your bone structure and neck. Put on your favorite jeans and a tank top. You are ready! Stand up in front a white wall or white sheet and take four pictures: one of your face, one from head to toe, one that shows three-fourths of your body and a profile shot. Stay simple and natural. Try to smile on one of them to show your teeth. Make sure the pictures are clean and have them developed (as many copies as agencies you plan to apply). The higher the resolutions the better and, of course, do not touch them up!
Contact the agencies
There are two ways to contact an agency — by e-mail and by mail. You must use both. Agencies
receive a lot of applications daily, and you really want to increase your chances of being discovered. On the back of the pictures, write your name, your date of birth and phone number. Don’t forget to mention your stats in a cover letter. Mark the date on a calendar when you send each application. Now wait. If you don’t hear from them, do not call. Simply send another application the following month. The best strategy is to contact as many agencies as you can and keep being positive.
The interview
If you were noticed by an agency, someone will call you to set up a meeting. They mainly want to make sure your application photo accurately depicts you. During this interview make sure you smile and listen. Do not hesitate to ask questions. At the end of the appointment, they will decide whether they want to represent you or not. If the answer is yes they will ask you to sign a contract (exclusive or non exclusive). Take your time to read it and if you are not sure ask to take it home for review. It should not be a problem. But you have to get it back to them quickly!
W
ARNING: The agency should not ask you for money. Real agencies pay for their model’s book and makeover. They reimburse themselves with the first jobs the model gets. Generally speaking, an agency takes a 20% commission on the gross salary made by the model on a particular job.
T
o be represented by an agency is a huge step in a modeling career, but it is only the beginning.
MODELIXIR UNIVERSE BE PART OF THE ARTS!
For more informations visit www.modelixir.com