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!!