Modeling Advice

Random Modeling Tips to Keep for Men and Women
These are topics that are taught in the Runway Coaching by Essence, workshops and sessions. Why do a workshop? Because it enables you to get coached and properly directed with the following topics. And the great thing is that sessions are only $25 each hour. Not thousands or even hundreds! I simply don't like the idea of charging a lot of money when a model already has to spend quite a bit of money on building a book and so forth.Print this out as a reference guide for new/inexperienced models or for those who'd like a reminder.

- Don’t ever give up front money – if they ask then run away. It should NOT be mandatory to pay for modeling classes or pictures (especially on the front end) at an agency – you want them making $$ off of you not the site, classes or other fees.

- Eventually ask what costs you will be responsible for before signing a contract. Some agencies do charge to be on their website (If it costs anywhere in the hundreds I’d rethink getting with that agency. Some charge a fee to ship out your comp cards. Use good judgment. There are also travel fees, photos, comp cards… See what the agency’s system is. Usually unless you are with a larger NY agency, then you foot the bill and make the investments yourself. It should pay off if you are in your niche market.

- When meeting with an agency or going to an open call or even on a Go-see, be presentable with clean fabulous healthy hair, nails and skin with very minimal make-up. Don’t wear really high heels or busy clothing. Look clean, fresh, and simply fabulous at your age! Don’t wear tennis shoes. Where a fitted ensemble that preferably shoes legs (men and women). Wear black to be safe.
Don’t be intimidated or you probably won’t think clearly. Give people your full attention! No distractions, no candy or gum. No food or drinks. No phone, no ipods, etc! Or at least turn your phone off. Be as professional and respectful as possible. Respect the clothes! Don’t sit in the clothes, play around, nor comment negatively. If you have nothing nice to say, remember that your thoughts as the model mean nothing until you say something negative! You never know who is listening or who will tell what you say. So respect every client’s products. Have good questions (for the agency). Prepare them ahead of time and take them on paper with you with a pen to write the answers. It shows you have focus and are professional and serious about being represented by them. Interact with the agent you speak with. Ask questions to the agent and ask for clarity on topics you aren’t sure about.
- Never feel pressure to do anything you wouldn’t normally do. You can choose the work you want to do as long as you fit that market. So if you don’t feel good about promoting smoking for example, let the agency know ahead of time. They usually have a list of things that you can check off that you aren’t willing to do. Ask for that.

- Know what market you are good for and work it to the fullest. Represent yourself as that market when meeting clients. Take your career seriously. Be confident in your abilities

- Runway - Learn the basics of catwalking to be confident in that area if you think you’ll fit in that market. Remember to simply lean straight back on your tail bone, shoulders back, head up and straight, one foot in front of the other. Be tasteful and confident, not bouncy!!!  View the fashion shows I have here on my blog and practice their walk.
Normal runway requirements are 5’9” to about 6’0 for women – men 6’0 – 6’3”.
If you aren’t that height then you probably shouldn’t waste time trying for that market. Focus on the market you were built for and build on that.

- Commercial market - If your aren’t at least 5’9” then seek out more commercial agencies and think more about commercial print work and acting; in which you should surely take the time to get trained. Acting is no joke and actors come a dime a dozen. How will you stand out (in a GOOD way). You must show your talent. For print, you must know your good angles and know how to work your eyes. Buy some fake lashes and put them on to inspire you (if you are lashly challenged like me), and practice your looks. Take pictures and play around with different poses. Get use to posing without a mirror because you won’t have one at a photo shoot to gaze into! You will have to be comfortable and confident in your motions. Study print work like catalog and editorial. If you want to do swimsuit or athletic print work than study those poses. Be open to have a friend tell you when you look a hot mess or when you’re on point with posing for a camera.

- Model bookings - It is an unwritten rule to be 15 minutes early to everything. Sometimes for runway shows, it’s good to be 30 minutes early. Keep the professionalism up at all times but know how to stay relaxed because it’s your natural personality that is radiating and selling the product!

[Runway] Tips
♦ Assessing Individual goals – What are your personal reasons for taking runway lessons? Establish your goals (short/long term, modeling career, need of skill or other personal reasons, or just a productive outlet). Consider how far you want to go with runway. Are you serious about modeling f/t or p/t? Are you able to fully dedicate yourself to modeling? Do you fit the bill – what are the basic requirements and do you meet them?
♦ Confidence, care, & comfort on the runway (personal concerns and/or fears) – How well do you walk off the runway? How comfortable are you in heels or walking in public? How do you feel being spotlighted? How confident are you in yourself? Remember that you have something to offer whether on or off the runway – you are born to make a difference and do wonderful things. Who are you as a professional? Find your professional representative. The pattern of our thoughts determine your outcomes with anything you do in life.
♦ Character – Who you are and who they want! Humility, integrity, confidence, personality, manners, morals. Clients and agencies want models who have a certain look. But how much better to also be a model with good character!
♦ Be aware of runway obstacles – Lighting, stairs, runway shape and length, props, walking with others on the runway (choreography), runway surface…
♦ Lighting and photography – The eyes, body posture for cameras and uniformity. A lot of designers don’t like a lot of turns and twists and arm movements anymore because it’s more difficult for a photographer to get a great shot of the garment. So unless the garment calls for certain movements then keep it simple and do as the show coordinator asks.
♦ Before a show – Understand that a runway job is not only the runway show itself. From the time you show up [early] to the time you leave, your behavior/activity is [mentally] noted and can effect your outcome for more or less shows. Even after you have booked a job and must go to fittings; wear nude underwear (but wear underwear!), don’t wear a lot of make-up.
♦ Runway ethics (what not to do) – bad language, disrespectful tones, negative comments about people or clothing, not listening and following exact instruction, talking while being instructed (directly or indirectly), taking or using clothing items that don’t belong to you, using oils or scented products on the skin or clothing (no colognes nor perfumes), dirty hair or body, colored or non-manicured nails, not shaven or waxed (bikini line, stomach, legs, etc)…
♦ Walking (taking your inner diva/swag for a stroll) – The proper way to walk the runway and choreography. Men, watch men in the high fashion shows in NY – practice it. Women the same.
♦ Model bag; female/male: fragrance & oil free lotion, tampons, leg/eye razor, make-up bag (concealer, foundation, blush, eyeshadows, mascara, lashes, sponges, bronzer, necessary brushes) , hair bag (hair pins and thin pony holders your hair color, clear gel), sheer & black stockings (always buy sheer to waist), leggings. Blk pair, wht pair. Shoes; sole grippers, a neutral sandal, black heel, brown/black/cream boot, gold heel, silver heel, white/cream heel, black flats, white/cream flats (men-dress shoes similar colors). Also, have a scarf (or bandana) to cover your face when putting on clothes – this prevents make-up from getting everywhere. Robe to cover self when needed. The shoes in your bag are a last resort option if they are not already provided.
♦ Hair, clothing, and make-up emergency – male or female, know your flaws (if any) and how to apply your own make-up and do your own hair if you must. But if all else fails, be sure to be one of the first in line to get taken care of if possible. It’s good to have a personal assistant with you that is quiet and professional to help with outfit changes (if allowed), if there are no show assistants available to help with your clothing changes (there usually are).
(Tips All Courtesy of Runway Coaching by Essence)

Here are some simple modeling terms to know:

Modeling Definitions Courtesy of www.ActingMagazine.com

Modeling Agent-Model and talent agents provide representation to actors, models and other talent. The agency helps you find work and collects money after your work is complete. The agency then takes a commission from your work (usually 10-20%) and sends you the rest.

(to) Book- Booking happens when a company selects a model for a particular job. This term is most often used when referring to a model being selected for, say, a runway job.

A Book- A book is usually used when referring to a model’s portfolio.

Callback- All callback is when a client is interested in a model or actor and would like to see them for a second time, prior to making the ultimate selection as to who will get the modeling job.

Composite Card- Also known as a “comp” card, it is a card with a couple of pictures that a model or modeling agency uses to land model work.

Fashion Modeling- Fashion modeling is modeling where the clothing is the central focus.

Fitting- A model goes to a fitting prior to being booked for, say, a runway job. There, the model tries on the clothes of the designer so that booking and other decisions can be made about the talent.

Figure Modeling- Fashion modeling is the kind of modeling where the body is the central focus, such as nude modeling.

Fit models- Fit models are used to test the sizing of sample garments.

Go-See- An interview or audition for a model prior to being booked

Junior Model- A model that looks young and can model junior-sized clothing.

Model Bag- Any bag that is used to carry the necessary items a model needs, such as a change of clothes, deodorant, combs and brushes.

Model Release- A model release is a contract a model signs giving clients permission to use photos of them.


Parts Model- A parts model is a model that is photographed at specific parts of the body, such as the model’s hands or feet.

Portfolio- Contains photos, usually of a model’s prior work, that is used at go-sees to determine which model will be selected for a job.

Print Work- Unlike runway modeling, this work is done using still camera pictures and is used for print, such as magazine photos.

Runway Modeling- The opposite of Print Work, this modeling usually involves a catwalk for models to display a designers clothing line.

Modeling Definitions courtesy of www.ActingMagazine.com