Modelixir Magazine se 1
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The document is a guide from Modelixir Magazine detailing essential information for aspiring models, including different types of modeling and advice for starting a career. It emphasizes that modeling is a business and outlines the importance of building a strong portfolio, understanding contract terms, and avoiding common pitfalls. The guide also provides tips on preparing for photoshoots and marketing oneself effectively in the industry.
Modelixir Magazine se 1
- 1. THE MODELIXIR MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 1 ARTICLES 6 MODELING 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
- 2. TABLE OF Contents PAGE 04-05 1 The Different Types of Modeling PAGE 06-07 2 Starting a Modeling Career PAGE 08-09 3 Your Pictures, Good is not Enough! PAGE 10-11 4 Modeling is a Business! PAGE 12-13 5 The Day-To-Day Life of a Model PAGE 14-15 6 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
- 3. MODELIXIR SPECIAL MAGAZINE EDITION 1 w w w.modelixir.com MODELING INDUSTRY TheUniverse Welcome to our special edition dedicated to models! Magazines mag.modelixir.com This little guide will give you precious information Forums and tips if you are contemplating getting into the www.modelixir.com/forum/ business. Besides having the look, you need to be Blogs prepared to compete with other models and it is a www.modelixir.com/blogs/ tough world! Partners partners.modelixir.com Modelixir hopes you will make good use of all this information and that you will be successful. Don’t Galleries make mistakes you can avoid! www.modelixir.com/gallery/ Contests Modelixir is a monthly online magazine dedicated www.facebook.com/Modelixir 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. BE PART OF THE ARTS The Modelixir Team Copyright: Modelixir International, LLC
- 4. 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. 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 strik- Commercial Modeling ing poses. They have to “dislocate” their body to Commercial Modeling is also called real people mod- make the pose unique. Many models say the more eling. To be a commercial model you do not have to it hurts the better it looks. be over 5’9”. You can be any age, any ethnicity as long as you represent the population the client is try- Editorial models have to be capable of tell- ing to reach. ing a story on each page. They have to carry the emotion and the atmosphere of the shoot. 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 char- Beauty Modeling acter (mom, nurse, patient etc..). For this division, models will work with cosmet- ics, hair, and jewelry companies. High Fashion, Editorial and Run- To be selected, the model must have clear skin, a nice smile and beautiful hair, as photographers will way Modeling mainly be shooting close-ups. Models in these divisions have to respect very strict height and weight requirements. Females have to be If you live in a small market, the local agency over 5’9” and thinly built. Men have to be over 5’11” might not have a beauty division, but in larger and fit. markets such as New York or Los Angeles, you will have specialized agencies. Agencies request models to fit these criteria be- cause 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 Part Modeling terms of sizes. The sample has to look good as it is. Part Modeling is for models with an outstanding feature such as beautiful hands, legs, eyes… This 4
- 5. can be a very lucrative career so consider it in addi- tion to other gigs. Fitness Modeling Fitness modeling is for models who are profes- 40+ Modeling sional bodybuilders. They work mostly with fit- Long gone are the times when models would retire ness magazines, supplement companies and diet at 25 years old. Nowadays, companies are targeting programs. These models must be very muscular. mature models and even seniors. Clients will be phar- maceutical companies, beauty products manufactur- ers… Fit Modeling Fit models are used when designers are presenting their new collections to buyers from department Plus Size Modeling store. Since they only have samples, they want the Plus size models have to respect height and weight model wearing the clothes to look great in them. requirements. They have to be tall and wear at least a size 10. Plus size models also have to have beautiful When a model gets hired for that job, it will be skin, hair and teeth and some striking features. very important to have a stable weight. It pays very well. Plus size models are used for runways, advertising campaigns, and magazine spreads. Promotional Models and Tradeshows 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 The models working for these markets are in charge thus increase the castings you go to and the jobs of promoting a product or a brand. The tasks go from you get. 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, promotion- al modeling is a great way to have a steady income.
- 6. 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. to build a solid reputation, but only an instant to destroy it. You will find plenty of paid gigs for nudity. How- ever, 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 Don’t drop out of school risks. You could be exposed to dangerous people Motivation and drive are very important criteria to with harmful intentions. A picture can quickly be- reach your goals. However, you should not blindly come erotic, don’t get involved in shady projects. throw yourself into the modeling industry in an at- Follow your gut feeling! If you are not sure about a tempt to achieve your dream. 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 When you sign with an agency, you will be filling your life on your look is not a smart decision. Instead, out documents stating what kind of jobs you are combine your modeling career with higher education. looking for. You don’t have to accept nudity work Doing this will help you mature and if your career if you are not comfortable. Do not feel pressured, a does not pick up or slows down, you will be able to reputable agency will respect you and your prefer- get back on your feet. ences. If an agency sincerely wants to work with you, then Everything that glitters is not they will understand your choice. If you do sign a contract with a major brand, continue your education gold with courses online. Being pretty and smart is a huge When you want to start a career, carefully research advantage in life! 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 Don’t take every job that is of- you will work on projects and gain precious expe- fered to you rience. Sometimes it may be hard to make ends meet, but never give up your principles! It takes a long time My experience has shown me that when a photog- rapher talks a lot about how great he is, it is because 6
- 7. in reality he is not actually that good. Pictures don’t the model release before the shoot and review it lie, so if the photos are not awesome then they won’t thoroughly. 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 T his advice will help you to avoid many nega- tive experiences. There is, however, a lot more to learn! find out. Here is brief overview of the basic legal vo- cabulary 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 mar- kets. - Model release: when you want to develop your port- folio, you can sometimes find a photographer willing to work for free, in exchange for the use of the pic- tures. 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 pic- tures for self-promotion (website, book) but some- times 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
- 8. 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 Get ready for your first shoot It is not always easy to look comfortable and have great poses on camera. So before go- ing to the shoot, you will need to practice. to achieve the best results. 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 Find a great test photographer on your facial expressions, try to be sad, surprised, Often, the agency will refer photographers they work joyful, mysterious, mad, etc. Models must be able with. You do not have to use one of them. If you are not to communicate their emotions through their eyes. signed by an agency you have several ways to look for a photographer, such as yellow pages and the Internet. Still facing the mirror, try to switch poses and strike, move your head, your hand, and your When choosing a test photographer, you must see hip. Sometimes the photographer will guide you, their portfolio. It will show you right away what they which makes the shoot super easy, but other can do. If you are searching online, glance at their times you will be doing the work. Be prepared. galleries. If they do not have an online portfolio, then set a meeting to look at their book in person. If you already know which clothes you will be wearing, practice dressed up. Clothes It is always a great idea to see the latest test shot can accentuate some features, so you need that person did. You will be able to see if there are to make sure it looks great. Think about us- a lot of great shots or not. Like models, photogra- ing your pockets, jewelry, bag, hat, etc. phers only keep the best pictures on display and you want to make sure these were not random successes. If you have a shy personality, you can try to take some improvisation classes, which should help Once you find a photographer whose style and budget you feel more comfortable with yourself and oth- match yours and who you feel comfortable with, set a ers. 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 The day of the shoot Try to get there a little early to get to know the future bookings.. photographer and confirm what you will be do- ing. Be sure to bring plenty of clothes, shoes 8
- 9. and accessories to create the strongest looks. the full length to the right side. If you have been pub- lished already, put your tear sheets first because they The length of the shoot will depend on the number of will impress the client. Remember to show the best! looks and hours you booked. Usually you can count an hour for makeup and an hour for the actual shoot per look. Your composite card is like your business card; this is what the client will have left of you after Be patient, the photographer will be adjusting the the casting. Sometimes clients don’t even take lighting, the background. All of this is necessary to the time to look at your portfolio! If you are get the absolute best results! 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 show- Create your portfolio and com- ing your market (business, catalogue, parts, etc.) posite cards The pictures from the test shoot might be edited, so you If you are planning to do commercial model- will have to wait a week or two to get them. The agen- ing, it is very good to have a shoot with an- cy will help you pick the best ones. If you are not rep- other person; it is called an interaction shoot. resented (yet), after the shoot, pick your favorites and have the photographer edit them and send them to you. The portfolio and composite cards are essential tools for your self-promotion as a model. Clients Your portfolio can be bought from several locations will judge you on these; so do not bargain on the and can vary greatly in price. You can start with a quality of your photos. Also, once you start model- simple binder. Some things to consider when choos- ing on a regular basis, update them because it will ing your portfolio support are: the quality of the show you are working a lot and build your cred- material, pockets in the front and the back to store ibility as a talented professional model. 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 qual- ity. Do not use one of these, however, if you are multi represented. It would not look professional. N ow you know exactly what you have to do. Take the time you need to get the best re- sults or you will just be a pretty face among others. Choose two different photos from each look. For ex- ample, choose one close-up shot and another full body shot. The closer shot should be put in the left side and
- 10. 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 If your look is more typical, try to obtain the con- tact 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 suc- professional model, read it carefully. ceed, much like them. Also, check online to find offers near you. Be very careful when booking directly with a cli- ent; do not put yourself in a dangerous situation. Do I need a manager? Make sure to ask for a deposit before the shoot to In the modeling industry, a manager is not necessary make sure you will be paid. Search for template if you have the time and energy to seek representation contracts to review or use. yourself. A manager may know a lot of people in the industry, but realize that you will have to pay a com- mission to your manager for each job you take. Always market yourself Modelixir is a great way to maintain an online gal- If you hire a manager, and your manager is able to lery and references from people you have worked find you an agency, you will have to pay 20% com- with. It gives you credibility as a model, but you mission to your agency and additional commission to should also have additional marketing tools: your your manager. That will not leave you with much in comp card and portfolio. the end! Whether or not you are agency represented, you Unless the market is highly competitive, look for need to update these materials on a regular basis. agencies yourself. You are not the only beautiful person out there! Clients want to see that you can deliver great pic- tures. You have to be persistent and pro-active to make things happen. It won’t come to you without What is a freelance? effort, your agency will be there to help but ulti- Working as a freelance model is possible if your mar- mately you will do the job! ket is very specific and agencies do not usually rep- resent your peers. For example, if you are tattooed or If you don’t get pictures from your bookings, then have an eccentric look, you can expect to find job by do some test shots with local photographers look- yourself. If you are easy to work with and your pic- ing to expand their portfolios (just like you!). It tures are awesome, you will be referred and able to work on a regular basis. will be TFP or TFCD (Time For picture or Time 10
- 11. 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 in- volved 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 nec- essary 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!
- 12. 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 ca- casting and audition. It will make a significant dif- ference and help you stand out among the other candidates. For castings: research the client and the look you reer in modeling : 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 Stay healthy they have already been in contact with the client A model should not be anorexic. Being thin does not and discussed the specific project. mean starving yourself. We all have different body types and it is important to respect that. A healthy diet For auditions: you must absolutely obtain a copy and regular work-out schedule is extremely important of the text you will be presenting. Practice your to your physical and mental well-being. text until you feel comfortable. As you practice, experiment with different emotions and tones. There was a time when modeling went hand in hand with drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, times have Always arrive at least 15 minutes before your ap- changed. A model is no longer expected to be pres- pointment. It will give you time to relax, adjust ent at after-parties. Many models never attend late your makeup/hair and rehearse one last time. A events. Try to keep a regular schedule as much as successful model can be very busy, so invest in possible. Adequate sleep is very important to staying an appointment book or calendar. Keeping it up to in shape and beautiful. date and organized will save you lots of trouble! It is understandably difficult to be constantly judged on your looks, but unfortunately it is part of the job. Meet Clients Pay attention to comments and suggestions, but learn Sometimes an agency will send you on a “go-see”. to keep only the best. Your agency and your family This is a meeting intended to introduce you to their can be very helpful in keeping your head squarely on regular clients. The client will check your book your shoulders. and take your comp card. As a result of this in- troduction, they might contact your agency to hire you for projects. Go-sees are not a waste of time Prepare they are opportunities to be hired in the future. It is extremely important to prepare yourself for each 12
- 13. Some clients might contact the agency with a request Update your portfolio casting. This means you have been preselected and Before leaving a job, make sure you collect the they want to see you in person. It does not mean you photographer’s and the client’s contact informa- are hired! tion. 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 Work for a client you won’t have to worry about tearing it out from If everything goes well, a model won’t spend her time a magazine or finding that the final result isn’t re- running around chasing castings. She will be hired ally useful for your portfolio. It’s always ideal to and work for clients. obtain an original. Inquire about when the pictures might be ready and follow up with an email once Some clients may require that you arrive with your that date arrives. hair and make-up ready. This allows the client to save time and money. When you arrive, be ready to shoot. If you are unable to reach the photographer and/or Always bring a bag with makeup, brushes, hair styl- client, you still have the option to get the tear sheet ing tools, hair styling products, pins, etc. from the magazine/brochure. You have to be ex- tremely careful when you tear it. The best method You should also bring your shoe bag to the shoot un- is to break the magazine in two and then get to the less you are told otherwise. A shoe bag should con- page by tearing one at a time. It takes some time tain around 10 pairs of shoes in neutral colors (black, but is worth it because your portfolio requires pho- white, silver) and different styles. You should have a tography with a clean edge. Practice beforehand to variety, i.e. business shoes, evening shoes, etc. If you make sure you can get it right. know the style of the shoot ahead of time you can plan to bring appropriate shoes. It is often the case The more published photos you have, the better. that shoes are not provided on a shoot because they Clients love to see that other people want to work cannot be returned once used. with you. At the end of a booking, a model should fill out their As you can see, working as a model is a demanding model voucher and have the client complete their job. It is essential to be professional as you build portion. This is the proof that the job was done and a network and gain experience. Start your profes- the ticket to payment. sional modeling career today by joining Modelixir. com.
- 14. 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. 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 commis- sioned? This is a headache you want to avoid! Determine your geographical Get your application ready To apply to an agency, it is not necessary to have area professional pictures so don’t stress out. Here is Look for agencies close to you because you will have what you need. to be available to go to castings and go sees. If you get signed with an agency that is 100 miles away, do Put some natural makeup on your face and put you think you will be willing to travel that far for a your hair up to show your bone structure and neck. casting? And if you have a job and the client does not Put on your favorite jeans and a tank top. You are pay for travel expenses, can you afford it? ready! Starting with a smaller market is a great idea because Stand up in front a white wall or white sheet and there is less competition and you will be able to gain take four pictures: one of your face, one from head very valuable experience for the future. to toe, one that shows three-fourths of your body and a profile shot. Investigate the agencies Stay simple and natural. Try to smile on one of All agencies do not offer every division of modeling. them to show your teeth. All agencies are not serious. So before you contact them, go online and talk to people to make sure Make sure the pictures are clean and have them they offer quality gigs and numerous opportunities. developed (as many copies as agencies you plan to apply). The higher the resolutions the better and, If you are a commercial model, do not contact a of course, do not touch them up! high fashion modeling agency. Focus on the agen- cies that you might be of interest to. You can absolutely contact several agencies in the Contact the agencies same area, but you will only be able to sign with There are two ways to contact an agency — by one. Multiple agencies often send their girls to the e-mail and by mail. You must use both. Agencies 14
- 15. 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 W ARNING: The agency should not ask you for money. Real agencies pay for their model’s book and makeover. They reim- burse themselves with the first jobs the model gets. date of birth and phone number. Don’t forget to men- tion your stats in a cover letter. Generally speaking, an agency takes a 20% com- mission on the gross salary made by the model on Mark the date on a calendar when you send each ap- a particular job. T plication. Now wait. If you don’t hear from them, do not call. Simply send another application the follow- o be represented by an agency is a huge step ing month. in a modeling career, but it is only the be- ginning. 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 wheth- er 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!
- 16. MODELIXIR UNIVERSE BE PART OF THE ARTS! For more informations visit www.modelixir.com