First Step Modelling can Answers your Modelling Questions
We get asked the same questions a lot of the time here at First Step Modelling reviews so this article aims to answer some of those frequently asked questions.
How much can I earn as a model?
That very much depends on what sort of modelling you do and how much work you get. Established fashion models can earn thousands of pounds for a weekend show, and if they’re working regularly, that can add up to a very nice wage. Catalogue modelling doesn’t pay quite so spectacularly, but is still good money with some nice perks (such as getting to take the clothes home at the end of the shoot) and there is a lot more available, meaning there’s less competition and the requirements aren’t so stiff.How easy is it to become a model?
Not easy. A lot of people dream of becoming a model, and there simply isn’t enough work for everyone. If you want to be a model, you need to be prepared to pursue you goal and be ready to be patient and have a thick skin when it comes to rejection. Most aspiring models will not be accepted by the first modelling agency they go to, and even when you do get signed to a modelling agency, many more models are called to castings than are needed, so a lot of castings will result in rejection. That doesn’t mean the model is no good, only that they’re not suitable for that particular job.Can I work as a model while I’m studying?
Modelling is quite a good job to do while you’re studying, because it can be flexible and doesn’t require long hours on a regular basis. However, it does take an investment of time to get started, and if you want to work regularly, so you need to work hard to keep the study and work balanced.Launch your modelling career with www.firststepmodelling.com!
Z Cards Explained by First Step Modelling Reviews
If you want to be a model then you need to get to know the jargon and a term that you’ll come across fairly quickly is Z Card. Z Cards are also known as Zed Cards and Sed cards and are named after the man who invented them.
Z Cards should be printed on good quality, glossy card stock, and both the model and their agent will have a supply of them to give to clients in person, or via the post. Clients will keep the Z Cards for review after a casting or may even use them as a first point of call to decide who they want to see at a casting in the first place.
They are basically a model’s business card, and they differ from regular business cards in that they feature a range of photos that show the model at his or her best as well as having contact details. Another thing that you don’t find on regular business cards are a person’s physical statistics, such as height, weight and eye colour.
The statistics will vary slightly between male and female models, but generally they are the same.
The photos should include at least one head shot and one full length, and unless the model happens to be a glamour model, it’s not necessary to have any underwear shots. If there is space and the images are available, then it’s good to show the model as a range of ‘characters’ to show their versatility and ability to be a blank canvas.
The photos that are shown on the Z Card will usually be selected from the portfolio, and they should be very carefully selected, because there isn’t space to put as many as you can in a full portfolio. The images have to make a great impression very quickly and with limited space – and choosing the right pictures can make the difference between getting modelling work and missing out as the client is unimpressed.Male Modelling Advice by First Step Modelling Reviews
In modern society, men are becoming more fashion conscious and more occupied with how they look, including grooming, clothing and accessories. This translates into more work for male models.
Male models need to have the right combination of body shape, stamina, resilience and the right attitude. Male models are usually aged between 18- 25, although there is call for younger and more mature models for certain products.
As you would expect, male models are generally expected to be muscular, fit and toned. However, they should not be overly muscley, as the body builder’s physique has relatively limited appeal. The exception is male sports models, who tend to have very well defines bodies. As fashions change, there is more call for more slender males and even those with an androgynous look.
As with any modelling, if you want to make it as a male model, location is really important. You need to be where the studios, agencies and clients are and you need to be available to turn up to casting at short notice. In practise this means being based in London, preferably, but if that’s not possible, then being near any major city centre is a must.
Most modelling agencies work with both male and female models, though generally they will have fewer male than female models on their books.
Freelance modelling is becoming a more popular option, which means you can cut out the agency fees and keep more of your hard earned cash for yourself. However, freelance modelling does involve a lot more legwork and running the business side of being self-employed.
If you want to be a male model you should start out by taking some test shots to see how you come across photographically, and also to find out if you enjoy the experience. Some people clam or tense up when a camera is pointed at them, and you need to be able to look relaxed and calm even when a whole modelling shoot team is focussed on you.Teen Modelling
There is always a lot of demand for new teen models as the current ones get older and move into the adult brackets. The teen model bracket is usually considered to be between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
Teen modelling work is available across all kinds of formats from glossy magazines to billboards to TV adverts to catalogues and these days even stock photography for websites.
The teen market is a very major section which companies are keen to target, and each ‘type’ of teen needs to be represented. That means that as well as the standard modelling work for attractive, fresh faced, tall models there will be work for petite models, plus-size models and alternative models, who may have tattoos or be more unusual looking.
Many child models follow a natural progression into teen models, but also lots of teenagers decide they’d like to try modelling and take their first steps in the industry at this time.
Teenagers who are considering trying to become a model need to make sure they have the right attitude and know what to expect.
The Right Attitude
Not all teenagers fit the stereotype of being grumpy and stroppy, but there is definitely no space for that kind of attitude when it comes to modelling. Modelling is a professional and requires a professional attitude.That means being positive, helpful and willing.Realistic expectations
The modelling industry is tough and very competitive, so aspiring models need to be willing to invest time and energy in getting their foot in the door, and they have to be thicked skinned to deal with the inevitable early rejections and bounce back with enthusiasmThree steps to making it as a professional model
Take care of yourself
The first step to becoming a model is to make sure you’ve got a model quality body. That means great skin, healthy, toned shape and glossy hair. Making yourself physically perfect involves getting enough sleep every night (this is much more important than you might think!) eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of green vegetables, drinking lots of water, avoiding toxins such as coffee and chocolate and avoiding the sun.Learn about the types of modelling and which one you want to do
There are many different types of modelling and it’s important to find the type that will be best suited to your body type and personality. If you’re very tall and have a lot of flexibility in your schedule, you might want to consider catwalk modelling at fashion shows. If you’ve got more of a girl or boy next door kind of a look, then catalogue modelling might be more appropriate, and if you don’t meet the standard look, you might be suitable for petite, plus-size or alternative modelling.Be professional
It’s many people’s dream to become a model, but it’s important to be realistic and down to earth if you’re going to make a success of it. While modelling can be very satisfying and glamorous, it also involves good organisation and the ability to respond quickly and be flexible. You need to be willing to travel at short notice to attend castings and models have to look fresh and happy, even if they’re been travelling for long hours.If you follow these steps, you’ll give yourself a much better chance of success in the modelling industry.
What is a modelling agency?
A modelling agency is a company that matches models to clients. Contrary to popular belief, models are not employed by the modelling agency. If that were the case, then the models would get a fixed wage whether they did any work or not. No, in reality, the agency simply acts as a middle man, making the introductions. The model works directly for the client. The modelling agency gets their money by taking a cut of the pay for the job and sometimes an additional introduction fee.What will a modelling agency do for you?
A good modelling agency will find you castings and help with contracts and other related paperwork. They will give you any training that you need, whether it be how to work the camera or walk the catwalk. However, most of those kinds of skills are learned through experience.What will a modelling agency not do for you?
No modelling agency will guarantee you work, and they can only get you so far. Once you’re at the casting, it’s up to you to impress the client and win the actual job.How to tell a reputable modelling agency from a dodgy one
There are a lot of dodgy modelling agencies in existence, who are less concerned with matching models to jobs as with trying to fleece the aspiring models themselves. There are few things to look out for if you’re approached by a modelling agency or when you’re looking for ones to approach, to give yourself the best chance of not getting caught out.
The main thing to know is that modelling agencies are not allowed to charge you for representation. So if a modelling agency says they need to charge an admin fee, it’s likely they are not genuine. The second clue is if they are too keen to sign you, or if they’re willing to sign you without seeing you in person first. Genuine modelling agencies will want to interview you to make sure you have the right kind of personality and see gorgeous models all the time, so aren’t going to be gushing.
Modelling Personality
Having a professional attitude
Modelling is a job, and you can’t lark around in a job, because someone is paying for your time, experience and skills. They expect to get their money’s worth. With modelling that means turning up on time, and being responsive to the needs to the photographer. It means arriving prepared and in the right ‘format’ with our without makeup and outfits as briefed, not dragging your heels and responding helpfully. Models who go that extra to give their clients what they need are that much more likely to get called back for repeat jobs.
Being flexible
The fashion industry moves fast and the people that work in it have to move fast as well. Castings may come up and be filled and booked within a few hours, so models that answer their phone on the first ring, drop everything and turn up within half an hour are more likely to get more modelling jobs than those who don’t get round to answering their phone until its too late. Also requirements may change at the last minite and model may be required to wear their own accessories or do their own make-up if supporting staff or items aren’t available.
Staying resilient
It’s a tough business. Fashion has a glamorous image and lots of people want to be a part of it. That means that rejection is an unfortunate but common part of being a model. Almost all models will get rejected at first, from agencies or directly from clients if they’re going freelance. And even if you do start to get paid work, there are always far more models invited to castings than are needed for jobs, so being selected for all of them is essentially an impossibility.
If modelling agencies had it their way, they would simply recommend a model to a client and the contract would be signed. However, it’s rarely as simple as that, as clients want to see a range of models in the flesh and do test shoots to see how they come across in relation to whatever it is they’re trying to sell before making a decision.
Castings or Go Sees
There are many more models invited to every casting than there are jobs available, so it makes sense that most models go to far more castings than they actually get jobs. Castings can take place at very short notice, and professional models need to be able to drop everything and travel to the location as the job might be decided within hours.Making a success of a casting
Some people may not take castings seriously as they are not the actual final job, but this is a critical error. If you don’t give it your all at the casting, then you’ll never win the final job, and your modelling career will never get off the ground. So it’s vital to arrive at castings on time or slightly early, smiling and being friendly. Clients are more likely to hire someone who makes them smile and is easy to work with and has a professional attitude, than someone who turns up late and spends the whole time grumbling.Callbacks and shortlists
If you get called back after a casting, then you should definitely be happy, but it’s not time to celebrate until the actual job itself is secured. There can be several callbacks as the shortlist is whittled down, and each time it becomes even more important to behave professionally and be personable and cheerful. Models are sometimes also put on ‘hold’ meaning they should keep the time of the shoot free in case that are requested. If the model then receives another offer of work or a casting, they should check with the client first to see if they can be ‘released’.Once the client has made a decision the model will be ‘booked’ and at this point the job is secure. It means that the model is guaranteed the work, and even if the shoot is cancelled for one reason or another – the model will receive some cancellation fees.
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