Showing posts with label new faces models. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new faces models. Show all posts

Saturday, September 8, 2018

This Year’s Model Uniform Gets a Chic Update:


New York Fashion Week kicked into high gear with a flurry of back to back castings for the world’s busiest models running here and there trying to fit it all in.  Gorgeous models were bombarded by paparazzi as they paraded into the Victoria’s Secret casting, long legs with long strides, confident smiles, and looking every bit like VS stars.  Even models who have booked the show in the past have to do the casting each year to prove they are still in peak condition and able to bring their A game.  Newbies have to beam star power if they want to stand out and be noticed.  Props to these models for going for it and putting their best foot forward when they are up against supermodels, all vying for a spot on the VS runway.  







Fashion week castings are an endurance test but that doesn’t mean the models can scrimp on personal style.  This year’s trend is much more dressed up than in years past with the models wearing chic blouses, shorts, mini skirts and off the shoulder looks.  Strappy high heels and booties are a model-must-have for castings and show off the legs.  Most models stick to black and white styles, denim, and leather.  Adding a bold color guarantees she won’t go unnoticed. This year’s purses tend to be small with a shoulder strap.  The model uniform this season is classic and strong with an emphasis on a more sophisticated look than we have seen in the past, as the models up their game, proving they are the right choice for designers to represent their brands.  











New faces and model hopefuls can learn a lot from these pros on how to dress to approach agencies, to go on castings, and to present their own “brand’ in the best possible light.  Great hair and very light makeup are all you need to finish off the look.  Look like a pro and they will know you are treating your modeling aspirations as the business that it is.  Fake it until you make it.  Show you belong in the business and have respect for the professionals with whom you wish to work.  










 Good luck girls! We hope to see you on the runaway! 

                 
                                                            XOXO Shelley


#NYFWcastings #modeluniform #VScasting #SS2019shows #businessofmodeling #modelcastings #NewYorkFashionWeek #newfacesmodels #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein 

Monday, August 6, 2018

A Model’s Secret - How To Find The Right Modeling Agency for YOU


The right representation can make of break a model so choosing the right agency is a crucial step in the development of your career.  It is daunting for all of us and simply knowing what agencies to approach can be difficult, depending on where you live and what sort of markets are available to you.  After a lengthy modeling career I have had my share of experiences with agencies and I am often asked for advice about getting started in the business.  

I’ve written posts to answer many of these questions such as how to get scouted and how to identify the right modeling market for your type and look to help take some of the mystery out of the situation for model-hopefuls. You can read them here at these links:



Modeling is a business so treat it like a business:  It is important to remember that you are trying to break into a field where you are an independent contractor, will be working freelance, and interacting with other contractors, agencies, and clients, so treating it like a proper business right from the start is the correct approach.  When meeting with potential agencies or scouts it is in your best interest to be as informed as you can about the industry ahead of time so that you can ask the right questions.  Do not hesitate to ask for clarity when you are confused or overwhelmed with information.  It is a nervous situation to begin with so mentally preparing your questions ahead of time makes good business sense and every proper agent and scout will be glad to take the time to answer all your questions.  


Agencies and bookers: personalities and atmosphere counts: Meeting with several agents before making a decision to sign a contract for representation allows you to compare business practices, get a feeling for the energy, atmosphere, and vibe of an agency, and see which booker’s personalities fit with your own.  Getting off on the right foot in the relationship is important and if your personalities clash then that’s not a good sign, and you can’t expect that to improve or not be an issue over time. You want a booker who is really in your corner, will fight to help you get ahead, will open doors for you, have your back, and will always be there to help guide and educate you about the business and have time for you.  If your overall sense of the agency isn’t positive, or you find it overly quiet or maybe frantic, then visit other agencies. Signing with an agency just to say you have representation is not a good way to start your career, and you will spend more time trying to figure out how to extricate yourself from the contract than you will advancing your career.  Go with your gut instincts.


No one comes to the business without a lot of questions and the lack of information and guidance can be intimidating so do your research and get informed.  I’ll answer your questions if I can, so leave a message!

                                                 XOXO Shelley  

#getscouted #businessofmodeling #howtobreakintomodeling #seekingrepresentation #findtherightmodelingagency #newfacesmodels #modelingindustryinfo #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein 


Thursday, May 26, 2016

How to Know Your “Market” as a Model - Editorial vs Commercial Modeling


So an agent just told you that your market is editorial, not commercial, and you have no idea what that means.  Knowing what the markets are and where you “fit” is key to building a successful career.


The “market” not only refers to the different types of modeling, but also the various cities around the world where models go for work.  First you need to understand the different types of modeling, and subsequently the cities that are predominant for each type of work.  


“Editorial” or “Fashion”

These models shoot for magazines and high fashion campaigns, and walk the runways during fashion weeks in Paris, London, NYC, and Milano, and sometimes in smaller fashion cities like Tokyo, Sydney, or Sao Paolo.  This is a fast-paced market where top models compete for a limited number of opportunities.  




Timing and a great agent are everything.  It requires nerves of steel to handle the rejection, the long hours, distant travel that can be lonely, and the physicial requirements.  It is a lot to handle on very young shoulders.  These models have to be tall, willowy and have the ability to be transformed by designers and editoris into the “look of the season”.  Getting editorial and runway work, often for very little money, is the risk fashion models take in aiming for a major career.  It is essential that these models appear in the shows of the top designers, which puts them in front of the most powerful magazine editors, in hopes of being noticed and selected for prestigious editorials.  Exposure is key and any income takes a back seat until (and if!) a model becomes a “name” and they begin to book campaigns.






“Commercial”

The commercial modeling market has a broader range in both body type and age, and these models can have quite a long career.  This market can also be a training ground for new faces to give them the time and opportunity to learn the business and to gain confidence in front of the camera and potential clients.  Commercial modeling can be broken down into specific types of modeling such as swimwear, juniors, lifestyle, and catalogue. These markets exist all over the world and these models tend to travel on bookings, and also for extended stays in certain cities such as L.A., Miami, Chicago, Hamburg, Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. London, Paris, NYC, and Milano also have commercial work and often the fashion editorial models are able to take advantage of this to ear some money between magazine editorials and runway work.  Commercial models have the chance to develop longer relationships with agents and can follow the work seasonally around the world.  It is a great way to travel, and experience life abroad, while hopefully(!) earning some money.  



Both fashion and commercial models need to build a strong portfolio and there are magazines and testing opportunities for both in their respective markets. Knowing where you “fit” in the modeling industry can help you aim for the right agents and markets.  If you are 5’9” to 5’11” - willowy with high cheekbones and under 21 years old, you might be considered more editorial than commercial.  If you have some curves and look amazing in a bikini, or if you are young and fresh and like to move more naturally in front of the camera, then you are probably more commercial.  If an agent tells you that you are commercial you might find yourself off to Miami or Hamburg or Tokyo, and if you are considered fashion then you will most likely be sent to NYC or Paris depending on your age, to do show castings and to meet editors.  


It’s not very common for models to transition from commercial to fashion but in some cases and model can really become known for working for a commercial brand and catch the eye of editors, reversing the trajectory of their career.  Fashion models are lucky to have three or four seasons of shows to make their mark before agents are likely to begin transitioning them to a broader more commercial market, increasing their income potential.  

Remember, it is all business and whether it is commercial or fashion, it is all work, so respect that, and always be the most professional that you can be and take advantage of the opportunity.  People will remember that  - you are your “brand”.  And don’t forget that for every one model that are tens of thousands of hopefuls who would gladly walk in your shows in a heartbeat!  

Supporting images:

Candice Swanepoel, Self Magazine, March 2015 by Sebastian Kim

Liya Kebede, Porter Magazine, Winter 2015, by Chris Colls



#newfaces #modeling #gettingintomodeling #modelingmarkets #businessofmodeling # editorialmodeling #commercialmodeling #lifestylemodeling #runwaymodeling #modelinginfo

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Get Scouted: How can I get into modeling!







All model hopefuls need someone to notice just how amazing they are, and one of the biggest hurdles is to catch the attention of a model agency or model scout.


Do your homework and research online the most reputable agency in your local area. It’s a good place to start, but in the age of social media, it has never been easier for scouts and agents from the top tier agencies in NYC, Paris, and other major markets, to find the most promising “new faces” online, no matter where they live.

There are several ways hopefuls can be in contact with agencies:  online submissions on agency websites, social media, open calls at agencies, and through contests or model conventions and showcases. Let’s break it down to find the best approach for you to get your face in front of the decision makers in the agencies:


Open Calls:  this is a set time at an agency where they will meet drop-ins.  You should come exactly on time, do not wear makeup, wearing skinny jeans and a tank top or t-shirt.  Make eye contact, be yourself, and put your best attitude and personality forward.

Online submissions through agency websites:  go to agency websites and look for a menu item that might say either “Be A Model” or “Get Scouted”.  There you will find their submission guidelines with a questionnaire and a place to upload specific photos of yourself.

Social media such as Instagram:  agencies maintain social media accounts, especially on Instagram. Make sure you are following the verified account of the agency and not a fan account.  The best working models have very active social media accounts with images that show their personality, interests, behind the scenes shots, and sometimes they show their tear sheets from work.  Think about your own account and remove any images that might make a potential agent or scout leave your account, such as nudity, club life or party images, duck lips (!), wearing too much makeup, and pictures that are missing a head! All the best agencies check Instagram every day and most of them have a hash-tag # that you can add to three or four of your best pics, that they will check.  Just as a matter of protocol, hash-tag only one agency at a time on a photo, and edit and change the hash-tag to a different one from another agency after about ten days if you have not received a direct message from them. 

Conventions, showcases and contests:  often these events cost money – a lot of money - and promise to put a model in person in front of agents and scouts, but your chances are no better than if you submitted online, or went to an open call or hash-tagged an agency online – and these are free!

So ... Key things to remember: 

Be natural with a fresh face without makeup, have clean hair worn in a normal style, and show the real, genuine “you”.

No professional photos needed – phone pics are preferred.  Use good, natural lighting and avoid a busy background behind you.

Modeling schools are not necessary and do not qualify you to be a model.

There should never be a fee to apply to submit yourself to agencies. Ever. 

Girls should wear skinny jeans and a tank top and guys should wear jeans and a plain t-shirt for online submissions to agencies so they can get an idea of your proportions and figure.  Every agency has different requirements so make sure you read the guidelines.

Don’t lie about your age or height – imagine if you get to actually meet the agent in person and you are caught in a lie??  It’s not the way to begin a business relationship. 

Finally – don’t get discouraged!  Keep in mind that many top models were rejected by one or another agency along the way to building their careers, due to timing, their particular look, their age, or just being the right type for that market.  It’s business, not personal. 

“No” might mean “not right now” or “not this agency”, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in the industry!  Don’t give up!