Modelling Myths

Modelling is a glamorous industry that many people dream about. As such, it is surrounded by a fair share of urban myths and legends. Here we demystify some of the more common ones, getting down to the truth of the matter.

Models can be divas

Most of us have heard the stories of the bad behaviour of models, such as Naomi Cambell’s violence and Kate Moss’s drug use, but if you think that is the norm for professional models, think again. The vast majority of models need to be consummate professionals and that means being charming and reliable to clients and agents, and taking care of their bodies. To make it as a model you need to have perfect skin and hair and a healthy body, so no partying or sunbathing allowed!

Models are usually discovered just hanging around the shopping centre

It’s true that there are always model scouts looking for new faces for the major modelling agencies, but you’ll be waiting a long time if you just hang around on town centre benches pouting. Thousands of girls (ad guys) are aspiring to be models at any given time, and modelling agencies are inundated with submissions of photos and stats.

All models make a lot of money

Certainly, the top supermodels and fashion models can make extremely large amounts of money from modelling advertising campaigns for the big brands, but modelling work is not always well paid to begin with nor is it regular. Many models can only work part time to begin with, as they build up their portfolio and reputation and start to get regular modelling work.

All models have to be skinny

It’s true, slender people will have a better chance of getting modelling work, but the industry is slowly moving away from the waif, skeletal ideal of models and hiring more ‘normal’ sizes and shapes. In reality, this ‘normal’ is still much slimmer than the real normal (the average size of a woman in the UK is 12 – 16, which is considered plus-size in the modelling industry),  but it means slim and healthy us preferable to skinny. Also, even if you are over a size 12, there may be modelling work available with a more specialist agency.

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Neon Models Modelling Portfolio Guide

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What is a modelling portfolio?

A modelling portfolio is a collection of photographs that show a model in a variety of different aspects and ‘characters’. It should have a selection of head shots, full-length and close-ups, a variety of outfits: casual, sporty, smart, glamorous, and a selection of different styles of photography: outdoor, studio etc.
A model should have a hard copy and digital copy of their portfolio, making it as easy as possible for clients to browse the images and select their preferred models.

What is a modelling portfolio used for?

A modelling portfolio is like a model’s CV or resume. It’s proof of the work they have done, and that they are photogenic and versatile. Although models should be stunning and charismatic, it’s important for a model not to overshadow the product they are promoting, and they should look natural in a number of different looks.

For example, it’s no good for a model to be so strongly a ‘goth’ that they look ridiculous in sportswear. Being a goth is fine in your own time, but if you want to be a model, you need to be a blank slate that the personality of the clothing like or product can paint colour onto.

Do I need a modelling portfolio?

All professional models need a modelling portfolio. And while some of the top modelling agencies may use their own photographers to shoot you for your modelling portfolio, the majority (even of the big name modelling agencies) will require the model to pay for his or her own portfolio.

If you want to do freelance work, then you will definitely need to get your modelling portfolio together yourself – make sure you get a professional to do the shoot, or you’ll be shooting yourself in the foot when it comes to finding modelling jobs!

What sort of pictures should go in a modelling portfolio?

A modelling portfolio isn’t just about showing off how beautiful a model is. It’s about showing off the range and versatility of the model – and show how good they are at making products looks attractive. Therefore, it’s critical to have as wide a range of images as possible, showing different outfits, angles and personalities.

As a guide, a portfolio should have at least one of each of the following:

A headshot
A closeup
A full length shot
A seated pose
A studio shot
An outdoor shot
The model in sportswear
The model in lingerie or bikini (or equivalent for male models)
The model in evening wear
The model in a business suit (unless they are teen or younger)

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A Model’s Essentials - a Neon Models Guide

Just like a boyscout, a model should always be prepared. Obviously, you should always check guidelines and advice when going to a particular casting, shoot or interview and make sure you follow it to the letter, but there are a few things that it’s good to always have prepared, whether you’ve been specifically told or not.

The items listed below can be your lifesavers, showing that you’re prepared and professional. And if you’re the one with the essential missing item just when the photographer or client needs it, while all the other models stand around looking sheepish – well, you can be sure that’s going to give you an edge – and in this business, you need all the advantages you can get.

Here are a model’s essentials

Phone

You should always have your mobile phone on you, because you never know when you’re going to get a call for a last minute casting or shoot. The fashion industry moves fast, and a model who is responsive and flexible is more likely to win the work. If they can’t get hold of you for several hours, then chances are, you’ve missed your shot.

Street map / sat nav

It’s a good idea to have some kind of satellite navigation or map feature on your phone (or you could carry a good old fashioned paper map if you’re so inclined) so that you don’t end up lost in the middle of nowhere.

Something to keep you occupied

Modelling often involves a lot of waiting around, so if you get bored easily, bring something with you to keep yourself entertained. Otherwise you’ll be grumpy and impatient by the time it comes round to you, and bad tempered models don’t last long. Again, with the miracles of modern technology, you can always have some kind of game or access to a magazine on your phone, that you can access unobtrusively.

Your portfolio

Obvious one this – you should always carry your portfolio with you, you never know when someone might ask to see it!

Comp Cards

Make sure you have your comp cards on you, wherever you go. Like any business cards, saying ‘Oh, I left them at home!’ not only sounds unprofessional, but could mean you lose a job, as the potential client or agent has no way of remembering and contacting you.

Make up, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail file, hairbands and mirror

You’re a model! You have to look your best at all times. So keep a small compact mirror and basic make-up on you, in case of emergencies.

Deodorant

Modelling jobs often involve travelling and long hours. They also involve wearing clothes that belong to other people. The last thing you want to do is leave sweat stains in that fancy top, or have a client wrinkle their nose as you walk in.

Emergency bag

It’s a good idea to put together a little bag containing the following emergency items, all of which should be pretty self-explanatory:

·         Spare pair of tights

·         Mints

·         Wet wipes

·         Safety Pins

·         Water

Now you’ve got your kit of modelling essentials – you’re ready to go!

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MODELLING COMP CARD / Z CARD / SED CARD

If you want to be a professional model then you need to learn the tools of the trade, and Z Cards are one of the most important elements. Only a modelling portfolio is of more importance when it comes to a model’s self-promotion.

So what are Z Cards? Well, essentially they are a model’s business card.

The difference between a normal business card and Z Card is that Z Cards contain a selection of images from the model’s portfolio. They will normally be printed on good quality card stock and will be larger than a traditional business card in order to have enough space for the images.

The photos will be a selection that shows the diversity and experience of the model as much as possible without it being too cluttered. There should be at least one full length and one head shot, as well as one natural image and another high impact one with heavy stylisation.

The other main element of the Z Card is the model’s statistics. For women this will be height, weight, age, bust, waist and hips and contact details – or contact details of the agency if they’re signed to a particular modelling agency. For men Z cards are used all the way through the process of hiring a model. An agent may send a selection of Z Cards of the models that s/he is representing to a client, based on the requirements of the job. The client can then peruse the cards and call in the ones they like the look of for a casting. After the casting the Z Cards come in handy again, for the client to keep track of who they’ve seen and sort them into favourites and possible.

Z Cards are of a much more manageable and practical size than a full portfolio, and in any case, a model will not be able to have multiple copies of their portfolio to leave with clients.