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When we mention the word, "models", the first thought that creeps into our heads are pictures of high fashion models that get paid in the millions, flying private jets, drinking champagne, scooping caviar with quaint mother of pearl spoons.
While putting together the 2008 Model Portfolio Photography package for
Traci Halvorson Model Management in San Jose, I had an epiphany. Models have gotten the short end of the stick in this tough and competitive business. It's a job that requires a lot of concentration, hard work, patience, the ability to laugh on-demand and hold poses for long period of time. On top of ALL that, a strong self-esteem to take rejection well and often!
Most casting calls are packed with models, at times, 10-20 of them, vying for the same job. This is especially true when there's a big commercial gig in town. You'll notice all the modeling agencies jumping into the fray! Nobody will get lucky everytime either. It's definitely
not the most glamorous work that is being portrayed in the movies.
In fact, in 2006, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the modeling profession in general is ranked #8 in the list of
Top 10 Worst Jobs in America! Models made a median hourly wage of $11.22, a bit less than twice the minimum wage of $5.85! Most models needed a second source of income.
Being a model isn't all about money though. It's a business that can provide opportunities to meet a large variety of people, directors, photographers, have fun, earn a living and gain glory while you're at it! Yes, if you are good at it, join a great agency, create an excellent portfolio and you can definitely make a
really good living.
It's really about running a business. Like every business, it requires the model to keep a constant care about the core assets of the business. In this case, themselves! Models need to take care of every aspect of their lives, their skin, look, attire, etc. to maintain a marketable image. Photo shoots can be fun but they can get tiring, long and difficult at times.
To start your work as a model, you need a professional modeling portfolio and a comp card. Contrary to popular beliefs, joining a modeling agency is
FREE! Creating a viable modeling portfolio isn't. :-(
Modeling portfolio is the
most important expenditure you will make in the business of becoming a model. It is your marketing agent and your potential meter. It gives the idea to the agency and potential clients that you have the ability to portray the characters necessary for their advertising campaign.
The comp card or zed card that you have printed as your portfolio will
always be seen by an agency or client
before you get seen.
Those images are your
MAIN and ONLY marketing tool that you employ. You will want to impress agencies and potential clients with images that demonstrates your looks and personality. Technology companies in the neighborhood seems to have a love affair with images that has an exact match of what they are looking for. That nurse in a lab coat, for example. When they find a match, they want that model who has that ability to portray their advertising campaign.
Bear in mind that
LESS is MORE. You do not win hearts or get picked just because you have more images. However, your images need to be professional, visually inspiring and most importantly, produce an eye popping
WOW Factor that enhance your strength, downplay your weaknesses and showcase your personalities.
Interested?
Fly us an email.
- Michael Soo
Labels: Look Model agency Jasmine Ryan beauty fashion photography Mandalay Dress
