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5 Steps to Winning a Model Agency ContractLearn strategies for a successful model agency interview
Model Agency Interviews
In today's world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled about model agency interviews.
Hopefully the information presented so far on the fashion model website has been useful in starting your career. You might also want to consider the following:
Every day models head to an interview with a model booking agent and don't have a clue as to what they are going to say or how they are going to present themselves.
It's not that you are not smart or prepared for modeling. You may have even done some runway or commercial modeling and are now ready to hire an agency to further your career. But remember, the agency is also hiring you!
When you take the first steps toward contacting the agent and setting up a meeting, don't just show up. Be armed with information to help you through the awkward first meeting and present yourself as a professional.
Tip! When sending images to a model agency, you'll want to include a good headshot (without makeup) and a good body shot (swim wear or tight-fitting clothing) especially if you plan to apply to the larger model markets. These larger markets such as the top NY agencies like to see exactly what they are getting when they view your photos.
Here are five tips to show you how ...
Tip 1 - Dress to Impress
You'll want to impress the agency representative when you show up but not seem gaudy or cheap. Pick an in-between look so that you look professional and clean. If you were going to any job interview you would most likely wear something that is conservative and also accents your best features.
Try not to wear overly tight clothing or anything that shows too much "skin". Do you want the agent to take a look with mouth agape or do you want him to focus on your face? A nice, casual outfit is just what the doctor ordered since you will not be wearing very much makeup to your agency interview.
Some suggestions include a nice skirt with a modest hemline; dress slacks; a button-up shirt with long sleeves; or a long-sleeved pullover sweater. These outfits will give you a more down-to-earth appearance. Use good judgment when dressing and if you are not sure, ask a friend or parent to help you.
Tip 2 - How Much Makeup is Too Much?
I've seen some models come in who look as if their faces were made of plastic and have no idea of what they really look like. This may be perfectly normal for a beauty pageant but don't try this with a model agent.
Your agent is going to want to see the "real" you before investing her time and money in promoting your look so natural is better when it comes to makeup.
When you get ready for your model interview session it's best to either apply makeup lightly or wear no makeup at all. You should be fine with some makeup but do not overdo it.
Here are some tips showing how to apply makeup lightly and presenting yourself as a professional to the agent...
Tip 3 - Attitude! - Attitude! - Attitude!
Have you seen many shy professional fashion models? If so, point them out to me. Professionals are not shy individuals so this is no time to be timid. If you present yourself in a positive manner you can pull this off. You are ready to "sell" your look to the camera so you have to learn to be a "no fear" person.
Tip! Always be on time or early for talent agency or photography session appointments. The photographer's or agent's time is just as important as yours. And, you may want a second photo shoot with them.
Now, this does not mean you should have a cocky or obnoxious way about you. Not at all. Just show that you are content and confident. If this is not a natural behavior for you don't worry. Here are a few tips.
A final thought about the facts above. You may be saying; "Good grief! I have to remember all this?" In short, only if you want a fabulous agency interview.
One tip on how to remember what to do is to practice the interview with a friend or family member. Get the friend to be the agent. Print out these action steps and use them until you feel really at ease. It's almost the same as studying for a test in school.
Tip! Your model portfolio book will be made up of a book with anywhere between 10 and 25 photos normally consisting of 9x12 prints. You will want a good selection of different types of 'looks' in your portfolio.
Pretty soon you will be doing these actions without even thinking. Learning these steps will not only help you in modeling but will also work in other job interview situations. Wouldn't it be great to be armed with this ability after you finish college and are interviewing for that first job in your chosen field?
Tip 4 - "That stupid agent told me I had to lose 15 pounds!"
Never have you been so humiliated in your life!
What do you do now?
Weight is a very touchy subject with women and teen girls, especially the ones who want to be models. This is one of those moments where you take a deep breath and don't blurt out your first thoughts.
Tip! In your modeling portfolio include shots which may be considered commercial, fashion, casual, and editorial content. Ask the photographer to help you with choosing looks that best fit your personality and the type modeling you wish to pursue.
No, the best response is to thank the agent for being honest with you. Be wary of the agents who tell you everything you want to hear. Put up a red flag and start investigating the agency more closely.
An established model agent knows what type models will fulfill what her clients (and your future employers) want.
Even if you have made up your mind to never contact that agent again, I would suggest following the direct advice and lose the fifteen pounds before contacting any other agency.
Your agent may ask you to do one or all of the following ...
Now, if you were really listening closely, the agent also told you she wanted another interview with you. You've just struck gold if you hold your temper. An agent who has no interest in you will not ask for a second interview and will probably cut the first interview short. Here comes that "L" word again ...
Listen!!
Show the agent you are willing to do what it takes (within reason) to sign with his company. He will respect you for it and your attitude will play a large part when you are in close competition with another model (who may not have been listening).
Tip 5 - What about My Model Portfolio?
You may or may not need a portfolio at first but it is not a minus if you bring one. As the article about portfolios states, the agent may not require you to have a portfolio before you are signed. With that said, you still want to present the very best photos you have if you plan to leave them with the agent.
Your interviewer may not look at your qualifications for weeks after your first meeting and you want him to see you at your best when he pulls your file for a second look.
How many photos should you bring to the interview?
Quantity is not nearly as important as quality. Only show your best work. Anything less will have a negative effect. Nom matter if you have 10 good photos the agent will still see that "so-so" image you stuck in there just to fill in numbers. Bring between three to five good snaps including one headshot and one full body shot to your meeting with the agent. If more are needed she'll ask for them.
There is more to an interview than these tips show but if you read this report several times and put some of these steps into action you will be better prepared than 80 percent of the other applicants. Now, just do it!
Is there really any information about model agencies that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.
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