Job Profile
A model may or can choose from some of the following areas of work:
- Still or print modeling for press ads, brochures, calendars, catalogues etc.
- Audio-visual modeling for TV and film.
- Ramp or runway modeling for live fashion shows
- Showroom modeling for garment manufacturers, export houses etc.
A model can or may combine one or more of the above mentioned modeling activities. Models generally work on a freelance or contract basis, except in the case of showroom modeling, where they work full-time.
What is a Portfolio?
Modeling is like any business; you need to INVEST in a good Portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your modeling pictures – a kind of scrapbook and photo album. Every Model must have a portfolio. It is the most important marketing tool.
Your portfolio should contain an assortment of photos and tear sheets showing what you have done and your "look". [Note: TEARSHEET - copy of a print ad that the model keeps in the portfolio as proof of work.] They all, of course, must be of excellent quality. When you're starting out you won't have any tear sheets as you haven't done any jobs yet. As you do get work, you will add tear sheets to show you have done actual jobs.
How many photos and tear sheets do you need? It should be enough to show what you are about, but not so many as to overwhelm and bore someone. It is a tricky balance and takes a lot of scrutiny and evaluation to get a balanced book. It should be not too big - You need to be able to leave it behind, messenger it over, mail it out, and carry it in.
Finding the Right Photographer?
You should seek the advice of other models and your Coordinator. You should avoid "portrait photographers" - they often don't understand the need of the fashion industry. See the photographer's portfolio and references. Do you like it? Does it represent the style and format your looking for?
Women need to be particularly CAUTIOUS about photographers who seek to take nude pictures of you or claim to be working on a swimsuit calendar. You are advised to take a friend or relative along, whenever you need to go for a photo shoot.
Agencies
It is a good idea to find an Agency to promote you and find work for you. They make a commission on your fee (20-40%). Be warned about agencies who ask for money up front! Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine.
The agency provides you with safe working environment and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. It is wise to choose the agency carefully so you can stay with them. Constantly changing them gives you a reputation of being flighty and unprofessional. Keep in touch with your agency visit them once in a while to show interest.
Web Portfolios and Other Options
It is quite expensive to get photo prints, and even more costly when you have to give your Portfolio to various prospective clients. The INTERNET provides you an inexpensive means of distributing your Portfolio, by merely printing your web address in your business card. The added advantage of a WEB PORTFOLIO is that you can at anytime add or change the pictures without having to spend more money.
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