[Internet Modeling 101]
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The Internet has changed the face of the modeling industry significantly by increasing accessibility. Aspiring models are drawn to online modeling sites, where they have an opportunity to post biographies and photos in hopes of being discovered by a top modeling agency, as well as increase their recognition as artists.By definition modeling is a profession that is based on intermediates to connect the actual talents with the relative job projects. Although the fact that an actual face-to-face evaluation is needed to determine if the candidates are right for the job, it was soon realized that the Internet could help in minimizing part of the costs incurred during the castings. Most of todays modeling agencies use their own website to demonstrate their models to their clients, this has led to even larger third party modeling websites that have accumulated large databases of talent profiles.Internet modeling sites boast benefits like the ability to be discovered through self-marketing, without actually visiting the agencies or going to conventions.Inside this site you will find the how-to's of breaking into the 'internet' modeling industry and some pointers on the business...so come on in!!!!!
Part I
[Part I]
How to become a real model: stop half stepping and get your s_#t together March 21, 2005 - Sun Karma This article is owned and copyrighted by Sun Karma and is for the sole use of Sun Karma and NYConfidential. Unauthorized use, distribution, reproduction, or any other action taken is prohibited, and is unlawful. It is not enough to simply be a model anymore. With the advent of internet ‘models’ popping up all over and pooping out- there is now a higher standard. Internet modeling has risen above those days of 40MBÂ’s and some fools and moved into a new era- IÂ’ll talk about this more in part 3- for now, lets get down to business and get technical. With models a dime a dozen (and most of the dozen are FAR from dimes)- there has to be something that sets you apart from the rest of the group..so here is how to measure your success as an internet model and how to gauge if you need to throw in the towel and pick a new profession. Here are the six major steps to becoming a real model. 1. Do you know your terminology? Comp card, tear sheet..these are still not bad words- internet models! If you donÂ’t know what these are, you will most likely be considered a joke. Get with the modeling industry terminology- Learn the background of modeling and get your tools in order. If you are going to be a model- don’t reduce yourself to a pixel on a PC screen- get out and do it. Find representation, learn the industry. 2. What do you have to offer? What is your look? Is it commercial? Mainstream? Alternative? Adult? Find out what you are good at and do YOU. Don’t try to copy someone else..learn from what they did and make it your own. If you have nothing else to offer but a pretty face- you may go far- but not for long. Work your offerings and make them unique so you can build a ‘brandÂ’ of yourself. 3. What is your ‘niche’ After you find out what you have to offer the world, make a niche for it if there isn’t one already. The ‘ethnic’ niche is quite narrow (but has seen a resurgence of popularity in the past few years)- I suggest trying to promote yourself out to the ‘real’ world. Look at Maxim, Playboy, Essence, all the major fashion and men’s or other magazines and figure out where it is you want to go. Where do you fit in in all the fray? Are you a sexy type? Or a Girl Next Door type? Are you Alternative? Or Would you look better in Cosmo? Find your niche after you figure out what it is you have to offer. You don’t have to STAY in this niche- but it will be your grounding factor in the biz. 4. Do you know how to market and promote yourself? This is where most models fall short. Ok, so now you are a model..how do you gain attention and get fans? Controversy usually is NOT the best way to go unless you are a veteran in the field and can handle it. Yahoo groups and MSN groups are a good way to start- but most models get stuck there. Go to clubs and hand out postcards of your site or mini zeds. Try to get write ups in online zines or magazine reviews, try to get your name and your face out there. Subscribe to the major mags in your niche- look on the inside cover for the mailing address and send them your pictures with a promo letter. Start a forum- join forums and talk there- the more you are seen, the better. Email other models and do picture trades, features, reciprocal linking. Join toplists. Traffic is good- it means you have been seen. Work your traffic- start a mailing list either in a group or on your site (www.yourmailinglistprovider.com is good free one) and keep them posted on whatÂ’s going on. DonÂ’t forget to add META TAGS (http://www.scrubtheweb.com/abs/builder.html) to your website (yes, EVERY PAGE)- this is essential in being picked up by some browsers- so work your programming and html a bit and come up with some good ones Some models have mastered this art of marketing and promotion- and some that have been in the field for years still have not gotten the equation. When you figure it out, youÂ’ll have hit gold. So put your thinking caps on. 5. How do you stay ahead of the game? With a million models (and I use the term sometimes loosely) hitting the scene every day- how do you stay ahead of the game? By constantly marketing, promoting, and putting yourself in front of peopleÂ’s faces and in their minds. Once you have the other steps done, it should not be hard. You need to focus on where you want to go, what you want to do, and constantly be willing to try new looks. You can do TFP for a while to build your portfolio..but donÂ’t give it all away. Charge minimum hourly rate after you have a good book built. Research the photographers that have contacted you and check their books- if their work is shoddy or they go somewhere you donÂ’t want to go (ie: like they do nudes and you don’t want to)- decide if you want to do that and if not, pass. Use your resources like onemodelplace.com and musecube.com and all the other databases out there- but keep in mind that there are some perverts and fakes out there that will waste your time and trick you. Get a model release (even if the photographer has one, get your OWN) and make sure its signed. Put your terms (if you are TFP or paid) on the release and have a witness. Protect yourself. Watermark your photos! (www.digitaldutch.com has a good program to do that discreetly) Keep it in perspective and have fun testing with new peopleÂ… but if a big photographer (big name) comes knocking on your door- let him in- it can only help build your name and your book. Constantly shooting and building a book and a look is how you stay ahead of the game. Some internet models have pictures and a book that is several years old. Stay a step ahead. 6. Do you have all your ‘tools’ to succeed? Once you have your terminology down, do you have all your tools? You should have a website with a bio, portfolio, demo reels, fan club, contact or agent page, and a forum if you so choose. Stay AWAY from diaries- most agents donÂ’t like to delve all into a modelÂ’s mind and some models kill themselves in agents eyes with this. DonÂ’t put yourself all OUT THERE- business wise and personally its not a good idea. Sure, you can have a ‘diaryÂ’ and talk about fluffy, things (like a recent shoot) but donÂ’t talk about your breakup with your boyfriend or your political views or anything too personal. You should have a portfolio with shots from each genre (commercial, editorial, swimsuit, headshots, etc) and hopefully by now some tearsheets or interviews you can put in there with some magazines. If you didn’t get this..thats ok- perhaps you need to find a new profession. This industry is fast paced and cut throat and not for everyone. Either come correct and step firm- or don’t step at all. Don’t half step or pussy foot or half ass do things. There are enough out there that do that already. Believe in yourself-Get it all together, and put it together. Whatever you have done thus far- you are an internet model...A real one. Email me for your diploma. You have graduated into model-land.
How to become a real model: stop half stepping and get your s_#t togetherBy Sun KarmaThis article is owned and copyrighted by Sun Karma and is for the sole use of Sun Karma and NYConfidential. Unauthorized use, distribution, reproduction, or any other action taken is prohibited, and is unlawful. Copyright Suntari Unlimited LLC 2005-2011It is not enough to simply be a model anymore. With the advent of internet models popping up all over and pooping out- there is now a higher standard. Internet modeling has risen above those days of 40MB's and some fools and moved into a new era- I'll talk about this more in part 3- for now, lets get down to business and get technical.With models a dime a dozen (and most of the dozen are FAR from dimes)- there has to be something that sets you apart from the rest of the group..so here is how to measure your success as an internet model and how to gauge if you need to throw in the towel and pick a new profession. Here are the six major steps to becoming a real model.1. Do you know your terminology?Comp card, tear sheet..these are still not bad words- internet models! If you donÂt know what these are, you will most likely be considered a joke. Get with the modeling industry terminology- Learn the background of modeling and get your tools in order. If you are going to be a model- dont reduce yourself to a pixel on a PC screen- get out and do it. Find representation, learn the industry.2. What do you have to offer?What is your look? Is it commercial? Mainstream? Alternative? Adult? Find out what you are good at and do YOU. Dont try to copy someone else..learn from what they did and make it your own. If you have nothing else to offer but a pretty face- you may go far- but not for long. Work your offerings and make them unique so you can build a brand of yourself.3. What is your nicheAfter you find out what you have to offer the world, make a niche for it if there isnt one already. The ethnic niche is quite narrow (but has seen a resurgence of popularity in the past few years)- I suggest trying to promote yourself out to the real world. Look at Maxim, Playboy, Essence, all the major fashion and mens or other magazines and figure out where it is you want to go. Where do you fit in in all the fray? Are you a sexy type? Or a Girl Next Door type? Are you Alternative? Or Would you look better in Cosmo? Find your niche after you figure out what it is you have to offer. You dont have to STAY in this niche- but it will be your grounding factor in the biz.4. Do you know how to market and promote yourself?This is where most models fall short. Ok, so now you are a model..how do you gain attention and get fans? Controversy usually is NOT the best way to go unless you are a veteran in the field and can handle it. Yahoo groups and MSN groups are a good way to start- but most models get stuck there. Go to clubs and hand out postcards of your site or mini zeds. Try to get write ups in online zines or magazine reviews, try to get your name and your face out there. Subscribe to the major mags in your niche- look on the inside cover for the mailing address and send them your pictures with a promo letter. Start a forum- join forums and talk there- the more you are seen, the better. Email other models and do picture trades, features, reciprocal linking. Join toplists. Traffic is good- it means you have been seen. Work your traffic- start a mailing list either in a group or on your site (www.yourmailinglistprovider.com is good free one) and keep them posted on whatÂs going on. Don't forget to add META TAGS (http://www.scrubtheweb.com/abs/builder.html) to your website (yes, EVERY PAGE)- this is essential in being picked up by some browsers- so work your programming and html a bit and come up with some good ones Some models have mastered this art of marketing and promotion- and some that have been in the field for years still have not gotten the equation. When you figure it out, you'll have hit gold. So put your thinking caps on.5. How do you stay ahead of the game?With a million models (and I use the term sometimes loosely) hitting the scene every day- how do you stay ahead of the game? By constantly marketing, promoting, and putting yourself in front of people's faces and in their minds. Once you have the other steps done, it should not be hard. You need to focus on where you want to go, what you want to do, and constantly be willing to try new looks. You can do TFP for a while to build your portfolio..but don't give it all away. Charge minimum hourly rate after you have a good book built. Research the photographers that have contacted you and check their books- if their work is shoddy or they go somewhere you donÂt want to go (ie: like they do nudes and you dont want to)- decide if you want to do that and if not, pass. Use your resources like onemodelplace.com and musecube.com and all the other databases out there- but keep in mind that there are some perverts and fakes out there that will waste your time and trick you. Get a model release (even if the photographer has one, get your OWN) and make sure its signed. Put your terms (if you are TFP or paid) on the release and have a witness. Protect yourself. Watermark your photos! (www.digitaldutch.com has a good program to do that discreetly) Keep it in perspective and have fun testing with new people but if a big photographer (big name) comes knocking on your door- let him in- it can only help build your name and your book. Constantly shooting and building a book and a look is how you stay ahead of the game. Some internet models have pictures and a book that is several years old. Stay a step ahead.6. Do you have all your tools to succeed?Once you have your terminology down, do you have all your tools? You should have a website with a bio, portfolio, demo reels, fan club, contact or agent page, and a forum if you so choose. Stay AWAY from diaries- most agents don't like to delve all into a model's mind and some models kill themselves in agents eyes with this. Don't put yourself all OUT THERE- business wise and personally its not a good idea. Sure, you can have a "diary" and talk about fluffy, things (like a recent shoot) but don't talk about your breakup with your boyfriend or your political views or anything too personal. You should have a portfolio with shots from each genre (commercial, editorial, swimsuit, headshots, etc) and hopefully by now some tearsheets or interviews you can put in there with some magazines. If you didnt get this..thats ok- perhaps you need to find a new profession. This industry is fast paced and cut throat and not for everyone. Either come correct and step firm- or dont step at all. Dont half step or pussy foot or half ass do things. There are enough out there that do that already. Believe in yourself-Get it all together, and put it together. Whatever you have done thus far- you are an internet model...A real one. Email me for your diploma. You have graduated into model-land.
Part II
[Part II]
Part III
[Part III]
Modeling Agencies
[Modeling Agencies]
10 Mistakes
[10 Mistakes....]
10 Mistakes NOT To MakeWhen Presenting Yourself To A Modeling Agencyby Annie HolveyAsst. Agency Director of MMA-Model Management AgencyWith more than 8 years as the Assistant Agency Director of MMA - Model Management Agency, I've see a lot of potential models make the same mistakes.Here is my top 10 list of "no-no's" when presenting yourself to an agency. 1. LOOK like your photos!I can't tell you how many times a model or actor submits photographs of themselves to me and when I call them in, I can't believe it's the same person! They have totally different hair in color or style. Sometimes the shots are 10 years old or they have gained or lost a substantial amount of weight. You never want to be disappointing to an agent in person. It's your job to update your photos as you change your look.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Be on TIME! (but don't be too early either!)This is a major pet peeve of most agents and casting directors!Firstly, lateness is just not tolerated! There are no exceptions to this one! Put some thought into where your going and plan a route ahead of time. In the age of online directions there is just no excuse anymore. Distance is also NEVER an excuse! If an agent can't trust you to meet them on time, we certainly are not going to trust you with our clients. However, on the other side of the coin, getting there too early is also a nuisance. Don't arrive for an appointment more than 5 minutes early. It's just as bothersome to have someone hanging around a busy agency as it is to be kept waiting for them!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Don't bring guests to your appointment!This is no time for a social gathering. Agencies in local markets are much smaller in floor space than their counterparts in larger markets like NY. Space is limited. I've actually seen people bring both Mom & Dad PLUS brother and sister PLUS the child from down the block that Mom is babysitting!!! And baby strollers? Forget it! This worries me as I would be mortified if you brought this type of entourage with you on an audition. Unless you're a minor, come alone!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. Always carry a pen and pad to take notes!This one is so elementary but still worth mentioning. Bottom line, you don't look like a working talent if you don't carry a day planner and writing utensil.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------5. Don't carry contact sheets or outtakes in the back of your Portfolio!Agents will always look in the back of your book. NEVER put anything in there if it's not meant to be seen! I often see models place their contact sheets in the back of their book. I don't know if this is deliberate or by mistake. You should never show us these. Why show us 28 reasons why you don't photograph perfectly in every shot!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------6. Know how to market yourself!Realize realistically where you fall in the market. If you're a 5'4 woman in her 40's you should NOT go fashion/glamour in all of your shots. Nor, should you show up in person with this look. Most likely you are considered to be a commercial type, meaning a soccer mom or executive. It's not our job to educate you. Before you invest in photos, get a good sense of the type of work you may be right for and try to mimic that look. Also show up to the agency with this look! As agents, we need to see it to believe it in order to sell it!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------7. Submit to the correct agencies!Investigate which agencies book your type and don't waste time submitting to agencies that don't book it. If you're a petite, see which agencies actually have that division and so on. It's a waste of postage and time to just send your materials off to everyone.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------8. Be reachable!You must have a cell phone and answer it! Often projects come in at the last minute. We must be able to get a hold of you! When these last minute jobs come in, I reach for the people I can get a hold of. Many talent in the agency have a reputation for being hard to reach. I can promise you thiswhen a clients calling at 5:30pm for a booking the next morning, I'm not going to waste time trying to connect with people that don't normally call back within a few minutes. Instead, I call the folks that are usually available plus actually answer their phones!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------9. Follow up!Many potentials come into the agency that are not quite marketable as they are. But, if we have a real interest in them, I give them invaluable feedback and suggestions then ask them to follow up with me. You would be shocked at the percentage of models and talent that do not do so! If I've taken the extra few minutes to help groom you with your craft then I believe there may be something there. Follow up with us; we are too busy to chase after you!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------10. Don't argue with us, accept criticism!It takes a certain type of person to handle this business. You need a strong sense of self to handle criticism. Admittedly, we as agents can have a harsh tongue. You can talk to 10 agents and get 10 different opinions. Listen to the information given and keep the stuff that makes sense. Don't take criticism to heart. It's part of the business and the learning process in ANY career. Don't argue it with us, try to change our minds or put us on defense. If an agent passes on you, don't question us. Simply thank them for their time, swallow hard and move on to the next appointment. There are plenty more opportunities out there. Go find them!/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Annie Holvey is one of the most talented and respected booking agents in the Philadelphia market. Her attention to detail, frankness and knowledge of the industry continue to make MMA one of the most sought after agencies by models and clients in the Philly area.Annie has worked for more than 8 years as the Assistant Agency Director of MMA-Model Management Agency in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. MMA serves the Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey market and maintains ties with New York agencies and the fashion market.
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