Your Questions are Answered by Professional Agents!
TOP SHOK FASHION MODEL SOFI BERELIDZE!
Q: Do I need to sign a contract?
A: Contracts are an important part of the business. All Professional Agents/ Managers require a contractual work Agreement with Professional Models. Professionals usually will not wish to work for / with you if you are not committed to an agreement/ contract.
Q: Do I need to go to modelling school or take a modelling course?
A: NO! NO! NO! Beware of courses and modelling schools as they do not hold promises or guarantees of the course or school graduates ever becoming professional models. Many top models NEVER took modelling courses or attended modelling schools. If you decide to embark on a modelling program, be sure to decide that the reason for doing so is not to become a top model because these courses are usually "self improvement" orientated. Remember, even if you take a modelling course, it does not mean you will be able to get more work than your competition.
Q: Do I need professional photos / portfolio?
A: Yes, all professional models do require a portfolio. The portfolio is used to demonstrate the best qualities and photographic attributes of the model. Also, the portfolio is used to display "tear sheets" of the work models have appeared in.
Q: Who's responsibility is it to cover the start up / promotional maintenance costs?
A: Modelling is considered your own business and models are entrepreneurs. Model Management Companies and Agencies help to develop, train, instruct, promote, market, and link the model to professional clients for professional work. It is therefore the Models primary responsibility to ensure the Agency, Manager has what they need by way of promotional tools to assist in the marketing capabilities. As the Agent/Manager will cover promotional and marketing costs in advance of the models obtaining work, it is therefore the Models responsibility to cover the cost for the production of the Portfolio and other personal promotional work tools necessary.
Q: If I have the "right look" why then will the Agency/Manager not pay for my porfolio?
A: There are many factors at risk with advancement of work tools for models. Here are just a few. . .
1. You are a stranger and the Agency/Manager has not developed a work relationship with you.
2. Remember, the Agent/ Manager is already covering the marketing and promotional costs which can easily amount to much more that what you have to spend on a portfolio. These costs are covered by the agent BEFORE you get hired by any client.
3. You may decide after your first few castings, go-sees, bookings, that you do not wish to continue modelling.
4. The photos are photos of YOU and are YOUR PERSONAL marketing / promotional tool.
5. No Agent / Manager will know exactly when a client will hire you for a job no matter what you look like.
Q: How much will it cost to get into modelling? How much money will I need. What are the tools necessary and required in order to start.
A: The average cost to begin a modelling career is anywhere from $900-$1500.
The tools include a photo shoot ($300-$500), Prints for your portfolio ($25-$50/each), Composite Cards ($150-$300). Other costs include industry websites, laser copies, temporary comp-cards, portfolio case, etc. . .
These tools purchased are your personal promotional tools and are necessary for the agency to market you as a professional.
Q: How much money can I make as a model? and how soon could I expect to make money?
A: All modelling jobs are considered separate contracts and are to be treated individually. Payment is dependent on Client budget, terms, location, and model status. A new model should not expect to be worth the same rate as an experienced model.
Here is an idea of the range:
Videos and informercials: $0-$1500
Commercials: $0 (PSA type) -$100,000
Print Ads: $0-10,000
Fashion Shows: $0 (Charity Shows) - $500
Editorial: Hourly wage or Flat Rate
Catalogue: Hourly wage or Flat Rate
Magazine covers: Flat Rate
No Model Management company or Agent can tell you exactly when you will be working or get a booking as it is up to the clients to hire you. Professional Agents will not sign individuals who they feel do not possess the qualities and attributes to be "workable."
Modelling is like anything else, it takes hard work, marketing and promotion to get noticed and bookings. You will have to see clients and attend auditions in order to be considered for modelling jobs and bookings.
Q: How many auditions, go-sees, jobs could I get?
A: For every model it is different as opportunities are based on up and coming projects, look needed, time of year, model's capabilities. Remember, Agents/ Managers can only submit photos and promotional tools of the models who fit the client's specs and requests.
example: If a client is looking for a blue eyed model for a new mascara make up advertisement, they will not be interested in receiving photos of models with any other eye colour.
example: If a client is looking for a model to do an underwater photo shoot for a designer collection look book, the models who are not swimmers will not be shown by the Agent/Manager.
Modelling is a sporadic career and different markets have different opportunities for different looks at different times.
Q: Will I get to travel?
A: Models get to travel if contracts are offered by international Agents / Managers in Foreign Markets or if clients book models on international assignments requiring travel. Travel opportunities, like all work opportunities are based on look, time of year, client requests, model's capabilities, and market demands. Not everyone has what it takes to be an international model.
It is best to pre- discuss your future marketing and work capabilities with your Agent or Manager.
Q: Who covers the travel expenses? (i.e. flight, accommodations, food, etc. . .)
A: Every market around the world is different and has different rules. The foreign Agent/Manager/ Client usually will cover the flight and accommodations of the model upfront. These expenses are usually deducted from the model's pay. The model is responsible for transportation and food expenses therefore, it is important to have some "savings" put aside for possible travel opportunities.
Note: most Agents/Mangers/Clients will not advance pay for a model who does not display enormous potential to work in their market.
Q: What happens if I don't get work?
A: Each model will progress at different rates and at different times. It is no one's "fault" if a client does not hire you. Every client looks for something different . Every client looks for something specific. Talk to your Agent/ Manager/ Booker to know how you are doing for a "true" report. It is important to keep a close and open work relationship with the individuals who are working hard to help you get work.
Q: How will I get hired by a client if I have no experience? How do you get work?
A: Different clients are looking for different models. This includes "looks" and "levels of experience." Some clients actually request "NEW or UNDEREXPOSED FACES."
Here is how it all works:
Your Agent will send your promotional tools (photos/ comp-cards) directly to the clients upon request as well as in light of any job description that suits your specific look.
Clients will find you and your profile on the Agency Website or Industry Websites and request to see you for a go-see or audition.
Your Agent will send you (in person) to open-calls or casting calls where your look is being requested. At this time you will be able to show your portfolio and leave your comp-card for the client.
As long as a client gets to see your photos or you, there is a possibility of an audition or booking. Some clients will even book you directly without meeting you first by trusting the Agent, Booker, or Manager's word.
Q: What does it really take to make it as a TOP FASHION MODEL?
A: There are many forces at work. We stress one needs to have the right look AND personality. The following qualities are also vital . . . Read twice Slowly and Carefully!
-patience
-persistence
-independence
-manageability
-retention skills
-reliability
-trustworthiness
-honesty
-confidence
Models to Be!
Modelling is about becoming, supporting, and fulfilling someone else's vision and idea in order to enhance their product, label, or service.
Modelling is also about keeping your opinion to yourself and trusting the guidance of professionals.
Models are asked to perform and be "on" on command and therefore have to have resilient personalities. As well, models have to keep a lively and positive attitude NO MATTER WHAT is happening. If you are having a bad day, no one should know about it but YOU.
Models must always convey a message of confidence. If you do not feel great about a feature or body part, do not point it out to anyone. The more comfortable you are with yourself, is the more comfortable others will be with you. No one is looking to sign or hire anyone with confidence or self esteem issues. Your personality should always be upbeat and sophisticated. There is no such thing as "a bad hair day" for a professional model.
Professional models keep a close and professional relationship with their Agents, Bookers, and Managers and leave the marketing strategies to these trusted parties. This means that the decision making process of choosing the photos for promotional purposes is left to the Agent, Booker, or Manager.
Parents/ Family Members/ Significant Others
Parents /Family Members/ Significant Others are not to assume the role of Agent, Booker, or Manager. We understand that no one knows your child /relative/friend better than you do. However, when it comes to this field, this is where the Agency, Booker, or Manager, is experienced. Your support is appreciated as it is necessary. Again, it is important to keep your opinion to yourself and leave the marketing and promotion to the professionals.
CANADIAN TOP MODEL AND SHOK'S VERY OWN SOFI BERELIDZE FOR FENDI!