Child Modelling

Many parents consider child modelling as a way to spend time with their child, expose them to some new experiences, and maybe save up a little money for a college fund or perhaps to go towards a house deposit one day.
So how can you tell if your child has got what it takes to be a model?
Well, the most important thing to know is that personality is far more important than actual features. We don’t judge children by the same kinds of beauty standards that we do adults, but we are drawn to happy, bubbly children.
So if your child is outgoing and full of sunny smiles, then child modelling might be a possibility. If so, you should get a few test shots to get an initial idea of how they come across in pictures.
A photographic studio is not the most natural place for a child and it can be quite a stressful environment for some children. However, others thrive on the attention and love meeting new people, posing and playing with the props.
The only way you’re going to find out if your child enjoys the experience of modelling is to try it, and either get a test shoot or have a session in a professional photographic studio. It may be better to do it this way than go through the process of signing up to an agency and not discovering that your child gets camera shy until you’ve got a paid job and there’s too much riding on it.
If you think your child could be a model, then remember, the photos have to be very up to date that you send to modelling agencies for review – assuming g you’re not going freelance. Children change very quickly, so portfolio pictures have to be updated much more rapidly than with adult models – sometimes every few months.

 

If you want a helping hand as you launch your modelling career, then register on the Neon Models website.

Freelance Modelling – the Basics

Many people are not aware that even if you are signed to a modelling agency, you’re not actually ‘employed’ by the modelling agency and there is no guarantee that they are actually going to get you any paid work.

 
They are an ‘agent’ that means they deal in making introductions and getting a commission of the fee that the model is paid by the client, and sometimes an additional introduction fee.
For this reason, freelance models may find it more lucrative to go directly to the clients, and cut out the agencies fees.

 
So, if you want to break into modelling, one of the first questions to ask yourself is whether you’d prefer to join a modelling agency or go freelance. Of course, you might decide to chase both routes and see which one works out the best, and that’s a good idea too, if you have the time and resources to do so.

 
A freelance model has to take care of the business side of being a model, and that means invoicing clients, chasing payment and making sure all the correct contracts and other paperwork is in place. There is plenty of advice out there and you can find free templates for most contracts, but you need to make sure you do your research.
Of course, getting in front of clients is easier said than done, and freelance models – especially those just starting out – also have to do a lot more legwork, networking, meeting the right people, making the right connections.

 
If you do have the right kind of drive and skills to become a freelance model, then of course the main benefit is that you get to keep all of your hard earned cash. With agency fees averaging about 20%, that can add up quite quickly. On top of that, you have a lot more control over where and when you work and you’re not limited by an agency contract which restricts who you can work for.

If you want to break into modelling with Neon Models, then visit our website and register today!

Mother Modelling Agencies explained by Neon models

A mother modelling agency is not an agency for mothers! Though their models may well be mothers…

So what is a mother modelling agency?

You may be surprised to hear that there are many different kinds of modelling agencies, and Neon Models is familiar with all of them.
No, a mother modelling agency is basically a middle-man, that acts like an agent for a model to get a contract with a modelling agency. So, if you want to join a modelling agency, you may first try to join a mother modelling agency.

Although it’s not their main role, mother modelling agencies may help a model find work while they are seeking a contract with a regular agency. This will help build up the model’s portfolio, experience and skills, which will make them more attractive to the agents.

If you go through a mother modelling agency you will have a much better chance of getting your foot in the door than if you try to go directly.

That’s because the mother modelling agency will assess you for suitability and then approach their contacts in a range of agencies to see if they might be interested in signing you. They will work hard to promote you, including creating marketing materials and schmoozing their long standing contacts.

A mother modelling agency may help you get non-exclusive contracts with a number of agencies, that may cover different countries, regions or even types (such as body part, fashion show or catalogue).

They might even help train new models, teaching them what to expect from the industry and from modelling agencies and familiarising them with contracts, their rights and how to stay safe.

If you want to learn more about the insider secrets of modelling agencies, then visit the Neon Models website.

Neon Models Modelling FAQ

Neon Models helps new models take their first steps in the industry, so we’ve written this article to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that come up for new models we meet.

What are the minimum physical requirements for becoming a model?

It varies depending on the kind of modelling you’re doing and the agency you want to sign with. For fashion show catwalk modelling only the tallest models will be accepted, so unless you’re startlingly tall, you will struggle to break into this area. However, catalogue and commercial modelling has slightly more relaxed requirements and there is always the option of petite modelling. There are no specific weight or bust requirements for a model – a teen model will have different statistic to an underwear model and a sports model will be different again.

How much can I earn as a model?

Unfortunately there’s no easy answer to this, but as a general rule, brand new models earn slightly over the minimum wage, and the more experience you get, the higher salary you can command. If you have several years’ experience and a bulging portfolio, then you could make thousands of pounds for just a day’s work.
But there are other perks as well as money, including being able to keep clothing and other items, and travelling the world.

Is it easy to become a model?

No, it’s not. There are many people who would like to be a model, so competition is fierce and many people will face disappointment. That’s why it’s so important to be realistic, and if you are sure that you have a genuine chance, then don’t give up too easily. Even the most successful models faced rejection at some point.

Have all your modelling questions answered by Neon Models – register on our website today!

Three steps to making it as a professional model

Take care of yourself

The first step to becoming a model is to make sure you’ve got a model quality body. That means great skin, healthy, toned shape and glossy hair. Making yourself physically perfect involves getting enough sleep every night (this is much more important than you might think!) eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of green vegetables, drinking lots of water, avoiding toxins such as coffee and chocolate and avoiding the sun.

Learn about the types of modelling and which one you want to do

There are many different types of modelling and it’s important to find the type that will be best suited to your body type and personality. If you’re very tall and have a lot of flexibility in your schedule, you might want to consider catwalk modelling at fashion shows. If you’ve got more of a girl or boy next door kind of a look, then catalogue modelling might be more appropriate, and if you don’t meet the standard look, you might be suitable for petite, plus-size or alternative modelling.

Be professional

It’s many people’s dream to become a model, but it’s important to be realistic and down to earth if you’re going to make a success of it. While modelling can be very satisfying and glamorous, it also involves good organisation and the ability to respond quickly and be flexible. You need to be willing to travel at short notice to attend castings and models have to look fresh and happy, even if they’re been travelling for long hours.

If you follow these steps, you’ll give yourself a much better chance of success in the modelling industry. To find out more, register on our website.

Modelling Jobs

So, you’d like to become a model, but you don’t really know what’s involved in modelling jobs?

Well, almost all modelling jobs start with a casting (unless you’re a household name like Kate Moss or Claudia Schiffer). This is where several models are invited to be viewed and possibly interviewed by the client, and there may be some test shots. Based on the casting, the client will select his preferred models for the final shoot.

On the day of the shoot, the model will have instructions about whether to come ‘clean’ faced or made up, and whether he or she should bring any particular types of clothing or accessories. On arrival, if it’s a big shoot, there could be a whole team available to dress and style the model, including hairdresser, make-up artist and stylist.

Modelling jobs can be in studios or on location. Everything is much easier to control in dedicated studios, whereas if shoots are on location, there can be a lot of unexpected factors to contend with, such as the weather.

Once the shoot starts, the model is expected to respond quickly to instructions and also use his or her own initiative to find the perfect shot for the product. They should try out many different poses and expressions, and use the props in imaginative ways.

Even if the shoot goes on for some time, the model has to stay fresh looking. There may be many changes of outfit, or lots of waiting around, but whatever happens the model is expected to act professionally and be able to turn on the smile or smouldering sultry look on demand.

Each modelling job is different and may be at a different location, go on for a varying length of time (from a few hours to a whole week) and each modelling job will pay differently.

Modelling jobs are waiting for you!

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Neon Models Guide to Becoming a Model

Lots of people want to become a model, but some are more successful than others. Neon Models explains the right steps to take to give yourself the best chance of finding success as a model.

Step One – Decide if you really want to be a model

Think about the reasons for wanting to become a model, and though it might be hard, try to assess yourself realistically for model potential. Are you taller than average, do you have exceptionally clear skin and are you photogenic?

Step Two – do some research

Read up on the industry, what’s expected from you and what you can expect. Find out about the major modelling agencies, how they work, where they’re based and what their guidelines are like. You can also contact a modelling support company such as Neon Models, who can give you an independent assessment for modelling potential and help you put together an action plan.

Step Three – Make sure you have support

If you’re under eighteen, then you can’t be a model without your parent’s consent, so you need to discuss it with them, and make sure they’re on side. The chances are they’ll probably get as excited about the idea as you, and will help you on your way.

Step Four – Submit your photos to an agency

Read their guidelines carefully and make sure you follow them to the letter and don’t forget anything. Then you’ll have to wait to see what they say. It’s fine to submit to a few agencies at once, but only do as many as you’ll be able to take rejections. Rejection is part of life for a model, and no reason to give up too soon.

Step Five – Be professional

If you’re lucky enough to get invited in for an interview, then try to stay calm and just be yourself. If you’re under eighteen your guardian will need to go with you. Answer all the interviewers questions honestly, and try not to babble. If they offer you a contract then check it our carefully and read the small print. 

Love fashion and modelling? Visit our main site and Neon Models.

Teen Modelling

There is always a lot of demand for new teen models as the current ones get older and move into the adult brackets. The teen model bracket is usually considered to be between the ages of 12 and 17 years.

Teen modelling work is available across all kinds of formats from glossy magazines to billboards to TV adverts to catalogues and these days even stock photography for websites.

The teen  market is a very major section which companies are keen to target, and each ‘type’ of teen needs to be represented. That means that as well as the standard modelling work for attractive, fresh faced, tall models there will be work for petite models, plus-size models and alternative models, who may have tattoos or be more unusual looking.

Many child models follow a natural progression into teen models, but also lots of teenagers decide they’d like to try modelling and take their first steps in the industry at this time.

Teenagers who are considering trying to become a model need to make sure they have the right attitude and realistic expectations.

The Right Attitude

Not all teenagers fit the stereotype of being grumpy and stroppy, but there is definitely no space for that kind of attitude when it comes to modelling. Modelling is a professional and requires a professional attitude. Paying clients are not going to be willing to waste their time with temper tantrums.

Realistic expectations

The modelling industry is tough and very competitive and those who think they can just fall into it and make pots of money have got disappointment waiting down the line. Aspiring models need to be willing to invest time and energy in getting their foot in the door, and they have to be thicked skinned to deal with the inevitable early rejections.

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Modelling Posture

Posture is all about how you hold your body – whether you stand upright or slouch, hold your chin up or look down your nose, sit straight or lean to the side.

Good posture is important for all people, because it can have a long term effect on your health – for example, sitting badly in front of a computer screen for years, or walking badly can weaken and wear down your bones and muscles at particular points. These physical problems may not become evident until it’s too late to easily solve it, and serious medical intervention needs to take place. In many cases, improving posture early could prevent this.

For models, posture is critical. Posture affects how you come across, how healthy you look and how your clothing is displayed. Posture is an all over body thing, it’s not simply about a high head and straight back – though that’s a good place to start!

Posture advice for models

Most people think posture just means standing up poker straight, stick your chest out and look straight ahead. But it’s not as simple as that.

Body balance

The first thing to check is whether your body is balanced and straight. Stand in front of a mirror, with a straight vertical indicator behind you, such as a pole or doorframe. Does your head lean slightly to one side? Are your shoulders even? If not, try to get everything even and see how it feels. The first step is becoming aware of your posture, and where there may be imbalances. Once you’ve indentified areas for improvement, you can start to make corrections.

Of course this doesn’t mean that when you’re working as a model, you’ll never pose at an angle – but a model should be a blank canvas, and any angles should be deliberate, not ingrained. This is particularly important for catwalk models.

Height and Lift

‘Stand up straight!’ Well, yes, good posture is about standing up straight – but people often strain to stand up straight by stretching their neck, arching their back and even going on tip toes. To get a real natural lift, and gain the most benefit of standing up straight, you need to think whole body. Start with your legs, make sure your standing foundation is firm, with an event weight on both feet. Legs should be straight but not locked. Them rather than focussing on the spine, think more about the chest. Take a deep breath and feel your body lift and tyour spine extend as you do so. Make sure your head is light on your neck, and isn’t leaning forward. Finally, ensure your chin is straight out (not up or down). Standing up straight in this way will give you natural even distribution of body weight and restore the natural curvature of the spine

Relax

One of the most common problems when attempting to improve posture, is that people get really tense and stiff – which is completely counter-productive. To combat this, give your arms and legs a shake out to make sure you’re not holding any tension, and take a few deep breaths. If you notice any particular areas of tension, focus on gently relaxing them. Another problem with tension is that it affects the balance and lift of your posture. For example, if one side of your neck has knots in it, your head will lean towards that side.

Modelling jobs are waiting for you!

Modelling Agency Contracts

A contract with a modelling agency seems like the holy grail for aspiring models, but unfortunately, too many models rush in too eagerly, and only find out what they’ve agreed to later.

Pressure to Sign a Modelling Agency Contract

Modelling Agency contracts are often very long and filled with legalise, and can be very daunting for anyone who’s not a lawyer, let alone someone who may be very young and inexperienced with contracts.

The contract will often be presented as a ‘take it or leave it’ offer, and the modelling agency may even pressure the model to sign it on the spot, saying that the offer will be off the table if the model doesn’t make up her or his mind right away.

But a new model should resist this pressure. If possible, take the contract away and genuinely try to read it, not matter how difficult it may seem. It may even be worth paying for the services of a lawyer to check it over. And, if there are any clauses that the model isn’t happy with, she can ask for the contract to be amended.

What will the Modelling Agency Offer

A modelling agency contract will never guarantee you work, and in most cases, it will be heavily biased in favour of the agency, offering you very little. This is normal and is simply there to legally cover the modelling agency. After all, they can’t guarantee you work, as you must complete with other models and it’s the clients who make the final decision. It’s in the modelling agency’s interests to promise very little and then overdeliver. Otherwise, if they have any written commitments to get work for models, if it’s not possible, the model will come complaining to them. This doesn’t mean that the modelling agency isn’t going to try their hardest to find work for you, just that it can’t be guaranteed.

Exclusive Vs Non Exclusive Modelling Contracts

Contracts should be very clear about what level of exclusivity is required. The modelling agency may only require the model to be exclusive within a particular region or country, or it may be worldwide. The larger the modelling agency and the more time and effort they are intending to invest in launching the model’s career, the more likely they are to have high exclusivity requirements.

Length of Modelling Contracts

Modelling contracts can range from one year to five years and they may be fixed, or it may be possible to cancel them from either side before the time period is up. Whether it’s good to have a long or short contract depends on the relationship between the modelling agency and model, and how hard each are working for the other.

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