How to be a successful model

 

 

• Confidence. Clients are looking for someone who is confident and can sell a product convincingly. If you're not naturally confident, consider using one of the many self-help books or CDs available that can help you to build up self-confidence. To renew your confidence in your looks, remind yourself of compliments you've received from others. 

 

• A 'thick skin'. You must be able to handle the rejection that every model faces, while still putting yourself forward whenever there's a chance of getting the job. You can't expect to meet the expectations of every client. Try to think, 'It's good if I get the job, but if they don't want my look I won't feel bad about it'.

 
 

• Stamina. A model needs to be fit and healthy so they can work all day and still look good at the end of it. Maintain a healthy diet and work out at least three times a week. If you can't afford a gym, walking and running are great exercises that anyone can do. If you're too busy to exercise, build exercise into your daily routine by walking to work or to the shops. 

 

• Independence. Professional models may have to travel often, so you need an independent spirit and a self-starting attitude. You'll need to get yourself up in the morning and make sure you arrive at the job on time and ready to perform. You also need to be comfortable if you need to be by yourself for long periods.

 

• Organisation. You need to be well organised in order to keep track of the dates, times and locations of your castings and appointments. Keep a paper diary with you or use one of the many online tools available to enter and edit your appointments. Keep all your papers in a single safe and secure location. 

 

• Willpower. Working models can't afford to indulge in drink, drugs or partying. You must have the will power to say NO. An agency will drop a model very quickly if it becomes clear that his or her lifestyle could affect her work - or the agency's reputation. 

 

• Availability and responsiveness. Make sure it's easy for agencies to get in touch with you if they need to. When you have a confirmed job, communicate with the photographer/agency as much as you can, and answer their queries as quickly as possible.

 

• Fashion. Keep up with the latest styles and clothing trends, particularly those that suit your looks and style. Keep your portfolio updated with shots that use recent looks.

 

• Persistence. This is perhaps the most important attribute of all. It takes a lot of work to be a professional model! It's no good waiting for work to come to you - you need the get-up-and-go attitude of someone who sets goals and goes after them. As George Bernard Shaw said, 'The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.'

www.elirving.com

 
 

How Does Your Fashion Sense Rank?

What to you is good or bad fashion sense?

This question I have been asked many times before by people, regarding my fashion sense and in general on fashion.
In this article I am going to give some examples of fashion and you can make your mind up what is good or bad.

Do not let others dictate what is good or bad fashion sense to you, it is a preference in your mind’s eye no one else’s.
Today the internet and magazines are over saturated with what celebrities and other trend-setters believe is top fashion and what not good fashion sense is.

As we all know everyone’s choice is different and that’s what makes us who we are.


 
Above you will see a young man dressed in casual but smart clothing. To me I like this for everyday wear but not for office work in the big cities. This is to be for, in my opinion for meeting friends or maybe going out for a drink or meal with close friends. The first shot is a good mix of casual, for example the jeans and trainers mixed successfully with a shirt and a V-neck jumper so it looks smart but casual as well. 

This would be good for lunch time meet with friends or a drink or two in town. The second photo is a good example of a day off look with the low neck T-shirt with jeans and a green casual jacket and meeting friends with not a lot going on in the day. The third is really smart and the Jacket pulls of the total casual look but pulling off a smart look. This to me is a going out look but something like going to the gym before work or meeting friends. All three to me would come in the casual day off look without anything important going on. But you may pull off meetings with the first photo depending on how it looks on you.

In this photo I found you will see a man dressed in a suit with no tie. This is a smart look but it also says ‘casual’ as well just because he has taken the tie from the picture. This seems to be a look for a day in the office in the big city but also a look to be going out for an important meeting as well as going out for a meal out in town with a loved one or with friends or colleagues. I like this look myself and the colour is what makes this suit. 

The sunglasses with the suit makes it look like this person is a well to do person and sends a message look at me but in a good way. If you look around you can find a decent suit for a reasonable price as well. Please don’t think you have to spend a fortune on a three or two piece suit. I bought a two piece suit for about £70 and it was not a top brand. It was bought from a local high street shop in my town. To be fare you can go to places like Primark, Burtons, Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s for a decent looking suit. But to be honest you will have to look around first but don’t just take the first choice you find unless it calls out.

This is just a few men’s wear that ore out there and don’t have to cost a lot for the buyer. 
What else we will look at is smart and casual wear for women

This suit for a woman is smart and to me says posh too. It appears to be fore an office job in the city or for an interview. With the necklace it pulls off the look of office or maybe Layer maybe but that’s just my thoughts. It is the sort of suit you would wear for your day job in the office. 

With the black heeled shoes and the black necklace it smart to the hilt. I like this look as at can give you another look to who you actually are. I would think that you would have to actually dress this suit down to be able to wear it for meals and drinks with friends or loved ones maybe at weekends or at nights. If you was going out at night you would not wear this but actually wear a dress to go to dinner or theatre.

What else we will look at is a casual look but smart dress sense for females but don’t take it literal as this is just a guide and my opinion. 


 
Here we have a casual look but smart at the same time and the colouring just calls out WOW in my eyes. It is the sort of dress wear you would put on for a dinner out with friends or family even a loved one but also it could be something you wear in the office and drinks afterwards. So in my eyes this has three functions in a daily life of a woman. 

The colours of this is a mix of plain then colour that gives it a kick to say smart am I, look at me but not in a way of attention seeking. It is smart look for going out drinking and meals with friends but also it has a look as if ‘I have just finished work and not had time to change’. If you can’t afford this look I bet you could go around high street shops and find something just as good or even better and half the price as well.

What do you think is good fashion sense?

www.elirving.com

Become A Successful Commercial Model

Commercial modeling comes in a wide array of sorts. There different types include newspapers, catalogs, magazines, editorials, brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of buses, packages of food items, household products, games, and so on.

Unlike a very specific tall and slender look that you see in fashion modeling, being a commercial model needs you to look like a real person. Commercial models come in all forms and sizes. As long as you fit the look the company is aiming for, you can be a commercial model regardless of your height, weight, size, age, or race.
 


Fees for commercial models vary on a project-by-project basis, although adult models are expected to make around £50 to £250 an hour, while children can earn up to £75 an hour. However, due to the variety of needs for commercial modeling, to get into the market, you must be able to do your research and gather vital information about the modeling industry: what types of photos are needed, what is expected of you, www.elirving.com can help here as your agent.

There are several advantages to being a commercial model. For instance, the hours are extremely flexible, and the hourly fees are far from minimum wage. And of course, don’t forget to the thrill of seeing yourself or your child in a magazine, newspaper, brochure, poster, or better yet – a billboard.



Before you start giving out headshots, however, you should know how to create a good portfolio. If you watched any of the cycles of Next Top Model, you’d know that a good portfolio or composite sheet means the world in modeling—fashion or commercial.

However, because of the difference between fashion and commercial modeling, you can’t just go ahead and do artistic photo shoots—you have to figure out how to work your look and how you can represent yourself to the world. Choose a genre in modeling, if you will. www.elirving.com can advise and assist you.



Ask yourself how you are going to be cast best—as a student, a young professional, a mother, a grandparent, a plumber, an athlete, and so on. Ask which setting you will look best—in an authoritative looking building, sitting behind an office desk, around a campfire?

Think about how you can showcase yourself properly to get the right modeling job that fits your look and personality. Before you get in front of the camera, look through magazines, newspaper ads, and even talent and showcase books to get ideas as to the type of modeling that you’re aiming for.
Once you have your look down pat, it’s time to take photos. You don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds to get your photos professionally taken, but they have to at least look professional. Unlike the stoic (or as Tyra Banks puts it, “fierce”) looks of fashion modeling, make sure that your photos make you appear approachable, happy, and interesting. Dramatic photos are not encouraged either.

www.elirving.com can recommend a professional studio for your images.



Also ensure that your photos make your personality shine, so stay away from distracting jewelry, clothes, or hairstyles; your photos should look like you. An agency or photographer’s studio could actually fire you for “misrepresenting” your looks.

Unlike fashion models, commercial models do not need to attend modeling classes. However, they may need to have basic acting skills. Attending a few acting classes or workshops is a good start.


Still, your photos will not be enough to book you jobs. While the looks depend on what the client wants in his ad, you have to be able to shine through by your personality and character. Being a diva will not get you far in commercial modeling, because clients want a model with not just the right look, but the right personality, versatility, and even acting ability.

The demand for commercial models is very high, as companies are upping their advertising and marketing strategies. However, as is is with any other job, it is essential that you work hard and be professional during shoots. Looks will only get you so far—you can find success in your determination and perseverance more than you can with your smile.

www.elirving will look after and guide you through everything, get you jobs and look afer you thereafter.

Modelling Heights?

• Are you concerned that your height will hinder your chances of becoming a model?
• Do you look to the catwalk and editorial shoots feeling that the supermodels tower above you?

 
Many smaller models are insecure about their height measurement worried that despite their talent the industry would definitely discriminate against their 5 foot 4 inches. However, do not despair as petite models do have opportunities in the industry when looking in the correct places, I should know as I, http://www.elirving.com have helped many achieve this.

Take a look at the type of work petite models can secure to carve a successful career.

Catalogue Modelling @ http://www.elirving.com
Online and print catalogues do cater for individuals with a tiny frame. The platform hosts a large amount of sections to provide for all of the family including petite, tall and maternity departments. Therefore, smaller models will be hired to model for the designs on sale. It is important that the images do showcase reality demonstrating how the garments fit a petite physique.

Petite Brands @ http://www.elirving.com
Similarly, petite labels require talent with a smaller height. The success of their label relies on the presentation of their designs. Garments are required to be cut in a way that flatters the tiny frame fitting smaller torso, arm and leg lengths. To promote the specific pattern cutting aimed at petite physiques is to actually work with those whose measurements meet their target audience. Their market can visualise how the designs work on a body shape similar to theirs and purchase the items.

Body Part Modelling @ http://www.elirving.com
Petite models may have a superb set of shapely legs, elegant hands or scrumptious feet that will be desirable for body part model. Individuals who possess a smaller height do not necessarily have a petite hands, feet or leg length as body proportions vary depending on the person in question. Therefore, look after your features and try to approach agencies and companies who specialise in body part modelling as you may be able to secure a job.

Swimwear Modelling@ http://www.elirving.com
Lingerie and swimwear brands focus on hiring models that fill their bras and knickers rather their height. It is important that the individual’s chest, torso, legs and derriere showcase their swimwear or underwear designs appropriately. Overly tall models are not necessarily suitable for the part, as their bust may not fill the bra seductively. It is certainly an idea to approach lingerie labels to gain experience and to see what the brand is after in terms of body shape.

High Fashion @ http://www.elirving.com
The high fashion world has gained a reputation that favours super tall, thin models however; recently there has been a lot of discussion over creating a diverse industry. As the industry accepts plus size models the firm line has begin to waver considerably with a variety of shapes, race and ages being welcomed to the catwalk. There has been a few exceptions to the rule with the likes of Kate Moss and Anja Konstantinova finding a place in the high fashion world. It is certainly worth a try as if an agent or industry professional is campaigning for your look than you will have a great chance.

Please get in touch if you want to get in to the industry;  http://www.elirving.com

How To Kick Butt At A Photoshoot

Photoshoots are scary enough and modelling is way harder then it looks.

So here are some great and helpful tips to make sure you make the right impression.

1. Personality -

Being gorgeous is one thing but being memorable is another. If your going to be a successful model you can’t just rely on your looks alone you have to be prepared to network and get yourself out there. Try and be the person who was courteous, positive and professional. Being funny any confident never hurts either. If a photographer or a MUA enjoyed working with you, they are very likely to recommend you to others just based on the fact that they enjoyed your company. Do not be forgettable, show of your personality and what makes you special.

2. Practice –  

Don’t be that person who turns up on set and says “Now what!”. Find a model you admire and have a look at what they do correctly, what about them stands out? How are they looking at the camera? What about their posture? All of these things are important little tricks that you can pick up from studying the work of established models. It is a perfect excuse to take a million selfies and look at yourself in the mirror all day (like we need an excuse…).

3. Preparation – 

This isn’t every other day and it’s a job. So you need to be ready – make sure you drink loads of water and get plenty of sleep. Water and sleep are the two secrets to amazing skin, if you are dehydrated and tired…well that is not a hot look. Eat well before the shoot but stick to healthy foods. Vegetables and fruits are the best way to ensure you are on top form and will give you enough energy throughout the day. NO JUNK FOOD!!!! You are what you eat so if you eat badly your going look bad. Simple.

4. Punctuality -

You might be pretty, but pretty does not work if your late all the time. Plan your journey beforehand use an app and make sure you have the right address. If you need to confirm with someone beforehand its better to be safe then sorry and it just shows that you care. If you are late to shoots people will remember, this will effect your future as a model and for agencies it is unacceptable. So set your alarm extra early

5. Positivity! -

It might sound ultra cheesy, but if you dream it you can do it.  Most people never take the leap, and the fact that you’re already trying to live your dream means that your have taken the first step. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you. Body positivity is just as important as mental well being and whilst this industry traditionally isn’t the most open, time are changing and you can contribute towards that change. Style will always trump what is fashionable so it never hurts to make a statement in everyday life as well in the industry. Take care of yourself inside and out.

www.elirving.com

New Client Review

El Irving is a celebrity talent agent and model scout based in London. He has been established in London for years and is one of the most experienced agents in the capital. Here is a recent review from one of his clients.

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all your support and advice that you have been giving me since we met a few months ago.

I really appreciate the support, you have always been there when needed and boosted my confidence no end. I now walk with a spring in my step, always smiling and believe that I can gain any job throw at me.

I am so excited about working with you moving forward and so happy with what you have done for me so far.

I would not hesitate in recommending you to others in the industry.

Thanks El.

I really appreciate the continued support with my career over the last few months.

- Katie

For more information about El Irving and to contact him, visit his website now. If you need advice on chosing a celebrity talent agent or agency, real the EL Irving blog here.

In order to be a successful model you need to have an extrovert personality as well as a ‘look’ that is either classic or which is a good fit with current fashion trends. It is a combination of these two factors which are likely to determine the success, or not, of turning modelling jobs into a modelling career. There are many reasons why people choose a career as a model and work with modelling scouts like El Irving, but he considers five of the major perks associated with this challenging but hugely rewarding career.

Meeting the rich and famous

One of the benefits of being a model is that it provides the opportunity to meet people you would not ordinarily get to meet. As well as meeting those who can be influential in a modelling career such as fashion designers, magazine and newspaper editors and photographers, modelling can also ‘open doors’ and enable models to meet actors (like Emma Watson), producers, business people and even royalty. If a model is successful, he or she may find there selves invited to parties and gatherings where they can mingle with the rich and famous. For some of those who decide to enter into modelling, this is a major motivating factor.

Travel in modelling jobs

For many models, one of the great things about the work is the fact that there can be a great deal of travelling. Whether this is travelling at home or abroad, the opportunities are endless. For successful catwalk models, overseas travel is a large part of the job. Travel provides the opportunity to experience many different countries and cultures, and possibly to pick up a new language or two along the way. Additionally, international assignments are often better paid and provide better allowances. All of a model’s travel expenses and allowances are covered by the client. Provided that you are happy to hop on a plane, sometimes at a moment’s notice, this is definitely one of the benefits to being a model.

Learning new skills

Working as a model is a great opportunity to learn new skills. Modelling work involves lots of waiting around, creating perfect opportunities to improve knowledge and pick up tricks of the trade. For instance, models spend many hours with makeup artists and hairdressers, so they almost invariably pick up elements of these skills. As modelling provides the opportunity to travel, this also means that many models are able to learn and speak other languages. They may eventually speak confidently in the country they are visiting and communicate with fashion designers for whom English may not be a first language. And models need to be fit and healthy, so learning how to maintain a healthy body is a skill that all models acquire.

Promotion and profile raising

Many of those who want to take up modelling have other aspirations: acting, singing, dancing or performing in other ways. Modelling is a great way to get noticed and to make influential people see who you are and what you can do. Due to the nature of modelling, models can find it easier to appear in the media in some form, whether it be in print or on television. This may lead to more appearances, furthering one’s modelling career while opening doors to other opportunities such as acting, television presenting and even writing.

Money

The one thing that most aspiring models believe is that a career as a model will lead to them earning huge amounts of money. For some, this is the main driving force behind their desire to succeed. While earning money beyond most people’s wildest dreams is true for those who make it into the ‘super league’ of modelling, relatively few are in this category. That is not to say that modelling cannot be lucrative, but any aspiring model needs to be prepared for a few years of earning relatively modest sums. Once they have built up a large enough portfolio, they are more likely to be considered for higher value work such as advertising campaigns for major fashion labels and cosmetics brands.

These are just some of the opportunities and experiences that are available if you choose to pursue a career as a fashion model. The diversity of this industry allows for a great deal of flexibility and numerous potential career paths, regardless of your talents and interests.

If this is how you see your self, please get in touch www.elirving.com