In Agency

The Unspoken Virtue of Reliability

2018-08-10 No Comments

In today’s digital age of bustling notifications and likes, it’s easy to be caught up in the never ending feed of events, gatherings, and opportunities which seem to be abundant all around us. It has never been easier to invite people to “like” your Facebook page dedicated to your online Origami Alpaca business, or to create an event and send out a mass invite to all your friends to get together for Charlie Chinchilla’s First Birthday…

Insta made and Insta broken, plans pop up all around us and we instantly commit to all of them and none of them at the same time…And yet, there is a high probability that our destiny may default to a game of perpetual Netflix & Chill.

More than ever, the simple asset of being reliable has increased in value. This does not mean that you should always have a loaded calendar of events at all times and attend every single one. It actually means the exact opposite: You must learn to become self aware of the commitments you make. Make fewer commitments, and honor the commitments you have made. I promise you, this will lead to increased personal satisfaction and success. It will bring you closer to your real friends, real interests, and real purpose. You will be regarded as a RELIABLE person–and guess what:

YOU WILL BE INVITED TO MORE EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF HIGHER PERSONAL VALUE.

Woah…crazy.

Take The Agency Perspective:

I will often hire newly signed talent for entry level promotional or spokes modeling positions. While some of the people I hire do not take the job seriously because it simply does not pay much, the wise talent utilize the opportunity to hone their social con

fidence, communication, and sales skills. If they are reliable, have great follow up and communication, and do a great job, they automatically become memorable for all of the right reasons. The next time I have a promotional event that pays $35 an hour, these are the people I will offer the position to first.

Being an Agency Talent (or successful freelancer) requires a heightened level of personal responsibility. There are many reasons clients choose to scout talent from an agency: they expect professionalism in all senses. Consistency is imperative. Continue to value all opportunities, no matter how big or how small. Committing to an event and then backing out at the last minute can make the person who invited (or hired) you not only view you as unreliable, but can also make them feel as though you do not value the event or opportunity they have offered you…which isn’t exactly the best way for you to be remembered.

In any competitive industry, be sure that you stand out for the RIGHT reasons. A great way to start is to have a keen sense of personal responsibility right from the start.

🙃

In Agency

What Is Fit Modeling?

2019-03-29 No Comments

Believe it or not, there is a type of modeling where your posing and runway skills don’t actually matter…

In fact, quite honestly we don’t even care what your face looks like, whether or not you have braces, how high your cheek bones are or how chiseled your jawline is. Struggling with acne/break outs? We honestly couldn’t care less. But, how…?

Because Fit Modeling serves an entirely different purpose.

What Does A Fit Model Do?

Photos by Northern Lights Photography Studio Make up by Deb Reimer of Milwaukee Fashion Week.

Clothing and product designers need real life, every day people to work essentially as human-mannequins. The job of a fit model is to test out the clothing for the designers to get an idea of how their garment will fit their future buyers. Once a week for about 1-3 hours, a model will try on clothing and move around a bit so the designers can see how the product fits a real life human, and how it moves comfortably on the body.

Ever order clothing off a fast fashion/super cheap website, and when you get the product you wonder how it could ever possibly fit an actual human? You can bet Fit Models were not utilized (or even thought of?) during the development of the garment!

Fit modeling eliminates this problem altogether by ensuring proper fits, and is a standard procedure with reputable clothing brands.

Qualifiers of Becoming a Fit Model

*Okay, maybe they won’t make you do THIS, but mad props to Nick Montag for his skills.*

While many traditional modeling aspects do not apply to this division of modeling, a Fit Model must have measurements that just so happen to fall between the designated, target clothing size for the particular brand. (The measurements vary slightly from brand to brand.) And, just how closely does one have to fall within the target measurements?

A half an inch, MAX.

For example, if the posting is looking for a model between the heights of 5″5 and 5″8, models who are 5″4 are too short for the position, and models 5″9 are too tall for that particular fit modeling position.

Fit Models also have to have great communication skills to be able to articulate how the clothing fits, feels, or mention any pulling or discomfort the garment may cause. Designers enjoy working with pleasant, reliable models who have a strong sense of team work and a collaborative spirt.

Oh, and you most certainly be reliable…

Release dates for clothing are crucial, and if a fit model isn’t present for a scheduled fit, it could potentially uphold release dates for an entire line of clothing.

Yikes.

Often times, clients will have a few alternate fit models on call in case their main fit model is not able to make it to a session. Then, it’s up to the next fit model to be ready and flexible to be able to show up at the product development center at a moment’s notice. Clients favor models who follow up to emails QUICKLY as for many, it is the primary way models are contacted.

How Much Does Fit Modeling Pay?

Even though photos are not taken (well, a few phone snap shots may be taken for designer reference) Fit Modeling actually pays substantially MORE than print or catalog models:

The entire line of a garment falls on the reliability of only 1-2 fit models for that particular brand
It can be extremely difficult to find a Fit Model that happens to fall within the EXACT parameters of a particular size.

Therefore, higher pay.

Fit models can be compensated at either an hourly rate or a flat-fee per session. Depending on the fit model’s experience and the client’s needs, these rates tend to fluctuate between $50-$200 total for a session.

If you know your measurements fall within the specified range within a half inch tolerance, you are a good candidate! You will want to follow up with your agent to confirm they have your most up-to-date stats/measurements on file. If they think you’re a good match, they will set up a “Fit Appointment” or “Go See” with the client.

The Initial Fit Appointment:

Consider this the easiest audition of your life, and a chance to get a behind-the-scenes-look into what goes on in the product development side of fashion. You will be instructed by your agent on what to wear (standard runway attire is usually a great go to) and will be provided with all of the details and contact information before your scheduled appointment.

The a member of the technical design staff will meet with you to verify your measurements, and may have you try on various articles of clothing. They may snap a few phone photos to reference later.

That’s it…

Agency Notes & Tips

Agency talent know the importance of reliability, so leaving early is imperative. You may have to navigate your way around a massive office complex, so allowing enough time to arrive to the venue is extremely important.

Also, agency talent know to NEVER discuss payment or rate information at these go-sees. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf with the client if you are being considered for the fit modeling position.

Do not ask your agent “if you got the job” the very next day. Most often, the design team will be reviewing a few other applicants. They will also need to meet as a group to discuss who their next fit model they believe will most successfully meet their needs.

They will inform your agent about the results in 1-3 weeks.

Have you ever Fit Modeled?

Share your experience in the comments section below!

Be sure to check out our Auditions and Events page to join us at our upcoming open studio event!

In Agency

How to Become a Top Agency Talent

2019-01-06 No Comments

Want to know a secret? It actually isn’t just all about your look or acting capability. When you are signed to an agency, you take on a new role of responsibility. Being signed to an agency is an honor, as your agent has decided that you possess qualities that–with consistency and determination–will yield to success in your local market.

Agency talent are held to a higher standard of professionalism, reliability, work quality, and communication. Whether you are modeling brands on the runway or advertising a product in a commercial, it is important to know that not only are you representing yourself, you are representing your agency as well. Agency work is a complete team effort: be good to your agency, and your agency will be good to you.

1. Quick follow up

In a fast paced industry like this one, prompt communication is essential. Often times, there is not a lot of lead time on auditions, so you need to be checking your email periodically. If you are selected for a call back, we will need to confirm your audition or self tape audition ASAP. You should also know your schedule a few weeks out so that when we touch base, we can confirm dates for auditions or bookings.

2. Professionalism. Professionalism. Professionalism.

Cheetah print bodysuit: A wardrobe staple this year! You need one in your life–Click photo!

There is a reason clients come to an agency to hire talent for specific jobs instead of taking a chance by hiring people off of Craigslist. Clients will happily pay for the added “polish” that an agency talent is guaranteed to provide. That said, the way you carry yourself, how you dress, how you write your emails and how you speak are all important factors that separate agency talent from the rest. Make sure that you emulate professionalism in all tenses. Check on this blog to understand the specifics and expectations of Agency standard professionalism.

3. Being flexible & willing to adapt to change

Totally in love with this blazer. Click photo for details<3

Sometimes the runway choreography changes. Sometimes your outfit changes. Sometimes the venue changes. Please keep in mind that the directors do everything they can to minimize changes, but sometimes they are necessary. Have a willful and collaborative spirit in light of unforeseen circumstances. DO NOT COMPLAIN or carry a negative or resentful energy. People will notice, and the odds of you being hired by that client again are extremely slim. This is a very competitive industry, and everyone is replaceable. Stay humble, work hard, and be pleasant to work with.

4. Have Integrity

Your agent works for YOU. Never trash talk your agency. If you are displeased with your agency, there is probably a misunderstanding of expectations, and you should contact your agent to discuss any questions you may have. If you are still displeased, simply ask if you can terminate your contract early, or wait for your contract to expire and simply choose to not work with them again. It makes you look unprofessional when you start trashing your agent. Other agencies will not want to take you on if you have been known to trash previous agencies.

Another case when integrity is important is when a situation arises when you notice that you are being “poached” by another agent or client:

If a client is trying to “pay you directly” by trying to avoid paying agency fees by not having your agent involved, that should be a red flag to you as a talent. If your agent isn’t involved, who is holding this person responsible for your payment? And, how will you know if what they intend to pay you is even fair compensation? Not to mention, if something goes wrong…you’re totally on your own.

As if that wasn’t enough, if your agent finds out you are working with one of the agency’s clients without their intervention, your agent can terminate your contract. (Yeah, we’ll fire that client too) But think to yourself…is it worth losing all of the opportunities provided by your agency by trying to go around them for just one job? All to avoid paying a 15%-20% Agency commission?

If you think you are being poached by a client, politely tell the client that you work closely with your agency and you honor your Agency Agreement.

And then tell us…we’ll need to know!!

5. Understanding the talent-agency relationship

Gold chain belt. A subtle way to tie the look together. Click photo for details!

By now you probably know that your agency (or the agency you will have someday) has your back. Agencies don’t make money unless you work, so we want to get you booked for as many things as possible!

It is also important to have realistic expectations going into an agency. You should understand Where You Fit into the Model Market, Understand the Importance of Reliability, know how to Dress for a Comp Card Shoot, know what to wear to a runway audition, as well as how to audition for runway. Trust your agent’s feedback on your photos, and let them help you. They know what will book as opposed to what won’t!!

Your agency will provide you with the materials you need to be successful, as well as groom you for optimal marketability. Your agency will do their best to market you and put you in the best light to potential clients and casting directors. You will be notified of castings and opportunities by your agent, and it is your responsibility to follow up promptly when those opportunities arise.

It is your agent’s job to keep you safe and away from low-value opportunities. (I hate the word “scam”–it’s too vague.) If you are offered a collaboration via DM through Instagram to “collab”…send it to your agent. We’ll tell you right away whether or not the opportunity is worth pursuing.

Your agent networks, supports your endeavors, and always has your best interest in mind. I strive to be my talent’s personal cheerleader, mentor, and booker.

You should have a solid, team-driven working relationship with your agent. Do your part to help us help you, and you will find the most success in all your endeavors!