By Dania Denise
Modeling 101 – A Model’s Diary
Notice the title of this latest post in the mini blog series is “Quality & Content Creation”? That’s because even though it’s important to post often and keep creating content, it’s also vital to think about what you’re posting and what you’re trying to communicate to followers.
Because this mini blog post series is focused on branding and modeling, it only makes sense that I’ll be talking about creating quality content related to…yep, you guessed it: modeling! But what does that mean?
Professional Images
What better way to promote your brand as a model than by sharing the fruit of your labors? Posting images from your latest shoots, tearsheets of published work and other pictures related to your career are the best way to show people, including potential clients, what you’ve done and what you can do.
There’s no better proof of your success than these kinds of images, and sharing them on your social media sites and official website makes it very clear to anyone who is just learning about you for the first time who you are, what you do and what you’re about.
Behind The Scenes
Behind the scenes images are always popular because it gives people an insider look as to what goes on in things they don’t have access to. Who doesn’t want to know what happens during modeling shoots, shows and other related happenings?
Posting BTS photos in the makeup chair, shopping for wardrobe, posing with other models, candid shots of you in studio or on location is a wonderful way to let people into your world. Modeling in general is still considered mysterious by many so any insight you give them will be appreciated.
Career Highlights
Your brand can be enforced and better understood if your images are also paired with descriptive captions/text that explains to people what you are up to, what’s coming up and other projects that may be in the works.
Excited about a casting or go-see coming up in the next few days? Post about it. Booked a modeling assignment? Definitely post about it! Tired after a long shoot and just want to take a nap? Tell people about it.
Those brief and fun play-by-plays showcase your personality and the things that are important to you. In addition to the other info described above, it paints a better overall picture of you as a person and that makes it easier for followers of your brand to understand what matters to you, as well as attract new followers to your profiles who can identify with various aspects of your life and personality.
Shout Outs To Others
Networking plays a large part in a person’s ability to get opportunities and line up future gigs. This can’t happen without the help of others. I like to say that people work with the model, not for the model.
That being said, it’s a good practice to give shoutouts to recognize and give credit to the people you work with by mentioning them on your social media profiles (and/or reposting content they’ve posted of you). Links to their professional sites and including other relevant info is also ideal for not just spreading the love and hopefully getting them future work but to show others the kind of company you surround yourself with.
When you do shoutouts, you not only put those folks on the radar of your followers, it works the other way as well. A company or individual that is connected to someone you shoutout could easily reach out to you now based on the shoutout they’ll undoubtedly see on that person’s profile. Plus, it helps when you’re booked on a project that has mutual friends/colleagues on it. You may even get booked with the same people you’ve worked with before and that’s always fun.
Silly & Misc Things
There’s totally nothing wrong with being candid and breaking away from the professional model mode to show a silly and playful side. Whether it’s work related or during your free time, it can be refreshing for followers to be reminded that you are a real person, too.
Both photos and video of you having a great time with friends and family can also strengthen a brand if you choose to share that part of your life with others (and depending on the audience you are trying to reach). Of course it is your choice to make. Not including things about friends and family won’t hurt your brand and there are many people who value their privacy in that respect by keeping those types of content on a separate profile.
Should you choose to include it, have fun but still be aware that you are posting on a profile that is associated with your brand. Presentation is important!
