By Michele Smith
Facebook – MicheleSmithMarketing
When a model is new to the fashion world, there are some specific mistakes to avoid when working with an agency. While some of these may very obvious to some new models, the following are a couple of things to avoid at all costs when you are working with an agency. After all, industry professionals all talk, and the last thing a new model wants to do is burn a bridge with a potential ongoing work source.
The most obvious of which, would be to be on time. This sounds quite simple, right? With any other job, being on time is not only key, but you want to show up early as well (but not too early – 5 minutes early is plenty). Be sure to plan ahead to avoid any scheduling delays. On this particular note, be early, but not too early – you do not want to disrupt any activities on the agency’s part.
Another mistake to avoid (and, this should also be a no-brainer) is to make sure you look like your photos. When an agency selects any model for a casting call, it is based on the photos in their portfolio. If you show up to a casting call not looking like your pictures, you are essentially misleading the agency and wasting their time. It is very important to keep your portfolio up-to-date and make sure that your photos reflect your age/weight/body type. For example, if you are 5’4 and in your mid-forties, you should avoid the glamour shot/prom fashion photo shots at all costs and skip showing up looking like this as well. Always dress for the part and what the agency is looking for.
Two other mistakes to avoid also can be quite simple. Always bring a planner and pen to take notes. Not only is this professional, but if you show up without a pen and paper; you certainly do not look like working talent. Also, under no circumstances should you bring guests to an audition. While it is very tempting to bring excited family members for support, this is certainly not a time for guests. During a shoot, you would always make sure to get approval ahead of time and the same pertains for auditions; although at casting calls the less extra people the agencies have to deal with, the better.
Lack of follow up is a huge mistake that models and business owners alike make all of time. If an agency asks you to follow up, absolutely do so. Modelling agencies are so busy, they typically lack the time to hunt a model down and by not following up you are missing a modelling opportunity. Last but not least, always, always, always answer your phone. There are many times where an agency has a last minute job they need to fill. Not only will you look good being readily available, the agency will appreciate the fact that you were able to help them out of a bind in the 11th hour.
