Modelling Portfolio Advice from Neon Models

Modelling with Neon Models

As the leading source of help, guidance and portfolio advice for UK models, Neon Models can help to turn aspiration into success. The modelling industry is constantly changing, new looks are sought-after and client needs alter continuously depending on the marketplace. One thing that remains unchanged is the importance of having a strong portfolio. This post will tell you how Neon Models can help.

First of all, read this Neon Models Review to see what Emily said about her experience.

Neon Models

Its important to say that Neon Models are not a modelling agency. They are a source of modelling advice and also have a state of the art photography studio in central London. When you submit your portfolio to an agency, the first thing they will do is check if you have the necessary shot types. Then they will assess your suitability to their current client list. To give yourself the best chances of making it to this stage you need a lot of practice. It isn't just about having a nice figure or a pretty face. Any model who makes their living from being in front of the camera will say that they practice every day. Building your own confidence and prowess is your job, modelling coaches can help but it comes down to personal determination.

Watch the video below to find out more about Neon Models.

Male Modelling with Neon Models

Male Modelling with Neon Models

Neon Models is a website dedicated to helping new models break into modelling, by giving advice about the industry, how to approach modelling agencies, tips on how to behave like a professional model, how to build a portfolio that is an asset for your modelling career, and much much more.

Neon Models

As you would expect, male models need to keep fit and toned. Although the modelling industry doesn't need every male model to have a body builders frame, a fit and healthy appearance is essential. Location is important when it comes to male modelling, it's a good idea to research what studios and model agencies are based near you. Obviously, there will be a lot more opportunities in big cities like New York and London than in suburban towns. If you can travel to modelling shoots, then fine - but can you be there as fast as another male model, if the need arises? 

Remember, male modelling is a tough business, so you need to be patient. Even the most attractive men in the world, some of today’s top models, have been rejected more than once. If one modelling agency or client passes on you, just think of it as an opportunity to find a better modelling agency. 

Find out more below.

I want to be a model

So you want to be a model?

Did you know that 98% of all wannabe models never manage to sign with a reputable modelling agency and never get any paid modelling work?

So if you want to be successful at breaking into modelling, you need to give yourself all the advantages you can. You can’t just sit around waiting to be discovered, you have to have a plan!

The first thing to do is make sure you’re looking after yourself well enough to keep your look fresh, clean

and glowing. Ideally you’ll be free of piercings, tattoos and blemishes. You also need to eat well, drink lots of water and have a good simple exercise and beauty regime that you stick to religiously to keep your skin healthy and your body toned.

The next thing to think about what sort of modelling you want to do. When most people think of modelling they think of parading down the catwalk at the London or New York fashion shows. If you are very tall, thin and have the kind of looks that stop traffic, then this might be an option for you. However, if you’ve got more of a girl (or boy) next door look, it’s worth considering catalogue or other photographic modelling. The rise of the Internet means that there are a lot more opportunities for models in stock photography for websites, as well as the usual brochures and catalogues.

If you’re serious about breaking into modelling then it’s worth seeking the advice of an expert. If you register on our site, you canhave a consultation with one of our modelling industry experts and put together an action plan, as well as identifying the best modelling agencies for you to apply to.

Models need to be available at short notice and willing to be flexible and responsive. You have to be business minded to be a model, able to organise your time and willing to invest the time and effort to get ahead of the rest. 

All professional models have a portfolio and comp cards which contain a selection of fantastic pictures which show how photogenic and versatile they are. Models usually have to cover the cost of this themselves. These days a website or online portfolio can also give you the edge.

If you’d like to find out how Neon Models can help you become a model, then register on our site.

Modelling Myths by Neon Models

Modelling is a glamorous industry that many people dream about. As such, it is surrounded by a fair share of urban myths and legends. Here we demystify some of the more common ones, getting down to the truth of the matter.

Models can be divas

Most of us have heard the stories of the bad behaviour of models, such as Naomi Cambell’s violence and Kate Moss’s drug use, but if you think that is the norm for professional models, think again. The vast majority of models need to be consummate professionals and that means being charming and reliable to clients and agents, and taking care of their bodies. To make it as a model you need to have perfect skin and hair and a healthy body, so no partying or sunbathing allowed!

Models are usually discovered just hanging around the shopping centre

It’s true that there are always model scouts looking for new faces for the major modelling agencies, but you’ll be waiting a long time if you just hang around on town centre benches pouting. Thousands of girls (ad guys) are aspiring to be models at any given time, and modelling agencies are inundated with submissions of photos and stats.

All models make a lot of money

Certainly, the top supermodels and fashion models can make extremely large amounts of money from modelling advertising campaigns for the big brands, but modelling work is not always well paid to begin with nor is it regular. Many models can only work part time to begin with, as they build up their portfolio and reputation and start to get regular modelling work.

All models have to be skinny

It’s true, slender people will have a better chance of getting modelling work, but the industry is slowly moving away from the waif, skeletal ideal of models and hiring more ‘normal’ sizes and shapes. In reality, this ‘normal’ is still much slimmer than the real normal (the average size of a woman in the UK is 12 – 16, which is considered plus-size in the modelling industry),  but it means slim and healthy us preferable to skinny. Also, even if you are over a size 12, there may be modelling work available with a more specialist agency.

If you’d to like to find out more about how we can help launch your modelling career, register on our site and one of our consultants will give you a ring to discuss your options.

What’s in a Modelling Personality

Being a successful model is as much about personality as looks. You need to meet both the mental and physical requirements if you’re going to make it in this highly competitive business. So what do we mean when we talk about ‘modelling personality’? Well, it’s about being resilient and flexible and being consummate professional.

Resilience

It’s a tough business. Fashion has a glamorous image and lots of people want to be a part of it. That means that rejection is an unfortunate but common part of being a model. Almost all models will get rejected at first, from agencies or directly from clients if they’re going freelance. And even if you do start to get paid work, there are always far more models invited to castings than are needed for jobs, so being selected for all of them is essentially an impossibility.

Flexibility

The fashion industry moves fast and the people that work in it have to move fast as well. Castings may come up and be filled and booked within a few hours, so models that answer their phone on the first ring, drop everything and turn up within half an hour are more likely to get more modelling jobs than those who don’t get round to answering their phone until its too late. Also requirements may change at the last minite and model may be required to wear their own accessories or do their own make-up if supporting staff or items aren’t available.

Professionalism

Modelling is a job, and you can’t lark around in a job, because someone is paying for your time, experience and skills. They expect to get their money’s worth. With modelling that means turning up on time, and being responsive to the needs to the photographer. It means arriving prepared and in the right ‘format’ with our without makeup and outfits as briefed, not dragging your heels and responding helpfully. Models who go that extra to give their clients what they need are that much more likely to get called back for repeat jobs.

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

What are Modelling Jobs like?

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

Well, 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Neon Models Tips on contacting modelling agencies

If you want to become a model in 2014, you’re probably wondering how to start approaching modelling agencies. Neon Models has links with many major modelling agencies and many years’ experience in helping new models get their foot in the door.

If you’d like a personal consultation, then register on our Neon Models website, or read on for some tips to help you have a successful application.

Select your modelling agency carefully

There are many different types of models and many different types of agencies. Some large agencies deal with many different types of models, but others are very specialist and niche. You need to check carefully that the agency deals with the kind of modelling you want to do, otherwise you’ll be wasting your time and you risk getting a black mark against your name for wasting their time.

Read the guidelines

Obviously, this seems obvious, but if people did regularly and reliably read the guidelines, we wouldn’t have to put this as an important point. Some people seem to think they can do things their way and the agency will take the time to deal with whatever they send in whatever format, and if it’s not right, contact them to give them feedback and guidance.

Wrong. The agency does not waste time on people who can’t even be bothered to read their guidelines. If your application deviates from their guidelines in any way, your pictures will go straight in the bin. No consideration, no phone call. You will not hear from them.

Persevere

If you want to make it as a model, you have to be prepared to face rejection and bounce back. Just because one agency doesn’t like you, doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance. You just need to find the right scout, who is into your kind of look. The likelihood that you will be snapped up by the first agency you approach is very slim.

For more personalised tips and advice on how to approachthe right modelling agencies, register on the Neon Models site.