Modern Model April 2014

Modeling vs. Idling? Get up! Get out! Get busy! Get noticed! By Brian Thornton The early bird gets the worm. He (or she) who hesitates is lost. Seize the moment. There are many saying that end with solid advice that anyone interested in modeling should follow – you have to keep working at it to succeed. Models who treat their modeling career as a secret idenPty, sirng quietly on their couches, waiPng to be discovered by a talent scout working part-‐Pme as a door-‐to-‐ door vacuum cleaner salesman – probably won’t make it very far in the modeling career industry. Let’s quickly tackle some of the common piTalls that keep models grounded: 1.  I can’t ﬁnd any paid modeling opportuniHes in my area – for models in bigger ciPes, this is more excuse than truth. Talk to business owners. Search want ads for new business that are hiring (if the new restaurant is hiring a dishwasher, contact them, ask them if t h e y n e e d a m o d e l f o r t h e i r adverPsements); check with city hall to see which individuals or businesses ﬁled new business license applicaPons; akend local business-‐related funcPons (chamber of commerce events, business ribbon-‐curng ceremonies, business workshops and seminars. Network, network and network! In smaller towns and communiPes, where everyone seems to know everyone, talk to business owners, friends, relaPves, the guy that works at the counter of the local bowling alley – anyone that can possibly put you in touch with a business that can use a model. Approach the business owners directly to let them know that you would be the perfect model for their restaurant, or hair salon, Modern Model Page 13 or body repair shop – you get the idea. 2. Everyone wants me to work for free or trade – this is a large obstacle, but this is not anything new. Most business owners, if given the choice between a free model or paying a model, will choose the free model. If you have to trade, trade wisely. For a clothing store, for example, it may be extremely wise to start your relaPonship with a trade agreement to allow them to see that you can posiPvely represent their business, but don’t stay locked into trade modeling forever. As you help them build their business, approach them to negoPate moving from trade to paid work – if paid work is not in the future, use your photos and ads that you have gained markePng their business to seek paid work with other businesses or agencies. 3. I can’t seem to get my name out there – when you are trying to stand out and get ahead, there is no advantage to blending in with the crowd – there is no such thing as modeling career camouﬂage. Work to get noPced in whatever you do, and at every event you akend. When you akend an event, instead of FRUIT SHOOT CUTE: Modell Yassie Hawkes’ pose with a branded beverage received a thumbs up from the manufacturer. Photo © Brian Thornton

Modern Model April 2014 | Page 13