Finding Modeling Jobs And Where To Look
You have an agent for your modeling career; now you just sit back and let the job offers roll in, right? Wrong! You need to have your own back and be out there hustling for jobs, too! This article will give you some ideas on how to find jobs for yourself!
In a perfect world, you are a member of a fabulous agency that works hard to find every modeling gig out there for you. However, the reality is that even if you are lucky enough to have a great agent, they have other models they represent and, even when your agent is trying their best, you might slip through the cracks. At the end of the day, having an agent is not enough to get the most modeling jobs. Below are some of the other avenues you should try.
Networking – Attend social events in your industry. You will meet directors, designers, casting directors, other models and up and comers in the modeling industry. You want as many people as possible to know you so that when a job comes up that you would be perfect for, you are the first person that pops into their head.
On-Line – There are several modeling sites on the internet that you can sign up for (usually for free) and post your pictures. Casting directors will post modeling jobs up there and you can submit (this is where some sites charge a fee). Do you research before signing up with any on-line site and make sure they deliver on their promises and are reputable. Craigslist is also an option for looking for jobs; however, be careful as anyone can post jobs on Craigslist. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are suspicious of an interview, have someone come with you and wait in the car, or tell several people where you are going.
Study – You might have a great look, but, if you do not know what you are doing in front of a photographer, a camera or on the runway, you will only go so far. While you are waiting for your dream job to come along, make sure you are learning as much as possible about your craft. You can never learn too much!
Check the contract you have with your agent in regards to work you get on your own. Most of the time, if you find the work, you do not need to pay your agent’s commission, but, if you use your agent to finalize the contract or negotiate for you in any way, you will have to pay the commission.
Just Because You Don’t Get A Modeling Job Don’t Give Up On Your Modeling Career!
A modeling career has its ups and downs. Nothing is more frustrating than at the start of your career when, no matter how hard you try, you can not get your foot in the door. Often, you will need to reevaluate specific goals you had for your career. Maybe you are not succeeding as a runway model because you are only 5’5”; maybe you can not get work as a high fashion model because you look more “girl next door” than exotic model. This is ok!
One thing that should not change in your quest for modeling work, though, are your values. There are many professional, good intending people in the modeling industry, but, there are a few people who are only looking to take advantage of young, innocent models. Decide early on in your career what you will and won’t stand for and then stick to your guns!
