Many people sign up to modelling agencies as a hobby, while others plan to do it as a full time job. Within creative industries of this ilk, it can be incredibly difficult to guarantee enough work to pay the bills all the time. When you get work you can end up being paid well for it, but if you’re look goes out of style or simply isn’t needed at any given time, you might struggle to even find suitable auditions.
Models can get around this inconsistency by using modelling agencies to find supplementary work, and not to fuel their only career. There can be no promises of work, even if you’ve never had trouble in the past, because as an industry modelling is very fickle, and the ‘in’ look can change all the time.
Even supermodels aren’t excluded from the concept of working in more than one role. Recently it’s been reported that Cara Delevingne is getting bored with modelling. Obviously that isn’t because she’s not in high demand, but for some people, modelling alone isn’t enough.
Suki Waterhouse has recently argued that modelling and acting aren’t really separate careers anymore, and the lines between the two professions have become blurred. We see this in practise all the time. Elle Macpherson appeared in Friends long before her Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model days, we frequently see Hollywood actresses becoming the face of major brands, as well as catwalk models appearing in films.
By joining a talent management agency rather than just a modelling agency, you are increasing your chances of work, as well as exposing yourself to new experiences. As a model, you will be working largely in still advertising campaigns, while as talent you could end up in television adverts, or in small speaking roles, and if you’re a skilful singer, dancer, musician or actor you could find work this way as well.
We’ve posted before about how a career in modelling can open up the doors to acting, but modelling and acting can also work really well together simultaneously. A similar skill set is required for both, and while you won’t necessarily be able to do both effortlessly, many people find the transition quite natural. You might even pick up some tips for one which will help you in the other!
When you sign up to modelling agencies, you’ll need to consider what kind of modelling you’ll be suitable for, and how you’d like to focus your portfolio. You can tailor your information to appeal to clients in these areas. For example, if you are considering fashion modelling, you should include a range of photos, from head shots, to full body. If you’re interested in parts modelling however, you’ll need to concentrate on those specific features.
Also include any of your other skills and talents in your profile, because this will help you maximise your chances of finding work. Any skills at all should be included, as models in the past have found work because of a language they speak, or a musical ability, among other things! Sometimes things that you don’t even necessarily consider to be a skill can help set you apart from the crowd, so don’t be afraid to mention the fact that you grew up in Spain, or that you are a keen amateur gymnast.
While not everyone can make a living from modelling alone, there are plenty of others skills which a talent management agency can nurture, and help put to use. You might even pick up a few new talents along the way.