Answering a Reader Question #643

Anonymous Wrote:

 It is often that at shoots and runway shows male and female models are expected to do their own makeup and hair? Also I'm an aspiring male model from Tallahassee, and I'm not sure how to enter the profession. There aren't any agencies around that I know of and I'm not too keen on going freelance; what should I do to start? Also I hoping to do mostly high fashion modeling. 

Hi, Anonymous!

The majority of the time hair and makeup services are provided to models (male and female) for fashion shows and shoots. However, there will be occasions where--for whatever reason--models could end up being responsible for getting themselves ready. I always advise that models, including male models, learn the basics of applying makeup and know how to do their own hair so that in worst case scenarios they'll be prepared.

If you have to arrive "camera ready" for a shoot, the client will usually tell the model well in advance. Sometimes this happens if there isn't a budget to afford a hair and makeup person and is common for freelance models. But nearly all modeling jobs booked through an agency will make sure that a model has these basic necessities for photoshoots. With fashion shows, it can be tricky because it is a live event and anything can happen.

You definitely have the advantage of being a guy in those types of situations, lol. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a fashion show where they didn't have enough hair and makeup people and I had to get myself ready because time was running out...there were even times when the hair and makeup folks were super late or didn't even show up! A model should always be prepared for anything.

Because you're not located near any fashion agencies, your best bet would be to go where the action is. Before packing your bags, however, I would recommend doing research to feel things out. Miami is the biggest market in Florida for modeling. Look up the names and websites of agencies there and find out which ones hold open calls. Once you know the dates and times for each agency, make a plan to visit Miami and attend as many open calls as you can.

Should an agency be interested in signing you, they'll help guide you with relocating (finding affordable apartments, other models who need roommates, offer their own housing options if available, etc.). You'll have to be willing to move in order to pursue modeling seriously since there aren't any opportunities in Tallahassee and you don't want to freelance.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Answering a Reader Question #1,037

Image
Charlie Wrote: I just had a conversation with my mother that modelling pays really well. And she straight up went like "it's a dirty business , you don't know what works models have to do to get on the top " . It was my way to tell her that I want to pursue modelling but before I could even tell that to her directly , I lost all my gathered up courage and I can see all my dreams dying right infront of my eyes. Hey, Charlie! I'm sending you the BIGGEST virtual hug right now...you are not the only one who has had the wind taken right out of their sails by a parent who simply doesn't want to risk their child being disappointed, possibly taken advantage of, or wind up as an example of why people shouldn't get into modeling. I don't know your age or what the situation is but if you are under 18, it's gonna be a bit of an uphill battle to try and convince your mom since it sounds like she's already made it clear how she feels. However, that doesn'
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Image
Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed! Hey, Anonymous! You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-) As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,035

Image
Anonymous Wrote: I had a model agent say " but you are not the right type for us at this moment ". What does that really mean. Hi, Anonymous! Typically, that phrase is "agency speak" for politely saying you aren't what they're looking for. If you don't meet the physical requirements stated -- for example, if it was a fashion agency you were talking to and you weren't within their stated height or size range, that would be a common response. Or it could mean that your look isn't one that they feel is currently in demand at the moment and they don't want to take the chance of signing you, only to have you sitting on roster the entire time without any traction.  While it's not a great response to receive, it is their polite way of saying no, thank you. Now that you have a definite answer from that particular agent, you can move on to submitting to others and hopefully find the one that you are the right type for. Best of luck to you!
Read more