Not being selected for a modelling booking is tough but it happens to all models whether they are experienced or not.
The most important thing is not to let it get you down.
Instead, pick yourself up, dust yourself down and think about what you can do to improve your chances next time.
If you are a female or male model with Models Direct – or perhaps you are the parent of one of our child models – then the likelihood is that you – or your child – were put forward for a job on a shortlist.
This means that we were contacted by a client with very specific requirements for the model they wanted and you – or your child – matched those requirements.
Our shortlist of suitable models was then sent to the client and they selected the person – or people – they wanted.
Not being chosen is hard.
It might have been that they felt someone else was slightly better suited to the job or it might have been completely random.
- What should I do if I am not selected for a modelling booking?
- Could you be a plus-size model?
- Mature models – you have just the poise, reliability and enthusiasm we need!
- All modelling agencies should embrace diversity
- What kind of male modelling jobs do you get?
Either way, you will feel disappointed.
What you do have to be pleased about is that you did make the shortlist – and that is a step closer to being booked.
Sometimes our models must audition or send in showreels – this is less usual but, again, not being the final choice is always extremely disappointing.
One thing you can do when you don’t make it all the way is to think about what you can do to improve your chances.
Most important of all is to take a good look at your e-portfolio to check how up to date it is.
The models with the most recent photos are the ones our clients tend to favour.
This is because they can be sure that the person they are choosing still looks as they do in the photos they are seeing.
Secondly, consider whether there is anything you can do to improve your selection of images.
Do your current ones reflect your individuality and sense of fun? Does your personality really shine through? Are they interesting enough to catch the eye and make you stand out a little?
If not, then consider taking some new pictures, thinking carefully about how they might really show you at your very best.
Finally, if you don’t already have a showreel, then why not consider creating one?
Employing the moving image and adding sound can also add a new and eye-catching dimension to your e-portfolio – and really help our client to see who you really are.
If you already have a showreel, then ask a few friends or relatives to look at it for you and to offer some suggestions.
Sometimes it takes another set of eyes to help us see things differently.
Whatever you do, please don’t give up hope.
Modelling is a competitive business and, while some models are booked within days of signing up, it can take months and months for others.
But then, when it does finally happen, it really is the best feeling in the world!
This was the feedback from Daniel after he had his first booking through us:
“Thanks Models Direct for giving me this opportunity.
“I have been with Models Direct for two years now and finally I had my first shoot.
“It was for Morrison’s café – and what a brilliant experience.
“Charlie was lovely to talk to and responded to me – she was amazing in telling me everything I needed to know.
“It was fun working with the brilliant, knowledgeable and helpful team on the day, which made the atmosphere more enjoyable
“I was also able to meet some other fantastic new first-timers – and we all had a great day.
“I am definitely looking forward to more opportunities.”
