Joining a modelling agency is an exciting move and we understand why those taking their first steps into the industry are eager to get started.
But it is impossible to say exactly when that will be.
And the honest truth is that some people take up paid modelling work within days of coming on to our books while for others the right assignments never come along.
At Models Direct, one of the first questions we are asked by those signing up with us is: “When can I expect my first modelling assignment?”
And so, we always find it helpful to explain exactly how the process works.
Step 1
Those wishing to model with us contact us and we explain how the process works. If they still wish to go ahead, then they join our books, create their e-portfolios and become available for assignments.
Step 2
Models Direct works hard to find work for its models. It has long-standing relationships with many clients, from renowned high street brands to lesser-known companies and organisations. They come to us when they need models, and we contact them regularly to see what projects they have coming up. As well as that, our highly experienced team members are constantly seeking new clients, with new opportunities. Once a model has signed up with Models Direct, he or she is then potentially available to be put in front of any of these clients.
Step 3
Clients ask us for very specific models for their very particular projects and we provide them with a selection of models on our books who fit the bill. If a client asks us for a 60-year-old man with grey hair, we will not offer them someone who is 40 with dark hair. If they ask us for a plus-size, 30-year-old woman, we will not present them with someone who is petite and just 20.
Step 4
Before we put our models forward, we contact them all to tell them more about the assignment and find out whether in theory they would be interested in taking up the job if they are chosen. Their agreement is, understandably, subject to the more detailed requirements we would receive from the client afterwards.
Step 5
The client makes their selection. If one of our models is chosen, we are given more information about the job and we go back to that particular model to tell them more about it. Then we ask them to confirm whether or not they would like to attend.
Step 6
The client pays the fee for the assignment to us, the booking takes place, and we ensure the model receives the money he or she was promised for the job within days of it taking place.
Models Direct is unable to guarantee that any model will be chosen for a particular job – or, indeed, that any model will undertake any work at all.
But we do explain that if you don’t put yourselves forward and join our books, then we are unable to suggest you to the client, in the event of the client seeking someone like you.
We have models who have worked with us time and time again over the years, being offered and taking up many assignments.
And you just have to read the reviews on our website to see how satisfied they are with us.
But promising models work and giving them a timeframe for their first job is something we never do.
And we urge any would-be models to be very wary of signing up with any agency – or any person or organisation claiming to be an agency – who does that.
The genuine answer to the question: “When can I expect my first modelling assignment? is that we just don’t know.
