At MD, our client list has expanded far and wide, across the length and breadth of the UK. We’ve had trendsetters and creative dreamers contact us, usually via our hire-a-model application, on a quest to search for models who can shape their campaigns. From advertising moguls to fashion wizards and everyone in between, our team has worked with top-notch clients who had the desire to bring their marketing ideas to life with the help of our talented pool of diverse models.

From emerging start-ups to humble industry giants, our dream team has helped launch successful projects where many have returned for our reliable and professional services. So, who have we specifically worked with over our thirty-year presence in the UK modelling industry? This reading will reveal all with some of our most recent clients. These are our top picks for this edition of Who Are Our Clients? Get ready, get set…enjoy!

Why it’s good to know who we’ve worked with

Firstly, why is it good to know who we’ve collaborated with? We’ll outline the reasons why here:

It provides a space to learn about our industry reputation, particularly through the feedback we receive from clients and models alike (which you’ll find out more about later on). Working with well-established clients also demonstrates that we deliver what they need, and how well we get the job done.

If you’re considering working with us, our client history can show you whether our ethos, mission, and goals align with yours. If they do, we’re good to go!

Our respectable record of clients illustrates the demand for our modelling services.

It builds industry connections and opportunities. Prospective collaborations with other clients and creative agencies are great for networking whilst learning who your competitors are gives you a potential market lead.

The Goodsyard

Based near Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter station, this was a recent shoot for the new neighbourhood regeneration project of apartment and must-have amenities with London’s creative marketing agency, Identity Design.

“Models Direct has provided a fulfilling modelling experience. Great for those seeking enjoyable assignments and a positive modelling environment. Highly recommended.”

Participating in “The Goodsyard Apartment & Amenities Shoot” with Identity Design was a fantastic experience. Collaborating with another talented model, we seamlessly showcased the accommodation and highlighted amenities. The production team provided excellent direction and support throughout the day. The wardrobe requirements were communicated in the detailed shoot brief, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared experience. They provided refreshments and kept energy levels up. Looking forward to future collaborations.”

– Male Model David Fadimu on his photoshoot (4th February)

Spacelabs Healthcare

Another company that recently approached us for a promotional shoot and filming on how to apply their ECG equipment was Spacelabs. They have over 60 years of experience in helping care teams across the globe, and how to deal with patients who are in critical, sub-acute and perioperative stages of their health journey. Our male model Gary was selected to step in for their marketing campaign in Hertford. We’ll fill you in once the finals have been completed. In the meantime, you can see Spacelabs Healthcare’s work here.

Say it With Diamonds

This gem of a company has come to us several times over the past few years to re-establish its strong connection with our team. Most recently, Zuri, her mum and grandmother were the modelling three-generation sensations booked for the jewellery company’s 2024 Mother’s Day campaign. Booked on 6th February, their work will be coming to a digital screen near you!

If you’re interested in reading more about our collaborations with other clients, please take a look at our booking blogs. For model reviews and client testimonials, they’re here – highlighted in blue! Or, if you want more – an extensive list of the people who we’ve worked with so far. Enjoy!

When it comes to marketing a campaign, the question that will arise will be whether it is worth sourcing models independently or hiring them through an agency. Essentially it is: do you do it all yourself or enlist the services of professionals in the industry?

Word of mouth referral is great, or even scouting models independently through other mediums such as reaching out over social media platforms to influencers or connecting with models via LinkedIn. These methods are possible whereby you will be contacting and liaising with models on your own terms. It might take some time, research, perseverance and chasing up to find what you are looking for. Your vision for your brand’s or company’s message can be met… but at a price other than just money.

Your timeframe might be comprised of searching for the right model. It will take time to find ‘the one.’

Your budget might be more than you predicted even if you have found the right model. If their rates are too high, your expenses may become more of an inconvenience.

Your team may become overworked searching for the right person to fit the bill. It takes dedication but can also mean burning out before you have even started especially if your team have other roles to fulfil.

Your resources might be limited. Where do you start searching for your model? Are they reliable, dedicated and motivated to help you? Do they have references to vouch for them on a professional level?

Your perseverance will be tested when you are working to a timescale. What will happen if you cannot find someone in time?

You might need replacements at short notice. Will you be able to fill your model’s shoes should they back out from the job?

Why choose Models Direct to source your models

Bearing all these pain points in mind, when it comes to embarking on a marketing campaign that you are looking to take to the next level, it might be better to have the experience and expertise of a reputable modelling agency behind you, like ours. We take on all of the hard work so you don’t have to. That means you will have time to work to your deadlines, your budget will be reasonable since our model’s rates vary from £200 to £1000’s depending on the size of the project. Your team will not be overworked because they will be concentrating on what matters the most – making your business run like clockwork. You will not need to worry about your resources and how you will search for your model. Your perseverance will not be tested and you will not need to worry about finding replacements at the last minute.

When it comes to the cost of our models and talent, it is not excessive. Our rates follow the scale of the work outlined, the location, the hours put in, how experienced our model is, and their online presence. Our team are always on standby to support not just our models but our clients too. Both relationships are important to us because, without our wonderful clients, we would not be able to put our models forward for work.

If you are an ambitious company looking to receive unparalleled advice and support about the modelling industry, you are at the right place. Models Direct can help you drive forward with your marketing by finding the right model for you. All you will need to do is state your requirements for a model; we then search our extensive modelling hub, pick the models that match your vision, present them to you, and then you get to choose who you would like to see further in order to promote your project.

It is a straightforward process where we take the stress out of the search and reference. We hope this has helped give you some idea of what we can do for you. Get in touch with our team for further information, and we will be more than happy to have a chat.

That’s better, right? 

Because now is the perfect time for reflection. The festive period – both the days leading up to Christmas Day and the time around New Year – allows us to ponder on another year gone by. And what a year it’s been. For a lot of reasons…

For better or worse, it’s unlikely that 2021 won’t be forgotten for a long time. When Covid was revealed in all its horror way back in late 2019, there was obvious panic throughout the country – and worldwide. But through adversity came a shining light of hope, and that hope was realised even more in 2021.

Are we “out of the woods” yet? No. Are we back “in the weeds”? No. But we are coping better, and let’s hope that trend continues. If we are to believe what the scientists inform us (and there should be no reason to doubt them), we are increasing our collective resistance with immunisations and booster jabs. Things are now going in the right direction. We still need to be careful, diligent and considerate, and we’re sure that shouldn’t be too difficult for most of you. But, on the whole, when you’re relaxing in your favourite chair over Christmas, you’ll agree that 2021 was a better year than the latest annus horribilis that was 2020.  

What will be your lasting memory at the end of 2021? We hope that it’ll be a cherished one, amidst the uncertainty and confusion. With any luck, we can scrap the “F word” (“Furlough”) and concentrate on aspects of life that make it all worthwhile: friendships, work, family, relationships, social events, good food and holidays (feel free to add any other things that you’re looking forward to in 2022…)

If you’re a model reading this, you should be aware that modelling work was one of the few paid activities that was allowed during the lockdowns. That alone is one of the things models should be thankful for, as there were literally millions of employees in the UK scratching their heads and yawning with the boredom of being housebound whilst off work. Even better, when you’re reminiscing about 2021, just think of all the more modelling assignments that’ll be on offer – jobs that any confident model should be itching to be put forward for.

Next year may still be one of uncertainty, but it should be filled with even more optimism than 2021. We salute everyone who has shown grit and determination over the past months, and we can expect that 2022 will be another year to remember – but for more of the right reasons.

And if you think that 2021 has been similar to 2020, pause to contemplate what you’ve achieved. Go on – write down all your accomplishments. You might just be surprised about how much good work you’ve done – either at work or in your personal life. No matter how insignificant you may think they are, all accomplishments are important.

Well done on getting through 2021, and here’s to a better 2022!

https://www.modelsdirect.com/become-a-model/

Models Direct has numerous clients who are headquartered in London – and the production companies, crews and locations they use are also often in the capital or its surrounding area.

We do, of course, send our models across the UK, and beyond, but for those who take up our assignments in London, spending time in the city can also offer the chance of a little fun once the work is done.

And aspiring models, who have not yet landed their first booking, might also like to visit the city, just to see some of the sights and to experience London’s unique buzz.

Here are our top tips to having fun in the city:

1. Why not snap some shots for your e-portfolio in some of London’s most iconic locations. In one day, you can easily travel around the centre to take photos with places like the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge against clear skies in the background. And you get to experience all these exciting places at the same time. Ask a friend or family member to take the pictures, however, as clients don’t like to see selfies – and ask them to make sure you are carefully positioned without too much of busy London behind you.

2. Treat yourself to some delicious food while you are out and about – and London has it all. Visit vibrant Borough Market to taste sizzling hot street food from around the world; try Brick Lane for an authentic curry; Gerrard Street for all the colour and taste of Chinatown and the Portobello Road area for a true cockney pie and mash.

3. Fashionistas among you will also be spoiled for choice and wannabe models will probably want to take a stroll down the King’s Road in Chelsea. Famous for its role in fashion history, this is still the place to see an array of boutiques and top fashion brands: window shop, try a few outfits on and you never know you might find a bargain. You should also take the opportunity to wander off down some side streets to seek out charity shops that may yield some very special finds!

4. If you are looking for somewhere cool and trendy to meet up with your friends for a drink, while you are in London, you will have no trouble finding anywhere. Try the Soho area for some truly quirky and colourful bars or Shoreditch for places that ooze style and sophistication.

5. Then, later on, you may well want to continue your night out: how about heading to Leicester Square to catch a film in a cinema where the premieres are screened or up to a theatre in the West End to see one of the big shows? You might also want to go clubbing – and again, you can take your pick. Depending on your music tastes, you might like to head to Fabric, Heaven, the Ministry of Sound or Cargo.

A little intro to our team

For those who are not familiar with us and our work, we have a dedicated assignments team who work actively to source new modelling opportunities and connect our models with our reputable clients – click here to check out ourextensive client list.

Clients approach us with their brief

We start our bookings process when our clients approach us looking for a model – whether that’s a baby, family or animal. Our talent and model coordinators work through each brief rigorously as our clients state their requirements.

Selecting models according to the brief

We then move on to collaborating and selecting all our models within our database who best match their needs. Our searches are thorough and we try our utmost based on the brief to get give our talent the modelling opportunities they deserve.

Presenting our models’ ePortfolio

We then move forward by presenting our models’ ePortfolio to our clients. This is where having current photos becomes so imoprtant and we reiterate this point to all our models – clients want to see your look as it is now, not your previous dated look which you might have been sporting a few years back.

Clients select their model

Once our clients have seen our selection of models, they make the final decision of who they would like to book for their campaign. Sometimes, however, it can be tricky to gauge who will be the best person (or people) for the shoot by just looking through the ePortfolios, so the selected models may then be shortlisted in for a live audition/casting. Here, clients make their final selection, once that has been established our coordinators then begin the process of turning the assignment into reality!

We get the show on the road

This is where the fun really begins! We have the privilege of sharing the exciting news with our selected model so we give them a call and surprise them. We love hearing unexpected gobsmacked responses and sheer joy – it makes all the hard graft worth it.

Our coordinator then explains the entire schedule for the assignment – from start to finish taking the stress out of our model’s hands. This means fees will be discussed and if our model is happy with what they’ll be paid, we will go on to further discuss the client’s background, travel, refreshments, apparel, project timescale, aims and objectives.

And that’s it… that’s how our assignments process works and it does work! For us, our models and our clients – it has been for the past 30 years and we hope it continues.

Our vision

Our bookings for campaigns continue to work better for our models than sourcing assignments themselves. We negotiate fees, secure payment, verify the safety of the client, walk our models through everything they should know about their day and ensure that we are only a phone call or email away should they have any questions. We follow-up our models’ assignments with a ‘happiness check’ to make sure they were satisfied

What we offer

We offer more than just a showcase of photo reels which plenty of other “agencies” do. Showcase agencies will showcase their models online without actively looking for modelling opportunities for them. This can be quite misleading as they can give the illusion that their models are high in demand. But the problem is, how can they be if their “agency” isn’t actively looking for work for them? Worse still, these modelling agencies are dishonest as they hide their services in small print – may be in hope that no one will read them! Most take snaps (and charge a hefty price tag to make matters worse) and leave it at that. Essentially it is down to models and entertainers to do their own background research and decipher which talent agency will represent them best and help them find work. 

Models Direct don’t conjure make-believe assignments full of unrealistic earnings from thin air. We have standards to adhere to and we follow them through, every time. We extended our market and branched off into the entertainment industry because we know just how competitive it is and how real everyday people should have the capability of being introduced to their market with a strong agency backing them.

Deciding who the perfect talent is…

Brands finalise what they are looking for when managing a marketing brief. They concisely plan who they require with a team of expert decision makers and collaborators, those who are knowledgeable in the field of marketing. Once this has been established they can then go onto communicating with talent agencies who can help them find the face of their campaign by carrying out rigorous searches. 

This process is so important as the world of advertising is very competitive. After all, brands aim to capture our time, attention and money so it’s vital they get it right, and if they don’t then they’ll lose out on reaching the target audience and making a long term positive and impressionable impact. 

What does a brand look for when sourcing models?

When it comes to selecting the right person to front a campaign, there are characteristics that brands look for when sourcing their models. They are as follows:

Confidence

Oozing confidence which can be translated on and off screen, in front of the cameras or when walking in for a casting is something clients are keen to see in their potential talent. Maintaining good eye contact, being comfortable within one’s self, being able to strike model poses, and speaking clearly are ways to convey that confidence to clients. Doing some background research on the company before a casting is also a bonus. 

Unique characteristics 

Striking features, freckles, tattoos or piercings? There are many unique characteristics which can help a model stand out from the crowd and give them the wow factor. That extra spark which makes them different from their competition can help get them noticed and signed up. Clients love to keep their eyes peeled for refreshing talent. 

Skills & hidden talent

Acting, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, speaking a different language or knowing how to crack the Rubik’s cube are some examples of skills and hidden talents clients will love to know about. If a model can do any of these or more, clients will want to know.

About us

Our modelling agency, Models Direct, comes in to help brands find the perfect match for their campaigns. We have worked with amazing names over the past 30 years. Some of those include:

Deliveroo, Sky, BBC, Ford, Santander, Amazon, River Island, Pampers, Aviva, Disney, EastEnders, Harrods, Ideal World TV, Legoland, Microsoft, Phillips, and a lot more. You can check out our extensive list of clients who our booking team have liaised with where our models have been commercial models, promotional models, lifestyle models or even photographic models for their assignments. 

If this sounds like something you’d like to try out or discuss with our team, drop us a call or email and we’ll get back to you. We’ll walk you through how to become a model or you can read our blogs to find out more. 

The median age in 2020 was 40.5, rather than 35.8 in previous years, according to Statista. Do advertising and marketing reflect the ageing population? Yes!

The ONS states that in 2019, the non-UK-born population was 9.5 million and the non-British population was 6.2 million, making our country more diverse than ever. But are companies marketing these different cultures? Yes!

Why are we talking about this? 

As a UK number 1 modelling agency, Models Direct understands that with the changing population, diversity needs to be at the forefront of advertising and marketing to represent everyone collectively. Are we getting there? Definitely – with our diverse models being booked with top clients such as BBC, Sky Sports and Aviva, diverse modelling is continuing to climb the ladder fast! We want to help this movement by playing our part as a talent seeking agency. We want to continue representing all of the intricacies of society be it someone who has a disability, a 65-year-old lady or a size 20 talent. 

Major brands such as L’Oréal, River Island and Nike have implemented diverse models to connect to their target audience, and it’s worked! Their sales have rocketed and continue to reach a wider audience, capturing more interest. Their campaigns have been successful due to their choice of models where they have captivated consumers. 

We can take further interest in this division by heading over to social media platforms such as Instagram where social influencers such as Tess Holliday and Olakemi are really hotting up the place by being vocal about body positivity. Age-positive models Nicola Griffin, Jacky O’Shaughnessy and Marie-Sophie Wilson are making waves on the modelling scene as famous mature models. There’s an unbelievable amount of potential in this division and every day new faces and new talent are being added and booked with top clients. The diverse world is expanding and we’re on board to help facilitate it!

The takeaway

We’re guessing that our population is continuing to diversify and expand with more age groups, genders, sizes, cultures and disabilities. We’ll only find out the initial census findings in March next year and the final release of outputs in the following March of 2023. We’re sure it will encompass diversity and reveal how rich our population is. 

Are you a budding model or know someone who wants to be one or would make a great model? Get in touch with our professional agency to find out what the next steps are in our registration process or if you’re ready, hit the apply button and fill in our simple application form to get the ball rolling. 2021 could be your year of doing something out-of-the-box, quirky and interesting, and of course, adding ‘model’ as your profession.   

Do something for YOU

Sometimes we can feel that we are operating for everyone around us. There is always something to do for someone else. Hey, that’s life – full of responsibilities and duties to fulfil. However, taking a step back to do something for ourselves isn’t being selfish – it’s about valuing our own needs to promote effective self-care and self-love (without feeling guilty about it either!). Discovering something new or revisiting an old hobby that we’d forgotten about is one way to start to do something for ourselves. 

Cast your mind back – did you find yourself stepping in to be a hairdresser, barber, beautician, dentist or teacher (or maybe all!) during the three lockdowns we’ve faced? Did you enjoy any of your new, fun roles? If you’re unsure, maybe speak to a friend or family member to bounce some ideas off. Perhaps applying to become a model could be a thought. Campaigns are requesting modelling talent regularly – maybe it’s your time to shine on camera? Get in touch with us to find out more!

Surround yourself with positive people

Moving forward with positive people around you can help this year feel like a better year than the last. It is difficult to always maintain a positive mindset and it isn’t humanly possible to be constantly happy go lucky but if you actively surround yourself with positive people and people who bring out the best in you, stick with them! They will help you journey through a more productive and happy year. 

Spend your time wisely on social media

We live in a digital age where our devices are our go-to tools for many of our daily activities. With this comes social media and as great as it is, it can also be a time-consuming distraction and a bit of a pain really. It’s easy for us to say to limit your time spent in front of a screen, we’re all guilty of this, but if you want to save this year like the superhero you are, start it off by reducing your time on social media so your time doesn’t slip by on trawling through pointless and unrealistic feeds. 

Be grateful for each day 

Being grateful can lead to a more positive outlook. It can reinforce new and improve existing relationships. Taking a step back and looking at what you have within yourself as a person and around you can help you feel more grateful for what you have been blessed with. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a good way to record how you are feeling every day. 

Positive affirmations

If you’ve not come across positive affirmations before, not to worry – we’ll tell you all about it. Affirmations are short but powerful statements that can help you rewire your mind and rid yourself of limiting beliefs about yourself. This could be anything from, “I believe I can achieve whatever I want,” to “I am confident and strong!” Repeat these positive statements till they stick and become second nature to you. Write them down on post-it notes and stick them around your home or in a journal to remind yourself to repeat and believe. 

As you walk away from reading all this, we hope that these suggestions help bring you a brighter and better year. 

With the new season comes the opportunity to freshen up your photography, liven up your e-portfolio and focus on new beginnings.

Spring is always an exciting time, but this year more than any other we will all be breathing a huge sigh of relief as the weather starts to warm up and life hopefully loosens up a bit – creating lots of new modelling opportunities!

With the new season often comes a new look – perhaps this year you have lovely long hair, following lockdown, or you have braved a home colour kit and gone for a daring new shade.

Perhaps you have ordered some gorgeous new spring outfits online and would like to be seen in one or two of them in your new pictures?

Or perhaps you just fancy some different shots out in the fresh air, against a simple and very natural backdrop.

At Models Direct we love to see your new pictures – and we know our clients do too – but please remember to give us the right kinds of images.

It is vital to ensure your photography meets the right standards otherwise you could find yourself losing out on some exciting assignment opportunities.

Read our modelling advice and follow our top tips, however, and you won’t go wrong.

Here are just some of our helpful photography suggestions:

·  You don’t need professional photos but do follow our advice on taking shots.

·  Take your pictures in good natural light.

·  Keep your background simple and not overly cluttered.

·  Dress in plain colours and clothes that are not too patterned or fussy.

·  Keep your make-up and hair natural.

·  Don’t wear sunglasses or too many accessories.

·  Give us portrait (upright) shots, with at least one close-up and one full-length.

·  Ask someone else to take the pictures or use a tripod – no selfies please.

·  Show us your new hairstyle, tattoo or piercing if you have one.

·  Don’t edit or filter your images.

Our team of agents are always here to give you any guidence you may need, but by following these helpful tips we know you can create some incredible portfolio pics and we can’t wait to see them!

We have been through one tough year and are starting another one on the same note. With restrictions in place, you might have lost some confidence and motivation – in everything that is happening around you or within you. This is normal given the unusual circumstances and the anxiety and pressure everyone may be experiencing now that we have entered 2021.

Models Direct understand that with some deep reflection, it might be that you are looking for new found inspiration and drive to push yourself and take on a new pathway or challenge in your life. Improving your skill set might be what you are looking for so adding a new venture like modelling to your CV could be the perfect addition.

If you have thought about taking up modelling but have been stalling it due to the unpredictability we all faced during 2020, our modelling agency – Models Direct – is here to encourage all potential newcomers to cast their worries aside with our modelling advice.

We continue to have a positive outlook and aim to look onwards and upwards despite the peaks and troughs of 2020. Our modelling expert team works together with confidence, motivation and care for each other and our talented models. For some modelling confidence and success, we’ve compiled a short list of what you can do to improve your self confidence. 

1. Persevere and don’t give up

If you want to try out modelling, don’t hold yourself back. Don’t be hard on yourself either if you find yourself feeling anxious or wobbly.

Say positive things to yourself. You are a person with abundant skills and abilities. Don’t doubt who you are and what you stand for.

2. Positive affirmations – keep ‘em coming!”

An excellent and easy way of reinforcing self belief is through positive affirmations. Check online for some great examples to repeat to yourself everyday. 

In the meantime here are some of our favourites:

“Self confidence is a super power. Once you start to believe in yourself magic starts happening.”

“Do not give your past the power to define the future.”

3. Don’t be afraid to research and ask questions

No one will ever push through the barriers of understanding new ventures without asking questions. So go ahead and ask us!

This will help you gain confidence as you’ll be better prepared in the industry and will know what’s to be expected from you as a model.

4. Focus on your successes

Remember the times you experienced success – in exams, projects, presentations, interviews and so on. Keep remembering those times! Don’t allow yourself to forget successful moments. Use your memories to boost your confidence in your ability to continue succeeding. Forget “failures” or things you deem as negative, just be you and be positive. 

Models Direct have our fingers crossed that by the end of this month there will be some light at the end of the tunnel. Once things begin to slowly open up, we’ll have a colossal amount of requests flooding in for models across all categories – newborns, babies, toddlers, children, teens, adults, seniors, plus-size, petite, big & tall, body parts, bridal, sportswear and so much more. 

Even though we predict that the future will be bright, we have been scouting for models wherever we have been able to do so following government guidelines. 

Like modelling, any career in the entertainment industry is steered by confidence, self belief, persistence and determination. So, if you have these attributes (or some of them) get in touch with our fantastic team for sound modelling advice.