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/

When our current clients come to us asking for models to appear in their campaigns, they know they’re in good hands. Our booking team has been with us for many years, striving to place the most suitable models to help our clients gain the most exposure. It’s a tried-and-tested formula that achieves results. The countless positive feedback is a testament to our overall success, and we look forward to more success for years to come.

Clients choose Models Direct as their no.1 agency for several reasons. However, there are many brands out there who perhaps don’t know what to expect when approaching us to help them with their requirements.

Some brands persist in contacting individual models, asking for portfolios, photos, CVs, experience, availability, transport requirements, and all manner of other information. Though there is nothing wrong with this, our clients know the benefit of coming to us as their only point of contact. We allocate a personal booking team member to organise each booking, which saves time on behalf of both the client and model. Clients rely on us to fulfil their needs, and this is often achieved with just one or two emails / phone calls. It’s this convenience that makes it much easier for our clients – taking the weight of responsibility off their shoulders. Why would clients want to pore through model searches to find the best fit for their campaigns when that is precisely our speciality?

We understand that clients have differing timescales and deadlines – often at the last minute. This works for us, because we can select any number of models from our comprehensive catalogue. We know which models are the most suitable, where they can work, and when they are available. Our job is to make our client’s modelling campaigns as efficient as possible.

Once a client contacts us with the relevant details of their modelling needs, we start the process off by searching for the most appropriate models. When we know what age, gender and the general purpose of the client’s campaign, we contact our chosen models and provide them with the information they need for the assignment. When our models know the location and the duration of the job, we give them a thorough briefing and make sure they have everything they need for a successful shoot. This takes all the pressure off our clients, who have trusted us for decades to coordinate their bookings from start to finish.

We don’t just have a selection of models from our local area, either. As the UK’s no.1 modelling agency, clients can bank on us to arrange models all across the UK, and even abroad. We’ve placed models for international assignments, which reflects the broad range of models on our books.  

We recognise modelling potential, and give our models an equal opportunity to succeed in the assignments we feel are right for them. So when clients come to us, they can expect well-briefed models for their campaigns, at competitive rates. We enjoy following up with clients after the jobs and value their feedback – some of which can be seen by clicking on the link: https://www.modelsdirect.com/reviews/clients/

And on the rare occasions that something goes awry along the booking process, clients appreciate the speed by which glitches hiccups are resolved by our team.

We welcome new clients to help them with any modelling campaigns to increase their brand awareness. If you’re a client looking for the best models in commercial campaigns, please get in touch and we’ll take it from there. For the most suitable models at the best rates, our clients can expect the best models selected by a friendly, professional booking team to take the pressure off finding the talent they need. We’ve been doing it for more than 30 years, and we look forward to increasing our wonderful client list.

https://www.modelsdirect.com/search/request/

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. 

The current social media giants – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok and the like, have changed the way we interact with one another online. With one-in-three people using a platform, we can see how communication thrives innovatively through these mediums. 

Everyone’s getting social…

The most strongest global brands through to small-sized businesses are on board with social media and it’s helping them reach a wider audience by driving website traffic, boosting user engagement, pushing sales and ultimately building their brand. It’s a powerful tool that shouldn’t be overlooked and as for those already keeping up with the IT trends, social media is giving companies the edge and uniqueness they need. There are loads of things users can do including photo sharing, video sharing, social networks, blogging, social gaming, business networks and reviews.  

Where Models Direct’s talent comes in 

With active campaigns breaking through on social media platforms for companies marketing purposes, the doors open for modelling opportunities. Our lovely models are regularly booked to help promote those brands. This is in turn helping to increase their exposure and get them noticed. Revving campaigns up with likes, comments, shares and subscribes is getting our models on the centre stage with spotlights shining on them.        

Exploring Models Direct’s social platforms 

We love our social media platforms and are always giving ours lots of TLC, ensuring that it’s current, jam-packed with first-hand agency news, modelling assignments and bookings (where clients give us permission to do so), introducing new talent, presenting final images, the latest trends, behind the scene shots, model’s feedback, good luck posts along with adding in some fun pics of our Models Direct team. We know the importance of optimising our business soul and firing up our rules of engagement with our popular pages – check them out right here.

Instagram

We have a rocking Instagram account and with 30K followers and over 2K posts that are on the digital sphere, we enjoy showcasing all there is to tell our followers. We post regularly and are increasing our Instagram reach with influencers and talent on board. This is our space to show you what we’re about! DM us and get involved!

Facebook 

We knew that Facebook would be our go-to page for all the latest updates and stories about our modelling business. With 42,577 followers and 42,694 likes, our readers can check in to see the latest happenings. We fill everyone in on which assignments are being dropped off at our table and which models are being booked!  

Twitter

We’ve been tweeting it up about our modelling agency and have got 6,319 tweeps whilst we’re following 4,609 twitterers. If you want to know more about us, check out our Twitter feed and our trending hashtags revolving around our models, assignments, clients, work, our team and everything else modelling related! 

Ultimately, the more social media followers we have, the more our models have the spotlight shine on them helping launch or propel their modelling careers further. Social media and modelling work harmoniously together, see for yourself when you visit our pages and feeds.

To be fair, the word “highlights” won’t often appear alongside any reference to “2020”, but at Models Direct we’ve had our fair share of success during this difficult year.

The company has thrived amidst the growing threat of COVID, and we’re delighted how our models have adapted to continue their promising careers, whether opting for a one-off job or throwing themselves headlong into numerous assignments. Whatever one’s situation since March, keeping busy and positive was key to maintaining some sort of normality – and sanity. We’re just glad we could keep doing what we do best: placing talented models in exciting jobs with our eminent clients. And long may it continue! 

To mark the end of a tough year, we’ve decided to broadcast some notable modelling achievements. We love all our models, but as limited space dictates we can’t honour every single triumph, this piece serves as a celebratory blog to congratulate a select few.

In Strictly Come Dancing style, the votes are in! Grab yourself a glass of champers and join us in toasting some of our distinguished models – individuals, families and even pets!

For “starters”, we were thrilled to help out online food delivery company Deliveroo. Our star model, Julian, praised the whole experience. He said;

“My shoot went really well despite the winds and cold weather. The shoot was conducted professionally and the photographer and onsite director were kind and friendly. Great shots were taken and I’m really happy and excited to be working with Models Direct. I’m looking forward to future jobs with them. Thank you to Models Direct for working with me to make this possible.”

Next up on our celebratory list is adorable pooch Honey-Belle, who scored a sensational assignment modelling for retail giants John Lewis. Honey-Belle was photographed for the company’s At Home magazine, instantly transforming her into a canine superstar for Christmas! She was even given a plate of roast chicken as a treat and a thank you for her efforts. Now, that’s the Model’s Direct treatment!

Eleven of our models got stuck into something more satisfying than the average pastry product when they modelled for legendary bakers Holland’s Pies. Our go-getting bunch consisted of two families and four individuals, proving that group bookings for larger clients are very much sought-after. Additionally, it was a great way to illustrate how modelling work can be achievable even during COVID restrictions.

“Recently, I completed an assignment through Models Direct creating a campaign for Holland Pies. I can honestly say, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it! From the minute I stepped through the door, everyone was so welcoming and upbeat. The day went so fast and was so well planned by everyone involved. Amazing company and can’t wait to work with them in the future. Thankyou MD” – Jack

Our two models Jonathan and Montana brought some festive cheer to help promote the good work done by Centre Point – a charity providing accommodation to 16-24 year olds. Since 2005, Prince William has been their Patron. Montana commented:

“I had a fun time whilst shooting with Models Direct. This is due to the easy-going approach that they took. As a team, we went with the flow and every shot felt natural and the assistant also supported me and suggested different poses to try. They even provided both food and drink and made sure that I was comfortable with everything that we were doing. After shooting inside the youth hostel, the photographer suggested that we go outside and experiment with different poses around Covent Garden, which was very exciting. On the other hand, they contacted me rather late; being on the day of the shoot, leaving me having to rush to make it on time. Overall, I would say that it was a very fun experience and I did not feel judged or over pressured. I would recommend Models Direct!”

Continuing our 2020 roll call, we placed some four-legged stars with notable client Petlab Co. Their owners, suitably pleased with the outcome, beamed, “It was a great experience with Models Direct! This was the first time our little puppies stood in front of a professional camera and they really enjoyed the “work”. The surprise party was fun as well, so thank you for providing us with this opportunity.”

Finally, we couldn’t leave out a cute bunny we provided for Coco & Eve’s Easter giveaway promotion! Animals (and humans) don’t have to have that “ahhh!” factor, but it sometimes helps!

Other 2020 highlights included a social campaign for Sky Sports to encourage customers safely returning to pubs during the pandemic, a group of models appearing in a social media advert for Barclays Bank, and a COVID safety video for Transport for London.

“Models Direct is a great agency. They constantly find me new jobs. Friendly staff always ready to guide you and willing to help.” – Santiago

Please have a look at our models reviews to give you more of an idea at how well they have got on during the year.

We’d like to offer a huge “well done” to our team, our models and our clients – without a team effort assignments wouldn’t run as smoothly. Here’s to a happier – and just as successful – 2021. Cheers!

At Models Direct we are approached to find female and male models for all kinds of promotional assignments, ranging from major exhibitions and events to in-store and shopping mall promotions and demonstrations.

To be a great promotional model, you don’t have to have done it before, you simply have to be friendly, smiley, confident and approachable.

You have to be proud to represent the brand, product or campaign you will be promoting, and you have to be happy to interact with the general public and chat to passers-by.

So, what else should I know about promotional modelling?

1. It can involve teamwork

Promotional models must have the self-assurance to work on their own; approach members of the public and undertake whatever is required of them. At the same time, however, there is often a team approach to the assignment. They need to be able to work together and support each other. This, of course, can make it great fun….

Some of our promotional models had the opportunity to work with Poundland on a fragrance campaign and had a great time as a modelling team.. (this assignment was pre covid).

2. It can suit people with other talents

You don’t have to be a skilled actor or accomplished musician but do tell us about any special talents you have as this can help. Clients like to employ models who are used to stepping out on stage or performing in public. Perhaps you are a singer or dancer? Or perhaps you are someone with sporting or public speaking experience? Just let us know…

3. It can be ideal for those with good memories

Promotional modelling is perfect for anyone who is quick to learn and great at retaining information. Part of your job may well be to explain about a product or present a campaign. Clients look for models who are bright, eager and intrigued about a subject – then ready to make it interesting to someone else!

This is exactly what happened when some of our promotional models took part in a campaign to help the Fertility Partnership find egg donors.

For the event, artist Stuart Semple created an installation using giant balloons.

Our models were then asked to give some of these valuable items to the public, in turn asking them to pass them on.

Here is what some of our models had to say:

Aina Sutka:

“When I first received information about my assignment, I was a little bit worried as I didn’t know anything about fertility treatment, fertility clinics based here in the UK or elsewhere, let alone anything that is connected with egg donation. There was no reason for my worries, because everything was explained, people that I ended up working with were very interesting and their knowledge was on top, the day flew by, because I was intrigued and in that way it helped a lot with passing the information on to the public. Being a mum myself I loved the idea of helping families that struggle in creating a miracle of their life’s. The cause of this assignment was incredibly sincere! It is never too late to try something new. It is never too late to achieve your dreams.”

Chloe Smith:

“We were directed to stop passers-by and give them a balloon; this balloon was only one out of 1000 with a Stuart Semple artwork on it and each was worth £350. We would give these to a passer-by and then get them to pass it on, the idea being just like when you donate your eggs, you are giving away something precious and amazing. It was a great experience and will be a good thing for my portfolio.”

The opportunities for promotional models are endless with brands looking of new ways to promote their products and get noticed in such a competitive environment. Yes, the retail world is quite different at the minute, but not long from now brands will be looking for the perfect models to push their products like never before….

This is where you and your agency are able to showcase exactly what you can potentially offer a client and what you might bring to a particular project.

Your agency should use it when putting you forward for work and it will also be a valuable tool for the client when they are trying to choose just the right models.

In order to maximise your bookings and ensure you are the right person for commercial and promotional assignments, you should ensure your e-Portfolio is kept up-to-date.

Here are our top tips:

• Set aside one morning every month to go through your e-Portfolio and assess it. Try to look at it dispassionately and to imagine what a client might think. 
• Ask a good friend or relative to look at it every so often too and to give you their honest feedback.
• Sit down after every assignment, open your e-Portfolio and decide whether it needs to be enhanced or updated based on the recent job.
• Every time you complete a different type of job, add it to your e-Portfolio. The broader the modelling work you have undertaken, the greater the opportunities will be for you. 
• Make sure your photography is always of a high quality and reasonably recent. If you are a child or teen model this is especially important as you are likely to be growing and changing at a rapid rate! If you are an adult male or female model you also need to make sure your images reflect the way you really look. 
• If you change your hair colour or style you must update your photos. Clients choose models on the basis of the way they look and if someone arrives looking markedly different to the pictures in their e-Portfolio, they may well be displeased.
• If you are considering having a visible tattoo or piercing, think carefully before going ahead. This may affect your modelling opportunities. If you do, however, choose to go down this route, once again, it is vital to update your e-Portfolio.
• If you learn a new skill, develop a new passion or embark upon a new pastime that could enhance your booking potential then make sure you add it to your e-Portfolio.
• Whenever you complete an assignment, ask for a reference for your e-Portfolio. Again, these can be decisive factors in ensuring you continue to receive a steady stream of work.

If you have any other questions or would like to speak to a member of our team get in touch with us today..

You’ve done your research, know the basics about being a model and your confidence is sky-high. You’ve used the Models Direct website as your oracle of knowledge, and you’re now ready to make the first move in your career (or part-time work) as a model. Then you panic about your portfolio…or rather, about not having one!

• Who can you ask to help with organising all your photos in a sensible order to attract the interests of an agency?
• How many photos should you include? Should they be black and white or colour?
• How much does a professional photographer charge?

So many questions!

Let Models Direct put your fears to rest. Though we’ve been in the modelling business for over 30 years, we’re a largely easy-going bunch and only ask for a couple of photos in your application to us. That’s right – no bulky portfolios!

When you’re ready to take a few photos (you’ll take quite a lot as you won’t capture the perfect photo straightaway), treat them as if submitting a CV to a potential employer. You’ve got one shot at the prize, so be certain that your photos are as faithful to your appearance as possible. Too much make-up is a dead giveaway to your natural beauty, and belittles what you’re all about. Going back to the CV concept, you wouldn’t cram your work experience with false statements and fabrication – the employer will straight through them. The same applies with modelling photos: this is your chance to shine, and to show us how camera-friendly you are in natural poses. 

Make sure your two photos sent to us represent what you look like in everyday circumstances. Don’t be tempted to wear additional clothes, hats or accessories that take the emphasis away from what we’re really looking for – that is, your natural face and pose. Also, refrain from experimenting with “arty” poses and subdued lighting – if we can’t see you in all your glory, it defeats the object of sending a photo in the first place!

Are application photos all about “you, you, you”?

Well, yes! Agencies don’t like other people in your photos. Why use up vital photo space by having your best friend posing alongside you? For your modelling application, other people are completely irrelevant. Remember – concentrate on your best features and focus on only you.  

Should you make submissions to more than one agency?

In general, no. When submitting to modelling agencies, stick with the one you’ve contacted initially, and take it from there when they’ve made a decision (the same procedure applies to submitting a book manuscript to potential publishers; writers know that submitting multiple manuscripts at the same time doesn’t bode well and only alienates them.) Agencies like to know that a model has chose them first and foremost, and they’ll be more inclined to treat your submission as a genuine, sincere application knowing the model has faith in them and no one else.  

See out tips about submitting your photos to use here

We wish you the best in your submission. in the meantime, don’t forget to contact us should you have any queries about your application or the types of work available through Models Direct. 

Regrets are natural. They could be in your personal life or in your career. You may regret not trying out for a sports team or playing an instrument. Sometimes the reason is logical; at other times a little bit of self-doubt creeps in to ruin a perfectly good opportunity. Occasionally this self-doubt is irreversible: that is to say, once you have a feeling of scepticism or uncertainty, you never get over it and won’t look to conquer these negative sentiments. When this happens, self-doubt has won. They’ll be other chances to beat it, but for now, the only thing that has stopped you in your tracks is a lack of confidence…

Confidence – a “faith” in oneself or one’s abilities – is an important factor in modelling. Let’s go back to the original question, “What if…?” If you’ve ever given real consideration to becoming a model, you might already be half-way there. It’s probably a bit of self-awareness and lack of confidence that has proved the defining obstacle to your modelling dreams. 

A lot of people aren’t aware of the genuine prospects modelling can provide: the industry is now openly looking for models of all sizes, shapes, backgrounds, talents and ages (yes, that includes toddlers to the more mature models). And it’s not just clothes or fashion modelling that clients look for either. Unique features are like gold dust, so if you have a distinctive physical characteristic or a particular attribute that stands out, use it to your advantage! Note: we use the word “unique” to mean “special” or “exceptional”, not “different”. As a prospective model, you need to identify your valued assets and have the confidence to take the next step into modelling – and that’s knowing your plus points and getting in touch with Models Direct!

Allow us to be philosophical for a minute. The above definition of confidence is true enough (“A faith in oneself or one’s abilities”), but let’s delve deeper. “Faith” is regarded as a belief without evidence. Here are two examples of confidence and faith, both with different connotations:

1. If you tell a friend that you have “faith” in them in running a full marathon in two hours, you’re not being sincere (after all, no one has ever accomplished a sub-two hour marathon!). All you’re really doing is being over-optimistic to show your support and to psych up your friend. It’s harmless, but ultimately doesn’t mean a lot – you’re not confident at all they’ll be able to run 26 miles in under 120 minutes…who would be?

2. You earnestly tell a would-be model friend they should consider modelling. “But why?” you hear them cry, “I couldn’t do it, could I?” You tell them you have “faith” in their qualities – whether facial features, unique selling points or simply because you know a bit about the industry and what some clients are looking for. You are being genuine in your “faith” because the evidence is there in front of you – the evidence is your friend, staring at you! Your sincere comments then get your friend to thinking about becoming a model. And what did it take? Just a few honest words to increase their confidence. Perhaps, simply, no one ever told your friend they’ve got modelling potential in the first place. What a shame.

Confidence can be either self-appointed or gained. A lot of famous models questioned their potential before their successful careers. In many interviews, Cara Delevingne stated frankly she was bullied at school and felt no sense of self-worth. Look at her now! Leading up to inventing the light bulb, Thomas Edison failed so many times he nearly gave up. But, as we know, he didn’t, and went on to quip, “I have not failed ten thousand times—I’ve successfully found ten thousand ways that will not work.”

There are many things that hold certain people back: children, work, lack of motivation. These are all viable, and people shouldn’t be judged on these alone. A fear of failure is also justifiable, but is easier to overcome. It comes down to needing that spark of confidence to take them to the next level. Don’t give up at the first sign of failure: use it as a learning curve to gain more knowledge and to come back stronger. 

Confidence – everyone has the ability to have it and to use it. But treat it with respect. Too much of it can sour a relationship (personal or business) and can even prevent you from accepting help or ideas from others. Use it wisely. “Confidence won’t always produce results, but it will give you the best possible chance.”

Our advice is straightforward. Do a little research, and if you’re seriously thinking about modelling in any capacity, please get in touch. We’ll consider your look and are happy to discuss anything with you. We know what to look for. Don’t look back at a missed opportunity by mulling over the “What if…?” question. Have the confidence to take the first move. After all, you have nothing to lose.

We’ll leave you on a humorous note. There’s one activity where self-doubt is absolutely necessary to avoid repeat disasters: “If at first you don’t succeed, maybe skydiving isn’t for you.” And if you try it again after an unsuccessful first time, you must be really confident. Or bonkers.

Whether you are in the modelling business or another profession, making sure you have a good break from work and a genuine opportunity for relaxation is essential for our health, according to recent research.

A study by Syracuse University, in New York, USA, has revealed that having a holiday can be especially good for the heart, explains Bryce Hruska, an assistant professor of public health at the establishment’s College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

“What we found is that people who vacationed more frequently in the past 12 months have a lowered risk for metabolic syndrome and metabolic symptoms. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you have more of them, you are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.  This is important because we are actually seeing a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular disease the more vacationing a person does.”

But how do you ensure you really do have a holiday, and the chance to relax and refocus if you are unable to reach the white sands and clear waters of your favourite holiday destinations?

Models Direct’s top tips to holidaying at home…

• Make sure you really do absolutely no work at all during your time off – don’t be tempted to check your emails or to respond to voicemails. Tell your boss and your colleagues that you are going to do this. Just because you are at home does not been you should be available.
• If you can plan a few days out during your time off then do. If not, then try to arrange some shorter excursions, walks or cycle rides to places you have never been before and take a picnic or a few treats with you.
• If you live with friends or family members then take turns at doing the cooking to ensure everyone has some time off. Try to think up fun and exciting menus that you have never tried before, dishes from around the world perhaps…
• Treat yourself to some new garden equipment, such as a hammock, recliner or bean bag. If you have children, investing in a paddling pool, water slide or other play items will also help them to feel as if they are on holiday.
• Organise cinema nights, where everyone sits down to watch the same film together and perhaps you treat yourselves to popcorn or other tasty snacks you might not normally indulge in.
• Adults might also like to treat themselves to cocktails they have not made before or have enjoyed away on holiday and to sit in the garden or by an open window on warm evenings.
• Splash out on a couple of new holiday reads and make sure you find time to slip off for a quiet hour or two with them on your own.
• Sleep in, stay up late – your time is your own so you should enjoy not having to set the alarm clock or being bound by a routine.

Summer is a super busy time for photo-shoots and filming work too, it’s the perfect chance for outdoor shoots and the Models Direct team can’t wait to to hear from you!