Alicia Keys to Reese Witherspoon, TikTok is an A to Z of celebs and everyday people creating some fantastic material for the world to see, and we couldn’t wait to join them. So, it’s really (and finally) happening now and we couldn’t resist, what with all our Models Direct platforms doing brilliantly and with the 3.7 million active UK users that are scrolling through their TikTok feeds, it’s been a no brainer. We wanted to capture the TikTok generation and add this to our content and increase engagement with our long-standing modelling agency.

Our dedicated team are going to give you the best clips to populate your feed, and you never know, some may go viral but for now, we’re looking to get some short snappy videos out there and gain some traction for likeable and shareable content.

Our stance forever has been that we want to represent real people – everyday normal people who go out, do the shopping, go to school, go to work – you catch our drift. It’s all well and good having that perfectly structured model that walks down famous runways but what about the rest of us?

That’s where we’ve stepped in and for 30 years, which has been amazing every step of the way as we’ve expanded our services, Models Direct have had thousands of everyday people walk through our doors and have been paid for modelling work, which gives us so much pride in what we promote – fair access to modelling opportunities encouraging diversity and inclusion.

What to look out for

We’ll be dropping in Gen Z slang when we add our content to this amazing new cultural landscape that’s shaping our digital world. Don’t be surprised if you see some funky captions, so if you’re not on the app just yet, there are captions floating all over the internet to help. You’ll know what POV and OOMF mean in next to no time!

We’ll be pushing trends, hashtags and edits straight to your phone to let you the latest on our models, and their modelling assignments with behind-the-scenes content to delight your senses, which brings us to the next exciting part!

TikTok videos created on set

We’re also asking our talent if they’d like to create their own TikTok feedback video which they can do so by sending them to bookings@modeldirect.com. Seeing the experience through their eyes will be quite something and invaluable for those who haven’t just dipped their feet into our waters, and even for those who are interested in what everyone is getting up to. We hope it’ll inspire and motivate us all to push further, push boundaries and push the great work we have our models collaborating on with our prestigious and well-known brands.

Wrapping it up

Follow us for the latest! We promise you’ll enjoy the content which will keep you scrolling for more on what’s happening at our agency. Join us on our TikTok revolution, we can’t wait to meet you there and don’t forget to share and like what you see.

1. Clothing reboot

Since we were indoors for nearly two years – can you believe it? – loungewear and sportswear were our go-to clothing preferences for our dramatically changing world. We were stuck inside so there wasn’t a need to dress up or even wear casual clothes since we were only navigating through our gardens, kitchens, home offices and eventually outdoor recreational activities.

Now, according to The Business of Fashion, 37% of fashion executives expect us to be drawn to occasion wear which is predicted to be within the top-three of our preferred clothing categories.

Occasion dresses and workwear are rebounding swiftly as we’re adjusting to a new lifestyle where restrictions are lifting. Models can expect to be wearing these types of clothing in 2022 on the runway or for commercial modelling projects.

2. Investing in recycling

Sustainability is a hot topic we’ve all got our eyes on and with the recent COP26 which was held a few weeks back, we’re actively looking at ways to reduce our environmental footprint and the long term impact it will have on our earth.

One route the fashion world is taking is to leverage closed-loop recycling. According to The Business of Fashion, 60% of fashion executives have already taken steps to invest in this methodology or are planning to. This is where textile product waste is recycled into new textile products making this a valuable strategy that is set to take 2022 by storm in alliance with the sustainable outlook.

3. Changing user experience through social shopping

Innovative ways of presenting fashion will bring value to users’ experience through convenience and access to technology. 2022 is forecasted to explore more ways of engaging virtual fashion, from live streaming to augmented reality try-on boosting the social shopping realm. This will change how people will view and engage with fashion, even during troubling times.

We were sitting indoors scrolling through our feeds for the most part and now 70% would be inclined to shop on social media for clothing. We’re learnt that technology has been a great asset to the world during the pandemic that it’s set to continue connecting people, establishing and building new relationships.

4. Increase in modelling divisions

Our agency, Models Direct, are predicting that new modelling divisions will launch next year. What could they be? Only time will tell but over the years we’ve seen a shift in change – plus-size and models with special abilities have been recently added to our categories. So, we think we’re in for some interesting changes where more models will be called and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

The takeaway

Many predictions have been forecasted for 2022 but Models Direct have explored what’s set to happen in the world of fashion and modelling. It looks positive and busy, and we’re sure our models will have a great time being part of the modelling revolution that is in store next year.

If you’re not part of our agency, please join us – we’d love to hear from you and be part of our predicted trends for 2022!

If you’re an existing model, you’ll know that you’re in a quirky profession that offers hands-on skills, excels your interpersonal skills, broadens your horizons and shines on your CV. You’ll also know that you’re in good hands with Models Direct as we make every effort to give all of our models the chance to be put forward for work that will suit them.

Earn an income and enrich your CV

Modelling is also an excellent way of gaining extra money through part-time assignments especially when times are hard. Moreover, you can harmoniously work around projects to suit your current commitments so you’re not tied into anything restrictive which is a bonus. The beauty of this is that you have the opportunity to pick which assignments you want to do…or not. You won’t be called upon it or questioned about your choice so don’t worry about being put on the spot.

Depending on your experience, the client’s budget, and the length and nature of your assignment, you could be earning anywhere from £150 for the day up to £1000’s. What’s more, no two jobs will be alike, so you’ll be going into each project learning something new whilst adding to your thriving set of modelling skills, and your CV. 

Let’s talk about the commercial perspective

Commercial modelling is a lucrative business and is always yearning for fresh faces of any age and all walks of life. We don’t want to give the impression that current models aren’t valued the same though – they are, and always will be!

The unrealistic look of modelling

As a top modelling agency with a solid 30 years behind us, we aim to welcome more and more people to our platform. Why? Well, we know how it is to become a runway model. To have the whole package – “perfect” (unrealistic, if you ask us) characteristics such as height, build and striking features – isn’t possible. The way catwalk models look isn’t what the general population can relate to either; the idea of perfection can be more damaging than anything. It isn’t inspirational or motivating to see flawless models with moody looks and to-die-for figures in clothes you could never pull off (or fit into, mind!). Thus, Models Direct’s ethos for all these years is to encourage diversity and inclusivity of everyone, giving everyone the chance to be in the spotlight.

If you want to find out where the Models Direct action is happening, read our positive appraisals shared by our talented models about how their assignments went. Our glowing reviews say it all so please have a read when you get the chance. Head on over to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see stills and videos, or stay in the loop with our latest blogs that are released every week.

The energy and expectancy during these glorious years should be cherished. Teens are more mature for their age than ever, and parents should be encouraged with their children’s aspirations. The world is their oyster, for sure.

For obvious reasons, parents and guardians are the best judges of what their children can accomplish (other than the teenagers themselves, of course). First and foremost, parents want their children to be happy and safe. Successes and achievements will fit in nicely as long as a teens’ wellbeing is realised.

Commercial modelling is a very realistic opportunity for teens for a variety of reasons. It could lead to something else; it may not. After being in the industry for over 30 years, we’ve risen to become the UK’s no.1 modelling agency, so we’re fully aware that the hundreds of “live” modelling assignments for teens might have a number of long-term outcomes. What we can confidently say is that signing up with us is the best way to get talented teens seen by some of the biggest names out there – again, we should know, because these household names are our clients! And – if you didn’t already know – teenagers are always desirable in commercial modelling jobs. In fact, they are one of the most requested models by our clients. Click on the link below for more information:

https://www.modelsdirect.com/teen-modelling/

If parents think their teenage children have what it takes to become one of our commercial models, here is a brief “tick off” list of criteria. If you can put a nice, big green tick against all of these, then the next step is really quite simple: contact us via our application form, and our experienced booking team will take it from there. So, onto the list:

Is your teen child:

·       Enthusiastic?

·       Pretty flexible around school days / holidays?

·       Keen to earn decent money?

·       Presentable and punctual?

·       Wishing to get involved in working with professionals in a safe environment?

·       Willing to travel with you?

If there are six ticks next to these points, we’d love to hear from them!

When teens sign up with Models Direct, both parents and themselves can expect certain prerequisites from us – and our clients. Through our experience and knowledge, we have a few “tick lists” ourselves. These include:

We’ll do our very best to put forward the right teen models to our clients (and we have lots of them!)

We understand that not every assignment is right for everyone. When you decline a modelling job, we simply work harder to find one that is right! You – and your child – have the right to accept or decline any assignment – no ifs, no buts.

We always pay our wonderful models within five working days. The reasons are three-fold:

  1. We collect fees from our client before the assignment.

  2. We adhere to statutory modelling regulations.

  3. We respect all our models.

There is no pressure on our models – especially our child models. We want them to be safe and happy – like all parents. But we ask teens and parents to ask themselves what they want to achieve. It could be that just one modelling job during the summer is enough to break up the routine – great! It could be that teen models wish to break into the industry with real aspirations of a career. This is achievable when signing up with a reputable agency, but all parties should be pragmatic. Long-term success is in your hands, but it almost certainly won’t happen overnight. Alternatively, teens could just want some spare cash doing something enjoyable – and be the envy of all their friends. Brilliant! If that’s the case, go for it!

If you’re a teen, we’re jealous! You have the world at your feet, so do what makes you happy. Modelling is ideal for all kinds of teens looking for something a little bit different, and the feedback from all our teens so far demonstrates that modelling makes them happy – and a little richer!

To end this blog, a few of these pointers will give teens some encouragement to enter the wonderful world of commercial modelling:

·       Listen to your parents (sorry!)

·       Choose which modelling jobs you think you’d enjoy the most.

·       Be happy in everything you do, as being happy brings about confidence, relaxation and success.

·       Don’t give up if you don’t get offered a modelling assignment straight away.

·       Please read our brief and straightforward guidelines before applying – it’ll be valuable in the long run.

For a little more insight into teen modelling – and how to apply with us – have a peek at the below link:

If under 18 years of age, we ask that a parent or guardian fills out the application form on behalf of the teenager. Thank you, and good luck!

Maybe you’ve been watching a film and thought a character wasn’t as realistic as the others. You can’t put your finger on why the character didn’t fit in with the cast, but you were simply aware that the character was unconvincing and, dare we say it, unbelievable.

Well, looking for a family in a commercial modelling campaign must be the exact opposite to this scenario for the campaign to be a success. Credibility goes a long way to entice customers, and to maintain the interest of viewers and listeners in all sorts of campaigns.

When clients come to Models Direct with a request for a family, we generally put forward real families. True – families can be made from professional models who have never met before, and sometimes this arrangement can work. But there is no substitute for the genuine article, and this is why lots of our assignments cry out for real families from all four corners of the UK.   

When it comes to family modelling, there are many advantages that work in a family’s favour. Have a look at the below points:

·        Social bubbles during the past few months of lockdown have been beneficial for families, because same households were allowed to participate in commercial modelling jobs as laid by the government. And – heaven forbid – families will still be able to pursue their modelling dreams should another lockdown take place.

·        It’s much easier for a real family to be booked by a client. Not only will there often be just one point of contact (the “head” of the family, possibly?), travel arrangements are made that much more convenient when booking numerous people from the same household.

·        Even if genuine family members live in different households, there’ll be no pretence in resembling a real family because…well, you are a real family!

·        If the assignment calls for a family with very young family members, a real family will know the requirements of the younger members. For example, this will prove invaluable if there are allergy or dietary concerns for the “little ones”. Think how many requirements might have to be considered if the family was assembled from four or five individual models who’ve never met before?

·        Have you worked before as a modelling family? No problem – if you have the looks we’re looking for then experience is not essential.

Family modelling works because of the complete relationship between family members, the result of which is a sincere group of people shining on camera and not pretending to be natural. Sometimes, only authenticity is required for a modelling assignment to work – that is, it’s a case of giving a family minimal instructions and letting nature take its course. Families who love and respect each other often excel at commercial modelling because of trust and the enjoyment of being in each other’s company. 

So, when you see a family in print (holiday brochures are a good example), online (think hotel websites for family accommodation and food) or on TV (Christmas adverts for example), most of the families are likely to be genuine ones. And, just think…your family could soon be the “genuine article” if you sign up to Models Direct. When you’ve  applied with us, our booking team will look forward to putting your lovely family forward for fun and exciting family modelling assignments.

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

https://www.modelsdirect.com/family-modelling-reviews

Holidays – and foreign travel in general – are a chance of escapism, a source of adventure, and an opportunity to recharge the batteries after months of work. Though it takes planning (and a little financial saving), a cheeky holiday abroad is often the year’s highlight. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days exploring new territory in balmy temperatures, checking out local cuisine and nightlife, or simply lounging on a sandy beach to achieve an envious tan? Though a holiday is one of life’s simple pleasures, COVID became globally prevalent and acted as a huge spanner in the works in the holiday industry. What a shame.

But now things are slowly turning in favour of the committed holidaymaker. COVID cases are dropping (in the UK, at least), and holidays abroad are now largely permitted. Travel is subject to certain conditions – of course – but in the case of most European destinations, it’s business as usual. And even better news for sun seekers – there are plenty of flights out there which are now even more affordable.

A quick check on a certain budget airline’s website that flies frequently from UK airports reveals a ticket from London Stansted to Corfu is £7.99 (as of 27th July 2021). £7.99! OK, that’s one-way, and the return will set passengers back only £62.99, but still…that’s just over £70 for a holiday in a popular Greek island with an average summer temperature of 30^oC. Bargain!

If travelling to Spain from the UK, the Spanish government requires all arrivals to present on entry a pre-travel declaration form and either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination. This is a small price to pay for a well-deserved and long overdue holiday break. Safety comes first, but the fact is that holiday travel is now possible.

Models Direct have placed several lucky models on assignments abroad, although they didn’t have to follow the recent COVID guidelines. Take Elizabeth, who travelled to France for a spectacular photo shoot. Or how about the Golding family (Mum, Dad and two children), who embarked on a 4-day, all expenses trip to the south of France to shoot a commercial for an innovative travel company. Valencia? Why not? That’s exactly where we flew our model to advertise an ultra-modern wheelchair. Foreign travel and modelling work is a real possibility – do you have the ambition and talent for it?

Where’s your dream location? It might be a place you’ve already experienced, so recreating your best memories could be your priority. Perhaps it’s a destination you’ve been drooling over in travel brochures. If genuinely achievable, surely now is the time to turn your holiday hopes into reality. One thing’s for certain: it’ll be a holiday you won’t forget in a hurry.

But what about the UK? For every UK person hoping to get away abroad, there’ll be someone with an eye on holidaying in the UK. Cornwall and Devon, The Lake District, Norfolk Broads, Scotland, the Welsh beaches…the UK isn’t short of top-notch holiday destinations. And if you don’t fancy a plane flight, think about holidaying closer to home. What about a camping trip, or a pony trekking expedition? You’d be surprised how many new options are available on your doorstep!

Oh, and if you were wondering where Cliff Richard and his friends went on his “Summer Holiday”, it was Greece!

Ideally, a modelling agency like Models Direct will ask you to update your photos once every three months to ensure we have your latest look, as well as suitably seasonal images.

It really is not essential to have professionally taken photographs, but there are a few guidelines we suggest you follow when taking them yourself.

Your pictures need to help you to stand out from the crowd and it is therefore vital you take and supply them as we need them to be.

Ensuring you have a suitable backdrop to each image is a key part of creating the perfect picture.

Influencers and celebrities with a heavy social media presence spend time creating their sets and backdrops, often with astounding results.

You don’t have to do this but being creative while also ensuring you follow our guidelines can often yield fantastic results.

Here are Models Direct’s top tips for achieving a great backdrop:

Every portfolio picture you supply us with must have an uncluttered backdrop to ensure you stand out well. Clear anything behind you that detracts from the focal point – you!

Try not to stand in front of heavily patterned wallpaper or in a room with too many vibrant colours around you.

When in doubt have your photos taken against a plain background – for some shots you can’t go wrong with white.

All your shots need to be well lit and taking them outside in the natural light can really help with this.

Try to choose a picturesque outside location as your backdrop, but again ensure that whatever is behind you does not draw the eye away from you as the centrepiece.

Now spring is here, and the weather is warming up, you could perhaps find yourself some beautiful, green locations in which to take your photographs.

Perhaps also look for outdoor locations that might work as a backdrop with some edge – natural wood, concrete even corrugated iron could work well if you want an urban feel.

Try making your own indoor and outdoor backdrops to add interest to your shot without overwhelming the picture.

You can start with a large piece of board or plastic and then cover it.

These might range from velvet or another textured fabric in a colour to complement your clothing to something like strips of natural wood.

If your backdrop is solid, you can always experiment with different colours by repainting it as necessary.

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your backdrops but also be ruthless when it comes to editing your images down and discarding anything that doesn’t work.

The most important thing is to make sure your ePortfolio is looking it’s best, why you would be ideal for a particular modelling job, how confident and versitile you are infront of the camera and please update them regularly!!

No, we’re not talking about meeting people outside for the first time in months instead of logging onto Zoom and pretending to listen to what is being said (come on, you’ve drifted off into Zoom dreamland at least once, right?). No, the change is that – at last – the mornings are becoming brighter earlier and the evenings lighter for longer. This means one thing – spring is here, with summer just around the corner!

This time of the year is perfect for dusting off your camera, ready to snap away at your heart’s content. Alternatively, asking a friend to assume the photographer’s role is just as ideal. Either way, April and its subsequent months usually provide just the right conditions to capture glorious, high-definition images. But can you utilise the improved weather in your quest to achieve brilliant snapshots?

Follow Models Direct’s quick guide and you could soon be on the right path to having the finest portfolios for all your modelling pictures.

1. What time is it? Choose the time of day wisely. Avoid taking photos under the midday sun – the sun is often too strong and the subjects tend to squint. Instead, opt for late afternoon or early evening or, even better, the last hour before sunset.  

2. Choose a short telephoto lens (one that is a minimum of 60mm) – and this doesn’t have to be a zoom lens!

3. Use a tripod to steady both your camera and concentration.

4. Using a reflector helps light reflect back into your subject’s face – the most important part of the photo (unless you’re not taking a portrait, of course…)

5. Select a focal point and stick to it!

6. Use shade to your advantage. Trees, buildings, roofs and even clouds can work wonders to eliminate silhouettes – including the dreaded “shadow under the chin” episode!

7. Experiment with flashes. They are not limited to indoor use, and are often overlooked in the great outdoors.

8. If available, take photos in RAW file – a digital negative that is taken directly from your camera’s sensor.

9. Pay particular attention to your eyes, and check which backgrounds suit your facial and body profiles. 

It’s sensible to ask some basic questions at your local camera outlet, and to experiment. Taking photographs should be fun, and outdoor photography is one of life’s pleasures!

It’s always a challenge for models to keep their photographic updates in pristine order. We appreciate that everyone doesn’t have a digital camera, so we by all means accept headshots using smartphones.

A quick checklist is:

• Avoid lots of make-up – you don’t need it, and it won’t show a true representation of your (undoubtedly beautiful) face.
• The perfect height-width ratio is 5:4.
• Don’t use Photoshop!
• Keep it simple, please.
• Got tattoos, scars, or piercings? Fab – show them all!

You may well have been juggling looking after your family with work and home schooling over recent weeks – and on top of that you are probably missing seeing friends and family.

Well, as the weather improves and lockdown hopefully eases in careful stages, try to find a little time just for you and set yourself a few goals that might help you to feel better in the long-run.

Here are a few suggestions from the Models Direct team:

Try to find a little time for yourself

We know this is easier said than done and that at the moment you are limited to who you can leave the children with and what space you can claim for yourself within the home. But, if you have a partner, suggest you might have at least one evening a week, where they cook, put the children to bed and leave you to enjoy your evening as you choose. Read a book, talk to your friends on the phone or Zoom or pamper yourself with a long bath. Suggest that this might happen on the same day (or even days!) of the week. Then you will have something to look forward to.

Plan some exercise

Getting yourself moving with an exercise plan is never easy but it really does pay dividends! Once you are on your way with it you will start to feel so much better physically, mentally and emotionally. If you can leave the house, think about downloading a couch to 5K app. These are very gentle – they start with walking – and will help you to improve your fitness at a level that is manageable for you. If you find it hard to leave the house for any reason, consider doing Joe Wicks or looking for another high intensity interval training workout to do on YouTube every day or every other day at home. These are short yet will quickly help you to feel fit and healthy.

Enjoy the fresh air

As the weather improves, try to get out and about a bit more. Sit in the sunshine in your garden if you have one for 10 minutes with a cup of tea every so often and aim to go for at least one walk every day. While restrictions are still in place, why not arrange to walk with a friend at the same time on the same day every week? Regular arrangements are harder to talk yourself out of and you will benefit from the socialising as well as the fresh air and exercise.

Join a class of two

Look for some online classes that are local and that you might be able to continue with face-to-face once restrictions are lifted. Look for dance classes, for example, that are fun and will give you a good boost. Alternatively, find a cookery or craft course that will give you new skills and be something to look forward to every week.

Make some plans

We all know how hard it is to plan at the moment – and how let down we feel when the situation with the virus changes and we can’t see our plans through, but there’s no harm in mulling over a few ideas of what you’d like to do in the future. Look up theatre shows and other events you might like to go to later in the summer or the autumn if they are permitted. Consider investing in one or two tickets, if you are sure you will get your money back or the dates will be rearranged if they can’t go ahead. Make some plans for things you can do in the future, regardless of what happens with the pandemic. Think about redecorating a room in the house, creating a new seating area in the garden or planting out a few colourful pots that will cheer you up when they blossom in the summer.

Of course if you think now might be the right time to launch your modelling career or perhaps you’d like to venture into an exciting new challenge click here and you can speak to one of our agents 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.