To make a campaign “great” depends on a few factors – some of which readers will know…even without knowing it.

Confused? You shouldn’t be! A lot of campaigns are blatant in getting their message across, whilst others are more subtle, relying on subliminal messages to engross the audience.

Trends evolve over time. It’s the job of marketing professionals working for a brand to keep up with the times. It’s a jungle out there, and brands need to be lions…

Let’s look at an example of an effective, straightforward campaign on, say, TV. We’ll fabricate a brand of kitchen cleaner – let’s call it “Jiffy Plus”. The advert is likely to make the brand the star of the show, showing it in use (i.e. in the kitchen). A model* is likely to use Jiffy Plus in the way it’s intended, whilst making one or two simple claims (e.g. “Kills 99.9% of germs” and “Can be used on all kitchen surfaces”). The viewer (potential customer) knows exactly where they stand. There are few gimmicks, stunts or tricks. Jiffy Plus is competing with other kitchen cleaners, and it doesn’t want to confuse customers. It’s a simple product that requires an uncomplicated campaign. *Yep, that’ll be a commercial model supplied by a reputable agency like us!

Compare this with a more suggestive piece of marketing. Let’s use a specific example of a well-known bank’s latest campaign – uploaded on YouTube and other social media platforms in February this year. We won’t mention the bank’s name, but its famous logo is a black horse. The advert – named “Drumbeat” – runs for one minute, and is set in leafy suburbia. Models are seen in a café, walking their dogs and riding bikes. A black horse then gallops through the environs, quickly followed by an assemblage of other black horses. As the horses stop in front of a group of people, a single horse shares a reflective connection with a young woman. The horses then continue their stampede through the town, with the woman looking on.

Now, what does this campaign say about the bank? There’s no mention of money, accounts, insurance, investments, mortgages or customer service – so why is it a great campaign? 

For starters, the iconic black horse is instantly recognised – most viewers will know the name of the bank as soon as the first horse appears on screen. From then on, the campaign demonstrates a relationship with families and family life, confirming the bank’s commitment to everyday life. They’re subtly saying they understand family values and that they can be trusted by the “ordinary” customer. Though this campaign would probably be just as effective without any branding at all, the name of the bank and its slogan is revealed at the very end. Risky? Not really. It’s a great advert that has faith in its simplicity, subtlety and impact.    

Other great campaigns can use direct comparisons with other similar brands (think: supermarkets claiming an average weekly grocery shopping is a third cheaper than its nearest competitor). Others have no or little relevance with the brand (think: car manufactures, who don’t need to state the car’s performance, colour, specifications, but rather rely on a stunningly-filmed commercial). Some campaigns depend on stirring viewers’ emotions, and some campaigns are silent. They all have a specific agenda, and they’ll all be researched and budgeted accordingly.

We have hundreds of clients who are experts at creating the perfect campaign. But they don’t have a steady stream of models in-house, and this is where we fit in. When clients approach us, they give us a brief and then it’s our job to put forward a selection of models for them to cherry pick.

Models are essential components in a lot of campaigns. They can depict “real” people or, conversely, act out a scene to represent someone else entirely. They can be manipulated (in a good way!), moulded, encouraged, directed and praised. There’s really no substitute to a great commercial model starring in a great campaign.

It’s a tried-and-tested formula which never fails to bring success. Just ask our clients! 

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.

Newborn babies welcome the world with a new life and tremendous spirit. Companies looking out for models to star in their marketing campaigns sometimes turn to newborns to feature in their ads to stir emotion and build connections with their target audience. But enough about the theoretical viewpoint behind why newborns are needed in ads, we will be focusing on what types of assignments newborns are booked for. This will give those of you reading this who aren’t too familiar with this industry, some idea about what work could mean for your bundle of joy if you’re looking to enter the modelling industry. 

Well, there’s no surprise that this market is staggeringly huge. There are lots of products on the market that are aimed at newborn babies and their families, and it isn’t all about nappies and baby formula. Our team has had jobs booked for our newborn talent over the 30 years we have been active as a talent management agency. We have had many requests for newborns to be featured in various campaigns, one being where a production company was searching for a newborn girl, preferably premature, for a six-part drama series.

Newborns are put forward to promote everything from baby skincare to being featured as TV and film extras, promotional work and commercial campaigns. The assortment of work is vast and a great way for little ones to start a career. After you’ve read this, we’re sure you’ll start to spot newborns on the silver screen, online or in print in your everyday life and we’re pretty sure that most would have been cast by clients as the face of their campaigns. 

If you wish to go ahead and carve a career for your newborn as a model, with Models Direct you will be in complete control when accepting work for your bundle of joy. We ensure our models and families are thoroughly informed about the work beforehand and what it entails – the client’s vision, work involved, location, duration, accommodation (if required) and so on. We’re a well organised agency and intend to keep all our models, their families and friends happy coming away from each experience with positive vibes, confidence and enthusiasm. Not to forget that travel and expenses are reimbursed and of course, you will be paid for your lovely baby’s talent and time. 

Have a think about it – if you have a newborn, new tiny faces are always welcome and wanted – and they don’t come much newer than newborns! Have a chat with our team, apply and scroll through our website, blogs and social media platforms to discover more about the world of newborn baby modelling. Who knows what doors and opportunities will open for your newborn!

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!

The answer, of course, is that a model’s wages vary depending on the job. This is because not all jobs are identical, and clients have different budgets (these could also vary depending on the time of year). What can be said with some authority is that commercial modelling can supply a model with useful income to supplement a regular income. And who wouldn’t want that?

The benefits of commercial modelling are apparent to everyone. Commercial modelling places “everyday” people in promotions and advertising campaigns, thus the model’s task is to represent the client to a large customer base: usually the general public. That’s why a lot of commercial models don’t require specific modelling experience. Confidence, knowledge of the client and an outgoing character are important qualities all successful commercial models require, and the more jobs a model takes on, the more in demand they become. Naturally, more bookings should follow, equating to more money.

When it comes to hard facts, the amount is difficult to disclose. If we were pushed to mention a figure, commercial models can earn from £150 per assignment, right up to thousands of pounds. Sometimes – not taking into account travel – a commercial modelling job may only last a few hours. Our commercial models certainly have fun, and earn more than most for their efforts, so the work ranks highly in terms of payment and is well worthwhile.

Finance can be a tricky subject. Fees, too, are difficult to negotiate successfully. Fortunately for you lucky bunch, Models Direct has skilled booking agents who correspond with our clients, ensuring our models are paid fairly with some of the best rates in the industry. Additionally, we discuss travel expenses and transport options, as well as food and drink, so taking care of our talented partners is an essential part of our business.

Crucially, we don’t allocate any modelling assignments on the basis of “TFP” – “Time for Prints”. This is where models and photographers have an arrangement where neither party is paid, but they both receive the photographs from their collaboration. It’s designed to be symbiotic – whereby both model and photographer benefit – however this way of working isn’t for everyone. All our model’s assignments are paid work, getting the most out of our client’s needs and our model’s talent.

So, to summarize. Fees are dependent on the following:

• The client’s budget. Loosely speaking, the larger the client, the bigger the budget.
• The time of the year. Do clients set aside more promotional budgets for the summer than, say, January?
• The scale of the job. Obviously, a job requiring days rather than hours will command higher fees.
• A model’s experience. Generally, an experienced model’s fees are higher than those of a newcomer (although inexperienced talent is always welcome!) 
• Additional talents. Models who can also act, sing, or play an instrument may very well achieve higher fees.

Models Direct is a top trusted UK agency through which paid models thrive, have fun, and increase their regular wages. Click here to see how some our models have fared.

You’ll soon be gaining contacts and benefitting from enjoyable work, complete with extra income in your back pocket!

BUT – if you answer in the affirmative to the following questions, a career as a sports model could be right up your street: 

• Do you enjoy tennis or other racquet sports?
• Are you capable on a football or rugby pitch (even if you say so yourself!)?
• Do you have gym membership and like to take advantage of it regularly?
• Is your figure favourable when sporting tight-fitting vests, shorts, or leggings?
• Do you like running a few circuits of an athletics track?
• Are you the type who wakes up at 8am to take part in boot camp training – and it’s your idea of a good time?
• Are you a personal trainer, or yoga practitioner? 
• Do you have a low body fat percentage?

A few “yes’s” to any of the above is a clear advantage in your quest to becoming a sports model. Also, it helps if you’re good looking! Plus – there are opportunities for both men and women, so the world of sports modelling is an open invitation for anyone who stays active and relishes keeping in tip-top condition.

Perhaps the best aspect of being a sports model is the feeling when an assignment goes perfectly, the model knowing all that hard work has paid off. Sports models rarely have an ideal modelling physique without putting in extensive effort; what’s better than getting paid by notable clients by starring in campaigns and promotions because you’ve cared for your body and lived a healthy life? 

With so many sports / fitness products out there, it’s hardly surprising sports models are in demand. But this makes it super competitive, although this shouldn’t put off athletes looking to dip their toes in the modelling industry. After all, competition is what makes sport popular, and models are no different. Sports models are confident, realistic, and always looking to better themselves. Pushing oneself and going the extra yard is what keeps them in perfect condition – and they love the workouts! 

Sports models don’t have to be narcissistic, but many are partial to practicing certain poses in front of a mirror. Lace up your trainers, put on your favourite tracksuit top and see how good you look serving a tennis ball. How about doing some squats with a barbell, or simulating a runner’s position before a 100m sprint? Perfecting sporting poses may also make you more comfortable on set – any little tips you pick up about the industry could pay dividends. 

Find out more here to become a sports model with us. Just think when you next visit the gym or play your next sports match and your friends ask what you’ve been up to…being a sports model is one of the most enviable jobs going, providing you continue working hard!

Models Direct have been representing female models for 30 years now…we’ve seen that this modelling category continues to be in high demand where our extensive client database frequently call for women to model for their marketing campaigns. 

Models Direct have been finding work for our amazing models in photographic, promotional, fashion, advertising, film and TV jobs. When you see females representing a brand or organisation on print or digital, the chances are that their look has been called for by a client and they have been selected by a modelling agency.

This is exactly what we do at Models Direct!

Female models work on a daily basis promoting brands and products, big and small, for local and worldwide audiences. Our modelling talent feature and represent plenty of industries including hair and beauty, fashion, travel and tourism, fitness and wellbeing, lifestyle, business, education and lots more. 

When opening the pages of a magazine, catalogue, booklet, pamphlet, leaflet or any other type of print, you are bound to see a female model who has been pictured (or filmed, just to add). The goal is to promote a product or service aiming to engage and build a connection with the target audience. Think of all the adverts you have seen which have been memorable to you; the ones that stick in your mind with a female model representing the brand. Olay? Pandora? TUI? There are lots out there therefore lots of opportunities and lots of potential for newcomers to the modelling industry. 

Modelling has an interesting way of opening possibilities of self-expression, boosting confidence, having fun whilst earning money. That’s why our female models enjoy being part of the Models Direct team and thrive on new assignments which open doors to networking and exploring other paths and routes such as TV and film work whilst being an out-of-the-box career that sets them apart from the crowd. 

We welcome models from all walks of life; different cultures and backgrounds regardless of age and size. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusion within our organisation. We have a very fun, hard-working and honest culture that is supportive of open communication and collaboration between our team, models and clients. 

If you’re ready for something unique, sign up with our top UK modelling agency and see what modelling is like for yourself.

Our no-nonsense approach backed with in depth knowledge and a pizzazz of positivity and encouragement is what our models love about working with us. You can read their reviews here to see what they say about us and life as a female model. 

Sara said that she was asked by a marketing company in Leeds (of which there are many) to bring along Amelia for a photo shoot. Sara’s friend works at the marketing company, and decided to ask Sara directly if she’d be willing to take Amelia to the bright lights of a big city. Sara’s friend knows Amelia, and thought she’d be perfect for the job, which was a photo session for an up-and-coming IT company. So, not modelling for a client involved specifically with babies and children, although the client was desperately in need of a baby for its campaign. Sara wasn’t busy on the big day, so she agreed. If Amelia had been old enough, she’d no doubt have been excited. Here is our conversation with Sara.     

Models Direct: Sara, please tell us how Amelia became the first model in your family!

Sara: Well, it was fortunate, because my friend works at a marketing company, and phoned me straightaway when she knew her client was on the lookout for a baby for their IT campaign. She’s taken Amelia to the park a few times, so she knows her quite well!

Models Direct: Did you have to think twice about it?

Sara: I didn’t say “yes” instantly, because I didn’t know how Amelia would get on in that kind of environment.

Models Direct: But you agreed, obviously, yes?

Sara: Yes. My friend said that Amelia would be fine, and that I could be nearby in case anything went wrong with her.

Models Direct: Did you have to take anything with you on the day?

Sara: Nothing that I wouldn’t have usually taken on a short trip: nappies, extra blankets, toys…those kind of things. My friend said that if I needed to bring anything else, they’d let me know before the day.

Models Direct: So it was relatively stress-free?

Sara: As stress-free as having a 10 month old can be! Seriously, the only thing I worried about was being on time, because we were driving and sometimes it can be a nightmare in rush-hour.

Models Direct: Were there any problems during the day?

Sara: No, not really…unless you count paying six pounds for a sandwich!

Models Direct: Where was that?!

Sara: A gourmet café down the road. I’m not telling you the name of it!

Models Direct: Fair enough! So everything went smoothly at the shoot?

Sara: Absolutely. There was one large light on set, but Amelia didn’t seem to notice it. Everyone was really friendly, and they were smitten with her. I think she’s got a bit of a fan club!  

Models Direct: Did you – or Amelia – get paid for the day?

Sara: Yes, we were paid a day’s rate, including travelling expenses, which was handy, because the parking in Leeds is so expensive! 

Models Direct: So, would you consider “asking” Amelia to star in more modelling shoots?

Sara: Of course! Maybe not in the near future as we’re thinking of moving house soon. But I could tell Amelia enjoyed the experience, because she was on her best behaviour and even smiled at all the right times! It could have been a coincidence, but I prefer to think it was because Amelia was not stressed and was looked after by the company’s staff. 

Models Direct: What would your advice be to other parents interested in putting their babies forward for modelling work?

Sara: Go for it! As long as you trust the company / agency, it’s a worthwhile experience. You never know where things like this could lead!

As an aspiring teen model it’s important to gain as much experience in the industry as possible and this doesn’t necessarily mean being infront of the camera…

There are lots of activities you can get involved with to gain essential experience to help boost your confidence and modelling potential. Agents will be keen to hear what interests you have, any other talents and of course confidence is key in this industry!

If you are confident, take pride in your appearance and are aged 13 to 17 years old then teen modelling could certainly be a great way to earn some extra money while you are not at school or college.

Many of those considering putting themselves forward or who have already taken on assignments through an agency might also be interested in other pastimes that could enhance their chances of success in the business.

So which activities might be ideal for a teen model to take part in?

Singing, dancing and dramatic skills

There is no doubt at all that immersing yourself in singing, dancing and acting pastimes can enhance your modelling skills. Not only will these activities help you to develop as an individual and broaden your interests, but they will bring you an abundance of confidence to help you feel self-assured in front of the camera. Furthermore, many of the moves and techniques you learn will make your modelling poses seem far more comfortable and natural.

Sports and exercise

We all know how important keeping fit is when it comes to our overall wellbeing, but it can also be a great asset to a modelling career too. Doing regular exercise will help you to stay healthy and will give the stamina you need to take on assignments. It will help your hair and skin to stay fresh and vibrant and is a great way of relieving stress and simply enjoying yourself.

Following fashion trends

Keeping abreast of what is going on in the world of clothing fashion, makeup and hair can only be a good thing for a teen model. An avid interest is certainly not essential but reading magazines and blogs and following trends on social media will give you a deeper understanding of the industry, especially if it is somewhere you see yourself eventually carving out a career in.

Photography and film

Most of us take lots of snaps on our phones but reading up on the subject or even taking a course or class at school or college can be very enlightening for a teen model. Getting behind a proper camera yourself will help you to learn what works and what doesn’t work for the person shooting the images or film – and will enable you to pick up lots of useful tips.

To hear how some of our teen models have found their modelling experiences with Models Direct click here

Modelling has always been a flexible career choice, if you love being infront of the camera, using your acting skills and working amongst creative people, then it could be the perfect career path for you. As a commercial model you are in control of your diary, what assignments you decide to take on and along with your agent, negotiate the rates you’d like – sounds good to me!

Yes…it’s competitive and doesn’t come with guarantee’s, but it’s like everything in life, the more you put in the more you will get out! It’s now easier than ever with all the great technology and social media we have at our fingertips to get noticed and Models Direct have 30 years experience of connecting models with clients, so we know what we’re talking about..

For any successful model, whether it’s in the commercial or fashion industry your portfolio is key…getting this right along with having a great agent will create many opportunities for you and kick start your dream modelling career.

Follow these simple steps to having the perfect modelling portfolio:

• Wear something simple. Clients want to see your potential, so try to wear something plain but also flattering. A white t-shirt and jeans are always a good choice and keep your look clean and simple – don’t over complicate things!
• Wear minimal make-up. A full face of make-up has a time and a place. Stick to flattering neutral shades and work on accentuating your favourite facial features – clients want to see your features and how diverse your look is, so don’t cover up in layers of make up.
• Use natural light. Natural lighting is the most flattering, so try to position yourself near a window or outside if possible. The time of day will affect the type of lighting, this can make such a difference to your images, the best time of day is early morning or late afternoon/eve when the light is much softer. This will avoid squinting, harsh light and shadows.
• Use a good camera. A lot of phone cameras have excellent cameras nowadays but, if possible, it’s always best to use a high-quality DSLR camera they will really pick up all your features and details and ensure the images are of a hhigh quality and size so they don’t become pixelated or out of focus when sent out to clients.
• Don’t forget your background. It’s important you give some thought to the background of your images, keep it plain and ideally light in colour, this will make you stand out more which is essential when you are being put forward to a client amongst other models. Plain walls are best!
• Take close-ups and wide shots. Your portfolio should have an effective selection of images on it, both headshot and full length. To be a successful commercial model you need to be able to portray different characters and looks, this needs to come across from your portfolio.
• Practise your posing. Overly-pouty lips may look great on Instagram, but they’re not going to cut it in the modelling world. Remember your images are being sent out to large International brands who have high expectations, your images need to reflect that. Practise posing in the mirror; clients will want to see your relaxed face, as well as shots of you smiling and your personality coming through.

If you are thinking about pursuing a modelling career, perhaps you would like to take a minute and read our models feedback of their assignment experiences..gives you a real insight into what it’s like as a part-time model.

If you are on the Models Direct books and have perhaps neglected your portfolio a bit, now’s the time follow these simple steps to boost your chances and make sure your full potential is being seen…our bookings department is getting busy again, shoots are happening and now is your chance.