Our UK-based modelling agency welcomes all types of pets to be put through our easy-peasy application process.

Popular pets like cats, dogs and rabbits aren’t the only animal species to be booked with us and shine in the spotlight. Cute hamsters, fishes, snakes and hedgehogs are examples of interesting animals who’ve become pet modelling stars with Models Direct.

So, how can you begin your pet’s modelling journey?

Question: does your pet have what it takes?
Does your animal friend feel comfortable in new environments surrounded by new faces, alongside different sounds, smells and textures? Yep? Awesome!
Has your pet been toilet trained? Are they able to follow basic commands and if not, can they be distracted?
We know! Lots of questions, and lots to think about too!
If you’re unsure and want a trusted agency to represent your cuddly animal, you’ll need a trusted agency like MD that will be by your side, working with you and your pet.
No one wants to be represented by an agency that hasn’t got their best interests at heart, and where Models Direct has been in the business for over 30 years, our dedication to our craft shows in the campaigns our animals have been booked for.

With the right modelling agency, like Models Direct, opportunities will arise as an agency is meant to put your potential pet model forward for work.

This is what happened with award-winning ethically sourced beauty care company, Coco & Eve approached us.  They requested our wonderfully fluffy and cute rabbits, Sparky and Delilah, to be the stars of their Easter campaign. This tied in nicely with the season’s bunny theme and the company’s cruelty-free ethos.

If you choose Models Direct to represent your pet, we will:

Ensure our clients are fully vetted and legitimate.
Set up casting calls if the client needs to see your animal before deciding whether they want to book them.
Let you know immediately if you’re pet has been booked.
Give you some time to think about whether you want to go ahead. If you don’t want to or can’t, there are no hard feelings – we understand, not every assignment is possible to pursue.
Negotiate an appropriate payment with our client so you know what your pet will earn beforehand.
Ensure that your animal’s payment is made on time after the assignment has been completed.
Request for your feedback (positive or negative) after the assignment.
What we ask from our pet model owners:
Updated, varied images regularly uploaded to their designated online portfolio
Informing us about any physical changes, growth spurts, or medical conditions.
Keeping an eye on our jobs board where owners can directly apply for suitable modelling positions, anytime they come live on our site.
Staying in the loop with our socials, blogs and website.

And then you have it! This is our guide to pet modelling. If you have any burning questions or anything you’d like to discuss, feel free to get in touch with our modelling coordinators at MD. We’re always happy to help, and we’re always eager to see your amazing animals!
 

All of our models – children, teens, adults and even pet owners are informed beforehand when they’re briefed about the assignment, that they’ll meet other models.

And if they’re happy to go ahead and be part of an interesting adventure meeting new people, fellow models and clients, then here are some top tips on how to help them navigate through the project successfully making it a positive and memorable experience, and hopefully making friends along the way!

Introduce yourself

Nerves can be heightened particularly when meeting new people so a great way to break the ice is to introduce yourself. This doesn’t need to be formal like how you would when interviewed because you’ve already been selected for the modelling job but clear and respectful communication is a great start.

[Respect] Personal space

When you’re working as a model, you might have to pose closely so be mindful of personal space. If physical interaction is involved, all parties will be informed during the briefing so if your fellow models do not consent then let our team know as we may need to select another model. Don’t worry though, this will not reduce your chances of being selected for future assignments.

Exude professionalism

It’s important that you arrive on time and maintain a cooperative and positive outlook to working on set, be this by yourself or with other models.

Offer help

Remember that as a group, you’re in the assignment together so be supportive and encouraging. This will help build trust and rapport between you and the new people you’re working with.

Express gratitude

It’s always nice to say good words of thanks. So don’t forget to express your appreciation to your client, production team and the models you’ve worked with.

Working with others allows you to learn new skills, create a positive lasting impression, network and who knows, even make friends along the journey!

Being prepared will help you feel more confident and at ease and as a result you are sure to enjoy the whole experience much more.

This means having a clear understanding of where you need to be on the day, when and whether you need to dress in a certain way or bring anything.

Our highly experienced Models Direct agents will ensure you know all of this but do ask them any questions and heed their advice.

Furthermore, it is also worth preparing for the specific character role if possible as this will also help you to feel more relaxed.

Here are some of our tips for getting into character:

• Find out as much as you can about the role. This isn’t always possible but our team members may have an idea of the part you will be playing in the film or photo shoot. Are you a member of a family, someone at work or a passerby, for example? Will you be posing for still photographs or acting in a film – how big will your part be? And, if you are being filmed, will you have anything to say?

• Once you know more about your role, then do your research. Spend time browsing the internet, finding images and watching video clips of people doing what you will be doing. Even if you will be doing something as simple as walking down a street pretending to be a shopper, keep your eye out for people playing the same part on television.

• Get out and about too. Watch real people doing the things you will be doing. Look carefully at the expressions on their faces as well as the way they move. Perhaps you are going to be a builder on a construction site or an assistant in a supermarket. How do they concentrate on what they are doing? What are their facial expressions?

• Do you know anyone who in real life does what you are going to do? Or have they done so in the past? If you are going to play the part of a groom in a wedding ceremony but have never been married, then ask a friend how they felt when they tied the knot. Are you going to model as a mother with three children in the park but don’t have youngsters yourself, again, talk to someone who does.

• Take time out to practise in front of the mirror. Practice facial and body poses if you are taking part in a still photography shoot or move about, act and speak if you are to be in a film. Pretend you are that person and emulate the expressions and mannerisms of the people you have seen on screen or about you.

• Finally, ask a family member or friend to take some pictures of you or to film you while you are in character – or use a tripod and do it yourself. Then spend time looking at the photos or final video and think about how you could improve or enhance the character you are playing.

Remember, however, not to get too anxious about your role as there will be plenty of people there on the day to help and support you.

Other models will be playing their parts, which will help you to play yours.

The director, photographer or lead crew member will give you lots of instruction and you may have a costume or make-up that will also help you to get into character.

Contact your agent at Models Direct too if you are worried as they are there to help you.

Read the reviews from our other models – hearing how much they enjoyed their experience of taking on another character, will help you to ease into your more.

And most of all, remember to have fun!

This is what Maria told us after an assignment through Models Direct:

“When I was shortlisted to take part in this assignment to be an extra on Doritos Christmas commercial, I was really excited as I didn’t know what to expect.

“When I arrived on set I was quite nervous to find out what my role was. My role was to take a selfie at a Christmas party.

“Once I got into character I really enjoyed it and started having fun with it.

“It was a great atmosphere and the best part for me was the final part of the party where everyone was dancing and rocking to the live band performing.

“I would definitely recommend signing up to Models Direct even if it’s just for the experience of being part of a great production.”

It’s even better to be wanted for being you without any gimmicks or bravado. Thousands of Models Direct models feel the same way, and fortunately they are wanted daily for being themselves in front of a camera.

Our everyday models sometimes must pretend to be someone else; they may have to adopt poses and recreate scenes and characters. Ultimately, though, they are chosen by our clients because of their natural looks, and their talent.

Everyday models are confident individuals with looks that are aimed at the general population. Forget the high-end fashion magazines and giddy visions of catwalks; the brands that approach us for models do so because they know we have the range of everyday looks that will help advertising assignments hit the mark.

Our clients reflect the demand for everyday commercial models.

They, too, are varied, with aspirations of developing high quality visual or filmed content for their marketing needs. Our clients include trusted financial companies and high street retail brands, notable charities and leisure companies all searching for the finest models with the desire to go that extra yard in helping them make show-stopping material. What’s more – you can easily be involved as an everyday model.

At the time of writing, the UK’s economy is a little healthier than it was a few months ago. Good news for everyone, although the commercial modelling industry is largely unaffected by such ups-and-downs. Brands constantly look to introduce new products and to improve current ones, so the demand for photographers, marketing experts and models is always high. It’s one of the reasons why we flourished during Covid times, and why we could place a huge amount of modelling talent with our clients.

Now, with the economy once again on-the-up, it’s never been a better time for prospective models to give themselves the very best chance of being recommended to clients – and that starts with joining a reputable modelling employment agency with the resources and expertise to cope with the increasing demand.

It’s not just a passing comment that we need everyday models. We know this because of the number of jobs that our clients come to us to fill. Our team is inundated with jobs from companies that require models well in advance of the assignment, or sometimes at the last minute. Either way, the demand remains high, and models need to give themselves the best chance of being seen by clients.

Everyday models don’t have to have “everyday” looks. Quirky features that stand out can elevate a photo shoot, and models of diversity remain highly sought-after. Everyday models are the epitome of commercial modelling, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

When you apply with us, you’ll be wanted by our clients. This is a fact, although we always say it’s never a guarantee to be picked by clients. It’s their decision, but thankfully we’re experts at knowing which types of models our clients are looking for.  That model could be you!

So, before you decide whether or not to try modelling yourself, it may be worth considering what you are interested in.

Models Direct has been in the business for 30 years now and mostly specialises in offering its female, male, child and pet models part-time work.

Those who accept assignments through us for our wide range of well-known clients could be helping to promote products and services in almost any area, from fashion and beauty to sports, homeware, banking, insurance and holidays.

We offer work to models of all ages, levels of experience, backgrounds, heritages and abilities.

We require plus-size, curvy, tall and petite models for assignments, as well as couples and families.

Our models accept a variety of assignments for different types of model.

Here are a few examples :

Fashion models

Fashion models are men, women and children are asked to model items of clothing and footwear. This might be at a live event, such as on a catwalk or at a fashion show or for a photo or film shoot.

Lifestyle models

Lifestyle models are also sometimes known as “everyday models.” Our clients need real people to represent genuine members of the public in their advertising and promotions. Models Direct therefore requires a broad selection of different individuals to undertake lifestyle modelling.

Commercial models

Like lifestyle models, commercial models may be employed to promote everything from high street and supermarket products to healthcare, travel and entertainment. They are often photographed or filmed enjoying the product or service in question – or they are simply pictured as content individuals leading the type of life the rest of us aspire to .

Promotional models

Promotional modelling is a live form of advertising and brand awareness. Our promotional models attend a specific event or location to help draw attention to a specific product or service. They might have to chat to members of the public, hand out leaflets and perhaps dress in a particular colour or branded outfit.

Fitting models

This is another form of live modelling – but without an audience! Fitting models are used by a clothing designer or manufacturer to check the sizes, shape and style of a garment. Fitting models have to try the item on and stand still while it is assessed and adjusted.

Fitness and sports models

Fitness modelling is where clients request a particularly sporty or fit-looking model who looks as though they may well indulge in the specific sport or form of exercise being promoted. These models may be modelling sportswear or equipment.

Bridal models

As we all know, weddings are big business these days and so Models Direct is frequently asked for models to pose as happy couples. Bridal models can be used to promote any products or services that might be associated with a wedding – and the photo or film shoot may well also involve other models who step into the role of other members of the wedding party.

Parts models

Parts models are male and female models who are employed for specific parts of their body – perhaps their hair, hands, feet or nails. They might have especially striking, attractive or unusual parts of the body that may be suitable for close-up photography. They may be employed to advertise footwear, jewellery or hair products, for example. Many parts models also undertake other kinds of modelling too.

If you are interested in a particular area of modelling, then fill in our form, send us a photo and tell us what you are keen to focus on.

How you direct your images is in your hands – literally. As a modelling agency, our job is to support you by sending out reminders to continue compiling up-to-date images whilst posting blogs with seasonal suggestions to keep snaps current. (Check some of these out here).

If you’re a ring light fan, great stuff. Kids, mums, dads, aunties, uncles…you know who you are! However, we know some of our diverse models might not be so keen on the artificial stuff that leaves that circular catch light (we mean the halo-shaped reflection you see in people’s iris’).

It’s a bit like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. Orrrrr you’ve never noticed it in the first place! Whichever side of the fence you’re on with this, one thing for sure is, ring lights can gloss you up – something most models will want.

How do they help?

Ring lights are a great option for perfectly lit, intense and stunning portraits with just one simple light. They’ve become a major attraction in the content creation world, online meetings and no doubt, the modelling arena which is why we’re recommending them.

They’re a decent choice to invest in and best of all, they’re not expensive. You can easily pick up an inexpensive ring light along with a handy tripod and phone mount making it a convenient lighting solution to snap lit-up selfies. This is the goal for perfect portraits – easy to set up, portable, lightweight and easy to pack down.

Seriously. They. Are. Stellar.

But like with everything in life, what you put in is what you’ll get out. We mean, don’t just shoot through it. Experiment! The best results derive from being tried and tested, and it’s very much the same concept with a ring light.

Don’t be afraid to:

Adjust the distance it is facing from you

Use the light intensity settings, should it have any

Move it into the natural light whether this is in front of a window or outdoors to blend and balance natural vs artificial.

Overall, using a ring light for your photos is a great idea. You don’t need to be a lighting expert as it’s a great way to kick off your content with minimal fuss. That’s what most of us are after in our time-driven world, right? Something simple, quick, but effective. If you haven’t got one yet, our team recommends …two! Both can be purchased from Amazon, and we’ll give you a quick lowdown on each.

First recommended ring light:

KNAMKY USB LED Desk Lamp (Colour options: black/pink/silver)

Low budget option (£12 .99 – £15.99)

Powerful desk clip

Built-in 3 kinds of colour temperature: warm light (3000K), warm white light (4500K) and white light (6500K)

Dimmable

10 brightness levels

Flexible and portable

USB power supply

4.5 star reviews

Alternative option:

PEYOU 12″ Selfie Ring Light, 60″ Floor Tripod and Mini Tripod

Budget – currently on sale at £37.99 (original RRP: £45.99)

Tripod has 5 height levels

Phone holder and tablet clip

3 colours (white/yellow/warm yellow)

10 brightness levels

Portable

Bluetooth remote control

4.2 star reviews

We hope this helps! Enjoy. Have fun experimenting. You might wonder why you never got one sooner!

We’re looking forward to seeing your ePortfolio light up! 

For some jobs models might be paid £100 while for others it could be into the thousands.

What we can tell you, however, is that if you carry out work through Models Direct we will always ensure you receive a fair fee.

So, how are modelling fees worked out?

Modelling fees vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These include:

1 How experienced the model is.

2 The duration of the photoshoot.

3 The location of the shoot and how far the model has to travel.

4 The complexity of the shoot and the tasks the model will be expected to carry out.

5 The role the model has within the shoot and the amount of time they will be spending in front of the camera.

Any genuine, reputable company will discuss the fee in advance with the model.

They will make it clear whether any other expenses (travel, accommodation etc) will be covered.

The model will then be able to make his or her own decision on whether to accept the job.

At Models Direct, we not only ensure we negotiate a fair fee for all our models, but we also make sure they are paid promptly, within a few days of successfully completing the booking.

Regardless of what any other photographers or so-called agencies tell you, a genuine agency will always offer you a fee for taking part in a photoshoot.

If you are asked to work without payment – perhaps on the promise of something else, such as more prestigious jobs – be very wary.

Sadly, we also often hear about models who have been promised payment for taking part in a shoot, but then the cheque or bank transfer never materialises.

At Models Direct, we like to be upfront and clear about all financial matters.

We know our fees are fair and at industry standard, but if you feel the payment we are offering is not enough, then you have the absolute right to refuse the booking.

We do, however, have many, many happy models who are only too pleased to be paid a good fee for work they enjoy.

Find out more by reading some of our reviews here.

It’s a fair enough request. We’ve never shied away from informing our clients and models how we conduct our work. A level of transparency is beneficial to a sound working process, so we’re happy to tell others how we book models for all assignments.

We initially receive a brief from our clients, asking for the models we think will serve the client’s needs the best. These briefs usually come by email. We receive several of them daily, as our loyal client list is the most extensive in the UK. A client’s brief can be as simple as “Male model wanted for commercial shoot”, or as detailed as “Mature model aged 65 years – 75 years required for short video as part of a government advert in the EC2N area of London.” A lot of briefs give the specific dates the shoot will take place on. We gave London as an example, but it’s important to know that we operate anywhere in the UK, Ireland and in other countries farther afield – see the fabulous photo of our model Darin, who packed his passport and was whisked off to Spain for a sunny photo shoot.  

After reading briefs, it’s over to our team. We consist of experienced booking professionals who know exactly what our clients need for successful marketing assignments and commercial adverts.

Our team study registered models, gathering their looks, geographical locations and ages, all of which match the brief. We’ll then recommend them to the client in question, which includes giving them access to a model’s all-important portfolio.

The client will then spend time perusing our recommendations before telling us which model (s) they’d like us to contact with the good news. We’ll get in touch with models to offer them the assignment. At this stage, any model can accept or refuse the assignment. We understand that circumstances change, so the timing of the assignment might not be convenient for some models.

When models accept the job (and in most cases they do), we’ll tell our client and arrange all the necessary booking details at our office. This includes informing the model:

• The client’s name and chief contact on the day.
• The location of the assignment.
• Timings of the assignment.
• Any necessary details, e.g. specific clothing to take.
• Their fee (which is paid to all models within 5 working days upon completion of the job)
• Our booking agent’s details.
• That we keep in touch with models prior, during and after their booking.

Key points for all models to know are:

• If you haven’t been offered work sooner than you’d expect, don’t give up. Modelling is competitive, so keep your portfolios updated with current photos.
• We have a sixth sense in knowing what types of models our clients are looking for, but it’s always our client’s decision which models are picked.
• If you refuse an assignment once chosen, we won’t treat you any differently when looking for future bookings.
• We’re always available to speak to for advice, tips and help.

Both clients and models respect our booking process for being straightforward and effective.

It’s proven to be successful for decades. We look forward to booking you as one of our next models, whether it’s part of a film shoot in Devon or a photo session in Scotland. We cover all corners of the UK, giving models better opportunities to shine on assignment.  

So the old saying goes, but here at Models Direct we like to think that everyone is capable of going that one step further in the goal of self-improvement.

No doubt most models are content in one way or another in the way their careers are shaping up. Some of you might even have exceeded your expectations over the past few months…to which we say, “Good on you!”

However, it’s basic human nature to strive to be better. This progression could take several guises, and sometimes a personal improvement occurs when you least expect it. Whether it’s conquering a challenge or just making a slight alteration in your daily routine (wow – you really did manage to eat your “five-a-day”!), being the best version of you is realistically achievable. It’s just that some people only need a little push in the right direction, whilst others need a kick up the “you know what”.     

No one claims to know everything, and certainly no one is perfect. That said, being the best you can be is a success in its own right, and will have numerous beneficial knock-on effects: more self-esteem, more motivation, more happiness, a healthier mindset…the list is endless.

The decision to be the best you can be starts with someone that you’ll all know well – because that someone is YOU! We’ve talked a lot about what we can do for our models and our clients. Models should already know we’re in the best position to place models in front of renowned clients looking for the best talent in the industry. But it’s not as simple as this. Motivation, drive and steely resolve are essential traits models must possess to progress. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so whilst our booking team are always at the top of their game, it helps immensely for individuals to be confident and determined. That hunger – the desire to not be content with the bare minimums in life – can really only be achieved by an unwavering tenacity and a realistic outlook by you, and no one else.

Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you’ve done everything in your capacity to advance up the rungs of the accomplishment ladder. Don’t worry if you think you’ve been resting too much on your laurels; though we’ve said it’s natural to want to improve, it’s equally common to be happy with the occasional achievement and to leave it at that. But, wait! Could you be doing something more to fulfil your hopes and to tick more boxes? Most probably.

If you haven’t applied with us yet, and you think you’re at the stage where the version of you is primed, ready to go and hungry for success, have a look at the links below to get you in the mood (the reviews alone should really whet your appetite!)

If you’re already a model with us, then you’re probably on the right track in the quest of self-awareness and realisation. There’s no reason, however, to push yourself a little further, and we’re with you all the way!

Be yourself, but don’t be satisfied with second or third best. This sentiment is echoed for the younger generation, where many are starting out on their own paths of self-awareness. Behavioural changes are seen more in the transgression from teenager to adult. Mistakes will be made, success will be experienced, there’ll be highs and lows…in short, that’s the rollercoaster of life!

As long as you’re true to yourself and have the desire to learn new things and become better, you won’t go far wrong. Above all, yearn to improve in all aspects of life, and learn to enjoy the ride.     

When you embark on a new career journey, one of the top questions you would usually ask is how much you expect to earn. When we have a world where inflation has gone a bit mad, it’s not surprising that this is questioned. So, our MD team put our thinking caps on and want to demystify this question for you in this latest blog. We hope this helps, and if it doesn’t, you’re always welcome to contact our expert team to ask any burning questions that we might not have covered.

So, without further ado – let’s go!

Models – whoever you are – you will be guaranteed money after you’ve completed your booking. Any legitimate agency will ensure that this happens because, by law, it’s your right that you’re paid for your time and expertise. But how much, and does it differ if you’re a first-time model or if you’ve been in the biz for a respectable amount of time?

Newbie Vs Pro

Naturally, there’ll be a difference if you’re new to the scene in comparison to a model who has been called for a multitude of bookings. Someone high in demand will take home a bigger pay cheque, but that doesn’t mean that if you’re stepping into the profession for the first time, you’ll earn a small amount. Rest assured that a committed agency (ahem, like Models Direct) will be ready at the negotiating table to come to a fair price. We put ourselves in your shoes and if we’re not happy, then we know you won’t be either.

After the payment has been declared, we hand it over to you. You’ll only sign the contract if you’re happy with the price and with all the other logistics revolving around the modelling work. You could earn, drum roll now, please, anywhere from a hundred pounds to a few hundred or even in the thousands – we kid you not.

Payment depends on who the client is and the scale of the work. Will you be working with an individual, micro business, start-up or fully-fledged industry giant? The business size will also have a part to play with how much you’re set to earn.

Our payment system

When you’ve completed a job, you’ll receive a healthy pay cheque within a week. Why a pay cheque and not a bank transfer, you ask? Well, there are a few reasons why we still adopt this old-fashioned method of payment as opposed to the modern system. Here’s a quick roundup of why:

Our pay cheques come with a personalised “thank you” to show our models that we’re proud of their work and we appreciate their time and dedication to the job.

We believe that when our models receive a pay cheque, they feel the fruits of their labour.

Our team agrees that when it lands in their hands, they have the opportunity to show it to our audience on our socials or their own!

And that’s a wrap. We know this blog was short and snappy; we appreciate that everyone’s running behind time but if there’s anything we’ve missed, please reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to answer anything and everything related to our modelling world.