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.

Elle Harris Modelling Blog & Model with Models Direct.

How did I get into it?
Is probably the biggest question I’m always asked! And also the question I wanted to know before modelling myself!

Well…unfortunately you don’t often just ‘fall into it’, ‘get lucky’ or ‘get spotted’ very often nowadays. There was a time when models were spotted on beaches abroad but now if it’s something you want to work towards you’ve really got to put some graft in yourself – just like you would with anything else! Competition in the creative industry is bigger than ever before and with the use of social media, particularly huge followings on Instagram is where the most successful models are gaining their opportunities and clients. However, it’s still possible to build it and be successful without that and work you’re way to the top. 

First things first ….So how do I get started?

MY TOP 3

1. You’ll need images! Some might say, you’re hair needs to be done, you need to loose weight, you need to build confidence, you need to wait until your skin’s better. Nope. I wouldn’t listen to these people! None of those listed things will ever be ‘right’ and if you’re doubting confidence, try not to just go for it! The modelling world has this perception of judgement and perfection -yes, but from all the years modelling I have hardly come across any rude , judgmental or awkward situations, everyone has been lovely! Have faith in people – you need to have confidence to a specific level to model so try and believe in yourself or if not it may not be for you. 

Having images to start with will give you experience. This can be done by testing with photographers or maybe even friends! Allowing you to know how a camera works and build confidence even more. It is also a way of getting free images to build a portfolio, which is key to send to an agency to help you on your way. Get creative too with clothes, styling and do you’re own makeup! I will still test shoot to build my portfolio as it’s always good to be updated. Like any business with their website, your portfolio is your business website.

2. Understanding What you’re suited too!

It’s important to know exactly where you think you will fit in within the modelling industry. Google can help too! If you’re not sure you may need to ask yourself these few things too.  There’s something for everyone (see my modelling can be for anyone and everyone below).  So..

• Are you tall? 5ft 8 +: Catwalk high fashion
• Are you more curvy, everyday commercial?: ME. Covering beauty, real life, commercial advertising and curvy fashion
• Plus size /curvy?: plus size brands, everyday and real life
• In good shape, muscular, body building?: fitness modelling/sports 

These are just a few examples there are so many more modelling categories you may be suitable for. Whatever makes you unique, is a talent or defines you for YOU then put that forward. There is no point however being unrealistic, I am 5ft 6 so high fashion and catwalk is not for me!
You may be more than one of these things too!

3. An Agency? Why..? 

You’ll need an agency! Yes you can go at it self employed as well as being agency signed (non exclusive of course) you’re entitled to do so. So long as your very upfront and honest with you’re agents about the other work you do they will completely understand and respect that. 

But an agency will always find you those bigger jobs, high end clients and well established brands. If you think of it on a business perspective they want to know a model is suited for exactly what they need and will be able to ask the agent these questions, see a series of images and know that they are professional and well managed models to work with. 

Models direct 

Models Direct are an all round non exclusive agency with the most reputable manner, professionalism and clients for you. Ensuring you are safe, looked after and represented the best you can be! I have been with them for over 5 years now and will always recommend them as my No.1 agency for all round modelling work. Keep in the loop, keep interested, proactive and available for as many assignments as possible and you will be well on your way!

Click here to apply to Models Direct

Remember! Modelling can be for anyone and everyone

Anyone can model. Any look, shape and size. There are always people needed to advertise promote and represent every single brand there is out there in the world! It’s just whether it will suit and fit you or not.  It’s such a shame that social media has this pressured and false sense of perfection, perfect figure, beautiful makeup and perfect clothes for imagery. Yes its a HUGE part of the modelling world but it’s certainly not the only aspect. Talking from experience myself some of the best, well paid, fun and down to earth modelling jobs I have done have been for corporate businesses, the NHS and real looks for commercial brands. Not all skinny and glam at all!

Please check out my website- elleharris.co.uk to see the brands and clients I have worked with as well as a little more about myself. You can also find me on instagram @Elleharris8 for more updates, blogs and info pop me a DM I’m happy to help! 

Best of luck & just go for it!

Elle

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There’s no better way to experience the sights of London than by bike, models Sarina and Banaris were selected for a photo-shoot cycling around London for Transport of London. They visited London Bridge, Elephant & Castle and Walworth while being photographed, the posters will be displayed on the London Underground to promote the benefits of cycling in the capital.

Here’s how they got on on their recent assignment from Models Direct for Transport of London:

“I received a photoshoot opportunity in London yesterday which involved cycling around London. I was really pleased with the outcome, had great fun and met some amazing people. The complete process was smooth and I’m glad my representative/assistant Molly talked me through the requirements and provided continuous reassurance. Thank you Molly and Models Direct I appreciate it!” – Sarina

“Yesterday I had a photoshoot cycling around London that was one of the best photoshoots of my life, I really enjoyed and had fun with colleague models and photographer. I’m very thankful to Models Direct and TFL for choosing me and giving me this photoshoot opportunity. Especially Molly a big thanks“. – Banaris

London Fashion Week receives huge amounts of media coverage, so if fashion and beauty are your thing no doubt you will have been following the latest looks, trends and updates on social media direct from the catwalk.

Commercial Model Criteria

The criteria to be a commercial model is very different to that of a fashion model, Models Direct represents commercial models and talent and hopefully this blog will explain a few of the differences.

Commercial models are ‘real people’ who have a good look and often experienced in acting, singing, dancing or another talent, they are used to performing to an audience or portraying a different character. The criteria for commercial models is very varied, clients often require a wide diversity in model looks, size, ethnicity, age and location depending on the product or service they are promoting.

Commercial models are used in promoting everyday products, they are appealing to the majority, so the models sourced need to be relatable to the consumer.

How much do Commercial Models earn??

Earnings can vary depending on many factors, models experience, length of assignment and client budget. A good agent will negotiate the best rate for you – commercial models can expect to earn anything from £150 to £1000’s!

Here are some of the Models Direct models with their very own success stories!

“Hello from the Burton family. We’ve just been to Slough to do a photoshoot for the NSPCC for the ‘Messathone’. As you can see, we’re all pretty tired, pretty dirty, ready for bed now but had an absolutely brilliant day. Thank you to Models Direct for putting us forward for the job, it’s been absolutely brilliant. Kids have loved it and we’re looking forward to doing another assignment soon. Thank you. Bye.”

Model Fee: £600

“So Dutchess and I just want to say thank you to Models Direct. We finished our assignment today. It all went really, really well. We had a great day and she got to be in lots of different shots. I really enjoyed the experience and it was really cool being on set and I’m hoping all the pictures turn out really well. So thanks again.”

Model Fee: £292

“Hi, I’m Claire and yesterday, thanks to Models Direct, I got the opportunity to work as an extra for an advert and it was a really great experience. We basically spent the whole evening watch these incredible musicians play their music for us and we just had to have a really good time and show we were really enjoying ourselves. It was great fun and I got to know loads of really nice people as well.”

The Friend Family

£6,000 in modelling fees

“Working as a modelling family is a mixture of excitement and apprehension. As any mum knows if your going anywhere with your children you want them to be on their best behaviour.

This is no different on a photo shoot, so when your asking 3 of your children to stand up straight, smile, look happy continuously while taking direction from the photograph as well it can be challenging.

Luckily, we work with Models Direct and have always been so well looked after, from lunches being put on for the children, to overnight accommodation, to letting the children have 15 minutes time out so they can chill, go on there iPad etc.

“We have now had 7 assignments, over £6,000 in modelling fees and I can’t believe how lucky we are my son says its all down to his fantastic good looks.”

“When I first signed up to Models Direct I was a little sceptical hearing stories of people paying thousands of pounds for pictures to be done because the agency they had chosen had asked them to do so then signing a 3-year deal and not getting a single job. When I spoke to Molly for the first time from the Models Direct agency she immediately put my mind at ease, she said she only needed photos that we had taken are self’s nice natural photos work the best, so the client can get a real feel for who you are and how you look in front of a camera. I told my children if we were lucky enough to get 1 job we would be extremely lucky. Here we are several years later and now on our 8th job. We have managed to do so much with are extra money that has come in from our job, just little things like being able to spoil the kids a little, to a weekend away for the family to now having our garden landscaped and having a hot tub fitted.

My husband and I are so proud of our children and though its hard days working, keeping up with the photographer and the clients needs . We now would never look back and look forward to the next 7 assignments.”

Model fee: £1,000

“A tremendously exciting opportunity presented itself quite unexpectedly, and whilst it has remained shrouded in mystery and secrecy, I must admit my curiosity got the better of me and I was delighted to have been able to just go with it, in the hope that all would eventually be made clear!

Told only that if successful the shoot would take place in Finland and and that the client a major film industry producer were willing to pay my full travel expenses and fee, I had to find out what it was all about.

I had tremendous support from the agency during the 72 hours away from home, they took care of every detail as promised and this filled me with confidence the whole time I was away and I couldn’t have asked for more thank you TM you know who you are!

My day on set was not disappointing either, it was thoroughly fascinating and I met some really brilliant people on the shoot.

My intellectual input on my characters actions seemed just as much welcome as his physical ones for which I was selected for this particular assignment, and this made me feel like I too were part of the team, and between us we would crack it and deliver the goods for camera ! I’ve no doubt the people involved are some of the best in they’re industries as they were highly professional and driven oozing evident talent and experience.

A real pleasure and I’m honoured to have been allowed this wonderful opportunity!”

Model Fee: £200

“The assignment today was good fun. It was a shoot for the NHS Professionals so I was given a nurses uniform and then had to do various poses such as taking someone’s blood pressure, taking blood etc. The most enjoyable part was meeting all the different people e.g. the make up artist, photographer and other models. I would definitely recommend this experience to others as it is just something different to what you would normally do (I’m an accountant!). I found Models Direct to be really good and informative with regards to my most recent assignment.”

Models Direct is proud of their inclusive policy when it comes to modelling, they don’t just have bonny babies, attractive male models and beautiful female models on the books, Models Direct also welcomes pre-teen models, tall models, petite models, disabled models and plus size models.

“I hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future!” – Alex

Models Direct have been involved with many campaigns and shoots featuring disable models and we hope we can be involved in many more – here’s what our #malemodel Alex had to say after recently working with Heathrow Airport:

“Hi, I have just had a fabulous experience on my first assignment with Models Direct, courtesy of Molly at Models Direct and working with Ingenious on behalf of Heathrow Airport.
Natalie met me on arrival, such a lovely lady, offering refreshments and kept me posted on the time frame and set up status of equipment etc. We started promptly at noon, Steve and Magnus, the team responsible for the shots, were great, made me feel relaxed and confident. We had an initial chat then onto some shots before an informal interview whilst being pictured.
The whole experience was simple from start to finish, everywhere was of course accessible, parking was easy, directions and contact info all provided, just very very easy. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, and hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future. Many thanks to everyone involved in the selection process, it’s been a privilege  – Thank you!”

Joshua   joined Models Direct at the beginning of this year and has worked hard to make sure his portfolio  is fully up to date, including a variety of good, clear pictures showing his look and how versatile he is!

Joshua recently was selected for his first assignment, which he accepted  happily and showed great excitement, determination and  energy to take on his first assignment and make it a huge success!

As a semi professional pianist, Joshua has an amazing confidence and presence, he is very used to performing to an audience and can transfer these skills to modelling assignment environment.

Huge Congratulations Joshua and the Models Direct team wish you all the success for your modelling career!!

Recently  Marie from the Assignments team  coordinated a large assignment for Natalie and her family, it was for an international computer and software company, a very exciting assignment to have been selected for!

The assignment took a lot of organising, it’s essential the Assignment Coordinators are organised and give clear briefs to our talent so they know exactly what they are doing and what to expect,  so it’s fab to get feedback like the one from Natalie below:

“My whole family did a shoot for a global tech company and everything was so perfectly organised. The staff at Models Direct were so helpful, especially Marie and everyone on set was lovely. We had our children with us and we were all looked after so well. It was a great experience which we thoroughly enjoyed. Would definitely recommend Models Direct! Thanks again for the opportunity!” – Natalie

If you have an assignment coming up soon make sure you give us your feedback, it helps us grow and change so we can  strive to continually improve our service to our talent and clients and also we LOVE to hear how you get on when doing your dream job!!

Melissa and her family spent the day in London working with a professional production team  starring in a commercial campaign celebrating Chinese New Year.

It was particularly exciting as this was Melissa’s first assignment with Models Direct, huge well done to Melissa!

Marie at Models Direct was coordinating the booking and so worked closely with the client and Melissa’s mum to ensure everyone was up to date, had all the relevant details and was happy.

Melissa’s Mum’s Feedback:

“Melissa had a fantastic day in London, shooting for 2018 Chinese New Year and China town! Everything was very organised and well planned! Thanks Marie from @modelsdirect”

The commercial will be shown on Chinese New Year on the screens in Trafalgar Square and also used on Chinatown’s social channels.

Melissa spent the day in London with her family for this assignment and along with her payment all her travel expense were also covered – what a great day!!

Getting the opportunity to star in a golf gaming commercial  is a pretty exciting assignment to be booked for!

Earlier this year  Models Direct booked nine of their models  to be part of the filming of the new online commercial for ‘Golf Clash’ –    Cris, Ed, Emily, Jess, Kudzai, Lana, Marco, Tamia & Theo were successfully selected by the production team and  super excited about this opportunity!

Filming would be taking place in London and for some of the models  it was a first, for others were more experienced with this type of work.

The filming was a great success and  Models Direct are now delighted to be able to share the final commercial with you!

https://www.facebook.com/GolfClashPlaydemic/videos/840024442839181/

Marco’s feedback from the day:

“Really good assignment with models direct shooting in Hackney, it was great to work with the team again. The clients were very good and easy to work with, also working and meeting the other models and actors on set was really nice. Thank you guys @modelsdirect can’t wait till the next assignment.”

A great #bts pic of the crew from the filming day –  Models Direct  would like to say a huge congratulations to all who were involved.

For some of our models this was a first, but for the rest they had done  filming work before!  Models Direct always love to receive feedback so we  can hear how the assignment went and what you got up to – thanks so much to you all!

“Really enjoyed the commercial shoot I took part in. Molly was very prompt at answering my queries and everything was well organised. Definitely recommend Models Direct!” – Kristy

“Thank you so much for the opportunity! It was a good experience and very fun.” – Tamia   

“I had a really good time at another assignment by Models Direct. It was my first filming job and i really enjoyed it. The production company and the filming crew were very friendly and helpful and i really enjoyed the day!” – Theo

“Yesterday I had taken part in my first ever experience in a short filming project, with   Models Direct     which I found really interesting and different. I loved the good/chilled out vibes that I had received from everyone. I felt comfortable. I was patient as everything was slightly running behind schedule, but I really appreciated the food that was provided for me there.
Many Thanks” – Jess

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