If you are one of those lucky people to be expecting the pitter-patter of tiny feet later this year then why not also consider looking into the possibility of baby modelling?

With the arrival of spring, comes a plethora of newborn, baby and toddler modelling opportunities.

It is the time of year we all start to think of new beginnings, new life and new possibilities.

It is when we typically see promotions, campaigns and commercials for baby products popping up on social media, websites, television channels and advertising boards.

Baby modelling is simply huge within our industry, as clients big and small approach us day-in, day-out for beautiful new cuties to suggest to them for their projects.

As we all know, babies don’t stay babies for very long and, although many of our bundles of joy go on to become toddler and child models, we are always looking for new littlies to join our books.

Assignments can be as varied as promotions for mother and baby products to anything ranging from holidays to home insurance, where family groups might be required.

Bookings might include photo shoots or film sessions, for advertising campaigns, packaging and promotional videos.

Our clients include the likes of Pampers, Mamas and Papas, Next and Kit for Kids, as well as the BBC and Channel 4.

With the new year, a whole new raft of baby modelling projects are already coming over to us.

And we would love to see photos of your cheeky chaps and gorgeous girls to see if they might be suitable.

So, if you already have a bouncing bundle of joy – or are expecting one in the coming months – read what other mums and dads have said about us.

And then get in touch to find out more.

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!

Why joy? Because lockdown has, for many, been a chance for youngsters to learn more and acquire new skills. It could be talking more, reading more books, or simply interacting more with parents or adults in the same “bubble”.

Why tears? Let’s face it – lockdown was a new experience that lost its appeal (if there was any…) after the first month. Periods of lockdowns were mind numbing to many, and children possibly suffered more than most. Take away school and social interaction, and it added up to a miserable time for the little ones.

And challenges? Just coping with lockdown was a trial. Adapting to new schedules is something a lot of people are not good at! And for children, lockdown was seen by many as a time of confusion and anxiety.

All that can be said is that if you – and your children – came out of lockdown with your mental health intact, that’s a minor accomplishment in its own right. So well done!

Hopefully there will never be another lockdown; this is just as much of a relief to parents as it’ll be to children. Summer holidays in 2021 can be seen as a post-pandemic liberation – a time where we still have to remain diligent, but without the same degree of emergency as the dreadful year earlier. Children have the chance to explore new activities, creating fond memories as any decent summer holiday should. And long may it continue! Children need to be constantly learning, enjoying life, cementing friendships and making new ones.

It’s this ideology that makes child modelling a win-win situation for both child and parent. We place a huge emphasis on safety, and this is seen more in child modelling than any other category. It’s true that a lot of our clients are looking for personable, outgoing children for a wide range of modelling jobs, and it’s equally true that their safety is paramount. After we’ve verified our client’s reputation and location, we actively encourage adult models to bring along a friend to their assignments. When it comes to children, parental or guardian accompaniment is essential; parents should expect nothing else.     

We’ve placed literally hundreds of children in exciting modelling jobs throughout the UK. We’re proud of the feedback and enjoy hearing the success stories from the parents.

Take young Callice, Henry, Holly and Georgina, who were thrilled to be working on a campaign for children’s meals with Jet2.com. They were able to express their talent for a notable airline whilst working with professional photographers in a safe environment. The fees, of course, only added to their enjoyment!

Clients don’t get much bigger than Sky, who were pleased to have Freya and Sophia on board for their Christmas advertising campaign. The two young models spoke to Father Christmas, and couldn’t stop talking about their unique experience all the way home!

We’ve placed children with McDonalds, large shopping centres and some brands stocking the latest in children’s fashions. Children are indeed the future, and our clients are only too aware.

Why not apply with us and your child could soon be a star in the making? Now, that would be something for them to talk about with their friends after the summer holidays…

It’s nice to be in the know and see what’s set to dominate online and offline in the fashion world and this time Models Direct will be looking into children’s trends. Children aged under 16 make up a large amount of the population – 12.7 million* in 2019 in fact – so it’s likely you’re a parent, guardian or someone who knows a child.

So, as the weather is beginning to warm up, let’s get the children summer ready with summer brights and British summer trends for 2021.

Tie-dye

This popular print has made a comeback with teens and adults this year so it’s no surprise we’ve been seeing it filtering through children’s fashion too. Versatile, summery and not to forget colourful of course, tie-dye has shown that isn’t going anywhere this summer. Tops, t-shirts, shorts, dresses, you name it, tie-dye isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

Tropical prints

Aside from the typical floral and summer fruit prints we see during the warm season, tropical prints are also the latest we’ve seen in children’s fashion. Vibrant and bold, tropical prints make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a hot beach in the Bahamas! What’s not to love about this tropical statement?

Colour block patterns

If you’ve not come across colour blocking before, you will this year. This abstract look is popping up in plenty of children’s apparel. Colour blocking is where two, three or four totally different colours together make a bold statement. Abstract and playful this pattern is contemporary and eye-catching.

Camouflage prints

This neutral print sums up children’s innate characteristics – active and adventurous! A classic print that is making summer more fun and reminding us of the great outdoors. We’re seeing this trend pop up in sibling outfits which makes it a great matching print for children who love to move about!

Evolving looks

Each season brings its delightful array of great looks and with a splash of contemporary pizzazz and uniqueness. Some trends are a blast from the past with a modern twist, making some of us smile who remember the looks when we were younger ourselves.

Child modelling

If you have a child or are related to or know one, you might be thinking that they would make a great child model – and they most certainly would! Our modelling agency, Models Direct, has established a strong presence in the modelling industry. We say what we mean and are all about helping our models connect with our prestigious clients.

Even though we cannot guarantee work and never mislead our models into thinking they’ll be selected for every assignment that comes to our table, we certainly try our best to push our models forward whenever their look is requested. Ultimately the decision lies in the hands of our clients. But what we do guarantee is that we will negotiate the best modelling fee and deliver the best and safest experience. 

After the assignment has been completed, within 5 working days our models receive their payment, and in the case of our child models, naturally, their parents or guardian will be the recipient. Our process is straightforward and each of our talented models is assigned to one of our dedicated team members who will take care of their modelling journey at every touchpoint. They’ll only be a phone call or email away bringing our models closer to what is happening within the world of modelling and how their profile is being handled. And there you have it! Apply to Models Direct today to kick-start your little ones modelling journey!

*Population estimates for the UK, England and Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland: mid-2019. Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/bulletins/annualmidyearpopulationestimates/mid2019estimates

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

We have been through one tough year and are starting another one on the same note. With restrictions in place, you might have lost some confidence and motivation – in everything that is happening around you or within you. This is normal given the unusual circumstances and the anxiety and pressure everyone may be experiencing now that we have entered 2021.

Models Direct understand that with some deep reflection, it might be that you are looking for new found inspiration and drive to push yourself and take on a new pathway or challenge in your life. Improving your skill set might be what you are looking for so adding a new venture like modelling to your CV could be the perfect addition.

If you have thought about taking up modelling but have been stalling it due to the unpredictability we all faced during 2020, our modelling agency – Models Direct – is here to encourage all potential newcomers to cast their worries aside with our modelling advice.

We continue to have a positive outlook and aim to look onwards and upwards despite the peaks and troughs of 2020. Our modelling expert team works together with confidence, motivation and care for each other and our talented models. For some modelling confidence and success, we’ve compiled a short list of what you can do to improve your self confidence. 

1. Persevere and don’t give up

If you want to try out modelling, don’t hold yourself back. Don’t be hard on yourself either if you find yourself feeling anxious or wobbly.

Say positive things to yourself. You are a person with abundant skills and abilities. Don’t doubt who you are and what you stand for.

2. Positive affirmations – keep ‘em coming!”

An excellent and easy way of reinforcing self belief is through positive affirmations. Check online for some great examples to repeat to yourself everyday. 

In the meantime here are some of our favourites:

“Self confidence is a super power. Once you start to believe in yourself magic starts happening.”

“Do not give your past the power to define the future.”

3. Don’t be afraid to research and ask questions

No one will ever push through the barriers of understanding new ventures without asking questions. So go ahead and ask us!

This will help you gain confidence as you’ll be better prepared in the industry and will know what’s to be expected from you as a model.

4. Focus on your successes

Remember the times you experienced success – in exams, projects, presentations, interviews and so on. Keep remembering those times! Don’t allow yourself to forget successful moments. Use your memories to boost your confidence in your ability to continue succeeding. Forget “failures” or things you deem as negative, just be you and be positive. 

Models Direct have our fingers crossed that by the end of this month there will be some light at the end of the tunnel. Once things begin to slowly open up, we’ll have a colossal amount of requests flooding in for models across all categories – newborns, babies, toddlers, children, teens, adults, seniors, plus-size, petite, big & tall, body parts, bridal, sportswear and so much more. 

Even though we predict that the future will be bright, we have been scouting for models wherever we have been able to do so following government guidelines. 

Like modelling, any career in the entertainment industry is steered by confidence, self belief, persistence and determination. So, if you have these attributes (or some of them) get in touch with our fantastic team for sound modelling advice. 

Models Direct has clients of all types who require a steady stream of junior models – youngsters of all ages, backgrounds and looks to take part in a wide range of jobs.

Your smiling Sam might be ideal for a clothing catalogue shoot, for example, or your happy Harriet might be the perfect person for a holiday advertisement.

Becoming a child model can not only generate an income but it can also represent the first gentle steps towards an exciting career.

Here are some of the other reasons why your little one might like to become a child model:

1. To increase confidence

There is no doubt that those children who become models benefit from increased levels of confidence. Taking part in a shoot, learning to be natural in front of a camera and understanding how and when to respond to instructions will stand them in good stead in other areas of life. Whether they decide to stay in modelling or go on to develop another sensational career, having been a child model will give them poise and self-assurance.

2. To showcase talent

If your youngster enjoys singing, dancing, drama or sport then he or she is likely to do especially well as a junior model. Not only do our clients like it when children are involved in these pastimes, but the modelling will also bring benefits to their performance in these various fields. Many of the skills they learn as a model will be transferrable and the broadening their experience will help them to develop as individuals.

3. To join another family member

Perhaps, mum, dad or a brother or sister is already in the modelling business? If so, why not see if the youngest member of the family wants to have a go too? During these unusual times of pandemic, clients are often looking for models who are part of the same social bubble. It makes organising the assignment easier while also providing very natural family groups.

4. It’s simple to apply

In many ways, there is no reason not to sign up and see where it takes you and your little one. Our application process is very easy; you could then wait to see if you are offered any assignments, whether they suit you and your child; then how you get on while you are there. If you find out it is not for you, then at the very least you have earned some money and tried something different. If everyone enjoys it, however, it could be the start of something new….

5. It’s fun

It really is! Our child models and their parents really enjoy the whole experience. But, don’t take our word for it! Read what some of them have to say and then decide for yourself:

David:

“David was asked to do a photo shoot and video for Wilton Bradley at Bovey Castle. What can I say, it was an awesome day: the place was stunning and the atmosphere was relaxed, with lots of hot chocolate! David had so much fun even though it was raining and cold. The crew were fabulous, patient and very, very professional. Models Direct were also fab and we can’t wait for our next booking!”

“What a brilliant day. The weather gods were on our side for yesterday’s video and photo shoot at Mansell Raceway. Wilton Bradley’s team were superb, taking their time ensuring they got what they needed, and David was only too happy to oblige. The equipment David had to show was varied, and he was raving about the motorbike he got to ride! Models Direct have done a great job again on keeping us informed and being very supportive. Again, a great day was had by all!”

Alyssa:

“Models Direct have always been supportive and considerate of our requirements and availability; always prompt with information and informing us of any updated details. I would definitely recommend them. I took Alyssa to her second shoot (the first time for me) and it was quite daunting for her at first but the staff for Wilton Bradley were patient and considerate with Alyssa and made her feel at ease. Thank you everyone.”

Models Direct’s junior models have worked on so many exciting asdsignments with well known brands over the years, click here to read how they got on and what it’s like as a child model!

Models Direct work closely on a plethora of modelling categories and we’re always on the lookout for real people to represent our clients’ brands, this is especially the case with maternity modelling, the demand for ‘real’ pregnant models is forever growing!

Having children is an amazing and unique journey that every parent will tell you is an enchanting roller coaster ride full of ups and downs. However, taking on the role of parenthood has to be one of the best things that can ever happen to a person.

At Models Direct, we appreciate the beauty (and birth) of life. We never ignore requests from our extensive range of clients for maternity modelling. We really enjoy matching real life mums-to-be, both newcomers and existing, for marketing and advertising campaigns targeted at pregnancy, motherhood and fatherhood – we didn’t forget you dads to be!

We’ll pass on the fake bumps though – we promote real pregnancies. If you’ve been modelling for some time and are now an expectant female model, don’t think that your work will grind to a halt. On the contrary, modelling assignments continue throughout all stages of pregnancy and beyond.

Prenatal modelling work can entail showcasing products and services such as a healthy lifestyle, fashion in pregnancy, skincare and hair products and supplements.

Post birth modelling work can include jobs that showcase you and your gorgeous newborn. Plenty of work that gets tasked to our models are of parents and babies for fashion purposes, commercial modelling, and even promotional work.

Maternity model Natalie from her shoot with Fitta Mamma

Our female models have worked with some top brands including Aptimal, Fitta Mamma and British Lion Eggs.

Our lovely model, Marta, shared her feedback about how her egg-tastic assignment went. Read it here:

“That was an absolutely lovely day shooting for British lion eggs latest campaign, I enjoyed it a lot, it was a lot of fun and the people I met were very nice and helpful. Atmosphere was great, overall a great experience! I hope I get a chance to do this again in the future! I will recommend Models Direct to all my friends!” – Marta

Maternity modelling is there for the duration of the pregnancy which is why there is a high influx of models that come through our doors for this category. If you’re a newbie to the world of modelling and are pregnant, get in touch with our team of modelling enthusiasts and experts. We know all the insider knowledge when it comes to our favourite topic – modelling of course. We know the ins and outs of the business as we’ve been a part of the industry for 30 years now.

We’d love to hear from you and take your modelling career to the next stage. Congratulating you on your pregnancy and soon the birth of your baby from all of us at Models Direct! (Or babies if you’re expecting more than one bundle of joy)

Follow us on our Instagram and social media pages to keep up-to-date with all the latest work through our agency. 

Halloween is almost here, and it is time to start thinking about how to scare the living daylights out of your friends and family….

From tiny tots to those approaching their teens, youngsters of all ages – including child models – will be planning what to wear on the most terrifying night of the year.

Getting ready for Halloween need not necessarily mean spending a fortune on dressing up clothes, however….here are three of our spooky suggestions for you to try at home

1. Make some bat wings

Fancy going a bit batty this Halloween? Create a pair of bat wings that will look good enough to grace any junior model. The key ingredient here is an old umbrella, which hopefully you can dig out from behind the coats and boots, where it lies long forgotten. Cut it in half and away from the handle. Take the section you have removed and use safety pins to fix it by its cut edge on to each of the underarms of an old black hoodie. As Benny or Betty the bat raises and drops his or her arms, the wings should open and close. Top tip: use black gaffer tape to cover any nasty or sharp edges. Stitch ears on to the hood or the hoodie to complete the batty look!

2. Make a fake wound

Older children might like to try to make themselves a gruesome fake wound, using PVA glue, a tissue and red poster paint. Do remember to check with your parents or carer before getting the glue and paint out, however! Paint a thin layer of glue on to the back of your hand; rip your tissue into pieces and press one piece on to the glue. Add another layer of glue and then repeat the tissue layer. Do this a few times, wrinkling and moulding the tissue for effect, here and there as you go. Leave the glue and tissue to dry, then apply your red paint. Your hand should look grisly and gory enough for any Halloween fun!

3. Have tutu much fun

Tiny terrors might like to take part too and a colourful tutu can be used in a myriad of ways to keep them entertained on Halloween. Make one yourself from an old piece of fabric or netting and elastic or pick one up for a few pounds from the supermarket. Pop a green, blue or purple tutu over a pair of stripy tights if your little one would like to be a witch – or opt for a black tutu over black trousers to make them into a Halloween cat. A dot of make-up on the nose and some whiskers drawn on to their face will complete the look. Even cuter still, try pulling an orange tutu over a tiddly tot’s onesie, so they can join in the fun as a Halloween pumpkin!

Some of our child models had their own Halloween fun with face paints when they were booked through Models Direct for an assignment by Snazaroo.

These crazy colours can be used to transform your lovely little ones into anything from marvellous monsters to wonderful witches.

Our junior models had the time of their lives dressing up and will no doubt have picked up some magical Halloween make-up tips at the same time!

This is what they (or their grown-up!) had to say:

Ben, aged nine:

“Modelling for Snazaroo was a very exciting experience, I felt a bit scared at first but everything went well. The staff there made me feel welcome and they were very nice. I enjoyed dressing up and having face painting done, but the best bit was posing for the camera. I have gained lots of confidence from this job and also learnt how to relax and have some fun at the same time. If you like modelling then you should go ahead and try it. It is good to have an agent. I have been a member for three years but not had any assignments until now – my mum said she never updated my profile though, so that is probably why. My mum signed me and my little sister up as she said we were good posers – so thank you to her and thank you Talent Management for the experience.”

Christian, aged seven:

“Christian loved the assignment. It involved face painting and was fun. I will definitely recommend the experience to others. Christian loved modelling a lot and decided he wanted to join Talent Management himself to get the experience and money.”

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!