Enter everyday adult models – real, authentic people who are being included in marketing campaigns because brands are valuing something that’s beyond looks – it’s all about relatability. 
Take TikTok POV videos as an example of how reliability can play an important factor in marketing. These short clips are created with a point of view in mind and a potential audience who might be able to relate to it making it connectable and memorable. 

From a brand’s perspective, it certainly makes sense that adult models are used in marketing campaigns to help leverage it in a way that will get audiences’ attention. After all, adult models bring wisdom and lived experiences to the table in a way no other age group can. 

So, who can become a model over 18? Almost anyone interested, that’s who! You could be in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond and tap into a niche that makes you suitable for all those clients who want you to represent their customers. 

You don’t need to have a teeny tiny frame, strong jawline and high cheekbones. Adult modelling has taken off from there and you could easily just have a great smile, bubbly personality and be happy to try out different things. 

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

When it comes to working with our agency, here’s a roundup of what it’s like.
Our dedicated expert team encourages a thriving environment for models and brands alike where it’s all about positivity, confidence and achieving successful results. 

Our steps to becoming an model are simple:

Sign up with us
Fill in our online application and one of our modelling coordinators will be in touch.
Create a portfolio 
Our ePortfolio is an online 24/7 accessible hotspot where you can upload your images to for us and our clients.
Tell us your measurements
…or anything new about your looks. We want to know your height and weight so that clients who might be interested will be in touch with us if you fit the look they’re after. As for evolving looks (this could be an additional tattoo or hair transformation), just let us know! 

Keep yourself connected 

Stay connected with us, on our socials, over email and by telephone too! We love hearing about what our adult models are getting up to in their daily lives.  

Go for it! 

If a client calls for you, try out the new opportunity on the horizon whether it’s an editorial photoshoot or promotional work set on the streets of London. Grab the chance to try something out of the box no matter what your age is. 

As we draw this blog to a close, we wanted to share a few of our adult models’ testimonials so you can get a feel of what life is like as an MD model.

Our male model, Jerome, shared this with us and you!
“First shoot was a success!! Was booked for a video shoot and had a great time! Met loads of other models and actors from the agency with different levels of experience.
It was a day shoot and we had time to eat in the middle too which was good! All the staff and models were very friendly and I enjoyed speaking to everyone and hearing about the different kinds of jobs they’ve done in the past to get where they are now!
I had fun, learned a lot and got to work with amazing people so overall, the shoot was incredible considering it was my first one!!”

Isabelle, our female model said:
“Worked with interesting, lovely people! Well organised! Great experience and gave me extra confidence!”
If you want to read more reviews, head over to this page! 

Thanks for reading, and we hope that if you’re an adult interested in modelling, you apply with Models Direct! 

In a world where everything seems to be based on looking young, has society progressed with embracing and celebrating the natural process of ageing? Let’s take a look at this popular topic and question whether it’s true that the modelling industry only prefers younger models. Let’s go!

Youthfulness is often linked to being attractive and healthy. But as ageing happens, so do many other expected (and unexpected) physical changes. This doesn’t mean that the spark or good health has to diminish!

The industry was indeed best renowned for only depicting young people but diversity is turning on its head now with age being celebrated rather than being shunned. With age comes a wealth of experience, wisdom, charisma and confidence to share and the modelling industry is embracing this.

Models Direct has been part of the age-positive change, not just now but for the past thirty years that we’ve been in the industry.

So, no, the modelling industry isn’t just focusing on the youth –  mature and senior models are getting the spotlight shone on them too.

Modelling has no age limit and we’re seeing this with fashion houses casting models over 50 or 60 such as Jerry Hall, Iman and Maye Musk.

Models Direct is all about breaking down barriers, eliminating fear and liberating people so that they can access amazing opportunities in the modelling world. It’s happened for thousands and thousands of our registered models over thirty and so many have been satisfied with our services. Don’t believe us? Check out our models’ feedback to see what they have to say about working with us!

Our mature female model, Nalini [Reference: VFPK-3897], was booked with ECL Care, a south-east England service for at home and in-community adult support. Here’s what she shared about her jam-packed day:

“One very wonderful day. From the time I joined Model Direct I have felt supported and informed as my application progressed. Today I had my first experience of a photoshoot. It didn’t start well as there was a major incident on M25 and I was delayed. Both Charlie from Models Direct and the staff from the company the photoshoot was for were very supportive and assured me not to worry. On arrival I was welcomed warmly and through the process until I left I felt special and accommodated. There was no rush though I was late . My role covered that i needed assistance in my home towards independent living and was receiving guidance encouragement and support by Care Supporting Staff to gain this eg by showing me on how to cut vegetables vegetables, make a sandwich and such. The venue was just breathtaking and the aura was very calming. This experience was very different from being an extra on film sets. Everyone present were so friendly.”

Our agency believes that we all deserve to feel comfortable in our own skin and to feel beautiful regardless of our age.

Owning who we are, inside and out, is important so that we can uplift ourselves, embrace self-empowerment and redefine ageing. That’s why our agency zooms in on silver foxes and trailblazers who have a wealth of life experiences to share as well as charisma and confidence.

We understand the strength of having modelling talent to leverage new campaigns which is why we’re always about getting new models to sign up with us and request that our existing ones continually update their ePortfolios, reels and measurements/skills so that brands have a holistic overview of what they have to offer.

Our team has seen that brands have a knack for curating innovative products and services that aim to captivate and inspire their target audience, and they do it incredibly well. Shaping their brand’s visual identity is an exciting process and a long-term opportunity to collaborate with agencies like us as we value creativity, innovation and authenticity.

What brands may look into investing  when building their campaigns could include:

Product shoots – they will plan, style and request for high-quality product photography which may include models who will appeal to their target audience. This will mean recruiting models of all ages and even pets!

Lifestyle shots – brands will want to create beautiful lifestyle imagery that reflects the personality and vibe of their brand, weaving products and services seamlessly into real-world scenarios.

Content creation – they may intend to produce a steady flow of on-brand, engaging content for use across social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

Video content – brands may create video content, long and short-form for reels, TikToks, and ads, blending campaign-forward style with eye-catching storytelling.

Building a brand will take time. Whether you’re a new or established brand seeking models for your next campaign, Models Direct can help. We’ve got diverse models – baby models, junior models, teenage models, adult male and female models, mature models and pet models.

We really did think this through and understood how brands will need models of all ages and from all backgrounds. So here we are, over thirty years on, still recruiting and providing models fit for different scenarios our brands suggest.

Here is a snippet of some of our client’s reviews. There’s more of this which you can take a look at here:

Focal Point Digital

“Everything went fine, and the models were great. Very happy with the service provided.”

Marc Cain

“Just to say that Terry was lovely! I’m very pleased with the service – quick, efficient,and everything was sorted very fast. If I need something similar again in the area, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact you guys again. Best Sarah”

The Avid Seamstress

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick? Yes, great responses and very thorough.

How did the assignment go on the day? Very well, model was on time and fantastic to work with, great energy and very flexible.

How did our talent(s) perform – did they do a great job? See above.

Are there any changes you would like to see? None.

Would you use us again, if so, why? Yes, cost effective.

Are you a brand looking to hire? Let our MD team know and we’ll be happy to help – always! We look forward to hearing from you.

Families exude a kaleidoscope of emotions with love resting at the top of the list. These genuine, raw feelings within a family unit can then be translated on screen or in images, and that’s where brands and businesses step in and team up to make some fascinating and timeless campaigns.

Our modelling agency, Models Direct, is not surprised that our clients call for real and manufactured families – dependent on the logistics of the campaign. But when it comes to real families coming together to create a standout campaign, there’s no better place to hire them than from us!

Why?

We provide a diverse landscape of talent.

Our families come in all formations and sizes. Some consist of two family members whilst others consist of more.

Provide us with your brief and we’ll present a selection of families who closely fit what you’re looking for.

If you’d like to arrange a casting call or self-tape, let us know and we’ll arrange this for you.

You’ll have access to our selected families’ portfolios and see their diverse and up-to-date range of images and reels.

You’re in control as you get to choose who you want for your project. We don’t sway your decision. If you change your mind and don’t want to go ahead, there are no hard feelings! We totally get that things change – marketing visions and directions can always alter right till the last minute and we accommodate these changes from both our clients and models side of hiring and booking.

We request feedback from our clients and want to know how it went – the positives and the negatives – so that we can continue to improve our services and provide the best experience for everyone.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

Take a look at our client reviews to see what they had to say about our family models:

Hoburne Holidays

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick? Very quick and efficient, great service

How did the assignment go on the day? Really good, the family were great, kids great and everyone worked well.

How did our talent(s) perform, did they do a good job? They did a great job, very responsive and listened well.

Are there any changes you would like to see? None

Would you use us again, if so, why? Yes, we would, very quick and efficient, great models.

Sanctuary Housing

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick?

Molly is always friendly, efficient and quick. On this particular occasion, we required models with very short notice and Molly was able to get the assignment moving with only a week’s notice and find us exactly what we were looking for.

How did the assignment go on the day?

The models arrived early with no problems getting to the location. They were exactly what we were hoping for and made the shoot a breeze.

How did our talent(s) perform, did they do a good job?

The Brown family did exceptionally well considering it was their first assignment as a family. We shot in a variety of different locations and they took each scenario in their stride. In hindsight, the 4-hour day was perhaps a little too much for the youngest member of the family, as you can tell towards the end that he was getting a little tired! This wasn’t a problem for us as we came away with plenty of great material anyway, but it is a learning curve for us for booking younger actors/models in the future.

Are there any changes you would like to see?

No, we are always really happy with the service that Molly and talent management give us.

Would you use us again, if so, why?

Definitely. We think that Molly is brilliant, and we are really pleased with the talent we have been able to find through her, they have fitted the briefs perfectly.

For more of this, head over to this page and if you’d like to hire a family for your marketing campaign, let us know right here! We look forward to working with you and helping you build your campaign.

The takeaway

The demand for modelling has skyrocketed with our agency and we’ve got new and existing clients coming to us for our comprehensive services backed with expert knowledge and experience in the sector. If all this sounds good to you, we’d love to have you join us!

Whilst there are certain restrictions to high-end fashion modelling, the diversity in commercial modelling is evident. We do not specialise in any type of model. Commercial models encompass everyone, from toddlers to mature models, males and females from all backgrounds. The one attribute for commercial models is that they must be dedicated to their assignments, from regularly updating their portfolio photos to representing themselves (and us) on set. The rest usually takes care of itself.

Some people fare better in modelling jobs than others. Not everyone is suitable for all our jobs. Age and gender are key factors, but thankfully modelling experience is not required. That’s equally critical, as it shows that anyone with the desire to become a Models Direct model can succeed.

What’s also important is knowing the range of different types of models we’re always interested to hear from. Some agencies specialise in plus size modelling, while others mainly have females on their lists. Some will have more of an emphasis on pets.

We’ve been the UK’s leading commercial modelling employment agency for a number of years, and we put all our effort into each booking, no matter what type of model we’re representing.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

And which different types of models are we experts at putting forward to our numerous clients, giving them the best chance of being seen and ultimately being offered their dream commercial modelling job?

Here’s the list of the main types:

Commercial modelling – diversity is the key here, with commercial modelling appealing to everyone. We are always interested to hear from anyone with the desire to work with top brands all over the UK and abroad. Commercial modelling is totally accessible, well paid and fun. Read more about commercial modelling here.

Mature modelling – age is not a limitation. Instead, embrace your wealth of life experience by signing up with us and uncovering plenty of modelling jobs as a mature model.

Baby, child and teenager modelling – modelling is not just for adults. We’ve provided our clients with hundreds of youngsters in exciting shoots (accompanied by their parents and guardians, naturally). Babies are usually classed as infants up to two years of age, child models are up to the age of twelve, and the age of teen models should be self-explanatory. The range of assignments on offer for children is limitless; all we ask is that they are well behaved and have fun in a safe environment.

Pet modelling – perennially popular with several clients, household animals of all shapes, sizes and breeds are always welcome!

Plus size modelling – for those with a fuller figure, there are many chances to be seen by our clients. For the past few years, we’ve experienced a surge in plus size modelling, so we welcome anyone to join us and have the best chance to be selected by top brands looking to appeal to the public.

We cater for anyone and everyone – and it starts with having the desire to become a model. After that, registering with means we’ll show our clients what you have to offer!

This is why we always speak to potential new models – or their parents if they are children –  on the phone once they have uploaded their application form and some photographs.

The reasons for our friendly phone chat are numerous – but, in a nutshell, we need to know that you are right for us, we are right for you and you understand exactly how we work.

We have been in the business for over three decades now and have built a solid reputation for the way we operate, our transparency, our professional service and the care we take of our models.

So, why do we need to talk to you?

We like to get to know you!

Firstly, we will, of course, verify that you are who you say you are and that you are genuinely interested in taking on paid, part-time modelling work through us.

But we also want to find out about the real you!

What you enjoy doing, whether you have previous modelling experience or if you have other skills or qualities that make you suitable for this kind of work…

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

We like to find out what kind of modelling you are interested in, what your availability is like and whether you are prepared to travel.

We need to find out if you are confident enough to step out in front of a camera and can listen and respond to instructions.

And we will also explain to you how important it is that you are organised, prepared and punctual because we need models who are reliable.

And, why should you want to talk to us?

So you can get to know us too!

We can tell you more about the clients we work with, the wide variety of assignments we send our models on and how our processes work.

We will explain to you just how competitive modelling is – and that we can never guarantee to find work for any single one of our male, female, child or pet models.

This is because we don’t make the final choice.

When our clients approach us for a model (or models), we give them a selection of suitable individuals and they choose who they would like to employ.

During our phone chat, we will explain more about how you can maximise your chances of being chosen, primarily by ensuring you keep your e-portfolio and modelling photos up to date.

During our call, we will also explain that we charge a small initial admin fee, which goes towards the costs of seeking work for you and promoting you to clients.

This fee can be reimbursed to you after your very first booking through us.

And we will tell you more about how much you might earn for an assignment.

After our discussion, we will submit your application – along with feedback from the phone call –  to our panel and they will decide whether you are right for us.

Equally, you will be expected to take some time to absorb everything we have told you and to decide whether you think modelling through us is right for you.

But, please don’t be nervous about receiving your phone call from us – all our agents are friendly, warm and approachable.

You only have to read some of the feedback from those who have modelled with us to see just how much they invest in their relationships with our models – and just how much our models think of them!

Here at Models Direct we have a rich variety of all sorts of models of all ages.

Our models start as young as newborn babies and can be as old as those in their 80s or 90s!

Our clients, who promote a wide range of different products and services, need people of all ages to help them do that.

They need models who can pose as mums, dads, grannies and grandpas and they need people to help them advertise products specifically aimed at consumers of the same age.

These days, marketing teams not only need to tempt a broad swathe of potential purchasers to buy everything from cars and food to clothes and home accessories, but they also have specific items and services aimed at certain age groups.

Mature models might, for example, be required for promotions focusing on retirement, older people’s holidays and certain health products.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

Some of our mature male and female models took part in photo and film shoots in their earlier years and are simply continuing to do what they enjoy.

For others, who are new to the industry, it is about discovering a different pastime that brings them new experiences and additional income.

But, let’s hear feedback from some of our older models themselves to see what they have enjoyed…

Ian accepted an assignment with Greene King. He said:

“After a few years spending time behind the scenes, I thought it was time to try to get back in front of the camera.

“The whole process with Models Direct was straight forward and the team were great while getting me on-boarded.

“A few months in and today marks the date of my first assignment. The shoot was well run, organised, and professional whilst relaxed and informal.

“I had the opportunity to meet many great people, some aspiring to make modelling and acting their career, while others were using it as an opportunity to earn some extra income and have fun at the same time.

“Gemma from Models Direct has been a star from first contact to the end of the shoot, remaining in communication and being accessible if needed. I look forward to the next time.”

Anthony said:

“It was a very good day…a learning curve.

“All the people I worked with were very welcoming and friendly – thank you to all.

“As I was playing the part of a client for a caring company, I was showcasing what this company offers to its elderly customers.

“I had photographs taken with a number of their carers and many other things, like exercising, cooking, gardening and going out for entertainment, including eating out and going to the cinema.

“It was a very good and enlightening day.”

And Karen modelled as part of a pretend family for Red Tractor. She told us:

“From start to finish, Gemma was fantastic at keeping me informed about the day and how best to prepare myself.

“She told me who would be there and everyone made me feel very welcome.

“My choice of outfits was appropriate and I felt we bonded well as a ‘family unit’ as per the comprehensive brief!

“The photographer was really calm and gave us useful prompts and guidance so we all felt very comfortable.

“The house setting was lovely and we were able to relax between our sessions.

“Lunch was also excellent. I’m really looking forward to my next assignment!”

To find out more about mature modelling with us, please fill in our form and we will contact you to explain more and answer your questions.

Modelling is one of those jobs that welcomes families. More than that, some modelling jobs specifically requires families. And even better news – no one in the family needs modelling experience. And there’s more – family modelling usually demands a higher modelling day rate. What’s not to like for fun-loving, camera-friendly families?

Your family could get into modelling, no question. It’s a very real possibility, and the first step is to make a quick application with us here. After that, we’ll have a look at what your family can collectively offer our clients and then our wonderful booking team will be in touch. It’s counter-productive to make the application process too complicated. All we need is for a family to submit their interest and contact details and we’ll do the rest. If you’re reading this after registering with us, have a quick look at the FAQs to give you a little inside information.

There are many benefits to modelling as a family. Firstly, we’ve mentioned the potential group fee (usually taken charge of by mum or dad). For a family of four, and average fee for a days’ modelling might be £250-£1,000. We’ve seen much larger pay cheques than this, though. A read of our family reviews will tell you that the fabulous Friend family collected £6,000 over seven bookings. This demonstrates that if clients like a model, then they can easily work repeated bookings.

Secondly, modelling is fun. It’s often a new experience and nerves can affect anyone. But once families arrive on set – having been prepped by us – and then speak to the set managers and photographers or film makers, they quickly settle down and thoroughly enjoy being in their modelling environment. Families feed off each other, each member comfortable with their surroundings. Family modelling is hugely rewarding, and they cannot wait for their next job.

Thirdly, modelling families are as natural as they come. There isn’t a great deal of acting on assignment, as a family’s instinct is to be sociable and radiant whenever they come together. It’s what our top clients are looking for: down-to-earth, close-knit families to help them market products to other families.

Fourthly, some of our families have worked abroad. Yes – they have been paid to go “on holiday”! Well, it’s a working assignment, but just try telling the Golding family that. They were chosen for a four-day job in the South of France, starring in a commercial for Oliver’s Travels and their luxury villas. Talk about hitting the jackpot.

If you’re an ambitious family who love to spend time together, modelling is the perfect job for you. It can be done part-time, and the pay is usually great.

Now, to that registration page.

We offer paid, part-time work to a range of different models who may be seeking all sorts of different modelling work.

From lifestyle and commercial modelling to promotional modelling work, our assignments also vary between jobs of just a few hours up to work for several days.

Our clients come to us with bookings that are right here in Oxford, as well as jobs that may be in area parts of the UK or even abroad.

Once models are signed up with us, they may be put forward to any client offering the kind of work they have requested and requiring a model of their age, look and body type.

Our clients then make the final decision as to who they would like and then we discuss the job, the fee and all other details, including duration and location, with the chosen model.

It is entirely up to our model whether or not they would like to accept the booking.

We have child and teen models on our books who are still at school, as well as students at college or university.

We have female and male models who have full or part-time jobs, families to look after and busy social lives.

They all accept work from us as and when it fits in with them – after all, it has to be right for them, as well as for us and the client.

One of our young male models accepted an assignment modelling football kit for Oxford United.

This is what he told us afterwards about how modelling for Models Direct works for him.

“Models Direct is absolutely easy to deal with and leaves any model (beginning, starting out in the industry or professional) at ease.

“They plan and book everything, which makes being a freelance model a lot easier.

“It also makes keeping a part-time job or working full-time much more realistic.

“I really embrace the process of Models Direct.”
Apply here to find out more about working with us.

And this is what Portsmouth City Council’s new campaign aims to do.

The Reach Out: It’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings project hopes to encourage young adults to see support when they feel overwhelmed.

Models Direct was approached by the team working on the campaign for Portsmouth City Council and asked to suggest models who might be suitable for a photo shoot.

As usual, we discussed their needs in depth and provided them with a selection of young female and male models who met those precise requirements.

The client made the final choice and Jenny and Elgi went along to the assignment on the day.

Both our Portsmouth models enjoyed the experience of taking part in the shoot and were proud to have been part of such an important campaign.

Jenny said the whole team was very welcoming and the photo shoot was professional from start to finish.

Elgi admitted:

“Being shortlisted for my first shoot felt quite nerve-racking but Charlie at Models Direct made the whole process straightforward and seamless.

“This gave me confidence and made me excited about taking part in the shoot. 

“As a result, I had an amazing first experience working with the client working on the mental health campaign. 

“Thank you once again Models Direct for making the experience as easy as possible!”

If you think you would like to take part in modelling assignments like this one in Portsmouth then fill in our form, send us a photo and we will contact you.