This once historically challenged profession had barriers down and closed making it difficult to break the exclusion. But thankfully with time, and dynamically active changes, the stereotypes are dropping, representation is widening and stepping into the spotlight as a female model isn’t as tough as it was. Not convinced? Keep on reading!

Models Direct support diversity and inclusion before it was even widely recognised and talked about. We knew that we wanted to change the narrative and represent the modelling industry in a manner that mirrored the population fairly. This representation ignited our desire and drove our team to ensure we were open for everyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, body type and personal characteristics and features.

Changing the modelling narrative

Change and empowerment have come from females across the board. Whether that has been through a personal journey of self-love, expression, and reflection, or to voice it across the online hemisphere, we’ve had extraordinary people raise the issue, along with social media influencers and celebs. This push for change has meant we’re here, where we are in 2023. Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and looks are models.

Who is your influencer in life?

Whether you’re a female model or soon-to-be, we thought we’d save space here to celebrate the important people in our lives besides those in the film and music industry and those in the media. If you identify as female, is there a female in your life that influences you, empowers your thoughts and helps you celebrate being a woman? Is there someone that helps make you stand proud of who you are? Let us know who they are because everyone deserves to be celebrated and recognised most of all those who have made a positive long-lasting impact in our life!

You go, girl!

We’ve demonstrated our positive ethos throughout our thirty years of business and we continue to strive to eliminate bias and discrimination in the modelling world. If you’re a female model and want representation with Models Direct, get in touch with our team and see how we get work, who we collaborate with and which brands and companies approach us for models. You can also subscribe to our social media platforms and our blogs which are updated weekly, to find out more and see where our female models have been booked and what assignments they’ve been up to.

First of all, congratulations to all expectant mums, their partners, families and friends! Introducing a little one to the world is unlike any other experience, whether this is your first baby or third! We’re incredibly excited for you! 

When it comes to bonding with your unborn child, you might be thinking of ways you can do this such as talking to your baby, playing music, doing yoga and yes, you’ve guessed it – modelling! 

Why is modelling a good idea?

Modelling is an out-of-the-box idea, bringing you closer to your baby. Even though they aren’t outside yet, your baby is certainly with you every step of your journey together, and modelling can be an incredible chance to make that experience even more unforgettable. You can look back at your nine months of gestation and share something creative with them as you reflect as they get older. As a pregnancy model, you can demonstrate that you were proud of the bump they were in and how you both, as team baby and mama, made the marketing campaigns you worked on into successes. Not only this but you’ll be paid for your time, carve out a new career that could go beyond the pregnancy, experience new adventures, build professional connections and meet amazing people along the way. 

Why are maternity models in demand?

Maternity models are always sought-after because the baby product industry is astronomical! There are so many products out there for expectant parents to choose from (and those who know someone with a little one on the way) that you are literally spoilt for choice on the latest gadgets and baby trends that are dominating the market. From strollers to car seats to baby food, there’s so much available at one’s fingertips so it’s only natural that the industry calls for maternity models to showcase their products and services according to their target audience. 

Even if you have no previous experience as a model, our agency doesn’t mind. Now, we know that this is pretty unheard of. Usually, careers are based on experience – to land a job, you need experience and without experience, you might not land a job. Modelling doesn’t work this way luckily and in particular, our agency is much kinder to those who take an interest in joining us even if they have never invested in taking this career forward. All we ask is that you’re professional, punctual, confident in front of the camera (or film crew), eager to learn new skills and friendly. It’s as simple as that! 

If you’re an existing model or thinking about venturing into this industry for the first time, being pregnant shouldn’t hold you back. The turnover of expectant models is high as they are continually moving through the maternity market making way for other models. But also remember, it doesn’t have to stop there – a pregnant model’s journey in the industry may continue long after birth too, it’s down to you! With the right agency behind you coupled with a powerful and motivated team, such as Models Direct, you’ll receive the correct support, advice, and of course exposure to make it onto the modelling scene. 

Apply using our free online registration form and you’ll hear from our expert team who will fill you in with all the details about our agency. We can’t wait to meet you and your little one!

We all know how much demand there is for bouncing bundles of joy when it comes to advertising, commercial and lifestyle work.

There are so many baby products out there now – and so many other products and services where both major and lesser known brands want nothing more than to have a little cutie smiling out at us and enticing us to buy.

But many new parents are understandably anxious about putting their precious bundles forward for modelling, as they have no idea what to expect or how well they will be treated.

However, when working with a genuine, reputable agency such as Models Direct, with a history stretching back three decades in the business, they can rest easy!

First and foremost, we always ensure your pride and joy is well looked after from start to finish.

You or your partner will also always be there as a chaperone and you will have eyes on your baby at all times.

But, if you have given thought to newborn modelling, then why not go one step further and put yourself forward to model alongside your little one?

Mother and baby duos are highly sought after in the world of modelling – this is because no-one is more natural in front of the camera than a real mother with her own precious babe.

The baby will, of course, also be far more content when in the arms of its real mother, instead of another model.

And arranging the whole shot will be much easier for the client or their crew when dealing with two people from the same family.

In these times of Covid, when rising infection levels sometimes call for more stringent working situations, a new mother and her baby will obviously also be within the same social bubble. This, of course, is reassuring to everyone, as it makes the working conditions both safer and easier to manage.

Having a baby is such an exciting time anyway – why not consider making some new memories together in front of the camera?

And have something very different to be able to show your beautiful boy or gorgeous girl when he or she is older and wonders just what they were like when they were new to this world!

Well, the short answer is that there is no set figure.

This is because each assignment is different and varies in scale, and every model takes on differing levels of work.

Fees for commercial models tend to start at around £150 a day but can certainly reach thousands of pounds for those who are experienced, in demand and working for clients with big budgets.

What is vital, however, is to work for a genuine agent, one that is registered and accredited as an authentic employment agency.

If you don’t, you leave yourself open to potential problems.

These might include not being paid anything at all, only being paid after a very long time and a lot of chasing or being paid significantly less than you were led to believe.

Models Direct has been operating for more than 30 years now and over the decades has worked with an array of big names brands and major clients.

We have an in-depth understanding of how the modelling industry works and have built up strong relationships with our clients – we trust them and they trust us.

This is not only when it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of our models but also when it comes to payments.

As an experienced agent, not only do we find work for our models, but we negotiate the very best fees for them.

We then ensure they are paid what they were promised – and on time!

Here is how it works:

1. We are in daily contact with clients who seek particular types and descriptions of models for their photoshoots and other jobs.

2. We select and present models from our books based on the client’s requirements.

3. The client tells us who they are interested in.

4. We negotiate the very best fee possible for the job.

5. We offer the assignment to the chosen model or models and tell them exactly how much they will be paid.

6. They decide whether to accept the assignment on that basis.

7. The client pays us the fee in advance. This way we can ensure there is no change in fee or delay.

8. The model attends the assignment and then receives payment from us within the following few days.

This is the process we have always followed and we know it works for everyone – the client, the agent and, above all, the models themselves.

For more information about the industry, our accreditation and how Models Direct works visit www.modelsdirect.com.

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!

Success is also defined differently by different people. Ultimately, success is a good thing, and can sometimes take a great deal longer to achieve than first thought.

The word is best described as the completion or accomplishment of an aim or purpose. By this definition, everyone performs “mini successes” every day, no matter how trivial they might appear.

Let’s highlight a minor success – something that will ring true to many. If you have to wake up early in the morning for a particular reason, and you’re well known for sleeping in (damn that alarm clock!), it’d be a success if you do, in fact, awake from your slumber at that time. Job done! That’s a success.

Even crossing a road is a success if you achieve this without injury! If you think about it, the objective of crossing a road is to get from point A to point B without incident. There you go – another minor success!

How can you achieve success as a model? We’re not talking about methods by which an individual may taste success on international catwalks or have their name in lights in Leicester Square. One day, that might be the case. One day…

But for now, let’s concentrate on commercial models that can obtain well-paid jobs for numerous companies courtesy of established modelling agencies – Models Direct being a prime example, of course.

To succeed in the commercial modelling industry requires certain qualities. Some can be leant, some are instinctive – or at least need particular attributes.

The two important factors for commercial modelling success is determination and commitment.

Success in many walks of life is the result of not giving up and believing in one’s self. Everyone has at least one “knock back”, and it’s the tenacity of that person that usually determines ultimate success. The ability to “come back stronger” has seen many people achieve local, national and – it’s true! – global recognition as being at the top of their game. Would they’d have gotten there if they’d given up at the first hurdle? Of course not. Sure, luck plays a part in success, although sheer willpower always trumps fate. It’s the same with models! Be determined, always with the final goal in mind.

Knowledge and research plays a large part as well, because they can only add to an individual’s acumen – no matter what industry is being discussed. As a model, researching clients and locations is a large cog in the wheel of success. In this modern world, there’s no excuse not to be clued-up for assignments. Often, knowledge can be a game-changer!

An experienced model doesn’t stop learning. If you have numerous assignments under your belt, that’s fantastic. But never take anything for granted, and continue the desire to keep learning. Respect all contacts, because they are professionals and contacts are always useful.

If you are inexperienced and yearn to be a part of our wonderful industry, apply with us and we’ll see what you can offer. We don’t require our models to have had any prior experience; we love placing suitable people in great assignments, so if they’ve had zero experience, don’t let that put you off!

Oh, and who can forget confidence? No one likes arrogance. But there’s a difference between that and self-belief. Why would someone apply for a modelling position if they didn’t think they’d excel? Read more on confidence by clicking on the link: https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/growing-into-confidence/

To be successful as a model, you need to achieve your aims. If your aim is to work on one or two assignments, that’s great. However, you still need the determination to fulfil your goal, and the confidence to and knowledge to achieve it.

Thinking of more regular modelling assignments? Brilliant – but you still need the resolve and grit to succeed. We’re the leading modelling agency in the UK and we’re always on the lookout for new talent – but that doesn’t mean modelling work comes easily to every model.

Experience is great, but not essential. Determination is paramount. Confidence (not arrogance) goes a long way. Stick to these principles, and modelling could be a massive success for you!

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https://www.modelsdirect.com/become-a-model

We understand the world is made up of all sorts of beautiful, unique individuals and that is what makes it such a wonderful place to live.

The world of modelling is all about reflecting the world around us and, as such, you are now far more likely to see people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and ethnicities within it.

Flick through your social media at breakfast, look out of the bus window on your way to work and switch on your TV in the evening and you should see a glorious array of individuals.

But those who want to become successful models need to highlight their differences and show us what makes them stand out from the crowd.

They need to contact us and tell us what makes them special, so we in turn can promote them to all our many major clients who are looking for diverse models for their range of assignments.

Here are our top tips for those hoping to break into the business or who are already involved but hope to see greater success:

1. Send us your application and support it with some great photographs

2. Tell us what makes you different, highlight any unique features, tell us about your abilities and really sell yourself to us

3. Once you have uploaded images to your e-portfolio remember to update them regularly

4. The portfolios of children and babies must be updated every two to four months (the younger the child, the more important it is to do this)

5. Always follow our top tips on how to take great photographs

6. Keep abreast of fashion and ensure that whatever you are wearing in your shots is up-to-date or timeless (ie that it doesn’t age you)

7. Be friendly, patient and undemanding – we are highly experienced at our business and we will do our very best for you

For more information spend time browsing on our website and reading what our other models say about working with us.

We stand out from others in the industry – and we love working with models who do too!

If you’re thinking about unlocking something new for 2021 then you have come to the right place. We’ll let you in on how our simple application process works after you’ve hit that submit button. Let’s find out what the modelling potion is for the recipe for success. 

Step 1: Fill out our online application form

Access our homepage and fill in your details on the right-hand side of the page. Use the drop-down menu to select which age group, gender and whether your model is a human or a pet! Type your first and second name, select your date of birth, gender, email address, mobile number and country of residence. Next up, you will need to upload a recent headshot and full-body profile (taken no longer than 6 months ago). Both need to be taken against a plain background with nothing else being captured in the shot (no one else being accidentally snapped!)

Lastly, confirm that you are 18 or over, that you agree to the terms and conditions, and privacy policy set by Models Direct. Then all you have to do is press the ‘submit application’ button and away it will go. 

Step 2: Our registration team will be in touch 

Our registration team will then call you on receipt of your application to discuss it and qualify you over the phone. This is an essential part of the process so that we get to know you better. We like finding out about what interests you about the modelling industry, your aspirations, inspirations and motivations. It’s as easy as that!

Step 3: We select you when a client calls for your look 

Your application will then go through an inhouse assessment whenever one of our dedicated clients call for your look. Our team will decide whether an offer will be made based on your look, experience and demographics by undergoing a comprehensive model search. Models Direct is extremely thorough and ensures that all of our models get a fair chance to step forward and live their dream as a model. If you tick the boxes then you’ll be selected to cover an assignment and start your new career. 

Accelerate your modelling career

If you’re interested in following our simple 3-step recipe for applying as a model, go ahead and apply to us whenever you can. We are always a phone call or email away from giving you modelling advice, answering your questions or just having a good natter!  

You can also keep in the loop and get all the latest scoop with what’s happening at our modelling agency by subscribing to our blogs and following our social platforms.  

If there were ever a time to join our agency, it is now. 

If your little one has the cutest little baby face, then it might be worth considering putting them forward for newborn modelling.

Babes in arms are often required for photo shoots and, if you just happen to have taken lots of lovely snaps of your latest addition recently, you could send some to us to have a look at.

Newborn modelling is often the start of a long and happy relationship with the camera: some beautiful babes go on to become toddler and then child models.

Starting to model at an early age often makes them confident in front of the camera and comfortable around the many people who are often present at a shoot or on a set.

Equally, taking your beautiful baby girl or boy along to an assignment might be something you decide to do every now and again to bring in a little extra income, as and when it fits in.

Little ones from newly born up to one years old are often required for baby modelling work – and if you have twins, triplets or even quadruplets you could find your offspring in particularly high demand.

Like the rest of us, babies come in all shapes and sizes and Models Direct loves nothing more than having a broad selection of bouncing beauties to choose from for various campaigns.

So, mothers and fathers, read our top tips on baby modelling, flick through the photos on your phone and read what some of the parents of our existing baby models have to say about their own experiences.

This is what Sienna’s mum told us after she’d take her gorgeous newborn daughter along to a shoot:

“Sienna and I had lots of fun on this photo shoot for baby sleeping products! It was like a F1 tyre change with lifting Sienna as she slept from pod to pod (to model four different product designs)! I was a very proud mummy watching her be adorable during this shoot and we cannot wait to do more with Models Direct!!”

Tiny Lola giggled her way through her first assignment, her mum reported:

“Lola and I had the best experience today. We were made to feel very welcome by the client. Lola loved doing the photo shoot….she was a natural – her favourite part was being in the limelight being photographed. They called Lola their ‘boo star’ because her face lit up every time they played boo with her! I’m not sure what I was expecting to be honest, but this was better than anything I could have imagined. Lola had to model some baby sleeping bags and vests. The pictures were taken in a cot, on a mattress, a rug and a snuggle pillow. I look forward to receiving a copy of the catalogue and photos when the photos are ready. I would recommend this type of experience to people who have a happy, cheerful baby because you do not have to do anything – they are just themselves. I found Models Direct on the internet and glad I chose them. I hope to get more job offers for Lola soon!”

And little Theo was also a star:

“Theo had a great day modelling for the new Pampers ‘poo face’ advert,” his mum said. “He had to take part in some filming and some still shots to enable the director to put together the commercial. This was great experience for Theo as it has got him use to lots of people, big lights and generally everything that goes on in front of the camera!”

She added: “I chose to sign Theo up to Models Direct to get some great experience being a model. I hope that he will be offered more modelling roles to continue putting a great portfolio together for future job opportunities. I would recommend anyone to put their baby forward for modelling – it’s great fun and very good for your baby’s development. Thank you, Models Direct!”

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.