Over these years, we’ve seen changes in our industry, with new fashions and a shift in our client’s campaigns to cater for the increase in technology users. Our formula remains true to this day (helped by professional, keen and knowledgeable staff), but we adapt with the times to provide the best models and service to our clients so that they, too, can grow and deliver their persuasive advertising campaigns.

Social media, evidently, provides excellent coverage to those our clients are targeting. We embrace any kind of platform that can actively boost our client’s awareness, and the use of “real” models is the perfect accompaniment to appeal to the general population (i.e. potential customers). There are many marketing processes out there – each with their own value – but there really is no substitute to real people using their skills as commercial models to deliver our client’s message.

So, whether you’re an ambitious start-up or an experienced campaigning company, what should you know about how we work and what our plethora of talented models can bring to your promotions? Here’s a little run-down of the benefits of booking Models Direct commercial models:

·        We’re completely transparent, and welcome communication from both clients and our models.

·        We have the best range of commercial models in the UK, across all age ranges (toddlers to mature models), backgrounds, looks and experience. This diversity helps clients because they can be confident that we’re the best-suited for their needs…we even excel at placing animals in campaigns, as our section on pets reveals: https://www.modelsdirect.com/help-advice/model-types/pet-models

·        Our range of models means we have full UK exposure, so our clients are not limited if they wish to have an assignment in a more remote part of the country.

·        Our full-team booking team has been doing what they do best for years – give us a bell on

0844 334 000

·        We encourage feedback from all our clients, and we’re available at any time throughout our client’s campaigns to answer queries or to assist with any adversities.  

·        Models Direct is regulated by the Government – of course!

·        Hundreds of our commercial models have enjoyed multiple assignments as a Models Direct star model. We want our models to have as much work as possible, and it’s a tribute to our team that so many models “come back for more.”

Clients should need to know exactly how we operate. After all, it’s not a secret!

The first part of the booking process comes from our clients. They’ll have their campaign agreed in-house, often with a clear idea of the type of model(s) they need. The client then contacts us with a brief – for example, “35 year-old male required for a well-known healthcare brand photo shoot.” Our booking team then kicks into action, sourcing a few models on our books that meets the brief to a tee. We send our clients the relevant details, and then it’s up to our clients to choose the model.

This process works – and has worked for years – so well. We’re with our clients and models from initial contact to the end of the assignment, helping with travel arrangements and individual requirements. Of course, our clients relish working with us to source their models, as they don’t need to search for their talented models via an advert. So, working with us saves time, effort and money…it’s a deliciously successful partnership that has seen our clients come back to us time and time again.  

Real models working with real clients; effective campaigns to reach a target audience…it’s a winning combination, and we look forward to new clients coming on board in 2022. It’s sure to be a prosperous year for all, and certainly one to remember.

Clients can always arrange a meeting with us at Models Direct HQ, or they can call us to discuss requirements. Alternatively, have a peek at the link below to kick start your perfect campaign using the best commercial modelling talent out there.

https://www.modelsdirect.com/search/request/

We’re excited to work with more and more great clients this year, and beyond…

The trio of letters are “WWW”.

Those letters were instantly synonymous with technological progress, and they allowed people to connect with each other all across the globe from the comfort of their homes, offices, Internet cafes and, nearly two decades later, anywhere at all with the conception of smartphones. It’s called the “World Wide Web” for a reason.

Brands have used “the Web” as their main marketing tool since it was first invented. In these modern times, Internet marketing remains the no.1 choice for companies looking for more exposure. TV, radio and printed press marketing remain as popular as ever, but these days brands that don’t utilise social media platforms and other apps are losing out.  

So, what makes a successful marketing campaign? The key point to stress is that marketing campaigns have one clear purpose: to interact, reach and engage with customers. The more people a campaign reaches, the greater the chance that a large number of people will take notice…and that usually means more sales. Of course, a marketing campaign doesn’t necessarily equate to sales; a government broadcast is a good example of a marketing campaign where the main purpose is to get a message across to a population rather than tempt customers. But it remains a campaign and is designed to reach people in just the same way as a commercial campaign.

Large budgets are put aside to come up with the perfect campaign. By “perfect” we mean “successful”, and they often have similar characteristics. The following all contribute to a profitable campaign:

·       Target audience (consumers) – knowing what the customer wants, and how to tempt them.

·       Simple – basic formats are usually the most effective.

·       Memorable – does a marketing campaign linger long in the memory? If so, it will be more valuable to a business than one that is instantly forgotten by the consumer.

·       Funny / eye-catching – humour can play a huge part in a successful campaign. Indeed, comedy has been utilised by companies for decades to achieve sales.

·       Subliminal messages – subtle, hidden messages in campaigns are used to persuade customers over a long time.

Models are used in various marketing campaigns because brands realise the value of real people appealing to…well, real people. Whilst gadgets, gimmicks and technology remain beneficial marketing ploys, frequently only models will do. And this is good news in the ever-changing commercial world: good news for you, us, and our clients!

Brands are constantly evolving. Their growth is dependent on increased revenue, and marketing campaigns are crucial in a brand’s expansion. As brands develop, so too do their revenue. More revenue equals more marketing budgets, put aside to increase brand awareness in a bid to secure more revenue…hence more growth. It’s a continuous cycle for a successful brand, and it’s a cycle that works.    

Through social media platforms and the Internet, marketing can be instantly effective around the globe. With just a few clicks here and a few “shares” there, the size of a brand’s audience can be amplified in a way that would have been incomprehensible three or four decades ago.

The Web may have changed the world in one way or another, but models can be a small part of that. To get involved, spend just a couple of minutes submitting your application to us or if you’re a brand looking for models to appear in your next online campaign speak to our bookings team!

https://www.modelsdirect.com/

What is a brand?

You might think that a brand is a logo that identifies a company but it’s something deeper than that! A brand is the meaning that a target audience attaches to an organisation, products or services. It naturally takes time to build rich veins of emotional connection between a company and consumer which is more than just sight and sound. A powerful brand helps company’s leverage their presence and influence, making them memorable through versatile and timeless campaigns.  

Building a strong brand is achieved through branding, which is the management of the brand’s meaning. (Sounds a little confusing but we promise it isn’t!)

Next up is the brand identity. This is where anything visual identifies a brand such as logos, colours, consistent style of images and typography. It also extends to sound, touch and even smell. This is where the brand comes to life for all to see, hear and experience with the help of advertising campaigns. 

Why are brands important?

A brand helps leverage a company, regardless of its size, and gets it noticed so that it cuts through all the noise being made out there. Simply put, it’s the key to helping a business grow faster and easier therefore developing, launching and managing a brand effectively is really important. It creates a lasting impression, and if executed correctly, something that remains cemented in consumers’ minds. 

How do brands increase work for models?

When a company wants to increase their brand awareness, it will call for powerful branding strategies to drive it forward. Whether these are online brands such as fashion brands, cosmetics, health, fitness (or any other industry for that matter), brands inject power into companies. To front these campaigns, models may be considered as part of a perfect marketing solution. So any upcoming promotion for a service or product may very well signal the call for models from all walks of life to come to the centre stage and lead the brand message’s direction. 

What types of models do brands want?

Companies are ensuring that their material is fresh and relatable for their target audience so to keep in line with this, they understand that if they include models in their campaigns they need to appeal to their consumers. This means that models of all ages, sizes, genders, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations and backgrounds can come on board and be part of something timeless and powerful.  

Our ethos

In case you don’t know, Models Direct are a modelling and talent agency that understands the movement within the modelling industry. We observe the need for fair representation for all those who are seeking an opportunity within this industry and carry this through for all those who walk through our doors. For leading companies and individuals who are spearheading a marketing campaign for their new brand or rebrand, our agency has an extensive hub of models who represent the real population as opposed to the stereotypical one that dons the runways and catwalks around the world. And it’s our job to connect them with companies who are requesting their look! 

And there you have – an insight into the world of brands in a nutshell. We hope you enjoyed reading this and have taken away a little bit more about the modelling industry and the big things our agency does!

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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…

Booking briefs are usually short descriptions of types of models required for a job, requested to an agency by a client. A common (but nonetheless important) booking brief might be similar to the following:

“Female models aged 40-49 years required for a photo shoot.”

Clients know we have some of the best selection of models in the UK, so a generic booking brief as per the above works just as well as a more specific one. This is because our booking team is experienced in selecting the right models for the job, as per the brief.

Our team takes into account all the necessary details – that goes without saying. If a client looks for models of a certain age and gender, then we’ll start our “shortlist process” with those two criteria. If it’s a client we’ve worked with before, we might put forward a model who’s previously been on an assignment with them.

We have modelling jobs throughout the entire UK, so we may look for models close to the job location for convenience. That said, we welcome models who like to travel – and actively encourage it! – so a booking brief often doesn’t need to ask for models within a certain catchment area. Indeed, one of the aspects of our business that clients like is that we have a thorough national coverage of models – we’re not tied to a certain city or county.

So, a booking brief gives the modelling booking agents – that’s us – instructions for which models should be used for their assignments. Some briefs are generic, others are more specific. Consider the following booking brief that came in recently:

“Female model required for clothing brand promotional video.”

We took a look at the client, gauged what their target audience should be, and went one step further to specify an age range, which was 25-35 years old. This was to fit in with the brand’s target audience, meaning the video will be more effective than if a much younger or older model was put forward.

Generic booking briefs are not always restricted to humans – after all, we book hundreds of pet models each year. An example of a general pet booking brief is:

“Cat required for TV advert.”  

The breed, age, size and colour are not specified, so it’d be our job to assess the qualities of each cat we might shortlist to determine whether the individual felines would be suitable.

Clients will often want specific qualities for their modelling campaigns. How about this booking brief:

“Female model shoe size 4 required for a shoot.”

This reflects a particular requirement, as set out by the client’s needs. Though the age range was 18-35 years, a model without a shoe size of 4 would not be considered.

Often assignments connected to clothing brands will be much more specific with model measurements, this means we can only put forward models who have those specific measurements on their portfolio.

Two more examples of a precise booking include:

“Russian models required for a TV show.”

“Grandma and granddaughter required for a TV promo.” (18-80 years of age)

One of the advantages for our models is that we have an eclectic range of clients, and we have a broad range of models to cater for them. It’s win-win all round!

https://www.modelsdirect.com/search/request/

Whether you’ve been ultra busy or wiling away the days until normality returns, this is a question most of us have recently asked. Lockdown was once a new concept, but regrettably it’s been “par for the course” for more months than we’d all care for. And the question will have been asked by marketing departments across the globe.

Marketing is still crucial during lockdowns, of course, with online shopping hitting a new high – not to mention the scores of social media campaigns. Still, the lack of smiling customers perusing the high street shops has hit businesses harder than they’d ever imagine. When lockdown ends (no.3, no.4…who’s keeping track?), brands must pull out all the stops once again to increase footfalls and profits. Maybe there’ll be an overwhelming rise in sales simply because people will be itching to shop till they drop. Maybe some shoppers will tread cautiously because of recent furloughs imposed upon them. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: brands will use coming out of lockdown as a marketing tool in its own right. And this should mean more opportunities for models. Models just like you!

We’ve previously mentioned that modelling is permitted during lockdowns – one of the many perks about the industry. Perhaps lockdowns have given models more time to prepare and improve their skills. Lockdowns may have been beneficial for some models to sharpen their organisational skills, or to improve their overall physique (although, as you all should know by now, immaculate bodies don’t have to be the most desirable qualities for models). Coming out of lockdown should give models fresh hope of a more certain future. Yes, we know models are generally an optimistic bunch, but COVID has taken a toll on most of us, so the end of lockdown will give models that extra surge of hope.

Brands have always known the importance of models, but there possibly won’t be a more crucial time for their marketing campaigns than immediately post lockdown. Never have they been in this position – they’re pretty much in the same boat as everyone else! Competition will be fierce, and at the forefront of their campaigns will be models to distinguish them from rivals. Expect modelling shoots to be at their premium over the next few weeks! Models in advertising campaigns have worked wonders for brands for decades, so it’ll be no surprise that companies will rely on them post lockdown to make their products appeal to their customers. Brands want normality to return just as much as consumers. And with this normality comes promotions, endorsements and commercials – meat and drink to gifted models!

Speaking of which, now is a great time to get yourself “model ready”. Modernise headshots, spruce up your wardrobe…simply be more hungry for modelling work. It’s great if you’ve used lockdowns to model; if you’ve been biding your time, the end of lockdown will be the perfect moment to announce yourself to the modelling world. Just ask the brands – they’ll be screaming out for you!  

This is because people change, and companies need to adapt to stay in business. What if retailers – whether online or in the high streets – sold pretty much the same merchandise. Big mistake!

Every large manufacturer has departments dedicated to looking for the “next big thing” or styles that customers need. It’s their responsibility to look ahead, and not to be left behind by competitors. This not only applies in the world of fashion: supermarkets, car manufacturers and record companies (to name just a few) need to have their corporate finger on the pulse. But perhaps the clearest of “fashion evolution” can be seen in the modelling world. After all, not everyone needs a new car or the latest CD / DVD. We all need clothes!

One of the most globally-observed changes in recent trends are seen in “plus size” models. Models of either sex in the “plus size” category have been in demand for years – but it’s only relatively recently that they’ve really come into their own. Now, above all, “plus size” models are in demand…and their popularity shows no sign of wavering. This is good news, but why have they become more popular with clients looking for models?    

To start with, let’s eliminate the inverted commas when referring to plus size models. It’s true that there’s a universal definition (and so inverted commas are sometimes necessary to define the term), but larger models are no different to any other, and therefore shouldn’t be distinct by applying provocative punctuation marks.

Though the term is still used, plus size modelling carries no stigma, and is about celebrating all body forms and sizes. Have a look in shop windows, in department stores, at TV adverts and on corporate websites – there’s far more choice for females of size 16 or larger than ever, and more shapely models are flourishing because of it.

Let’s not forget the gents. Larger males are also desirable for a range of advertising purposes. The fact that there are more clothing sizes and styles on the market means more models are necessary to help endorse products for everyone – not just a select few dictated by trends.    

Brands need to “go with the times”, and Internet activity is a huge indication of current trends. One of the reasons larger models are now more in demand is because of the surge of social media attention. There are more celebrities with tens of thousands of followers eager to share their habits, interests and gorgeous curves, unconcerned with personal attack or immature criticism. They should be applauded! More people who choose to display their bodies undoubtedly equates to an increase in confidence in others. Curvy figures are far more prevalent in the media these days because people feel more conviction in their actions. Embracing who you are is key to being comfortable. And so it should be!

2020 has been a successful year for models, contradicting the national economic trend. If you want to show off your curves but haven’t done so already, 2021 could be your time to actively be involved in this lucrative and enjoyable side of modelling – and Models Direct will be with you every step of the way. If you’re already a plus size model, continue embracing the plus size movement. It works!

The answer, of course, is that a model’s wages vary depending on the job. This is because not all jobs are identical, and clients have different budgets (these could also vary depending on the time of year). What can be said with some authority is that commercial modelling can supply a model with useful income to supplement a regular income. And who wouldn’t want that?

The benefits of commercial modelling are apparent to everyone. Commercial modelling places “everyday” people in promotions and advertising campaigns, thus the model’s task is to represent the client to a large customer base: usually the general public. That’s why a lot of commercial models don’t require specific modelling experience. Confidence, knowledge of the client and an outgoing character are important qualities all successful commercial models require, and the more jobs a model takes on, the more in demand they become. Naturally, more bookings should follow, equating to more money.

When it comes to hard facts, the amount is difficult to disclose. If we were pushed to mention a figure, commercial models can earn from £150 per assignment, right up to thousands of pounds. Sometimes – not taking into account travel – a commercial modelling job may only last a few hours. Our commercial models certainly have fun, and earn more than most for their efforts, so the work ranks highly in terms of payment and is well worthwhile.

Finance can be a tricky subject. Fees, too, are difficult to negotiate successfully. Fortunately for you lucky bunch, Models Direct has skilled booking agents who correspond with our clients, ensuring our models are paid fairly with some of the best rates in the industry. Additionally, we discuss travel expenses and transport options, as well as food and drink, so taking care of our talented partners is an essential part of our business.

Crucially, we don’t allocate any modelling assignments on the basis of “TFP” – “Time for Prints”. This is where models and photographers have an arrangement where neither party is paid, but they both receive the photographs from their collaboration. It’s designed to be symbiotic – whereby both model and photographer benefit – however this way of working isn’t for everyone. All our model’s assignments are paid work, getting the most out of our client’s needs and our model’s talent.

So, to summarize. Fees are dependent on the following:

• The client’s budget. Loosely speaking, the larger the client, the bigger the budget.
• The time of the year. Do clients set aside more promotional budgets for the summer than, say, January?
• The scale of the job. Obviously, a job requiring days rather than hours will command higher fees.
• A model’s experience. Generally, an experienced model’s fees are higher than those of a newcomer (although inexperienced talent is always welcome!) 
• Additional talents. Models who can also act, sing, or play an instrument may very well achieve higher fees.

Models Direct is a top trusted UK agency through which paid models thrive, have fun, and increase their regular wages. Click here to see how some our models have fared.

You’ll soon be gaining contacts and benefitting from enjoyable work, complete with extra income in your back pocket!

At Models Direct we are approached to find female and male models for all kinds of promotional assignments, ranging from major exhibitions and events to in-store and shopping mall promotions and demonstrations.

To be a great promotional model, you don’t have to have done it before, you simply have to be friendly, smiley, confident and approachable.

You have to be proud to represent the brand, product or campaign you will be promoting, and you have to be happy to interact with the general public and chat to passers-by.

So, what else should I know about promotional modelling?

1. It can involve teamwork

Promotional models must have the self-assurance to work on their own; approach members of the public and undertake whatever is required of them. At the same time, however, there is often a team approach to the assignment. They need to be able to work together and support each other. This, of course, can make it great fun….

Some of our promotional models had the opportunity to work with Poundland on a fragrance campaign and had a great time as a modelling team.. (this assignment was pre covid).

2. It can suit people with other talents

You don’t have to be a skilled actor or accomplished musician but do tell us about any special talents you have as this can help. Clients like to employ models who are used to stepping out on stage or performing in public. Perhaps you are a singer or dancer? Or perhaps you are someone with sporting or public speaking experience? Just let us know…

3. It can be ideal for those with good memories

Promotional modelling is perfect for anyone who is quick to learn and great at retaining information. Part of your job may well be to explain about a product or present a campaign. Clients look for models who are bright, eager and intrigued about a subject – then ready to make it interesting to someone else!

This is exactly what happened when some of our promotional models took part in a campaign to help the Fertility Partnership find egg donors.

For the event, artist Stuart Semple created an installation using giant balloons.

Our models were then asked to give some of these valuable items to the public, in turn asking them to pass them on.

Here is what some of our models had to say:

Aina Sutka:

“When I first received information about my assignment, I was a little bit worried as I didn’t know anything about fertility treatment, fertility clinics based here in the UK or elsewhere, let alone anything that is connected with egg donation. There was no reason for my worries, because everything was explained, people that I ended up working with were very interesting and their knowledge was on top, the day flew by, because I was intrigued and in that way it helped a lot with passing the information on to the public. Being a mum myself I loved the idea of helping families that struggle in creating a miracle of their life’s. The cause of this assignment was incredibly sincere! It is never too late to try something new. It is never too late to achieve your dreams.”

Chloe Smith:

“We were directed to stop passers-by and give them a balloon; this balloon was only one out of 1000 with a Stuart Semple artwork on it and each was worth £350. We would give these to a passer-by and then get them to pass it on, the idea being just like when you donate your eggs, you are giving away something precious and amazing. It was a great experience and will be a good thing for my portfolio.”

The opportunities for promotional models are endless with brands looking of new ways to promote their products and get noticed in such a competitive environment. Yes, the retail world is quite different at the minute, but not long from now brands will be looking for the perfect models to push their products like never before….

Not to be mistaken for a fitness model who models sportswear and is associated with anything to do with fitness, health and wellbeing, fit models try and test garments for a target market.

Being this type of model doesn’t give you as much exposure as a runway, commercial or promotional model would but it’s certainly a satisfying one. Knowing that you’re helping a team achieve a fashion goal and an end product that will end up in a store and eventually in someone’s closet is definitely fulfilling. 

In this blog, we focus on male fit models as the spotlight usually shines on female models. Models Direct want our male audience to know that there is a demand for anyone interested in being a behind-the-scenes model. Here are some areas to consider if you’re thinking of being a fit model. 

Are industry-standard measurements important? 

Yes and no – it depends on what the client requires. They might call for a male model who is tall, petite, standard or plus-size. Don’t let the typical male model measurements put you off or make you think that you don’t stand a chance. On the contrary, get in touch with our Models Direct team today so that we can discuss the demand for a male fit model. We have clients who need a man who can try on their clothing and see how it fits on a real person as opposed to a mannequin. 

Being physically and mentally fit

Designers may want you to stand for long durations of time so that they can focus on creating a garment just right for your body. They may want to pin, cut, pull and mould the apparel so that it fits well – and this may take some time getting right. Therefore, being physically and mentally fit is a bonus. 

Body shy?

Are you comfortable in your own skin? Are you okay with getting dressed in front of other people? If you answered yes, then you probably don’t feel body shy… which is perfect. Fit models will be asked to change into and out of clothes so that designers can get an idea of how easily their design can be put on and taken off by you. You’ll represent their potential customer so they will probably expect you to change frequently whilst really investigating the mechanisms of their clothing. Therefore, being a fit model means no time for being body shy. 

Being vocal

Designers may want your feedback on how the apparel feels and fits, and whether you can easily manoeuvre in it. Its functionality is paramount to its success so if you are asked your thoughts, you will need to be vocal and let the designers know as precisely as possible. If you think that there is room for improvement or something doesn’t fit right, they should know so that they can rectify the issue and create a piece that will do well with their target market.  

Get in touch with a reputable scouting agency

If you’re thinking of launching a career as a fit model, you’ll need to get in touch with a trustworthy modelling agency who will put you forward whenever an opportunity pops up and is promising. Models Direct is certainly an agency who is reliable and reputable with 30 years’ worth of modelling experience. Connect with us and we’ll give you the lowdown on fit modelling.