If you have ever considered signing up with an agency like Models Direct so you can put yourself forward as a male or female model, here are five questions to ask yourselves….

1 Are you confident enough to step out in front of a camera?

When we send models on assignment they are always supported by us, before and after the booking, and by the production crew actually present on the day. They will be told what to do, where to go and given lots of encouragement. But to be a model you do have to be confident enough to stand up in front the camera and follow instructions.

2 Are you comfortable with the way you look?

The vast majority of those who work with us are “everyday models” ie people who look like you, me, our friends, relatives and work colleagues – they might be tall, small, curvy or slight. They might be older, younger and of any background or heritage. We encourage diversity and we love to have a rich variety of models on our books. But it is important to us that you are body positive, comfortable with the way you look as this will ensure you exude confidence in front of the camera.

3. Are you organised and reliable?

To be a model, you need to be able to update and maintain your e-portfolio regularly, and – if you accept an appointment – to arrive promptly at the location and with everything you have been asked to wear or bring with you. When our clients request a certain type of model, we go through our e-portfolios and choose a selection of suitable people. Our clients then go through the shortlist of e-portfolios. If you want to have a good chance of being chosen, you have to be someone who will ensure your e-portfolio features up-to-date photos.

4. Are you friendly and sociable?

Modelling is a great way of meeting new people and making new friends. You have to be someone who will get on well with all those who will be working with you on the day, from other models to photographers, directors, sound engineers and hair and make up artists. You have to be easy-going, prepared to listen and ready to play your part in making the session or shoot work for everyone.

5. Are you looking for something extra in your life?

Taking up modelling assignments not only brings in a little extra money but also opens you up to new experiences. You get to do things you have never done before; visit places you have never been and meet new people. You therefore need to be someone who is excited at the prospect of all these things and is eager to throw themselves right in.

If you have answered “yes” to all of the above then why not fill in our form so we can discuss modelling with Models Direct further…

She may smile on you one day, bringing optimism and good vibes, and at other times she can seem like she’s your bitter enemy.

Lady Luck can play a part in modelling. Models can arrive on set at the right times and leave with new contacts; they can be selected purely because of another model’s illness (unfortunate for the poorly model – lucky for the replacement). Models should roll with it and embrace luck, because it doesn’t occur all the time.

But a model’s success is largely influenced by something that contradicts luck. Whilst Lady Luck can rear her head at the most surprising of moments, models shouldn’t rely on her for success – that comes from perseverance, commitment and staying focused on the upcoming job.

Getting in the correct mindset for a modelling shoot is possibly the best weapon in a model’s arsenal. Staying positive can overcome plenty of obstacles and worries; a model must be upbeat and confident because a positive attitude will reflect a model’s overall performance on set. A photographer or film producer will undoubtedly detect signs of nervousness and uncertainty, so a model’s apprehension can only be their downfall.

Models need not be conceited – nobody likes arrogance. However, a calm, level-headed mindset with a confident edge is the optimal approach models should have ahead of their assignment.

But how do you to get in the right mindset for a modelling shoot?

Read on for your favourite modelling agency’s top tips:

1. Leading up to the shoot. Always plan your modelling job a couple of days in advance: clear your schedule, complete chores, sleep well and avoid dehydration. Not worrying about distractions will only improve your mindset, allowing you to concentrate on the job itself.

2. Don’t rush. Plan any transport routes so you’re not fighting rush hours and arriving on set in a fluster – or worse, late! Clear your mind and focus!

3. Avoid negativity. Not that we’re insinuating there will be any negativity, but ignore any snide comments you happen to hear or read. Release your positivity and channel it into your assignment.

4. Knowledge is power. Clients love to hear that you know a little about their business and how they operate (this is vital for promotional modelling), so a little research doesn’t go amiss. Modelling jobs are not interviews, so you won’t be interrogated, although the odd nugget of information about them always plays to a model’s advantage. You won’t be as nervous when equipped with this knowledge, giving you an extra edge and increasing self-esteem.

5. Believe in the industry. Modelling is one of the best jobs (or pastimes) going! And we’re not just saying that. Any of our models can pick-and-choose assignments, so the ball’s in your court when it comes to accepting jobs after you’ve picked by our clients. It’s enjoyable, sociable, rewarding and pretty well paid to boot! Once your mindset is primed to the fact that modelling is one of the things you genuinely want to do, it’ll spur you on to complete more jobs.

6. Reap the rewards. Congratulate yourself on a job well done. Take any plaudits with good grace, and look forward to your pay cheque.

If you have the right mindset, you can ignore Lady Luck the next time she comes calling. Have faith in our booking team, our clients, our industry, but more importantly…yourself.   

Most of you will have followed our stories on Instagram or read about some of the exciting assignments we have sent our models along to on our blog pages.

And if you haven’t, then why not take the time now to peruse them to see just how busy we all have been.

Our already extensive list of clients has increased hugely throughout the year, with more high street names and international brands requesting models.

We have sent models along to promotional jobs, commercial assignments and lifestyle photo and film shoots for all manner of products and services.

Our male, female and child models have helped advertise everything from electric bikes to BMWs and kitchens to contemporary office furniture.

Two of our female models were asked to pose as Bond girls for Odeon Cinema, while 10 others, including a family took part in a shoot at Heathrow Airport.

Five of our models went along to a lifestyle shoot Getty Images, the world’s leading visual media company and some of our little ones posed in children’s clothing for Premier League football team Tottenham Hotspur.

We have responded to requests from Aviva, InterContinental Hotels and Morrisons, where we sent several models along for special shoots for products to celebrate Mother’s Day, Good Friday and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The jobs have sometimes been colourful and quirky, and, without exception, they have all been great fun.

One of our male models took part in an advert for Soda Stream which centred on a scene from hit 1980s movie Back to the Future.

And one of our pets, gorgeous Puddin, a long-haired rabbit, was the star of the show in a shoot for Mulberry, when he climbed in and out of a new handbag.

It has been a busy time for us and we know 2023 will be just as exciting.

We already have lots of great assignments lined up and more keep coming in.

As ever, we are always pleased to hear from anyone who thinks they might like to model for us, so please do get in touch.

In the meantime, Happy New Year to you all – and all the best for a great 2023!

Since everyone seems to be on the hunt for a magic potion to look younger, Models Direct have some tips every woman should know to help her look her best regardless of her age.

1.       Take care of your skin

Good skincare is vital. It’s best to start little but often so that you build up to a sustainable beauty regime. Often, you can end up purchasing one too many products (or no products at all) which can end up gathering cobwebs or expiring. Figure out what your skin type is and purchase accordingly. Read reviews to help guide you too because the influence of others’ journeys using the item you’re researching will help you decide whether or not you should be spending your money. Age-defying products? Embrace age, not mask or push it away.

2.       Don’t forget your hair (and teeth)

Hair care and teeth care shouldn’t be neglected either. As we age, our hair changes (texture, condition and volume) as well as the condition of our teeth. It’s good to take care of yourself because not only will you look good on the outside, you’ll feel good on the inside which will boost your self-confidence. If you’re a mature model, being in front of the camera will be no problem.

3.       Out with the old, in with the new

You don’t need to switch your wardrobe up so often because it’s expensive and if you’ve got clothes dated a decade ago which still fit, then perfect. However, your body shape does change over time and sometimes it’s nice to switch things around in your clothes and accessories section to help you feel your best.

4.       Love you

A big part of looking your best is feeling your best. Take time out to pause, reflect and appreciate who you are. By valuing yourself, your abilities and skills, and what you have to offer yourself and the world around you, you’ll kick-start a feel-good journey of self-love. Love you for being you. That’s one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself because it doesn’t matter what anyone else says – whether that’s positive or negative – it all comes from you and how you view yourself.

Embrace your age; life is too short to hide. Running towards new challenges and opportunities, like becoming a mature model, is liberating so fearlessly follow your path and be confidently you, female silver foxes. 40+? Bring it on!

The thing is, do you want to go into town now? With the cost of living going through the roof, many of us are having to make a decision – to buy or not to buy. Heading out to town might have been your weekly routine but you might be thinking you now need to make lifestyle changes to pay for those eye-watering price hikes of everyday essentials.

Getting fashion items you want or need with a reasonable price tag can happen – even those luxurious designer pieces you have your eyes set on can make it into your wardrobe. How? Because high street brands like Primark replicate the latest catwalk collections so that you can enjoy fashion fun to the max without breaking the bank!

Fashion mags or articles have sometimes offered us price comparisons for super expensive statement pieces with high street alternatives. Sometimes they’ve been a hit where the similarity has been so close it’s been hard to tell the difference while others have been a good attempt to give it a go for fashionistas. Either way, they haven’t missed the point – it’s achievable and affordable to look like a runway model, and sometimes you can look even better than the OG outfits.

Dress for less with lookalikes

Fashion editor’s picks don’t always have to be high-end luxury and we see that with the deputy editor of Vogue UK, Sarah Harris, who recently wore a plain white tee with an embellished jacket and ripped denim jeans. Her white t-shirt made the outfit look crisp, fine and of course, affordable at only £19. She looked awesome!

Influencer Alexandra Lapp had another take on the white tee with YSL although hers came up to a whopping £355. With such a huge price difference the plain tee looks great even on a budget, and ultimately anything can look good; it’s all down to how you dress it. What you decide to team it up with, which accessories you want to add, and how you style your hair and makeup can make such a difference. It can take a look from ground level through to the top!

Like the sound of that?

It’s been great bringing this blog to you. We hope it has inspired you to see that fashion doesn’t have to be dear, especially during the times we are living in. High street brands are just as great at pulling off excellent looks as luxury brands, and you can enjoy this without worrying about your bank balance.

We’ve got more enriching modelling content where this has come from. You can explore it right here in our blog bank or head on over to our social media platforms to learn more about us, the latest we’ve been involved in and what’s being forecasted. Year in and year out, our agency continues to thrive because of you and our clients. We all work together to bridge stereotypical gaps in the modelling industry and our diverse and inclusive stance continues to flourish. Stay social and subscribe to our blogs for up-to-date info and news.

Bottom line: let your styling do the talking and look your best with affordable replicas that will make you look like a fashionista superstar. High street brands, here we come!

If you’re on a quest to tour a life-changing international destination this summer, land on relaxing beaches, explore attractions and learn about wildlife sanctuaries, then a vacation is definitely on the cards. Your expedition doesn’t have to be flashy, you can get a great budget holiday by looking around and booking in advance, and really enjoy the experience of going abroad without the price tag. We’re ready, are you?

Places to visit

You can explore hundreds of countries, with almost 200, the world is your oyster. We’ve picked just a few out to give you guys some inspo and some gems to discover this summer:

Malaga, Spain

Brittany, France

Umbria, Italy

Phuket, Thailand

Akyaka, Turkey

Santorini

St Lucia

These go-to destinations are definitely worth visiting, from luscious tropical foliage, watching sensational sunsets, enchanting panoramic views, dipping into picturesque pools, inviting peaceful mornings and disconnecting from the rush of everyday life. Our hot picks are great to spend some time unwinding and recharging your batteries whether you’re travelling by yourself, with your partner, friends or family. Perfect for little ones, children and teens too, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone.

Our international projects

Our agency isn’t new to international modelling projects. We’ve been around the world including the romantic and breath-taking landscapes of France for successful projects. Now that we’re all able to move freely again, these projects are popping up and we’re looking for models that are ready for something big and impactful. Are you interested? 

The holiday takeaway

So, how do you feel about travelling abroad this summer? Positive, we hope! Have your backpacks, gear and luggage (not to miss out on essentials like your camera, selfie stick, tripod and holiday wardrobe) on standby, and join Models Direct with our travelling arrangements that might land you in exotic lands and waters. This is the summer you don’t want to miss out on!

We’re ready for action; no more being held back and being told we can’t, thank you very much. We can and we shall! Live your best life, and get on board with our modelling agency. If you’re not sure, head on over to our library collection of reviews so you can get a better idea of what life is like as a Models Direct model. If you need to speak to our team, please reach out to us over the phone or email and we’ll be more than happy to have a chat.

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But, to many, perhaps the most important aspect of commercial modelling is freedom.

Freedom to decide for yourselves whether the client is right for you, freedom to choose which assignments are the best fit, and the freedom to speak to us if you have any concerns. This last point is emphasised in one of our latest projects – taking the tour of our agency

Models on our books do have liberties not allocated by some other businesses (most, anyway!).

One of these liberties is the right to refuse a modelling job. That’s right – models can (and do) turn down modelling work, because we know that a job absolutely perfect for one model might not be as ideal for another model. Everyone’s different, so we appreciate that in some instances models might have to snub a job offer.

The freedom to literally pick and choose a modelling job is a huge incentive. We’re great advocates of mature models, family modelling and child modelling, but when some jobs are offered, logistics and timings can hinder a model’s decision. For example, a parent may be offered a lucrative assignment, but may have to turn down the offer because of parental duties or school holidays. It’s a shame, certainly, but we are very sympathetic and we understand that some hurdles are simply too high to overcome. Maybe next time, right?

A modelling job simply might not be right for you. If this is the case, you have the freedom to reject an opportunity without reason or explanation. Models need to be comfortable before work as well as on set, and they need to be safe. Though we “clock in” with models before, during and after their assignments, it’s understandable that some models might prefer not to work in certain locations. An example might be our bustling capital, London, in which we have placed hundreds of models in exciting assignments. However, we know that vast cities won’t suit everyone, so models could refuse a job purely on the basis of location.

When a model does turn down work with us, we don’t hold it against them. There are no penalty points or black marks. We simply respect a model’s decision and try to place them in a better suited job farther down the line. Simple!

To reiterate previous blogs, our booking team puts forward models to our clients. Our clients then choose which models they’d like, we contact the chosen models with the good news. It’s at this stage that models can consider the client, location, duration and pay rate, and decide whether to proceed “full steam ahead” or decline the job invitation. The ultimate decision is always the model’s – as it should be.

It doesn’t matter if the job is a photo shoot, acting on screen or filming for a commercial. We want our models to be relaxed on all assignments, and with this comes the freedom to refuse work.

If you had any concerns before, we hope that reading this blog has dampened any fears you may have had when refusing work with us. We don’t hold grudges, and it’ll just make our booking team more determined to score you your perfect assignment!

And for all those who are looking for a different way to celebrate this year, here’s an idea…

Why not apply to be family models? It’s a great way of spending time together, having fun as a family and celebrating the great relationship you have with your parents or children.

But could my family get into modelling?

Yes! You don’t have to be an experienced model to put your family forward for family modelling – those seeking families for modelling work are looking for real families, including those who are new to the business.

Our clients want model families who look the part – and these days looking the part means looking just like any other family you might come across on the school run or in the supermarket!

Since Covid, Models Direct has seen soaring demand for families to take on a variety of assignments for all sorts of clients, ranging from small, boutique businesses to major global brands.

The pandemic highlighted the ease of working with real families – one set of booking and travel arrangements and no social distancing required when infection levels are high.

Furthermore, it emphasised the essential difference between authentic families and models pretending to be a family just for the shoot.

Real families are at ease with each other and have a natural chemistry.

Genuine parents know how to engage their own children and make them feel relaxed.

And, more often than not, the fact a family is having fun together, doing something different, shines through during a shoot.

So, what does a model family look like?

Just like yours! A model family can be representative of any of the many different families that make up our communities.

Yes, of course we have families with Dad, Mum and two kids on our books – and we would love to have more – but we also have families with lots more children in the family group.

We have families with two Dads (perfect for Father’s Day!) or two Mums; we have single parent families, multi-generational families and blended families.

We have families of all sorts of different ethnicities and many who are mixed heritage.

At Models Direct we celebrate diversity and we have lots of clients who feel just as we do and are eager to employ models from a spectrum of backgrounds.

So, how do we get into family modelling?

Browse the Models Direct website to find out more about the modelling industry and to read about some of the bookings we have sent our families along to.

Also read what some of the families already working with Models Direct think – we have a comprehensive review section.

Sit down with your parents or children to see what they think of the idea. Then, if you think modelling might be right for you and your family, get in touch with us.

One of our dedicated team members will call you back so you can find out more and ask any questions you would like.

Family modelling can be a wonderful experience for all concerned and could be yet another way for your family to continue to make exciting memories together.

And for anyone looking to show their Dad how much they appreciate him this Father’s Day, suggesting trying this new hobby together could be just the thing!

After all, what better time is there to tell him how much you love him and how nice it would be to spend time together doing something new.

You’d normally associate models with humans strutting it down the catwalk in Milan, creating a demo for a beauty ad or even a glossy print in a mag, but what about another species taking the modelling world by storm?

If you’ve got a pet, and chances are they are super cute and sweet, could they become a model as well? The answer is: yes! Animals are featured across the board – in the digital world and print.

How can your pet step into this world?

Find an agency – a reputable one with a strong history of success stories. Our modelling agency, Models Direct, is one of them. We have plenty of modelling divisions to break into and yes, we’ve got a pet modelling section called Starpets, specially dedicated to all those adorable friends of ours with fur, feathers, spikes, shells and scales.

Don’t worry about Olympic-quality tricks, the industry is looking for animals with a great attitude, pzazz and just to be themselves.

Let’s get the ball rolling

Wondering what the next steps are? Well, you’re at the right place and at the right time. First off, your little champion needs to be accustomed to new settings. This can often mean chaotic production environments where there’s lots of hustle and bustle – plenty of new faces, noise, lights and ground to cover. If your pet is adaptable, social and trained to cope with the switch, then you’re good to get the modelling ball rolling.

Sit, stay, roll, play

If your pet can respond to your command, that’s even better! Being able to follow some basic commands can open the doors and enhance opportunities further but it isn’t a must-have skill set. Ultimately, animals are animals – they have minds of their own and have other skills such as being intuitive, smart, friendly and funny.

Calm in nature 

Having a super excited pet isn’t something unheard of and is certainly a great trait to have – it’s a natural disposition. However, when at work, pets do need to let their calm and sensitive side filter so that they can display all sides of their personality (even their professional one). Clients know that they’ll have to make provisions for bloopers and hiccups but overall, they’ll want their star of the show to be cool, calm and collected when the time calls for it.

Take lots of snaps

If your animal friend isn’t used to being in front of a camera with lots of noise and people walking about, then maybe it’s time you got them camera ready. Of course, not all animals are aware of exactly what is happening within their surroundings but you can start by getting them prepared. Preparation is key.

Hop, slither, stomp, leap, waddle or climb onto the modelling ladder

This tip can start at your home setting or a place they’re familiar with and with people they know. You can slowly introduce new people and different settings to spark a change and wean them out of their comfort zone. Hopefully, with time, they’ll get used to all the brilliant and different sights, sounds, smells and textures around them, and when you next say, “Sydney, get ready to say cheese!” chances are, they’ll know!

We give our starpets the best oppawtunities to be put forward to the best in the biz. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our team for some miaow-tastic advice and room to explore a career path your pet could embark on, and of course, be paid for!

High streets can be a hive of activity, no matter how many real shoppers are parading along the pavement. A lot of high streets double up as community meeting places where people can stop for a quick chat or arrange a coffee before their next venture. High streets are considered essential by many, and a decline in their prosperity would be a disaster on par with declining green spaces. The fact is, however, that several of our high streets have experienced one of two trends: businesses have closed permanently, or they have reluctantly waved the white flag and been taken over by larger, more corporate enterprises.

A prime example is the number of UK high street banks. In 1988, there were over 20,000; in 2012, that number was just over 13,000. In the last decade, 5,000 banks disappeared, leaving the number of high street banks at 8,000 at the end of 2021. A customer shift towards online banking was the main reason for the decline of the high street bank.

Whilst banks are not “shops” in the traditional sense, they remain one of the most profitable businesses around, and many more high street outlets are expected to suffer the same fate.

Covid, for sure, has been a fundamental reason for both a rise in online sales and the deterioration of high street shops. Brands are largely influenced by buyer’s behaviour, and online shopping has been the sole option for buying certain goods. In fact, 2.14 billion around the world shopped online last year – that’s about 28% of the planet’s population!

Another stat is that 64% of UK consumers prefer shopping on high streets to online browsing, although 55% of UK consumers admit that they will shop more online after the pandemic than they did before.

What can we take from this? Brits are a traditional bunch, so it’s not surprising that the “community feel” provided by high streets remains an important aspect when it comes to shopping. On the flip side, more people have gotten accustomed to online browsing (and buying), so it stands to reason that more UK shoppers will at least dabble more in online shopping.

The appeal of “real” or “physical” shops is unlikely to disappear completely, though the decline in the number of such outlets is the likely result of brands putting more of their budgets into online marketing and staff cut-backs.  

Fashion and clothing remains popular purchases both online and in the high street; there’s nothing like browsing and trying on clothes in shops as opposed to ordering online, only to discover the pair of size 7 trainers you were looking forward to wearing at the weekend are, in fact, size 6.5 and pinch a little at the back! Cue a re-order, and more waiting time. Yes, online shopping is increasing and will undoubtedly continue to do so, but the charm and social facet of “proper shopping” is here to stay…for the time being, at least.

The high street may be less of an option now – and the online presence of brands may be increasing – but that just means consumers have more choice to feed their buying habits. 

Post-pandemic, shopping may never be the same again. There’s still hope for physical stores, and the opportunity for brands to reach more consumers online is at an all-time high. Both types of commerce have their advantages, so it’s really in the hands of the consumer to decide where the direction takes us in the next few years.

Assuming there aren’t more lockdowns…