We are always happy to reveal more about the way we work to any of our models, clients or other partners.

Our business has been in operation now for over 35 years and, of course, it has evolved greatly over the decades.

Today we pride ourselves in being a thriving, 21^st-century agency with an impressive and diverse array of models.

We operate locally, nationally and internationally.

We work with some of the biggest and best-known companies in the UK and beyond, helping them to find just the right individuals for their marketing campaigns and other projects.

So what do you find when you open the doors to Models Direct and step inside?

Well, at the helm we have our managing director Damian O’Connor and our operations director Suzy O’Connor.

Between them, they have grown Models Direct to become the powerhouse it is today.

Their passion, diligence and professional approach are as strong as they ever have been.

And this is exactly what ensures our agency retains its excellent reputation and remains a leader within its field.

Ever-dedicated and working tirelessly is our team of highly professional and equally passionate agents.

These industrious individuals know their business inside out.

• 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

They forge strong links with clients; are dynamic in seeking work for our models and are there on the end of the phone to help each and every individual they place on an assignment.

Our models know they can call or email their contacts at Models Direct if they have any queries or concerns as a job approaches and their agent will respond quickly.

These people are the public face of Models Direct – the smiling, caring, friendly individuals who help ensure we remain people-focused, with the individual right at the heart of our activities here.

Finally, we do, of course, have all the other vital staff that any company has – the busy bees and quietly solid employees who manage our IT systems, websites, social media and other company activities.

We are an organisation of real people who work closely together to ensure a smooth, friendly and highly efficient service.

And we work with clients, who are just as enthusiastic about what they do, and models who enjoy teaming up with us as much as we love working with them.

There is often a suggestion in our industry that not all agencies are what they say they are – and sadly we have to admit this is true.

Some individuals and companies purporting to be modelling agencies are not operating legally or responsibly.

Some are simply websites that showcase models’ photographs in the hope that a client might happen upon them.

Unlike us, they don’t actively seek work for their models.

Models Direct, however, is inspected, vetted and accredited by the government.

We are a legal, authentic employment agency.

And anyone who would like to come along to our offices to meet us and find out more about just how real we are is very welcome to.

But don’t take our word for it – what do our models think of our team here?

Here is some of their feedback…

Adam said:

“During the summer holidays, my son got a call to go for a shoot at Morrisons.

“The service and the advice given by Models Direct’s Gemma was absolutely fantastic.

“My son enjoyed himself.”

Imogen said:

“The team at Models Direct is always so helpful with providing the right level of information at the right time.

“It means that the jobs are always fun and completely hassle-free!

“Charlie is great and super friendly too!”

And Erin said:

“From start to finish, I have had an amazing experience with Models Direct.

“I had my first modelling session, which was great!

“A great group of models, friendly staff and an overall chilled experience!

“Anna has been so helpful setting my account and portfolio up, and Gemma has been a star, organising everything for the modelling day!

“I really felt part of a team and at ease with the whole process.”

If you would like to become part of our team as a model too, then please fill in our form.

Clients interested in booking models can also contact us.

A short and sweet answer because we know that our Models Direct readers like info to be straight to the point. We appreciate that no one has time to trawl through words so here it is:

If you’re looking to be signed up with us, you don’t need any official qualifications to be an MD model. We know that’s pretty unusual as most modelling agencies will ask for previous experience.

But guess what? We don’t! It’s not compulsory for us to have newbies with an illustrious modelling history, and we don’t penalise anyone if they don’t. In fact, we encourage new models to climb on board our modelling hub even if they come without any experience. It’s totally fine for us!

As for requirements, when it comes to applying there are a couple of things to bear in mind. If you have a baby model, child model or pet model, the parent/guardian/pet owner will need to be over 18 to make the application process happen.

• 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

Kasthur and her husband both worked on an Aviva campaign and here’s what Kasthur said:
“Thanks, we had a great day on our couples photo shoot, I have done a few jobs before for you, but for my husband, this was his first time modelling, and he really enjoyed it the production team were just great and made you feel relaxed, hubby is now looking forward to doing more couples jobs ”

Dawn & Mark were booked for a couples campaign with Potters Resort, and here’s what they had to say:
“Just finished my first couples shoot – really good fun.
Started the day outside in the glorious sunshine, and ended up playing mini golf, rowing a boat, having fun in a swimming pool, and rounding off the two-day shoot with bar and restaurant photographs.

Photographer and Client made us feel very at ease with nothing forced. Overall a very enjoyable couple of days enhanced by the lovely other couple we were paired with”

So, if qualifications are not required and there are no requirements apart from the age restriction for submitting an application, what do we actually need from our models?

We need:

Your correct personal details and an up-to-date profile pic.
You to be ready for your first call from one of our specialist modelling coordinators.
You to ask us anything you’d like; we’re happy to help answer your questions!

And that’s it! Just be yourself, be open to trying new things and of course, if you’re feeling nervous, speak to us! You won’t be the first but we can assure you that as the assignment goes underway, your nerves will disperse.

We’ve grown rapidly since we started the business in 1990, and that growth has resulted from a rapid increase in both clients and models. This is beneficial for everyone, because more clients mean more modelling opportunities. But that doesn’t mean that every model who registers with us will be inundated with offers of modelling assignments.

The good news, however, is that joining a reputable agency remains the best way for models of all ages and backgrounds to be put forward to the decision makers: the clients.

We’ve never said commercial modelling isn’t competitive. There has always been competition for jobs – just like in every industry sector. Joining Models Direct makes it much easier for models of any experience to be seen by our clients, who then inform us which models they’d like to work with them.

Any model could approach a brand directly. There’s nothing stopping a model contacting a company and asking if they need models for advertising campaigns. The chances of that model merely speaking to the right person are slim; moreover, even if they do find the right person to talk to, communication would invariably stop right there, with the company telling the hopeful model that they only find models with their preferred agency.

• 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

Agencies develop a trusting relationship with their clients. It’s another solid reason for models to join a good agency. The chances of securing work with an agency significantly increase with an agency working on a model’s behalf. The reality is that, although we place hundreds of models per week in exciting modelling jobs, some models might not be chosen by the clients, even though they are a perfect match, and we put them forward whenever their talents are called for.

But the plus for models is that they can – and should – help themselves. We do everything we can to find our clients the right models for their specific assignments. It’s what we do, and we’re extremely proficient at doing it. Here’s a quick checklist of how models can increase their chances of being chosen by clients:

1. If any contact details have changed since you last registered with us, please ensure that they have been updated on your personal Models Direct portfolio.

2. Just as important, be sure to add fresh photos and reels to your portfolio. This is especially vital if you’ve changed your look. If you’ve had a new haircut or treated yourself to a fresh tattoo, don’t hold back! Take a few up-to-date photos and upload them to your portfolio. Make sure you stand out! Alternatively, if your current portfolio doesn’t include more niche images (e.g. in gym gear for any fitness modelling gigs), be sure to add them. We have plenty of jobs available requiring specific models for specific assignments. We’re not a generic modelling talent agency…

3. Keep up to date with the commercial modelling industry, and be proactive.

4. Don’t be shy in contacting us if you need any assistance. Our team are here to help all models, and we invite anyone to visit us in Norwich by appointment.

Any Models Direct model is in the best place to be seen by all kinds of brands who are actively seeking new talent for their campaigns. Keep at it, and keep the faith!

For Models:

We actually listen. We listen to everyone around us and respect each other’s opinions.

We show:

Respect

Kindness

Gratitude

Honesty

We offer:

Openness

Trustworthiness

Support

Advise

Information

• 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

How we do it the Models Direct way

We encourage diverse and dynamic portfolio images and our team regularly posts time-sensitive blogs about how to capture pictures according to the fashion trends and seasons.

MD wants your contact details, body measurements and skills updated as and when required. We send out gentle reminders just in case you forget because we’re helpful like that! We encourage you to regularly scan our jobs board for vacancies you might like to be put forward for.

When you get booked, we’ll let you know straight away. We’ll discuss areas such as logistics and payment.

For Clients:

Get ready for a call from one of our modelling specialists. At MD’s HQ in Norwich, we’ll pick the models and clients can choose.

If you’re a potential model or client, fuel your next big leap and stick around with Models Direct.

As another year passes, we strive to remain at the forefront of commercial modelling as an agency with everything to offer – both to our models and our clients who rely on us to supply them with the best talent.

We expect modelling with us in 2025 to be even better than that in previous years.

But what do we mean by “better”? It’s a word that has many meanings, and opinions can differ as to what “better” actually implies. No one can predict the future, so it’d be arrogant to say that everything in the world is going to be better in the new year. But in terms of modelling, we’re excited at the prospects 2025 can offer our models.

Modelling in 2025 may very well present some real benefits to our models that can be seen as “better” than the previous years.

Like we say, the previous years (decades, even) have seen substantial growth for us. We work with far more clients year-on-year, and we are able to offer more wonderful modelling assignments to our registered models. We don’t really need to advertise to big name brands, because they come to us whenever they require models to help them in their marketing campaigns and in their advertising needs. We’ve built up an incomparable reputation and our clients trust us to meet their needs. It’s a great two-way relationship.

As a model in 2025, what can you expect?

If you’re thinking about modelling for the first time with us, you should know that you’re in the best possible position to be put forward to our clients. The brands we work range from multinationals and high street retailers to smaller start-ups. They all have one common thing when they approach us: they know that we have the perfect models for their needs. If you’re curious about modelling, you won’t be in a better place to be seen by the brands crying out for models. That’s what makes our team tick.

Maybe 2025 will be the year you take modelling seriously and join our team of models. Maybe it’s on your bucket list – even if you’re happy with a solitary job. Maybe it’s not about you at all; you may be thinking that your beloved pet is on the right track to become one of our next Starpets. Whatever your reasons, you’ll joining the right agency.

For our models who have enjoyed jobs with us, what will modelling in 2025 bring?

Well, we’re confident that all our models can expect the following:

1. To be put forward to our clients for even more modelling opportunities when your look and skills are called for.

2. An increase to our already extensive client list.

3. Even more diverse jobs.

4. More travel opportunities.

We’re always looking for ways to make things “better”. Whether that’s placing even more models with top-notch brands, or receiving more 5 star reviews than ever, we’re looking forward to what 2025 will bring us, our models and our clients.

If models don’t help themselves, the chances of being chosen by our clients are dramatically reduced. If a model hasn’t been offered a modelling assignment for some time, it could be that their portfolio looks tired, stale and outdated. Also, it could also be the case that we’ve tried to contact a model, only to find that they’ve changed email address and mobile numbers – both scenarios defeat the object of being available for work. Help yourselves by helping us, which in turn helps our clients when they come to making decisions about which models they’d prefer to appear in their modelling campaigns.   

As a government-regulated modelling employment agency in the UK, our team of professionals are experts at presenting the right models to our clients. We’ve been doing this for three decades, so the brands that rely on us have total faith in our judgement. After we’ve read the modelling briefs, we shortlisted a group of registered models and contact the client. They can then peruse a model’s portfolio and decide which models they’d like to work with them. We’ll then get in touch with the successful models and offer them the assignment.

Models will know if they’ve been booked for a job when we contact them with the good news that they’ve been chosen by our client. This is usually done by email or a phone call. We tend to tell a model about their offered job as soon as a client tells us which model (s) they have chosen.

It’s then a model’s decision to accept the job. Most do, naturally, but others may decline because of unavailability or travel restrictions. That’s fine, and we always understand when a model turns down a booking. When a model accepts the job, we’ll pass them more details (client name, point of contact, job location, special requirements / specific clothing etc), and discuss their fee with them.

We’ll always been in touch with models prior to their job, as well as during and post-job. Our team are available at any time during office hours to assist in any way they can. Models are not alone on jobs – we know that support before, during and after a modelling shoot is vital for a model’s success.

It’s important to note that some bookings are done at the last minute, not through the lack of preparation, but more so because complications and cancellations can – and do – happen.

Don’t be disheartened if our clients haven’t selected your skills for a little while after registering with us. With the amount of clients and jobs on offer, it’ll only be a matter of time before you get recognised. In the meantime, keep the faith, and show us your current looks by way of new photos on your portfolio.

How? 

Models Direct will lend you some top tips in this new blog! Enjoy the reading, models.
Your ePortfolio is a perfect display of your modelling skills and in this holiday season you can capture the magic of this special time of year by trying out the following:

Enjoy the festive colours

Implement popular Christmas colours such as red and green in your images. It could be in your clothing, your make-up, nails, or your surroundings, to give out festive vibes. This tip is achievable and you can make it weave into your collection of images quite smoothly.

Reflect the Xmas vibes with your dress code

Straight up, we’re thinking velvet, wool and chunky knitwear. We’re pretty certain you’ll have something tucked away in your closet which is your winter-ready apparel. Whip it out and get snapped in it to capture that Christmas feeling.

Use props

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the crackers, mince pies and presents under the tree. Well, there are lots of other things that help the festivities come to life like wreaths, cookies ready for Santa and decorating your home. How about taking a snap of yourself or whoever else is the star model in your home?

Babies? Children? Pets?

Whichever one it is, or maybe all, grab your camera or smartphone and get snapping amongst all the festive decor!

Capture movement and genuine expressions

Photos don’t need to be orchestrated or set up, and it’s probably best to avoid such methods for picture taking. Just being natural and in the moment will help create perfect snaps for your ePortfolio. You could be midsentence, ready to chuckle, or you’re getting the house Christmas-ready – putting up the baubles or wrapping up the gifts.

Quality over quantity

Your ePortfolio deserves your gorgeous pics but quality always trumps quantity. You want to select the best pics from your camera roll as opposed to adding everything into your ePortfolio just for the sake of it! Please avoid this and upload the images that showcase best your diversity as a model. As for your pet or child, follow the same principle and stick to selecting the best images that will draw attention and create interest in their portfolio.

The festive takeaway

This time of the year is merry, heart-warming and simply wonderful. Capturing festive snaps of yourself, your little one or your pet for your Models Direct ePortfolio can make this special season even more delightful and memorable. Follow the simple tips above to get this started but most of all, have fun!!!
 

We work with some of the most recognisable brands in the world – McDonald’s, Sky, Sony, Amazon, BMW to name just a few – and we send models to assignments right across the UK and beyond.

Models Direct is as professional an agency as you will find and is justly proud of the reputation it has earned for its professional and efficient service.

Unlike many other organisations (and even individuals) claiming to be agencies, we are government-verified and registered.

We are an inspected and accredited employment agency that focuses on finding paid part-time work for its models.

And we are there to respond swiftly and effectively to source just the right model (or models) for our clients.

You only have to read our many blogs and the wealth of feedback we receive to see just how successful we are at doing this.

Yet there is so much more to Models Direct than simply being a proficient, fast-paced business.

We are also a team of real people, genuine agents who love their jobs and work tirelessly to match models with clients and assignments.

Our team members have all worked with us for years; they know the business inside out and they take pride in the exceptional care and high-quality service they offer everyone.

This includes, of course, our clients, our models and all those other people we liaise with on a daily basis.

Our team members all love the variety of what they do…

One day they could be sending a family along to a local supermarket for a photo shoot – the next they could be discussing flights for male and female models who are jetting off abroad.

As you peruse the reviews our models leave after each assignment, you will gain an understanding of just how much pride our individual team members take in each model and every booking.

Once someone has been offered and accepted a job, our agents will be in touch every time they have additional information to convey and they will be available on the end of the phone if needed.

They will also check in afterwards to make sure the job has gone well and will ensure our model receives the agreed fee within days of completing the assignment.

Models Direct has been a key part of the British modelling agency for more than 30 years now – and we hope to be here, working with you, for another 30 to come.

Instead of placing images up to cut corners, humans are keeping it real

You may or may not already know but showcase agencies can only literally do what their name suggests – showcase models’ images online or in print. Their capacity as an agency quite literally and legally stops there and moves no further. For them, it’s all about waiting and seeing who will notice and book their models. There’s no grit or hard graft behind this process. It’s a very laid-back approach and is almost as though if it’ll happen, it’ll happen and if it doesn’t, then it doesn’t!

Models Direct on the other hand is a long-standing UK modelling employment agency that has a team of professionals all working together to get our phenomenal and diverse models noticed and booked by tried and trusted clients. Our team has core principles we follow when working towards securing jobs for all of our models. They are:

Building rapport with brands and businesses

Having a specific agent who really knows their models, not just someone familiar with their model’s portfolio images.

Having an agent who they can trust and contact whenever they need help, advice and support.

From our client’s perspective, we know that they’re busy people who are often pressed for time. This often happens to be the reason they turn to a modelling employment agency just like ourselves who can fulfil the following:

Search for suitable and reliable models

Set up casting calls, auditions or self-tapes

Negotiate fees

Organise modelling logistics

Our passion for modelling truly shows with the challenges, grit and perseverance our booking team demonstrates every day when it comes to finding our model’s work.

Clients are fully screened

The difference when it comes to clients looking to hire a showcase agency vs an employment agency is that the latter conducts specific checks on not just a few of our clients but ALL of them regardless of whether they’re renowned or not – which MD does too. Showcase agencies do not guarantee these checks as it’s not part of their typical business duties.

Models receive timely payments, every time

No hiccups here! Our agency ensures that our models are paid on time with the negotiated payment within five working days after completion of the modelling gig – without fail.  

Showcase agencies cannot guarantee this which makes releasing payments that much more volatile when working with this type of agency.

Regulated by the Department of Business, Innovations and Skills BIS

This important factor demonstrates that our agency adheres to operating ethically, fostering innovation and investing in skills such as training programs to ensure that best business practices are followed. Showcase agencies look over this and do not follow this making them an unstable modelling to rely on.

Annnnnd, there you have it, loyal readers. Thanks for sticking around to the end to read this all-important blog for those who were just wondering what the difference between us and showcase agencies was. We hope that we’ve cleared up some misconceptions but as always, if you have any burning questions, please let our team know and we’ll be happy to help – always!

Many models love to model because of the sense of accomplishment. Some adore modelling because it breaks up their routine; many model with us as a part-time activity, which suits some people perfectly. Being the star of the shoot appeals to several models, who enjoy being in the limelight amongst the photographers or filmmakers under studio lights. All these are understandable, but we know not many people would model without a nice pay cheque at the end of the day.

So, we appreciate that earning money is important. After all, as the largest modelling agency in the country, we earn money from our duties. The burning question for models everywhere is: “How much money could I earn?”

It’s a question that we can easily answer, but with lots of answers. That’s because different modelling jobs come from different clients, all with different budgets. Remember – we collect our client’s payment before each and every job, so it means we have, in effect, collected our model’s fees before they’ve even started their assignments. That fee is largely dependant on the type of job (simple photoshoot, acting role, film etc) but – most crucially – the client.

It stands to reason that a model can expect to earn slightly more working for a larger client than a smaller one with a limited budget. Whatever the amount a model will earn, we always have it “in the bank”, so that means we can pay our models very promptly, unlike some agencies who might pay their employees after one or two weeks.

Getting down to the brass tacks – but how much? It could range from £70 – £100 for just an hour’s work, or up to £300 for a day’s work. For a family booking, it could be as much as £500 for a day’s work. That figure is possible for some our Starpets, too. For more pet fees, please click here. The key is the client.

To give precise examples, our wonderful model Neri collected a £700+ fee for her work with Ideal World TV way back in 2018; she’s since earned thousands of pounds in her starring role.

Ever since our wonderful Friend family had been our books they’ve earned over £6,000 over 7 assignments – quite an achievement and a pretty good fee per job.

We’re very open in revealing our model’s fees – providing we get their permission, of course. Readers can view some more modelling fees to give some idea of how fees can vary from model to model, client to client.

Just a note on why we take photos of models with cheques. Simply, we like to revel in their success, and showing people the reward of their success is more effective than saying we paid directly them into their bank accounts. Our models seem to like posing with cheques, too!