Diversity, inclusion and belonging are valued at our core, sparking and enabling us to do good for our models, clients and communities. In today’s reading we’re celebrating models with disabilities and how their game-changing perspective towards taking on new experiences and challenges with professionalism, ‘yes first’ mentality and ‘can do’ attitude is winning them the recognition they deserve in the modelling industry.

Let’s shine the spotlight on our male and female models who have been hired for modelling assignments through our team, and how they felt about their experience.

Darren was booked for the Business Disability Forum, and his wife had a lot of positive feedback to share:

“Respectful and Amazing…
My husband went on a shoot with Models Direct today. He had the time of his life!! Bearing in mind, he has a disability that makes it hard to walk, he met his liaison this morning and it was plain sailing from there!! All (disabled) models were treated with the utmost respect, all needs were met and a fun but exhausting time was had by all. Communication has been brilliant throughout and even though the shoot was at an airport, everything was organised so well, there was no time for nerves. Would TOTALLY recommend Models Direct to all ages/abilities! Thank you!!”

This experience took place back in June 2024, and it’s not the first time Business Disability Forum has been in contact with us for our talent. Our models have worked with them in the summer of 2023 too!

Leanne was there, amongst some of our other female and male models on the previous project. This is what she filled us in with about her day on set:

“Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
I had the best experience on set this week, I absolutely loved every minute of it and I couldn’t stop smiling! Thank you so much Models Direct for this amazing opportunity, for believing in me and trusting me to professionally represent you. I was made to feel so welcome, by all the production team and I instantly felt really comfortable and at ease.

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As a wheelchair model, I can face many barriers and obstacles, I can honestly say that I was treated with the utmost dignity and respect at all times and they were really accommodating and understanding towards all my needs!

I participated in a number of different scenes and scenarios, all based around disability inclusion in the workplace. I was the first model on set, so the initial tasks were individually completed by myself…
It was great to meet and work alongside the other models. Everyone was so lovely, making this a really memorable experience! Thank you again Models Direct, I can’t wait to see the final cuts from this shoot and I look forward to working with you again soon..”

We’ve got a lot more reviews from all modelling categories where our models get hired by our illustrious clients and share their experience with us and you. If you want to read more, head over to this page.

At Models Direct, we have over three decades of modelling industry knowledge and hands-on experience. We’re standing strong where our ethos remains the same – bringing everyday people the opportunity to become a model. Whether it’s a part-time career they’d like to enjoy or something more frequent, our expert team can help! And if you’re an individual with disabilities, nothing is stopping you from applying with us!

We want to work with top talent, and so do our clients. So, whoever you are, whatever you look like, wherever you come from if you’re interested or perhaps know someone who would enjoy trying out this profession, we’d love to hear from you! MD’s looking forward to receiving your application!

It’s time to embrace these beautiful, unique and quirky characteristics that make us stand out and give a whole new perspective on what beauty should look like. Welcome to our blog about modelling with perfect imperfections. 

The modelling world has been slowly evolving over the decades where we’ve been seeing more models of different shapes, sizes, races and ages come to the forefront. It’s really empowering and uplifting, and as a top UK modelling agency, we’re truly proud to be a part of this shift in change. We want to open a pathway for those who are eager to climb the modelling ladder and assist this modelling division to thrive. We’re unlocking some secrets about this category and what to look out for if you’re interested in applying, so keep reading!  

Unique features: what are they?

Having something that makes us different is in all of us. Whether it’s obvious or behind the scenes, we can all draw attention to special features that set us apart from everyone. Think Cindy Crawford’s iconic mole, Naomi Campbell’s beautiful exotic looks and Winnie Harlow who doesn’t allow her vitiligo to define who she is. 

What makes you “you”? Here are some show-stopping examples of unique and quirky features to look out for:

Eye colour – maybe you have a striking tone or heterochromia (two different eye colours).

Hair colour and texture – it could be your luscious locks are heavenly highlighted with gorgeous tones or that they’re super soft looking. 

Birthmarks and moles – do you have any that can be picked up by the click of a photographer’s camera. 

Tattoos and piercings – have you got yourself inked or pierced that’ll get heads turning? 

Can you relate to any of the aforementioned points? Is there any part you’ll be able to connect with? 

We reckon that you’ll have something to showcase if you’re interested in taking up a part-time career in modelling, that’s for sure. If you need to chat, speak to someone you trust or our professional team for confidential advice and some friendly chit chat. 

Bottom line:

Don’t waste time and energy concealing your beauty

Our modelling mission

Models Direct strive to create a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive environment for our talented models, where everyone feels safe and valued. We’re committed to giving everyone a fair and equal opportunity regardless of gender, age, race, colour, religion, culture, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or gender identity. It couldn’t get any better than that!

The takeaway

Who said that unique looks which are perfectly imperfect aren’t beautiful, memorable and marketable? Don’t go under the radar and conceal whatever makes you the wonderful human being you are. Join our sought-after modelling division today by completing our free online application – build your career and earn an extra income. It really is easy peasy!

Fortunately, diversity in commercial modelling has been on the increase. Companies now respect that models shouldn’t be packed into convenient categories, pigeon-holed in cute stereotypes. Take a model who is six feet in height without heels, has tanned skin and golden hair. Great! There is a need for this type of model in the industry – no question – and they should be encouraged to keep doing what they do best (we should know – we’ve placed many in top jobs for years). But the industry has shifted somewhat, and the need for diversity is perhaps two-fold:

1. To banish bias and prejudice, thus promoting tolerance and open-mindedness. Basically – for humane and moral reasons.

2. Marketing departments of companies (whether global, national or local) understand the importance of diversity, if only for profits. Without criticising companies for merely thinking about money (they all don’t, even though profits make or break them!), they’d be losing out if their products aren’t targeted to everyone. If there’s a need for merchandise for every type of consumer, companies don’t want to miss out on selling the products – that’s business, folks! Are CEOs forced to promote diversity? Probably not. It’s just unwise for a large business to ignore diversity. And that’s where commercial models come into a league of their own. Who better than diversity models to promote anything related to diversity?

Which brings us to posing the question: what are diversity models? It’s really quite simple! Models of diversity represent the breakdown of universally-perceived “normal” social barriers, thus including everyone from whole communities and demographics – regardless of sexual orientation, gender, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, looks, size or disabilities. Everyone is different, so everyone should be included. Indeed, everyone has a unique set of talents, and these should be broadcasted to help achieve unreserved equality.

Commercial modelling is perhaps the genre where diversity has the most influence, because it is arguably seen by the most people. Every single person is a potential customer, so companies would be foolish not to tap into the diversity ethos.

Feedback from Holly’s assignment (pictured above):

“Holly really enjoyed her day having her photograph taken. She was made to feel the centre of attention which she loved, so would definitely like to do this sort of thing again.

Holly had to pose as a customer with her ‘mum’ and visit a car showroom to choose a new car. She enjoyed sitting in the car and pretending to drive. The day has boosted Holly’s confidence, as she just loves making people smile.

We’d definitely recommend doing this to anyone who asked, but you must be confident.  This is the first role Holly has had with Models Direct, and we hope it is the first of many more. This is something which holly could potentially consider as a career when she is older, if she decides to continue.” – Holly’s Parent

Click the link to hear how model Clare got on on her first modelling assignment: https://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/models-direct-supports-diversity/

Regarding advertising, diversity models can be utilised in various campaigns, and not just confined to fashion shoots. An example is our disabled model, Gary, who appeared in Kwik Fit’s short film promoting their “worry-free packages”, replacing wear-and-tear car parts, including tyres. As the UK’s leading fast-fit supplier of tyres, Kwik Fit saw the benefit of featuring Gary (who has a prosthetic leg) to illustrate how partial mobility shouldn’t be an obstacle. After filming, Gary stated, “As ever the day went very well and was quite seamless despite the very early start! The crew were very well organised and very welcoming, and it was once again a great insight into just how much effort and planning goes into such a short presentation“.

The final short film can be viewed by clicking on the link: https://www.weareiris.co.uk/kwikfit

Whether you’re a wheelchair user or living with a neurological / genetic disorder and you fancy modelling, we’d love to hear from you. Models from all backgrounds should get in touch with us, and together we can continue our mission to promote diversity to the masses! Join us by clicking here.

Running out of ideas on what to watch whilst in quarantine? Seen Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney + back to back but want something different?

Well, since Models Direct is a long-standing modelling agency always on the lookout for new models (even during these unprecedented times). We’ve always got our eyes peeled for the newest trends and the latest happening in the modelling industry.

So, we’ve found something for all you budding models out there to watch! You need to head over to BBC Three where an insightful four-part series has just aired its first episode (this Sunday just gone) on our screens – Models: Street To Catwalk. Take it from us, you’ll want to get comfy, cosy and dig into something delish whilst watching this.

What it’s all about

Models: Street To Catwalk takes us on the path of three young gorgeous models who were scouted by a UK modelling agency. The programme will give any prospective models out there a behind-the-scenes pass to what goes on within the industry. You’ll discover the peaks and troughs, achievements and challenges that these young models are journeying through to not just make it into the modelling world but to make it BIG!

For any of you out there reading this and have felt unsure about venturing into this field, this programme opens the doors and reveals how it is for models breaking into the arena. Modelling agencies are matching the demands of consumers. Consumers want to see a real representation of models who bring a unique, flair of diversity. Consumers want to see models who they feel will represent them and who they can relate to. If this is executed accurately, then the industry flourishes.

Models: Street To Catwalk reveals Nemesis’ goal of searching for the edgy, diverse ‘Manchester look’ which is their trending sought after look. The three youngsters are from unconventional backgrounds and are now trying their hand at reigning the camera with awesome poses and bold expressions!

Our thoughts 

We certainly hope you take on our suggestion and watch the series. As a modelling agency ourselves, we too encourage new models and existing ones to come on board and keep up the momentum of excepting assigned new jobs.

We’ll put it out there just as the programme does – modelling isn’t always as easy as it’s hyped up to be. Sometimes waiting to hear back from an agency can be agony but there’s always reward in patience and positivity. 

Register with us

If you’re serious about taking the modelling plunge, we say, head over to our registration page and apply to Models Direct. It really couldn’t be simpler; just hit the send button along with a couple of snapshots of yourself and your application will whizz into cyberspace and reach our inbox in next to no time.

Maybe this will be your time to shine; add an extra job to your CV and earn extra cash too! What’s not to like? Stay tuned to Models: Street To Catwalk for more in-the-know modelling insight and don’t worry if you missed the first episode – you can stream it on BBC iPlayer. 

Gary was selected to feature in the latest online commercial for Kwikfit Motability – as an experienced model with a disability, Gary was the perfect choice to work with such a well known client and a professional film crew to produce their latest mobility campaign.

Gary gives his feedback on his filming experience:

As ever the day went very well and was quite seamless despite the very early start!
The crew were very well organised and very welcoming, it was once again a great insight into just how much effort and planning goes into such a short presentation.
My short acting role was great fun, I’d like to say it was a high octane stunt scene but in reality I just had to pull up in my car, get out, shake hands with the Kwik Fit engineer and ask for a new tyre! 
 This all said, it didn’t matter, it was a great experience and I enjoyed it. Let’s just hope I did ok! – Gary

Models Direct are very excited to see the final version of the commercial featuring Gary – click the link below to view:

https://www.weareiris.co.uk/kwikfit

To be considered for modelling and filming work, get in contact today – click here

The Models Direct Assignments Department have seen a growing demand from clients looking for genuine ‘model families’, in the past agents here have created a model family for particular jobs, however more and more now clients are asking for the families to be real.

Models Direct represent some fantastic model families, a lot of which have been successfully selected for assignments this year, some earning some big money!

Become a Model Family

Check out this recent Blog – http://www.modelsdirect.co.uk/thought-family-modelling-models-direct/

The advantage of the families being real are many; logistically it’s easier for an agent to coordinate and manage the booking, travel, timings, paperwork etc is very much more straight forward with just one set of parents.

Chemistry is something a Photographer or Casting Director will be looking for when sourcing a model family and so this is much more natural and instant if the family are real and feel comfortable with each other, it speeds the process up and avoids any unnecessary personality conflicts. Being on set for children can be very daunting to, so it’s much easier for them if they are playing a role with their real mum and dad by their sides than someone pretending they are.

The Models Direct are looking to recruit more model families in 2019, so if modelling is something you like the idea of and your partner and kids do too then we are on the look out for a diverse range of new model families to join the Models Direct books!

2018 has also seen a growing demand for Curve models, with the industry becoming more aware of the need for diversity in the fashion industry agencies are recruiting curvier models.

Models Direct has always represented all sizes, ‘size is not an issue’ for us or ability, so we have successfully been able to place plus size models and models with disabilities in assignments this year, however we would like to expand more in this area and Internationally also.

In high fashion modelling, curve models are considered size 12 or above, this isn’t so much the case in commercial modelling, with the average UK female being a size 14, curve models are usually size 16 or above.

The growing theme across the industry is ‘Diversity’ and that is something that we are seeing in all aspects of modelling – it’s very refreshing, exciting and will develop throughout 2019.

If you would like to get involved in modelling and think you have what it takes then please visit the website or subscribe to the blog.

“I hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future!” – Alex

Models Direct have been involved with many campaigns and shoots featuring disable models and we hope we can be involved in many more – here’s what our #malemodel Alex had to say after recently working with Heathrow Airport:

“Hi, I have just had a fabulous experience on my first assignment with Models Direct, courtesy of Molly at Models Direct and working with Ingenious on behalf of Heathrow Airport.
Natalie met me on arrival, such a lovely lady, offering refreshments and kept me posted on the time frame and set up status of equipment etc. We started promptly at noon, Steve and Magnus, the team responsible for the shots, were great, made me feel relaxed and confident. We had an initial chat then onto some shots before an informal interview whilst being pictured.
The whole experience was simple from start to finish, everywhere was of course accessible, parking was easy, directions and contact info all provided, just very very easy. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, and hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future. Many thanks to everyone involved in the selection process, it’s been a privilege  – Thank you!”

The disability equality charity Scope estimate there to be approximately 13 million disabled people in the UK, this is a large percentage of the population who should be casted for mainstream advertising campaigns the same as any other talent.

Models Direct’s ethos is to offer all models the same opportunities whether disabled or able bodied within the talent and modelling industry. Whatever disability you have there is a need to be inclusive when it comes to disabled models and not just to advertise wheelchairs! We believe disabled talent/models should also be considered by casting directors and advertising agencies for able bodied characters and roles too, similarly with models, let’s not just used disabled models to model disabled products or services!!

Models Direct are very proud to represent a variety of very talented disabled people and we have done for the last 30yrs! The disability has never been a focus for Models Direct, the agency considers their application in the same way as an able bodied model, it’s their enthusiasm, determination and commitment that shines through! A large percentage of the disabled talent Models Direct represent have been successful in being selected for work, for example:

“Yesterday I had my first assignment with a company called Hive and I had a fantastic first shoot. They sent me a taxi to get to the location and I arrived in good time. Everyone was so friendly and reassured me as I was slightly nervous with it being my first assignment. I had to try on some different outfits to play wheelchair tennis. When they chose the outfit that they liked the best I then had to do action shots with a tennis racquet as if I was leaving my house. Everyone from the wardrobe stylist , photographer and producer were amazing and put me at ease. They also arranged for a taxi to take me home. They were all very helpful and accommodating towards my disability. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed my first shoot and I look forward to more in the future! Thank you so much Models Direct for all of your help in getting me my first assignment and keeping in touch regularly and giving me all of the information that I needed for the assignment!” – Clare Watson

“I had the most brilliant day, led by a super-talented crew, and enjoyed watching from behind the scenes as much as being involved as the driver who had broken down!
Leading up to the actual day, I found myself picturing the shoot, well, guessing really. Imagining. My vivid imagination hadn’t accounted for any possibility of the most beautiful blue skies; we happened to be filming on the warmest, clearest day of the month. Perfect!
This was my first assignment and, from being met at the station by Jacqui upon arrival, I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute! It was a joy to shoot scenes with Mark from RAC, reassuring to be clearly and patiently directed by talented Tom and his crew, all of whom answered our questions with a smile… and empowering to be sat in the driver’s seat of such a stylish car! I was particularly interested in shooting the same scene again from different viewpoints, some very close up, some at long range.
Thank you Molly at Talent Management for your endlessly cheerful emails; you really enabled me to be fully prepared for yesterday. Thank you, too, for introducing me to close camera work with such great people, for a company that is so relevant to me. I can’t wait for the next one!” – Frances

“Hi, I have just had a fabulous experience on my first assignment with Models Direct, courtesy of Molly at Models Direct and working with Ingenious on behalf of Heathrow Airport.

Natalie met me on arrival, such a lovely lady, offering refreshments and kept me posted on the time frame and set up status of equipment etc. We started promptly at noon, Steve and Magnus, the team responsible for the shots, were great, made me feel relaxed and confident. We had an initial chat then onto some shots before an informal interview whilst being pictured.

The whole experience was simple from start to finish, everywhere was of course accessible, parking was easy, directions and contact info all provided, just very very easy. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, and hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future. Many thanks to everyone involved in the selection process, it’s been a privilege.” – Alex

Slowly slowly changes are happening and key influencer’s on social media are finding their voices and making changes to how visible disabled people are in the commercial/talent world. Models Direct are delighted by this and hope to be able to successfully promote more of their talent with different abilities for these key roles.

A recent article on the BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-45601646, featuring actor, model, vlogger, presenter Grace Mandeville, who has teamed up with photographer Linda Blacker on a project starring disabled actors and models photographed in roles that are usually given to non-disabled talent.

The point of the campaign is to show that disabled models and talent should be considered by casting directors and producers for roles of able bodied characters, not a role that is purely focused on their disability. #MoreThanADisability – BBC

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_oD9wHdOc/?taken-by=gracemandeville

All models featured in this blog are represented by Models Direct – bookings@modelsdirect.com

For more information about Models Direct or if you have a disability and would like to be considered by the agency please visit Models Direct

Clare has been represented by Models Direct for 6 months, she has a condition called Dystonia, a movement disorder in which a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably, she therefore often uses a wheelchair and can use her crutches also. 

Models Direct represent a variety of models with different abilities, adults and children of all ages and are proud to have been able to promote them successfully to large and small clients and brands across the UK.

Last week the Models Direct team were delighted to be able to tell Clare she had successfully been selected to feature in the latest online campaign for Hive – the UK’s Leading Smart Home Provider – as you can image she was delighted too!

Here is what Clare had to say about her Assignment experience:

“Yesterday I had my first assignment with a company called Hive and I had a fantastic first shoot. They sent me a taxi to get to the location and I arrived in good time.

Everyone was so friendly and reassured me as I was slightly nervous with it being my first assignment.

I had to try on some different outfits to play wheelchair tennis. When they chose the outfit that they liked the best I then had to do action shots with a tennis racquet as if I was leaving my house.

Everyone from the wardrobe stylist, photographer and producer were amazing and put me at ease. They also arranged for a taxi to take me home.

They were all very helpful and accommodating towards my disability.

I can honestly say that I really enjoyed my first shoot and I look forward to more in the future!

Thank you so much Models Direct for all of your help in getting me my first assignment and keeping in touch regularly and giving me all of the information that I needed for the assignment! ”

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Models Direct have always tried to represent the widest possible selection of people from across the widest area. This is a key difference between us and local agencies: local agencies get only local work enquiries, while we field enquiries from clients worldwide.

How do I book a Models Direct model?

If you are a business looking to book Singers, Models, Dancers, Entertainers, Musicians, Actors, Pets or Promotional staff, complete a Model Hire application form.

Please note: this function is for genuine clients looking to book models. Some of our models ‘try us out’ by pretending to be clients. This is detected by our system and takes up valuable time that we could spend promoting our models.