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model hasn’t been offered a modelling assignment for some time, it could be that their portfolio looks tired, stale and outdated.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.

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.

At MD, our client list has expanded far and wide, across the length and breadth of the UK. We’ve had trendsetters and creative dreamers contact us, usually via our hire-a-model application, on a quest to search for models who can shape their campaigns. From advertising moguls to fashion wizards and everyone in between, our team has worked with top-notch clients who had the desire to bring their marketing ideas to life with the help of our talented pool of diverse models.

From emerging start-ups to humble industry giants, our dream team has helped launch successful projects where many have returned for our reliable and professional services. So, who have we specifically worked with over our thirty-year presence in the UK modelling industry? This reading will reveal all with some of our most recent clients. These are our top picks for this edition of Who Are Our Clients? Get ready, get set…enjoy!

Why it’s good to know who we’ve worked with

Firstly, why is it good to know who we’ve collaborated with? We’ll outline the reasons why here:

It provides a space to learn about our industry reputation, particularly through the feedback we receive from clients and models alike (which you’ll find out more about later on). Working with well-established clients also demonstrates that we deliver what they need, and how well we get the job done.

If you’re considering working with us, our client history can show you whether our ethos, mission, and goals align with yours. If they do, we’re good to go!

Our respectable record of clients illustrates the demand for our modelling services.

It builds industry connections and opportunities. Prospective collaborations with other clients and creative agencies are great for networking whilst learning who your competitors are gives you a potential market lead.

The Goodsyard

Based near Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter station, this was a recent shoot for the new neighbourhood regeneration project of apartment and must-have amenities with London’s creative marketing agency, Identity Design.

“Models Direct has provided a fulfilling modelling experience. Great for those seeking enjoyable assignments and a positive modelling environment. Highly recommended.”

Participating in “The Goodsyard Apartment & Amenities Shoot” with Identity Design was a fantastic experience. Collaborating with another talented model, we seamlessly showcased the accommodation and highlighted amenities. The production team provided excellent direction and support throughout the day. The wardrobe requirements were communicated in the detailed shoot brief, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared experience. They provided refreshments and kept energy levels up. Looking forward to future collaborations.”

– Male Model David Fadimu on his photoshoot (4th February)

Spacelabs Healthcare

Another company that recently approached us for a promotional shoot and filming on how to apply their ECG equipment was Spacelabs. They have over 60 years of experience in helping care teams across the globe, and how to deal with patients who are in critical, sub-acute and perioperative stages of their health journey. Our male model Gary was selected to step in for their marketing campaign in Hertford. We’ll fill you in once the finals have been completed. In the meantime, you can see Spacelabs Healthcare’s work here.

Say it With Diamonds

This gem of a company has come to us several times over the past few years to re-establish its strong connection with our team. Most recently, Zuri, her mum and grandmother were the modelling three-generation sensations booked for the jewellery company’s 2024 Mother’s Day campaign. Booked on 6th February, their work will be coming to a digital screen near you!

If you’re interested in reading more about our collaborations with other clients, please take a look at our booking blogs. For model reviews and client testimonials, they’re here – highlighted in blue! Or, if you want more – an extensive list of the people who we’ve worked with so far. Enjoy!

It’s one of the reasons why our models love to work with us.

We know we have many positive attributes to our business – including the largest range of brands to work with, quick release of payment to models and a wonderful booking team – and one characteristic particularly stands out when models apply with us: convenience.

We’re sympathetic to a model’s needs and schedules. We know that some of our models have other commitments, and we wouldn’t expect anything else. That’s why working only as a part time model suits hundreds of models, which frees up time to concentrate on other work or pastimes.

That last word is important: pastimes. Plenty of models out there look at modelling work as a paid hobby. They won’t – or can’t – commit to multiple assignments per month or even throughout a whole year, so they’re perfectly happy working a handful of jobs. They’re grateful for the best fees around whenever they’re available. This works for us.

We never pressure models to accept jobs when they’ve been selected by our illustrious clients after we’ve put them forward. Our clients know just as well as we do that not every model is able to agree to every job. There could be a number of reasons why a model refuses an assignment, and we never ask why. When this happens, we’re just as dedicated in finding the right job for the right model. The selection procedure is a two-way process: if models aren’t comfortable with the job on offer, they shouldn’t accept it.   

It’s fair to say that a minority of Models Direct models work full time. Every individual model is different. Some models put all their energy into their work, adding as much experience as possible to their modelling eportfolios. That’s great if it works for that person. If it doesn’t, that’s equally acceptable.

Working part time with us allows more freedom. Models can indeed select which assignments to accept. We receive some briefs from clients with minimal notice, so it’s normal for models to decline the opportunity due to time restraints. It’s also normal for jobs to be declined for geographical reasons; we do have plenty of modelling work available in every corner of the UK, but we also appreciate that transport routes can be problematic.

Part time work therefore usually means that models have a better scope to decide which assignments to take on. Whilst some models might be chosen after just a few days from registration, lots of models know that instant selection is unrealistic and are content to be chosen sporadically. If it was our choice, we’d happily place all our models equally in all our available jobs. Sadly we can’t do this – we use our expertise and experience to recommend suitable models to send to clients for their final say.

Working part time as a Models Direct could be the opening you’ve been craving. If earning great fees working with professional photographers and filmmakers sounds like something you’d excel at, register with us and we’ll see what you can offer!

Well, we’re glad you’ve landed on this page because MD will let you in on a few of our own tried and tested tips to get ready for the summer and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere it brings.

Wardrobe overhaul

Yup, one of the first places we would ask you to head to is your clothes. Whether they’re stacked in a wardrobe, folded in a cabinet or kept under your bed in a storage box, you’ll need to work through what’s summer-proof and what’s not. It’s your choice, whichever way your sense of fashion is swaying because you own your creativity. If you’re doing this for your baby model or child model, it’ll be the same process. If they’re old enough, they can help you by picking their outfit or helping you with yours!

Don’t forget good footwear for longer walks, and accessories – UV sun hats and caps, and UV protected sunglasses, or glasses and a sun umbrella.

Take care of your skin

Whether it’s you, your baby, your child, your teen, your family, or even your pet, take care of your skin! Whether the sun is peeping out from behind the clouds or set high up in the cloudless sky, ensure you’re wearing SPF 50 cream along with a sun hat. We know your pet can’t wear the same cream but you can purchase specialist pet sun cream to protect theirs too. Stay in the shade and out of the sun during peak hours.

Hair care

The summer heat can sizzle your hair. Maybe you might want a haircut (don’t forget to include an ePortfolio snap for your updated look) just so that it’s manageable. If not, that’s cool too. Tie your hair up, out of your face, wear a hat or cap, or even cover it with a scarf or use a thick headband to keep it away and tucked in. You can use a hair mask to treat it and show your hair some TLC in the evenings.

Keep hydrated

Do you find that you lose your appetite when the temperature rises and all you want is ice-cold drinks on repeat? Yup, sounds like us on a hot day too! This often happens due to sweating, loose motions (you know what we mean!), and vomiting – all natural things that happen to our bodies. So, we get thirsty hence why we flock to the freezer to top up on ice cubes. Just remember to keep the sugary drinks down and limit the caffeine. You might feel more dehydrated and at higher risk of tooth decay and teeth stains.

Have light and nutritious food

There might be points you don’t want to eat at all and just top up with fluids but having light foods might be better than opting for an empty belly. Fruits, yogurts, vegetables, and other lean proteins such as fish, chicken, egg whites and lentils are beneficial options to choose from. 

While there’s so much to do and much to get on with this summer; there’s also much to look forward to over the next few months! Enjoy the summer because it’ll pass by and you’ll be wishing for it to come around sooner next time! Don’t forget to timeline your sun-drenched days for the benefit of your luminous portfolio. Keep smiling and keep shining!

Radiate this summer and glow up!

Love Team MD x

It’s a fair enough request. We’ve never shied away from informing our clients and models how we conduct our work. A level of transparency is beneficial to a sound working process, so we’re happy to tell others how we book models for all assignments.

We initially receive a brief from our clients, asking for the models we think will serve the client’s needs the best. These briefs usually come by email. We receive several of them daily, as our loyal client list is the most extensive in the UK. A client’s brief can be as simple as “Male model wanted for commercial shoot”, or as detailed as “Mature model aged 65 years – 75 years required for short video as part of a government advert in the EC2N area of London.” A lot of briefs give the specific dates the shoot will take place on. We gave London as an example, but it’s important to know that we operate anywhere in the UK, Ireland and in other countries farther afield – see the fabulous photo of our model Darin, who packed his passport and was whisked off to Spain for a sunny photo shoot.  

After reading briefs, it’s over to our team. We consist of experienced booking professionals who know exactly what our clients need for successful marketing assignments and commercial adverts.

Our team study registered models, gathering their looks, geographical locations and ages, all of which match the brief. We’ll then recommend them to the client in question, which includes giving them access to a model’s all-important portfolio.

The client will then spend time perusing our recommendations before telling us which model (s) they’d like us to contact with the good news. We’ll get in touch with models to offer them the assignment. At this stage, any model can accept or refuse the assignment. We understand that circumstances change, so the timing of the assignment might not be convenient for some models.

When models accept the job (and in most cases they do), we’ll tell our client and arrange all the necessary booking details at our office. This includes informing the model:

• The client’s name and chief contact on the day.
• The location of the assignment.
• Timings of the assignment.
• Any necessary details, e.g. specific clothing to take.
• Their fee (which is paid to all models within 5 working days upon completion of the job)
• Our booking agent’s details.
• That we keep in touch with models prior, during and after their booking.

Key points for all models to know are:

• If you haven’t been offered work sooner than you’d expect, don’t give up. Modelling is competitive, so keep your portfolios updated with current photos.
• We have a sixth sense in knowing what types of models our clients are looking for, but it’s always our client’s decision which models are picked.
• If you refuse an assignment once chosen, we won’t treat you any differently when looking for future bookings.
• We’re always available to speak to for advice, tips and help.

Both clients and models respect our booking process for being straightforward and effective.

It’s proven to be successful for decades. We look forward to booking you as one of our next models, whether it’s part of a film shoot in Devon or a photo session in Scotland. We cover all corners of the UK, giving models better opportunities to shine on assignment.  

This unique period is certainly testing, but it can be made that more tolerable by following a few recommendations. So what is the best advice to follow to cope with self-isolation. Read on, and you never know – you might even grow to like them…

First and foremost, the most crucial aspect when dealing with self-isolation is to keep busy. There’s nothing worse than being restricted in your own home without things to occupy the mind and body. We read a short story recently, credited to a released prisoner. The changed character related how, in almost solitary confines, he committed to reading every day, followed by exercise – without fail. The ex-convict read 10 pages, then did 20 press-ups. He repeated this routine every day for about a fortnight, then ramped it up to reading 20 pages followed by 30 press-ups. We’re not saying this should be followed to the letter, but it shows how you can occupy yourself with two basic activities. And the benefits (exercise and increasing your brain power) won’t be lost on your friends when you’re allowed out. It’s a win-win situation.

Don’t look at screens all day. Sure, watch TV, go on your laptop or iPhone, but limit your screen time. It’s all too easy to plonk yourself in front of a screen and waste the days just sitting and watching. You’ll also find yourself getting more tired each day, too.  

Stay connected. Even though you might be self-isolating with somebody else, think of those who do it alone. Phone your friends and family a couple of times a day. This is not for idle gossip – conversations and social interactions are proven factors in the fight against boredom – and depression. 

Stay calm. This is an important piece of advice, but easily ignored. Different people have varying degrees of dealing with serious situations, but it’s not beneficial to always fear the worst. Try to avoid checking the news every other minute to see how the circumstances have worsened (depending on the crisis, it could’ve even got better). Above all – remember that you’re in self-isolation for the greater good. So, just by doing your bit (albeit in a restricted environment), you’re actually helping the cause. 

Try to eat well. No, not like a gluttonous king returning from exile, but it’s important to stick to a sensible diet, with plenty of fluids. 

Sleep well. Set a time to go to sleep, and a time to wake up…and stick to it. A regular body clock will reduce anxiety and improve your general well-being. 

Go for a walk. Depending on personal circumstances, self-isolation doesn’t mean a total lockdown. Spend a hour outdoors – keeping the safe 2-3 metre rule – to keep break up the day. 

Start a new hobby. Self-isolation is the ideal time to begin new projects and hobbies. This will keep your mind off other things and will provide an enjoyable pastime. In what will feel like no time at all, you’ll gain new interests to continue when the self-isolation period is over. 

We’ll go back to the first piece of advice – keep busy. Be safe, use your common sense, and try to have fun. Here’s to the end of self-isolation, and more modelling contracts!

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. 

Models Direct has been established for nearly 30 years and has seen how the modelling & talent industry has evolved and why it’s now more important than EVER to be with a professional agency – here’s why:

1. Model Safety –    At Models Direct our talents safety and well being is paramount to us when going on an assignment. Our booking coordinators  have a screening process for all new clients that book models with us, to ensure they are reputable and genuine.  We also have on going relationships with many of our clients, so we know exactly who will be on the shoots, the locations of the shoot and the timings – this is incredibly important when you are working in this industry. An agent also doesn’t mind asking these questions to  ensure your safety, whereas independent talent may fear asking incase they risk loosing the job.
2. The Ability to Negotiate Rates –  Negotiating model rates is a big part of a Booking Coordinators job, of course clients want to pay as little as possible for talent and budgets can be low in this industry, so it is up to your agent to ensure you are being paid a fair rate for the work you are doing. Clients who book models from social media may well choose inexperienced models who wouldn’t know what rate they should be getting or have the confidence to ask for it.
3. Suitable Assignments  –  The modelling industry can be a minefield and if you are a new model it can be very difficult to know what type of jobs to go for, this is the same for all talent. Having an agent represent you, means they are working on your behalf to promote you for assignments that suit your personality, skill set or look, therefore when selected for work you will have the reassurance you can fulfill client expectations.
4. Agency Information –  Casting Directors, Production Companies and Advertising Agencies are generally super busy people, bookings are often fast, and information is passed quickly and not always straight forward!  As a freelance model this can be difficult to grasp, so at Models Direct we compile all the  relative information that our talent will need and then give it to you in written format, so you have all the correct details for the job, ie, location address, dates, times, any particular requests.
5. Agency Contacts –  Models Direct is  very well established agency that has been in the industry along time and has worked with  very well known brands and clients all over the world. Our booking agents are always on the phone and in constant communication with regular and new clients, therefore we have built up quite a useful list of contacts within the talent industry. This takes years to do and is not possible for an individual to  or freelance model to create.

Models Direct’s male model Ian was delighted to be selected to pose as a chocolatier for the day in York last week for a big advertising campaign!

Ian was amazing and managed to get a couple of #bts pics to give us a little bit more of an insight into his assignment experience – Congrats Ian! The Models Direct team are so pleased it went well.