Naima’s Model Tips: Know Your Business

The business side of modeling. In my experience I have found that a lot of people who are pursuing careers in the fashion industry underestimate the importance of knowing the business logistics of the industry. In this installment of my Model Tips, I want to discuss some of the things that are most relevant in the business side of modeling.

-Naima

Hair and Make up ready, here I am backstage with my good friend and model Devin at NY Fashion Week event!

The very first thing you must take into account when you begin your modeling career is literally what kind of model you want to be. There are so many different kinds of work you can get as a model.

High Fashion

Being a High Fashion Model means you walk in all the major fashion shows and book big campaigns for luxury brand fashion houses.  High Fashion models travel a lot for location shooting and also in following fashion week to all the major fashion cities. The major fashion cities are New York, London, Paris, Milan and Tokyo.

Breaking into the world of high fashion modeling is very difficult and extremely competitive. It takes several years to start booking big campaigns.

To get a good idea of what a high fashion model does, pick up a copy of Vogue or check out the fashion shows on Style.com. People who want modeling to be the all end of their lives and their entire careers devote themselves to pursuing high fashion modeling.

Commercial Modeling

Another type of modeling that I think is highly under estimated is Commercial Modeling. Commercial modeling offers a broader range of job offers that also caters to many different body types. While in high fashion one normally has to fit to a standard height and size, commercial modeling is open to all different body types. Commercial work offers a quicker way into earning more money as a model and sooner.

While as a high fashion model, you may spend a few years in training to get to the point where you can book big campaigns like Versace, Gucci or Oscar de La Renta, you may be able to book a commercial for Chase Bank or Gerber Baby products in the first year of your commercial modeling career.

I had a contract with Cover Girl cosmetics and that was wonderful commercial booking for me. I also landed a contract with Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup among other great commercial work.

Body Model (Parts and Pieces)

Modeling your specific body parts is another type of modeling. A lot people book great jobs in both high fashion and commercial work as Hand or Foot Models. It sounds a little funny, but many companies need someone with beautiful hands to poor a delicious looking cup of coffee for a commercial. Or they may need someone with beautiful feet to advertise their new shoe line. Or they may need someone with a beautiful smile and teeth for a toothpaste ad.

Local Modeling

There is also local modeling. I mentioned this in an earlier installment of my Model Tips, but anywhere you live, people will need models. Whether it’s for a local photography studio, hair salon or fashion boutique, there is a need for models in your local area. The market and job opportunities will be fewer of course, but if you just want to try it out it doesn’t hurt to start exactly where you are.

Having a clear idea of what kind of modeling you are interested in pursuing is the first side of looking at modeling as an actual career. The next logistics you should definitely be aware of is payment and compensation.

Know Your Stuff
I think all models, whether they are just getting started or have been working in the fashion industry for years should know what the working day rate is for the jobs the take on. As independent contractors, we must be aware of our business and not leave the total responsibility to our agents or managers.

I have been modeling professionally for several years now and have worked with a few different model agencies and talent representatives. In every single working engagement I have had the opportunity to book, I have made it my personal interest to know exactly how much my rate was and how much of a percentage my agency was taking.

Your agent or manager will normally take care of these and other details in your working contract with any given client, but at the end of the day it is your business!

Of course the rates will vary on where you live, how long you have been modeling and the client you are working for, but it is so important to always be aware of what you are working for. And don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve!

A lot of models start their career working for “trade.” This means that instead of offering cash payment, a client may offer you a dress from their new line of clothing or a hair salon may offer you instead a credit at the salon for a hair appointment. Working for trade is not a bad thing, but eventually you must decide whether you want to take your career to the next step.

If modeling is something you are truly passionate about and you would like to pursue it as a career, please take time to investigate the actual business aspects of the industry. It will help prepare you to be able to represent yourself as an industry professional all the more!

For more advice on building your career as a model in the fashion industry and other great tips, please consider purchasing my book MODEL BEHAVIOR! 

***

[image error]

The talented jeweler Aiman Nasrawi from Aquamarine who made this beautiful necklace I am wearing…a piece of “business” which turned out to be more fun and wonderful than anything – they were amazing!

A special thank you to all the wonderful boutiques, hair salons, make-up artists, and others who were so generous and supportive of me during my first week of my print tour in Sacramento! FaceIt Salon & Boutique and their amazing clothing partnership & hair and make-up, Aquamarine Jewelers,  Junior League of Sacramento, Violet Muse Boutique, Sean Minor Wines, Compari Sky Vodka, Sacramento Fashion Week, Christina Gunn of Brandmetta, Sac State Fashion Program, IADT, Possibility Media…I will be sharing more photos from these amazing promotional partners!

 

The post Naima’s Model Tips: Know Your Business appeared first on Naima Mora Online.