A little advice.... :)

Some people are curious about this crazy and sometimes competitive industry known as modelling/promotions!

I can't say I'm a genius on this as I'm not! I have been and am part of this industry so I can answer from my experiences but that's all I can do! 

Girls and guys often ask me questions on modelling, promotions work etc and often it's via a Facebook status and I end up writing an essay in a tiny box! So, I made this blog to write down some answers and advice to questions that often appear, I hope this helps :)

The most common occurring question:

Q.I want to be a model/promo model, where do I start?

A. I was once that girl sitting saying "I want to be a model", that was almost 5 years ago, I had squint teeth, was shy and pretty clueless. I guess for me it's always been right place right time but that doesn't mean it's not taken years of hard work, rejections, tears, hairspray and bitches. Fact is, fair enough you want to be part of this industry but you have to be prepared for the harsh reality of having a potential client look you up and down and say "your too short and I dislike your hair, sorry." You have to be thick skinned and remember it's just their opinion and they are not worth the worry. Hard? Yes, I've cried after being told I wasn't good enough but now I simply think "your loss!" People seem shocked by the attitude I have towards rejection but to me it's not the end of the world, I look elsewhere and work a little harder next time! When I didn't get placed at Miss Universe GB (more on pageants to come!) I didn't cry, I simply turned to my mum and said "well, sod this, I got tits and an arse so its lads mags next!". Basically I'm saying yes if you want to do this job then go for it! Don't let anyone hold you back but so be prepared to get knock backs, just remember to dust yourself off and get back in the game!

Where to look, what to look out for, do's and don't's!

• Internet - it's amazing, Facebook is brilliant. Just be careful! A site called Alba lists all the places that are scams and all the places that are for real.

• Don't be sucked into a scam! Something along the lines of "You just pay £50 over the phone deposit then come to our location..." - Don't do it! 'Diesel Models' did this and scammed loads of girls out of up to £800 for photographs that modelling agencies wont even entertain. I think it was Watch Dog who found them out.

• Don't think you need to pay hundreds of pounds for a portfolio when you first start out, most agencies will ask for snap shots - head shot, side, full length etc - you can get a friend to take these on a normal camera. Some will want full portfolios, I can recommend lots of lovely photographers or you can usually get time for prints off some if your lucky!

• Be aware of 'people with cameras' these are the type of people that get all defensive when you ask questions. I've experienced them messaging me asking for my time but when I asked to see work, reviews, models they had worked with, if I could bring a chaperone they just couldn't give me answers or evidence. You just cant be too careful, not everyone is your nice friendly photographer who I can say I know many of whom are all lovely! 

• Don't be pressured into doing things you dont want to do! Say no and if the photographer/company dont like it then they know where they can stick it! You should never ever be made to feel uncomfortable in a situation.

• Network! Network! Network! Facebook is amazing for this! I've also found car show's have helped me massive amounts just getting to know people and finding new clients.

• Enter competitions! All lads magazines have monthly and weekly competitions so what are you waiting for, get some shots sent in! Promotional companies also do competitions, mainly bike and car related, just keep checking out for new things on the go.

• Smile! Be friendly, chatty and approachable! People like to see a smiley face who they can talk to so always remember even if your doing a job and your feet are killing - just keep smiling, you are setting an example for that company!

• Don't bitch! Maybe you don't like someone or someone has huffed you but leave it, it'l only come back and bite you in the bum! Just smile and keep it to yourself and if you really need to tell someone the tell your parents. When I've had a bad day I go home and tell my mum lol.

• Always say thank you! Remember the people who help you out and the people who make the effort to come and speak to you and the photographers who take your photographs. A little message saying thank you doesn't hurt :)

Hope this has helped some peopel :) Anything else you wanna ask me feel free to!! x


All Content is COPYWRITE of Georgia Graham