Career Guide – Modeling

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Introduction

The modeling profession tends to invoke images of runway models, or fashion models on the covers of magazines like Vogue. There are actually a wide range of modeling opportunities that include appearances in video advertisements, print media, and content fort the web. You need not ‘look like a model’ to actually be a model. You simply need to be authentic and have the ‘look’ needed for a specific role or job.

Making Informed Choices

Because young people in high school or college are typically those most interested in a ‘career in modeling’ they are often the ones targeted for scams by companies that charge them (or their parents) high fees for training, photography, and so called ‘exclusive’ talent search events. For this reason, one needs to be cautious and do research before dealing with any modeling company or agency. Check with the Better Business Bureau and other sources of online reviews like Yelp as well as consumer complaint websites to make sure the agency you’re considering working with is legitimate. For more information, read “Industry Facts and Agency Scams.”

Events & Opportunities – Iowa City

One of the best ways to grow into a career and industry is to spend time around people with similar interests. Events are a great way to make important connections and get inspired. Here are a few worth checking out.

  • Flyover Fashion Fest 2017 – Iowa City. “CLOSET ZERO is a book about how to create the perfect Men’s wardrobe while also tackling the universal problem of cleaning out your closet. This event will be the official book launch and all attendees will receive a free copy of the book accompanied by a short talk and Q&A with Justin Kerr – a self described efficiency monster and corpo high flyer (Gap, Levis, UNIQLO). To learn more about Justin’s work as the mouthpiece of the world famous podcast MR CORPO, or to check out his latest best-selling book HOW TO WRITE AN EMAIL, visit mrcorpo.com or follow him on Instagram @jdkjdkjdkjdk.”

Businesses Using Local Models

Here’s a list of businesses that have used local models in the past.

  • GentlemanCare.com. “GentlemenCare is a premium men’s accessory label that invokes the nostalgia of the 1930’s. Our goals are to provide the highest quality premium men’s accessory items at an affordable price, while at the same time, aiming to bring back the chivalrous, charismatic, and philanthropic qualities that we believe have largely disappeared from our society. We believe the modern day definition of gentleman tends to be more focused on appearance, and less focused on the chutzpa that the chivalrous man once possessed.” [More]
  • IowaCityPhotograrphersGuild.com. Local photographers are often seeking people to model for personal portfolios, advertising, or promotional gigs. This website has a list of Iowa City area photographers. [More]

Modeling Websites and Agencies

Here are a variety of national and local modeling agencies, websites, and events that seem to be worth investigating.

  • ExploreTalent.com. “Since its debut in 2003, ExploreTalent.com has become the Internet’s largest audition, job and casting call resource for actors, models, musicians, dancers, and production crew. Explore Talent’s proprietary Cast Match technology is the most advanced entertainment-based technology of its kind. It matches a talent’s attributes against tens of thousands of audition and job postings every day. Explore Talent’s unique technology sends casting email alerts and posts auditions and jobs directly on talents’ profiles, saving members countless hours of tedious searching. Explore Talent has proven to be the best possible destination for talents with well over 8.5 million members and over 20,000 monthly auditions, castings, and production jobs listed – 5 times more postings than any other site!” [More]
  • FordModels.com. “Ford Models was started in 1946 by Eileen and Gerard W. ‘Jerry’ Ford. Ford was the first company to advance their models’ money-owed by jobs that had been completed but not yet paid. The Ford family had the tradition of allowing teenage models who originated far from New York City to stay in their home.”
  • IMGModels.com. “IMG Models is the international leader in talent discovery and model management, widely recognized for its diverse client roster. The agency’s offices are located in five world capitals: New York, Paris, London, Milan, and Sydney. Legendary sports agent Mark McCormack founded IMG Models as a new division of the hugely successful IMG Worldwide. He believed models could be managed as talent in the same vein as professional athletes, actors, and other entertainers, and that their popularity could be leveraged into strong personal brands beyond the magazine page or runway. McCormack’s conviction resulted in the industry’s highest standard of excellence. By managing careers over bookings, a point of difference that has propelled IMG Models’ nonstop growth, the agency has claimed the vanguard for over two decades.” [More]
  • ModelManagement.com. A national directory of over 300,000 models as well as other modeling resources.
  • Models.com. A premier national database of models and all things modeling.
  • QuickBookAgency.com. “There are about 3000 modeling schools / agencies and “website only agencies” operating in North America. Only a handful are fully legitimate talent booking agencies like QuickBook. Many get people jobs, but sell expensive classes, photos and composite cards you shouldn’t have to pay for. Agencies that charge money for things that you do not need make a bad name for the entire industry.”
  • SKModels.biz. “Founded in 1993 by owner & prime agent Kay Schneider, SK Model Management is the Midwest’s premier model and talent agency. Our team of industry professionals represent some of the region’s best in models, actors, and artists for commercial, print, voice over, and promotional work. We pride ourselves on our boutique-style agency where we truly devote our efforts into our talent and their individual success!”
  • The Peak Agency – Des Moines. “We book most types of work associated with this industry. Our talent have book commercials, feature films, industrials (corporate training videos), national magazines, company catalogues, fashion shows (runway), informal modeling, print (packaging, posters, brochures, billboards, newspaper ads, web sites, direct mailers, etc.), and promotional work (representing companies at tradeshows, conventions, community events, etc.).” [Accredited BBB A+ Rating]