June Newsletter
SUCCESSES!!!
Tashawnta Tackett was a Promotional Spokes Model for Schick Intuition Plus Razor that was booked through out agency. Tashawnta also was a Promotional Model at the Indianapolis 500 Race in Indianapolis, Indiana.
You can read the story by clicking on the Success Stories link at www.alphamodelgroup.com!
Marketing 101
So, you want to be a model. You've read the articles, studied the websites, scoured the industry for tips and advice, etc. You get yourself a dynamite headshot, order some composite cards, and hopefully, you've already signed up with one of the agencies, like AMG that offers a full-service online portfolio complete with submission capabilities and access to one of many nationwide job databases where modeling jobs are posted.
Think you've got it covered? All you have to do now is sit back and wait for the world to discover how talented a model you are, right? WRONG!!
Modeling is like any other career out there.....what you get out of it will be in direct proportion to what you put into it!! If you have all the tools listed above...great! Now it's up to you to USE THEM!! Competition in this industry is fierce and if you don't have the drive and ambition to learn how to market yourself, then you should probably just cast your resume into the corporate world instead.A full-service online portfolio is a superb tool that uses the technological speed of the internet to flash your "product" all over the world! What's your product? Your LOOK of course!! Submit for any and every job that you could conceivably qualify for! Check the modeling databases you have access to frequently! That means several times a day, in some cases. These jobs are often filled in a matter of hours and if you only check the postings every day or so...you could be missing out on
some of the best opportunities!!And don't forget...when you submit for any of these online assignments, the employer is automatically sent a link back to your online portfolio!! Make sure it's the best it can be!! After all...you only get one chance to make a first impression and in this business, the link to your online pics and resume IS that chance!! Make sure it says POW!! Use as many different "looks" as you can find to show your range, style and pizzazz!! And don't neglect your resume either. Even if you're just starting out and don't have any modeling credits to date...your resume can contain info about clubs you belong to, classes you've taken, volunteer work you've done, etc. Anything that lets the prospective employer know that you're a people person who enjoys the spotlight, is able to take direction and work well with others.
An important part of marketing your look is Image Maintenance! God may have blessed you with good genes and beauty but the day-to-day upkeep is your responsibility! You never know when a great job is going to land in your lap and you can't undo weeks of neglect in one weekend!! Keeping
yourself toned and fit, with shiny, manageable hair and freshly-manicured nails can and should be a full-time job!! Be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night, drink 8 glasses of water daily, and leave the all-night partying to those who don't depend on their appearance to make a living!
The frazzle-haired, bags-under-the-bloodshot eyes, hungover look cannot be concealed by makeup or air-brushed away. You should be ready to work at a moment's notice....who knows when a model who got the job YOU submitted for won't show up or isn't able to work and, as a runner up, YOU get the frantic call asking if you can come right over? It'd be a shame if you missed what could have been your big break because you'd been out partying till the wee hours...Another important aspect of self-marketing is "do the work!" Lots of would- be models end up being "never were's" because they turned down lots of opportunities like weekend promo spots, product demos, etc. These jobs either didn't pay anything or weren't "prestigious" enough for the
up and coming model, so she didn't even consider applying for them. So let's make one thing perfectly clear. You may consider yourself to be the"next big thing" in the modeling industry, but no one else out there has ever heard of you. To them, you are an UNKNOWN. Work the jobs that seem insignificant, pay next to nothing, or don't seem glamorous enough!! It's all about networking and gaining experience!! You never know who will spot and remember you as you use this kind of assignment to build your modeling resume and meet different casting directors and photographers!! It's like a FREE showcase of your look, attitude and abilities!! Why would anyone turn down an opportunity like that? If they ever hope to get their feet wet as a model....they wouldn't!!So here's a marketing "to do" list for aspiring models:
#1 Line up your tools!
#2 Get yourself addicted to scouring the jobs databases out there for
potential assignments!
#3 Develop an image maintenance regimen and stick to it like glue!
#4 Cultivate an "I'll do anything attitude, add one cup each of patience and perseverance, combine with a cheerful, willing-to-learn demeanor mix well and GO GET 'EM!!!!