14 Nov Open Call Auditions – Tips for Aspiring Models – Part 1
Illustration via Monkeykatos.com
Open calls! Do modeling agencies still do that sort of thing? Yes! Even in the age of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and whatever-else-kids-these-days-are-using, the good ol’ fashion open call auditions are still modeling agencies bread and butter when it comes to finding fresh new talent.
Here are some general rules of the road that our female models-to-be can follow which will increase your chances of getting signed by a good modeling agency.
What to wear
Less is definitely more here. Don’t show up looking like you just stepped out of a Lady Gaga music video. Wear simple form-fitting clothes. Dark colors work best. Modeling agents want to see what you look like, not what you think they want you to look like. Bonus style tip from Sydney Garrison over at LA Models: “Add a light flannel to the outfit for a simple, street-chic look.”
Hair
Toss the Aquanet hair spray because natural is all the rage. Wearing your hair down, in a pony tail or in a bun are great options.
Don’t be late
These seems like a common sense one but models are always making this mistake. Being late tells the agent that you’re not really serious about your business and will cause them a lot of headache.
What to bring
Bring a pen and a note pad (or an iPad if you’re a fancy-pants techie type) so you can jot down some notes during the interview. Also be sure to bring your portfolio, headshots, or modeling cards. Modeling cards are sometimes referred to as ‘zed cards’ or ‘comp cards’. FYI: If you need any headshots or model cards for your open call, we just so happen to print them!
Perfume/cologne
For the love of god don’t wear any perfume or cologne to the open call because you’ll probably make the agent nauseous. The last think you need for your budding career is for an agent to associate your face with the smell of their vomit.
Swimsuit
Don’t be surprised if they ask you to put on a swimsuit and bare it all so they can see your smoking hot bod and take your measurements. If they ask you to completely strip down then run away and don’t look back.
Relax, smile and nod
You’re gonna need a thick skin to make it in this industry so don’t take it personally if they tell you that “you’re not quite what their looking for.” Take the note and move on to the next agency on your list but if you find yourself getting rejected then you may want to cut your losses and move on to something else, like scrapbooking or something.
Height and looks
Remember when your parents said that you can’t get by on your looks alone? Well, the opposite is true when it comes to modeling. Women shorter than 5’8″ are gonna have a hard time. It doesn’t end there, you need to be a specimen of a human being with perfect skin and physically fit body which is easier said then done since pizza topped with fried Twinkies are so freakin’ delicious.
When to show up
Check the modeling agencies website for open calls. If they don’t have an open call listed online then give them a call and ask if they do open calls. Just be sure and be nice! No one wants to deal with a high maintenance model. So don’t throw any hissy fits….well, at least not until your resume can justify that kind of behavior, that is.
There it is, ladies! Now you’re ready to start pounding the pavement with those open calls! Next week in part two of this series, we focus on the fellas. Stay tuned!
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