March 19, 2024

So You Wanna Be a Model?

Oct. 9, 2014

New York, Paris, London, Milan, Los Angeles, Hong Kong–these are the fashion capitals of the world.

Where do places like Traverse City, Petoskey and Boyne City fall on that list? If you want to be a model, they’re fairly far down the line; modeling agencies are all but nonexistent north of Grand Rapids.

Yet, it’s possible to get a head start on your modeling dreams if you live Up North. You just have to have perseverance, patience, willingness to travel and, of course, "The Look."

OWN IT!

Models have gone through many styles through the decades, from the flappers of the "˜20s to the "˜60s Twiggy era. In the "˜80s, the first wave of glamorous "supermodels" surfaced, while the "˜90s brought the darker, "heroin chic" look. Androgynous, futuristic styles came into vogue as the century turned to 2000. Today, quirky and mixed-ethnicity ladies are common on the runways.

While there are still sample size requirements from designers, as well as a prevailing bias toward models of a certain height and weight, success is becoming more and more about knowing your unique look and really owning it.

OUT OF THE BOX

There are more modeling options than you might think. If you find you’re not suited for print modeling or runway work, you might fit character modeling, film extra work, or such specialty fields as hand modeling. If you have great hair, you can even become a hair model. If you can act, your looks plus your talent might take you even farther.

Locally, places like Grand Traverse Resort and Castle Farms in Charlevoix often host fashion and bridal shows, so you can dip your toe into modeling on a smaller scale; regional commercials are also a good way to get experience, especially for models who are aspiring actresses. In Detroit, car show models can earn $200-$500 per day. Productions Plus in Bingham Farms regularly books auto show talent.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Beware of advertisements that seem too good to be true–"MODELS!! Earn THOU- SANDS per hour modeling EXCLUSIVE FASHIONS!"–because they usually are.

Legitimate modeling and talent agencies rarely post in such places unless it’s for a specific casting–movie extras or an open call on a specific day/time. These agencies will always have verifiable contact information.

Replying to a random Craigslist ad can put you in an awkward, or even dangerous, situation. It’s not recommended unless you can confirm that the project is genuine before you go. If it seems sketchy, it probably is.

DRIVE TIME

The most promising Michigan option is to head downstate where several Midwestern agencies have bases, but you’ll still need photos and a little experience.

"There are a few great photographers in Traverse City that I’ve worked with who might trade test shots with aspiring models," explained Tony DiMambro, an agent with Southfield’s The iGroup agency. "Then, when they’re ready, they can try to get an agent outside their market."

If you’re determined to stay Up North for your modeling career, your opportunities will be a lot fewer. Castings for downstate agency campaigns that shoot in the region happen only occasionally.

While these can be big ticket shoots, such as The iGroup’s recent campaigns for Pure Michigan, the Chevy Cobalt and Consumers Energy, those generally happen only a few times a year.

"Realistically, girls just have to build up their portfolio as best as they can with local photographers and advertisers," DiMambro said. "It’s difficult for us to book talent from a distance. So, at some point, they’ll have to be prepared to move."

EVEN CLOSER

Unique Models and Talent in Grand Rapids uses northern Michigan talent even more than Detroit, as it’s a shorter drive and also broadens the talent base for the agency. Working with them, you might be able to stall your move a little longer while you gain practical experience.

"We’ve done so much work up there," said Vonda Muller, owner of both Unique Models and The Matthew Agency. "This past summer in the Petoskey/Traverse area we did shoots for Midwest Living Magazine, Odawa Casino, Four Winns Boats and Sea- Doo, Millennium Luxury Coaches and a live show for Meijer."

Muller explained that they have trouble finding models when they shoot Up North, so those aspiring to get into the business would do well to audition for her Grand Rapids agencies. Muller pointed out that she’s seen a lot of great talent Up North. "We just don’t have listings for them," she said. "We would love to have new model submissions from that area."

SAVE YOUR PENNIES

You may have heard of "modeling centers" like Barbizon and John Casablancas.

These businesses cull talent to their regional offices where aspiring models can learn how to runway walk, apply basic makeup, pose at photo shoots and gain the poise the centers say is needed to succeed.

The catch? It’ll cost you. At places like Barbizon and John Casablancas, the "model training" isn’t free. It can cost several thousand dollars for the required training and activities. The jury’s out on whether these centers actually offer modeling career benefits or if they’re just fashioncentric "finishing schools" for hopefuls with bigger wallets; so, proceed with caution.

Keep in mind that legitimate talent agencies like iGroup and Unique don’t charge to discover talent; signed or freelance models generally only pay for their own headshots. After an agency agrees to take them on, the model pays the agency from the jobs she books through that agency, an agreed-upon percentage that’s usually 15-20 percent.

"No legitimate agent would charge you any kind of fee up front," DiMambro confirmed.

WORK THAT LOOK!

So where can a hopeful northern Michigan model go to get a break?

Think local–any experience on a runway or in front of a camera will help you gain confidence. Then, seek out legitimate modeling agencies, like the ones mentioned in this article. They’ll have a dedicated way for you to send in your "basics." You should be able to easily find this information on their website or with a phone call.

If you’ve already done some modeling work and have professional photos or a headshot, or you have the resources to put a portfolio together, then email away.

If you don’t have much experience yet, your smartphone is your new best friend. All you generally need is a close-up of your face in natural hair and minimal makeup; a full body photo in simple, fitted attire; and your "stats": name, height, hair color, eye color and clothing sizes.

Real agencies want to see the real you. If they think you’ve got "The Look," you’ll be the one hearing from them.

To contact the agencies listed in this article:

- The iGroup – theigroup.com - 248-552-8842;

- Unique Models and Talent - uniquemodelsandtalent.com - 616-827-8420;

- The Matthew Agency - matthewagency.com - 616-334-7180;

- Productions Plus/The Talent Shop - productions-plus.com - 248-644-5566;

- Barbizon Midwest (Schaumburg, IL) – barbizonmidwest.com - 800-330-8361;

- John Casablancas (Canton, MI) - johncasablancasmodeling.com - 734-455-0700

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