Want to know what plus size modeling agencies are looking for when signing new plus size talent??? Here are 7 things you need to know to help get signed to your favorite modeling agency!!
As a plus size supermodel signed to over 7 agencies in my career, I can tell you exactly what modeling agencies are looking for when signing new models. Modeling as a whole has evolved so much in the last 5-10 years with the age of the internet. You can’t just be beautiful, you need to have the whole package!
This post is all about what plus size modeling agencies are looking for when signing a new plus size model.
7 Things Plus Size Modeling Agencies are Looking For in a Plus Size Model
1. Friendly Attitude / Team Player
When working with an agency, you have to remember – teamwork makes the dream work!! It’s not time to be a diva, you and your agency are working TOGETHER for a common goal.
They need you and you need them – it’s a two way street babyyy.
When getting interviewed with an agency, they are looking for someone that is going to work well with them and the agency as a whole.
They are also looking for people that work well with others on set and as well as other models. Best believe, if you are acting like a diva on set, your agents WILL find out!!!
The industry for plus size models especially is somewhat small and word travels fast in the modeling word between casting directors, producers, photographers, etc..
This doesn’t mean tolerate disrespect at all. This just means you need to be a team player and work well with others!
2. Clean Skin
You don’t need to have perfect skin, but you do need to have a skin care routine. Let’s be real, being a model, you are held to higher beauty standards then the average person.
Having clean skin doesn’t mean you have clear skin, it just means you’re working on maintaining your skin and trying to actively prevent skin damage.
In my article, ‘How to Get Supermodel Skin’, I talk about how although we live in the era of photoshop, brands and companies try to avoid paying thousands of dollars for professional retouching at all costs AND agencies want you to look exactly like your picture, in person!!
They’ll know if you’ve been overly retouching and/or editing your photos which is why having clean skin is so important so you’re ready for the camera and auditions all the time!
3. Good + Matching Hair
This one is mostly directed towards people who are dying their hair which I know a lot of people do esp. in fashion.
I’ll never forget when one of my agents was complaining about a girls photos, for two major reasons. One, her hair color was not the same as the photos she submitted. And two, her roots were grown out several inches. Either way, it did not directly reflect the portfolio she submitted.
The agent thought she didn’t look like her picture at all between her hair and skin!! Which brings me to my next point…
4. Current Photos
Plus size modeling agencies and brands want to see the most current photos you have when you submit!!! Which is why I recommend updating your portfolio a minimum of 2 – 5x a year, depending how often you change your look.
And regardless, you should have a new portfolio shoot at least once or twice a year on top of collaborations with other photographers to build your portfolio.
When to shoot a new portfolio…
- new hair color
- new hair length
- new major “big” tattoos (think bigger than the size of your palm or any tattoo’s placed in visible spaces)
- major weight loss
- major weight gain
- new major scars
5. Good Hygiene
You would think this would be an obvious one, but sometimes it’s not so let’s talk more specifically about what “good hygiene” means in the modeling world!
Good hygiene includes, but is not limited too..
- clean hair
- clean skin
- good oral hygiene – brushing and flossing regularly
- trimmed pubic hair areas including armpits, legs, and bikini area
- no heavy body odors (for ex. showing up to an audition or casting right after a gym session or manual labor might not be a great idea)
- manicured nails (you never know when you have an audition, casting or last minute photoshoot so having your nails well groomed whether at home or at a salon is important
6. Punctuality
One of thee most important things an agency wants to see is punctuality. You better show up on time for meetings, calls, castings, photoshoots, and even reply to emails in a prompt fashion.
Being punctual tells an agency how serious and professional you are. As well as, makes a great impression and shows you’re the right model for them!
I ALWAYS tell my students, it’s better to be 30 minutes early than 5 minutes late. If your directions say you’ll be there in 20 minutes, you should plan to leave 60 minutes early! And other factors to think about are parking and finding the building or place you’re suppose to be at.
I’m also bicoastal gal so if you’re a NY model and taking the train – if the train says you’ll be there in 1 hour, leave 2 hours early!!!
One time I was visiting my agent and during our meeting, a brand called her because a model was running 20 minutes late and not answering her phone. She’s lucky she answered 5 minutes later because they said in 10 minutes she was about to be fired from set when she arrived. DON’T BE THAT PERSON!!!
7. Confidence
Plus size modeling agencies want to see confidence within you!! Even if you’re an introvert, you can still ooze confidence! Confidence can come out in many ways from the way you speak to the way you carry yourself with your body language.
Confidence is what shows an agency that you stand out in a crowd or a casting room. It makes a huge difference and makes an even bigger impression.
If you’re lacking confidence here some fun ideas and exercises for you to try to help build confidence…
- dance to your favorite songs in your underwear in front of a mirror
- write “love notes” aka affirmations to yourself on sticky notes and put them around your house
- take a dance class
- unfollow negative people on social media
- mirror work; repeating positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror
- take a coaching lesson with me
This post was all about what plus size modeling agencies are looking for when signing a new plus size model to their roster.
Other Posts You May Like:
What Are the Plus Size Model Weight Requirements???
5 Must-Have Photos in Your Plus Size Modeling Portfolio That Will Get You Booked
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