7 Reasons You Weren’t Hired for the Model Casting.

Why wasn’t I picked for the casting? We all know how disappointing it is to not get picked for a job you were hoping to book! Rest assured, “it’s not you.” Or it probably wasn’t you.

7 reasons you weren’t hired for the model casting.

  1.  You just don’t have the right look. It’s simply that. The client has a veryy specific look they are hiring for, and you didn’t fit. Even if you’re blonde and they’re looking for blondes… Are you really the closest model to the vision they had in mind? Maybe. Probably not. This is the case more often than not.
  2. Your hair is just an inch too short. If you’re at a hair casting: first of all, they are very hard to book unless you are open to complete transformations. I’m a professional hair model, among other things. I almost booked a really great hair job once, but my hair was slightly too short. I had the right look, but they needed very specific hair.
  3. They found their model before you even came to the casting. I know this is especially common with hair castings. They found the perfect model already, but the client is still pretty much obligated to execute the rest of the casting. This is why it’s usually a great idea to come at the start of a casting, rather than the middle or at the end, if you can help it.
  4. They SOUNDED like they wanted to hire you, why didn’t you get the callback? I know this is disappointing, and it could be any number of reasons. Most commonly, they just found another model that for better. Maybe it was budget, maybe it was personality. Regardless, you can’t stress yourself over it. Nothing is ever a “YES” until you are actually ON SET.
  5. Your agency. Yes, sometimes your agency really doesn’t have your best interests in mind. They have models to take care of other than you! I’ve had screw-ups with jobs in fashion week before, where I’ve booked one job and was put on hold for another and ended up not doing either one because of something that happened on the back end of things.
  6. Personality. Sometimes you might not have booked a job, because it was you. Maybe you were tired and didn’t have energy and they were looking for bubbly personalities. Either way, just be you and this probably won’t be a problem. Unless “you” means being unprofessional and rubbing off on people wrong.
  7. Not wearing the right clothes, or looking too “fresh” to the industry. If are, or you look, inexperienced, it may be a turn off to the client. The only way to not look new is to get out there, build your portfolio, build your wardrobe, and gain experience.

There are a million reasons why you weren’t picked for a job. The only thing that matters is: you weren’t picked. That’s it. No need to overthink it. It rarely has anything to do with something you did or didn’t do.

As a rule, I personally say: expect the worst, but always hope for the best. It takes a lot of tries to get hired for a modeling job. Just keep at it, and the right one(s) will come along!

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

A Model’s Unfiltered Thoughts on Agencies

Photo by Annika Forslund

I’ve been quarreling with myself on this topic for months now. I have provided you with plenty of info on modeling agencies in the past. However, I feel there is a missing element. Bias. Today I will impart my bias in regards to the topic of agencies. Today I will open up.

While I have not had a horrendous experience with agencies, like some, it has not been particularly pleasant either. Often, agencies have felt very intimidating, even bully-like.

A model is hardly ever allowed to be herself. She is scrutinized in detail. She is never good enough, always expected to fill in this role of the unattainable. As a society, our beauty standards are warped. They are unrealistic. Yet, young girls are expected to conform. This is what it feels like to be a model. Moldable.

At age 15, I was told I had too much baby fat. My legs have been called doughy. Some people have told me I can’t “make it” due to my size. That I have to conform. I have been pressured and harassed about my skin, urged to see a dermatologist I couldn’t afford, for a problem that was occurring because of my genes, and because I was unhealthy. Being with an agency has always been a stressful experience for me. I was always pressured one way or another, bullied strategically, bossed around, and strung along waiting for my paychecks.

This is my bias. And the experience is not too different from those girls around me.

Girls. We are women, young women. Yet, why do I keep calling all models girls? It is because even I feel diminished as a model sometimes. We are girls. Young. To be manipulated. Some never grow up. Some never learn. Some girls grow up learning from this industry and are left wondering what is wrong.

Agencies not paying their models has become a norm. Clients paying months after a job. Sexual harassment on jobs, and bullying. How can they get away with this?

For one, the industry remains wildly unregulated. On the other hand: we let them. A year ago, I decided I no longer wanted to be taken advantage of by a shady company with only their own interests in mind.

Unfortunately, a model can’t advance her career much without an agency.

To be fair, I have had a lot of exciting moments with my agencies. I have been in Mercedes-Benz fashion week. I have booked huge, lucrative photo shoots. I have been given the chance to book career-changing campaigns. I have been in Anna Wintour’s office building. There are always the plus sides. I often found myself in exciting jobs and opportunities I wouldn’t have gotten without an agency.

Without having been with the agencies I have been with, I wouldn’t be where I am as a model today. My portfolio is strong. My experience is strong. From the platform of being signed with an agency, I have been given the opportunity to expand and grow, not only as a model, but as a woman.

Here’s the thing. We can change this. Together. The fashion industry doesn’t have to be a harsh reality, but a positive environment.

My experiences in the fashion industry have pushed me to create a revolution. I want to promote positive change and health. Poor, low quality living is generally secretly applauded by many industry peers. Young girls loosing too much weight is celebrated! This helps perpetuate and encourage eating disorders among young girls across the globe.

So I need your help. Soon, I will be launching a crowd-funding campaign for We Speak, the agency of the future. I’m creating a healthy branding system for retail and fashion brands to use to encourage healthy living, and healthy women.

If you help fund and promote this mission, you are contributing your piece of a huge undertaking and fashion revolution. The industry has made small movements to a more positive industry, yet the experiences detailed above are still very much alive. Are you ready to roar?

www.facebook.com/wespeakny

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:
Founder of We Speak
(917) 274-7324

P.S. We are on the lookout for experienced, healthy models in NYC! Email briaunamariah@gmail.com for submissions (our email system and site is currently undergoing construction!)

Pros and Cons of Being an Agency Model

This post requires no prelude. However, this is the opinion of several experienced models and not just myself. We are all in agreement. Here are some pros and cons of being an agency represented model. 

10 PROS of Being an Agency Represented Model:

  1. You are, or should be, constantly busy with castings, test shoots, and jobs.
  2. You can make great connections and work with well known clients.
  3. You can be requested and sent to exclusive (closed) castings.
  4. If you are new, an agency is a great segway into the industry. Getting signed means, in a general sense, that you have what it takes. You are an unpolished gem.
  5. You have guidance available to you.
  6. You feel like an important asset to your agency.
  7. Your agency handles all transactions as well as your schedule. You don’t have to worry about prioritizing if you’re bad at those things nor do you have to worry about difficult clients.
  8. An agency helps you build an image and promotes that image to clients.
  9. Your agency is legally bound to the same contract that you are. This can be to your mutual benefit (it could also be considered a con).
  10. Lets face it, it can feel good to feel legitimized by an agency!

Now, lets get into the cons. The nitty gritty. Maybe I’m biased, but a lot of these can cancel out some of the pros. I know many other models who have had identical experiences.

10 CONS of Being an Agency Represented Model:

  1. Your paychecks are less predictable than if you were freelancing and managing your own invoicing because you are not in control. You have to continuously ask and rely on your agency for accounting statuses. You may not receive the money (at all, or in a timely fashion) unless you fight for it.
  2. There is a commission taken out of your paychecks.
  3. The image your agency promotes for you may be specific and limiting to your abilities.
  4. You will be encouraged to loose weight and be under regular scrutiny.
  5. Lets face it, some bookers can be intimidating. Nothing personal!
  6. You do not have the freedom of a freelance model. Freedom is good when you know how to utilize it!
  7. Extra work and modeling gigs are discouraged, especially in New York. These agencies like keep you busy and keep you for themselves!
  8. You have little to no control over your schedule and you don’t know when you may be asked to go somewhere.
  9. Your growth as a model may be hindered by relying on an agency to handle your career.
  10. You are tied by a legal contract and a specified amount of time with your agency, generally 2 years.

In conclusion, it is best to see for yourself! Measure your successes, roadblocks, and downfalls during your journey as a model decide which route you prefer: agency, or freelance? Share your thoughts below! Do you find your experiences similar? Different? Do you have anything to add? Comments, please!

As for myself, I am currently choosing the freelance route and I’m loving it! I still do consider agency offers that come my way. However, for the time being, I am a New York freelancer and available for hire! (Email me for rates if you’re interested! My portfolio may be viewed in the uppermost navigation bar. I suggest checking out editorial first!). If you would like to learn more about what it is like to be a freelance model, check out Sierra Mckenzie’s Freelance Models blog!

Be fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

How to Get Paid: Filing Small Claims

Small Claims Court
There is something that needs to be said about Small Claims. Small Claims is easy. Models and freelancers generally have an income that is dependent not on one, but many various, possibly unreliable, sources. You need to know that if someone owes you money, there are safe and easy ways to go about getting it.  If you qualify, that is. If you do not qualify, then other measures and methods would need to be considered, potentially making the task much more difficult, which is a process I haven’t had to get into myself.

Before pursuing legal action against an indebted company or individual, consider the following. Continue reading “How to Get Paid: Filing Small Claims”

Polaroids for Models

What are Polaroids?

As far as modeling and the fashion industry goes, Polaroids are natural snapshots intended to show an agency or client what a model currently looks like.

These can be used by agencies to submit to over-seas agents and clients and they can also be used by the model (especially if you are a freelancer) to submit to different clients and potential gigs. They may also be used on a website so people not only can view your current work, but they can also see what you currently look like. This is important because you don’t want to be wasting the client’s time if you don’t look how they want. It saves time on both ends.

Do Polaroids need to be professional?
As a model, your Polaroids do not need to be professional. They need to look nice, yes, but they don’t have to be professional, which is why the next point explains why you do not need to pay to have Polaroids done. Most agencies take Polaroids of their models themselves.

Just because I’ve said you don’t need professional photos, doesn’t mean you can take these on your camera phone. Sometimes a client will ask for a “day-of” snapshot, which should be the only time you send camera phone shots.

These should be done with a high resolution camera in natural lighting. If you don’t have a camera, find someone who does.

My agency (or a photographer) wants me to pay for Polaroids, what should I do?
Very few agencies will (or should) ask you to pay to have Polaroids done. Models, don’t pay for Polaroids when your agency could easily take some well-lit snapshots of you or, if you don’t have an agency, you could have a photographer friend take some quick shots before or after a test shoot.

If your agency absolutely insists on paying someone, and you feel you need to do as they say, always make sure to keep track of your expenses (receipt) so that you can deduct them from your taxes. Keep a folder of all your receipts and expenses.

If possible, offer an alternative route. Offer to have your Polaroids done some other way. Find someone willing to take your pictures for free, even if its just a high resolution camera in some natural lighting. Even if that person is just a friend, parent, or roommate.

What should I wear for my Polaroids?
Polaroids should be natural and show off your body. You should have some Polaroids with both form-fitting clothes as well as a bikini. This can just look like a nice black tank top with some skinny jeans and heels, or any simple outfit that is going to show what your body looks like. The key here is simple. You will also want Polaroids in a flattering bikini. Try to wear one with neutral colors, like black, white, and brown. As long as its a mostly solid color, it should be fine. You just don’t want the clothes to be too distracting.

For makeup, wear minimal to zero makeup. You can wear a light foundation, lighten up any blemishes, and put on some mascara and lip gloss. People want to see you without makeup on. That’s what your portfolio is for.

How should I pose for my Polaroids?
Your posing should also be natural and organic. Don’t over-do it. In fact, don’t really pose. Play with your hair, keep your arms looking natural, move around as if you’re checking yourself out in the mirror. Get some shots smiling as well as a few other, moodier facial expressions. Bring your hair in front of your shoulders, and push it back. Put your hair in a bun (if applicable, of course), to show your facial features.

Make sure whoever is taking photos for you gets all the basics, which include full body, head shots, profile, 3/4 shots, and shots from the waist up.

You really don’t need anything fancy.

How often do I need to take new Polaroids?
I suggest updating your polaroids every 3 or 4 months. Your body is constantly in a state of change. You want to make sure you are giving clients an accurate representation of what you look like.

If it has been a while and you think your Polaroids may not be accurate, update them. If you get a new hairstyle, or cut your hair 3 inches, if you loose weight, if you gain weight, if you get taller, or any measurements change, these are all times that you would have new Polaroids done.

If your agency takes your Polaroids for you, they should remind you to come in for new shots. Or, better yet, feel free to remind them! Your agency deals with a lot of other girls, too. You want to be fresh on their minds, which is also another way to use Polaroids to your advantage. The more often you are in your agency, the more often they’ll think of you.

I don’t have an agency, do I still need Polaroids?
Even if you don’t have an agency, you most definitely do still need Polaroids! As I mentioned before, as a freelance model, you’ll always need Polaroids available to send to clients who wish to see what you currently look like. They want to see an accurate representation, not photoshopped, made-up, overly dramatic portfolio photos.

If you at any point wish to seek out an agency, they require that you send them Polaroids so they can see how you photograph as your natural self. Even if you go in for an agency open call, you will want to bring in Polaroids for them to see, especially if you don’t have a physical portfolio on you.

Ok, I have my Polaroids now. How do I choose which pictures I really need?
If your agency takes your Polaroids, you don’t have to worry about this question, because they will choose and upload your Polaroids themselves.

If you have an agency, but you’ve had your Polaroids done on your own, pick through all your decent images and send them all to your agency. They can pick what they need on their end.

For choosing your Polaroids for your personal use, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you don’t need to necessarily use your Polaroids right away. Keep them in a folder on your computer that is easily accessible. Make a sub-folder of your favorite choices that include at least one good full body shot, one good head shot with and without a smile, one good 3/4 shot, and one good shot from the waist up. These are shots you can access at any time to submit to agencies or email to clients.

By “good,” I mean that the Polaroids should be clear and flattering to your image. Your eyes should not be half-asleep. Your hands should be pretty and you want angles that suit your body. This should be a no-brainer.

Where can I upload my Polaroids?
If you really want to, you can upload your Polaroids anywhere you want. Facebook, Model Mayhem, your website, etc. However, you only really need to have maybe one or two shots up online, so people (potential clients, photographers, etc), know what you look like. For example, I have a tab on my website titled “Current” that I keep updated with a head shot and a full body shot.

Other than that, you only need to use your Polaroids via email and for agency and casting submissions.

The photo to the right is an excellent bad example. Yes, it’s a great Polaroid, so it is technically a good example. However, those who keep track of my current “looks” know that my hair isn’t like that any more! Yes, I need new Polaroids. Having an inaccurate Polaroid is a no-no. If you are getting new Polaroids soon, but need to use your most current, but outdated, Polaroids, make sure to mention what you actually currently look like (if your hair has changed, lost weight, etc).

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

P.S. I swear, I’m getting new Polaroids sooon!

Model Mayhem 101: Casting Calls and Collaborating

So, you’ve signed up for Model Mayhem (MM) and you’ve been approved. Now it’s time to start networking. There are two main forms of networking on Model Mayhem and these are straight up, “Hey, do you want to shoot?” and casting calls.

How to Set Up a Collaboration on Model Mayhem

Searching for connections on MM is pretty simple and straightforward: If you’re looking for a photographer to collaborate with, all you need to do is click on “Browse,” enter in your specifications, and browse.

What we do on Model Mayhem when first getting started is shooting TFP, TFCD, or trade. They all essentially mean the same things.

  • TFP = Trade For Print
  • TFCD = Trade For CD
  • Trade = Trade 😉

Essentially, these all imply both parties are working on a shoot for free, meaning you will get “compensated” in photos from the shoot. Continue reading “Model Mayhem 101: Casting Calls and Collaborating”