You have a portfolio, some experience, and an itch to do more. Depending on the kind and form of modeling work you are interested in, you have several options available to you in Edmonton
Bulk up your portfolio with more images. Photographers are expensive and worth every penny, but not everyone has that kind of financial freedom to pay every time you want to boost your portfolio. Find photographers who are just getting started and arrange some TFP (Trade for Print) sessions. The same goes for stylists, hair and makeup artists, and designers. Most—if not all—creatives need portfolios, and therefore often need models. This is also a great opportunity to try things out of your comfort zone and grow as a model, as well as a way to.
Volunteer. Work with local retailers and designers to help facilitate fashion shows. Walk every runway like it’s Paris Fashion Week. Treat every booking like it’s for Vogue. If fitness modeling is your goal, work with a trainer. Be their spokesperson. Be their walking, talking before and after the ad. Acting, yoga and dance classes can connect you with different sides of yourself. As you learn different ways to emote and move your body, you’ll be able to incorporate that knowledge into your work as you become more established in Edmonton.
If you want to be a model, like in any industry or profession, you’ll want to have someone in your corner who can help guide your career. That’s where agents come in. They can help you refine your book, set up go-sees, and help direct your career.
Agencies are now casting a much wider net to find talent via social media. Inviting Instagram users to add a hashtag to their posts allows recruiters to view thousands of potential models without ever leaving their office.
You can also skip the middleman and approach agencies directly. Do your research and find agencies in your area and around Edmonton. Look for ones that align with your desired career path, then simply email them your website and a quick, attention-grabbing cover letter. A word of warning: if an agency is demanding hundreds or thousands of dollars up front, keep looking. That’s not the agency for you.
Casting calls, or go-sees, are interviews for models in one form or another in the Edmonton area or in general. They’re either open to the public or arranged by agencies. You’ll need to bring your call card (or comp card) with your clothing size, shoe size, measurements, and contact information listed and stand (or walk, if it’s a runway job) for the casting agents. Go-sees are usually hectic and they rarely run on time. Bring a book to pass the time and a pen and notepad for taking down important information. Be professional and polite—a bad attitude can get you blacklisted faster than a bad skin day.
