DS Entertainment Models
Frequently Asked Questions & More
How much money do models make?
A model makes more money doing catalog, 2- 3 hours shoots,(such as Sears,
JC Penneys, Macy's, etc) than 2 - 3 full pages of editorial shots in Vogue
or Elle (or one full day of work). In general models make
anywhere from $50.- $300 per hour. (depending on experience, project, budget, etc)
DS Entertainment will let the model know upfront what the rate is before
the actual interview or audition.
What age, size, and look do I need to be a model?
It all depends on what area of modeling you are interested in and
qualified for. DS Entertainment's clients are mostly 'Lifestyle
Print" ad agencies.. All models are not tall and skinny, yet
can make a good income from the industry as a commercial print or
lifestyle model. Click here>
Model Types
How can I get an interview with DS Entertainment?
First, you need to send into the agency several photos, if you don't
already have a composite or zed card. Also send a cover letter
letting us know why you want to model or anything pertinent to the
industry. Let us know what type of modeling you are interested in.
Here is a link to the different areas of modeling. We will also
direct you in the area we feel that you fit.
Click > Types of Modeling
**You
may email your submission or mail it to the address listed in the 'New Models
Info"
Do models get to keep the clothes?
Unfortunately models are rarely given clothes from their modeling jobs. It
is not uncommon for the value of clothing used in a shoot to exceed the
amount paid to the models. In photos and fashion shows the garments
featured are often pre-production samples which will be used by other
sales and marketing people to show potential buyers. In some cases, a
model may purchase the clothes at the wholesale price. Occasionally a
model may be offered a trade; you model for them/ they pay you with
clothing you select equal in retail value to model fees that would have
been paid to you.
What about model searches, online agencies and conventions?
Today there are model search companies on the internet and you have to
really watch out, which are good and which are scams. Some are a
good way to go, but most are a waste of your money and time. Most
want you to pay them to be on their site. MOST clients looking for
models, do not search these sites. They contact agencies that they
know are reputable for their modeling projects.
How can I get great photos to start a modeling career without
spending hundreds of dollars?
Here's a tip: "Professional" photos when "testing" with a good
photographer can run about $50-$100 per look. Sometimes new
photographers will do 'test shots' for free, to put in their portfolios
and you get to keep the photos for your time. But you 'have'
to have great photos to be considered in a modeling agency, to present to
the clients.
Is it possible to model part-time and make money where I live?
Local modeling, depending on the market area that you live, (larger
cities, of course, will have more opportunities) can be a great part-time job to help you earn extra income or
help you reach other goals. This type of modeling can often start with
little or no experience.
Is a modeling agency the same as a modeling school?
Modeling agencies should not be confused with modeling schools. DS
Entertainment is a Modeling Agency, we are not a school.
Modeling schools make money teaching basics about how to look, walk, and
feel more confident. Only a small percentage (5-10%) of today's successful
models ever attended modeling school. A modeling agency never charges a
fee to accept or sign a model. Agencies or the Booker for the agency, get
jobs for models, organize interviews, and negotiate rates on behalf of
models they represent, for a commission for the booking.
How much commission will an agency take?
DS Entertainment Model's commissions are 20% for all modeling division
projects. That is the standard commission for all modeling agencies.
Are models as confident as they look?
It may be hard to believe but many models suffer from a high level of
insecurity. For every job a model books, they may be turned down many many
times. Rejection is almost an every day occurrence in modeling, so
be sure you can handle 'not getting booked' as well as 'getting booked' or
you are in the wrong field.
Do I need to take beauty classes to be a top model?
A professional makeup artist and hair stylist are often part of a modeling
shoot. Their talents are often used to transform the most unrefined
beginner into a cover star for tomorrow's fashion magazine. As a model you
have a fantastic opportunity to get free beauty tips on products and
techniques that would cost hundreds of dollars for other people to learn.
Many of today's stars knew next to nothing when they began to work as a
model but learned from on the job instruction by professional artists.
What about normal looking people I see in ads?
Commercial Print or Lifestyle modeling is a great opportunity for people
who do not meet the high standards for fashion modeling. All ages, shapes,
and sizes of real people are used today in advertisements. Sometimes these
models are paid more per hour than models seen in top fashion magazines
and catalogs. Most DS Entertainment's models fit in the
commercial/lifestyle modeling field.
What other types of modeling are available?
There are many different areas of modeling. Click on link to get information on all > Model Types
A
Model's Personality
Besides needing the physical requirement to be a model you also need a personality for it. Professional modeling is a tough business. Only certain people can stand up to the hard work schedule and stress that modeling demands. Here are the top 10 traits that are a must for a modeling career.
1)
Love the Show - When you hear, 'It's show time' or 'Time
for magic' do you come alive? If you love performing and being in front of
an audience, whether it's a room full of people or the eye of the camera,
you will enjoy modeling. If it is something you enjoy you are more apt to
work hard at it, take greater risk, and work through the hardships that
come along. If you love the work, you will love your life. If you hate the
work, you'll be miserable.
2)
Hard Working - Modeling takes a lot of hard work and
stamina. A photo shoot can run as long as 16 hours and at all times of the
day & night. Just getting a job can have you running all over town. And at
the end of the day you still have to do all the stuff needed to keep you
in shape and looking beautiful.
3)
Projection - You need to be able to project your
personality, your charisma, your charm, and your sex appeal. You need to
be able to sell yourself to be able to sell the product.
4)
Intelligent - There is a lot to learn about modeling,
being an independent business person, about yourself and about surviving
in a big world of sharks. If you can't learn it fast you could get eaten
alive.
5)
Extrovert - You will be constantly meeting new people and
walking into new situations. You will be performing before strangers every
day. You need to like new experiences, challenges, and meeting new people.
If you are shy and reserved you will forever be uncomfortable modeling.
6)
Good Self Esteem - Ok, so it doesn't hurt to be a little
bit of an egomaniac. This industry is a real ego bruiser. Good self-esteem
can help pick you up and get you through those tough times.
7)
Ambition - For most, careers in modeling won't come easy.
You will have to go through trials and tribulations before you achieve
success. The ambition and desire to succeed and achieve your goals in
modeling will help you over the temporary set backs that come along.
8)
Self-Starter - As a model you are an independent
businessperson in charge of your own career. You may have an agency to
guide you, but you must be able to take
charge of you. This includes your training, your physical upkeep, your
professional practices, your finances, and your life.
9)
In Control - You need to be able to control your health
(size and fitness), your body for posing, your emotions for acting them
out, and your life so you show up on time.
10)
Organized - You have to keep track of your schedule, your
finances, your modeling materials, and your body's up keep.
Stage Moms *Great Supporter of our young models*
One thing that can be a great help for one's modeling
career is a good stage mom. This can actually be a mom, dad or
grandparent. We call them all a 'stage mom' and as far as I am
concerned if you have a good stage mom, they are worth their weight in gold. One
of the best things a young wannabe model can have is a parent who can help
you develop your career. A good stage mom learns the business, helps keep
things organized, watches out for scams, helps avoid dangerous situations,
provides transportation, helps with training, encourages practice,
provides emotional support, and at the start of a career provides the
financing. And for all of this, stage moms get to melt into the
background and let their son or daughter move into center stage and become
a star.
Now with that said:
You hardly ever hear about the good stage moms - the ones that need commended, the ones the photographer turns to when the model has forgotten something and mom is right there with it or the stage mom who works tirelessly in the background so her daughter or son, the model, is on time and ready for the task at hand.
I appreciate a good stage mom, as the professional that she is.