A top model is a model, who can pull in the most clients and money for any given agency in any given town. In a large market, like New York, a top model at a reputable agency could work 3-4 times a week. In a medium size market, like Boston, a top model can work once a week, or once every other week. Mind you, I'm talking about paid work. Earnings also depend on the top models' availability. But of course, most top models have flexible schedules and can make it to any booked job. 

In addition to the high earnings, most top models rarely attend castings as agents generally recommend them for direct bookings. Clients that they have worked with may also ask them back. This is because they have good relationships with their agents and their clients.

Most top models don’t start off getting inundated with bookings. They are not discovered, as most movies about modeling may lead you to believe. After all, attractive people are a dime a dozen as I have said many times. It’s really up to the agent to market the model, and agents only aggressively market models they like and can depend on. Their reputation and the reputation of their agency depend on that.

Agents generally start models off with smaller jobs, sometimes non-paying jobs. The reason?  We want to see if the model will show up and show up on time. We want to see what the clients have to say about them - if they are pleasant, experienced, enthusiastic, etc. Basically, we are testing them to see if they are reliable and professional, and whether or not we can trust them with larger, higher paying jobs. Those clients are finicky and we would hate to lose them on the count of an irresponsible and inexperienced model.

Keep in mind that while it takes at least one year for a model to become a top model, it only takes one month for an agent to determine whether or not the new model has what it takes to be a high earner. So, take whatever jobs that come along in the first year. If you continue to have a good relationship with your agent, he will book you for the high paying jobs. Clients will begin to call the agency asking for you. You will no longer have to go to castings. You will be a top model.

Your book and portfolio are really the same thing. They’re a collection of your work as a model. The main purpose is to show clients that you’re an experienced model, that you’re not some new wannabe off the streets. They show that you’re working with an agency; you’re on-time; you get the job done; and people are willing to pay for your services!

Books generally consist of tearsheets, which have been traditionally, as the name suggests, sheets torn out of magazines. These are print work that you’ve done and are printed in magazines. When using tearsheets, always tear out the cover of the magazine they’re in to be included next to the actual tearsheet. Sometimes, the cover IS your tearsheet!

With internet ads becoming more and more popular, models should also put these ads into their books. Some models prefer to get the actual digital photos from the photographer, but this is often pointless because when a client is looking at your book, he may just think that the photo was taken for a test shoot. For web work, I’d recommend printing out a freeze-frame of the page on the website where your photo is found.

Other works to be included in a book may be professional photos from runways, and other prints, such as newspaper ads and catalogs.

When putting your book together, it is important to keep these things in mind:

1. Magazine tearsheets, especially a cover, carries the most weight.
2. Runway and event photos, photos from test shoots, newspapers, catalogs and websites are good to use, only if you’re short on print ads.
3. Just because you like a photo of yourself from a test shoot, doesn’t mean that it should be in your book. Save it for your family album. Talk to your agent, who understands what’s good for your look and market. Before putting anything in there.
4. More is not always best. You only have about 10 seconds to capture your audience’s attention, so only put your best works in there.
5. If you’re with an agency, get the agency’s book with its logo. It let’s the client knows who you’re with and that you mean business. Looks aside, agencies will not work with flakes, so if you walk in with a generic book, it tells the client that an agency has not signed you – probably because you’re a flake.
6. Do not include anything in there that’s over 4 years old. No one cares what you did as a model back in the 90s. We only care whether or not you can get work with your current look.
7. If you are not signed yet, spring a couple of hundred dollars on a professional ‘modeling portfolio cover’. Again, this will add to our aura of professionalism. DO NOT buy generic binders at Staples that are meant to be used for corporate purposes. And DEFINITELY DO NOT use family albums you pick up at Wal-mart (Stage-moms, please take notes of this particular point!!)!

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, Boston modeling portfolios

The guys looked awkward and weren’t sure what to do with themselves. Their insecurities and inexperience show in their photos. None of them really knew what to do with their faces and their bodies. Brandon resorted to putting his hands up in the air, while James resorted to doing dance moves.

At the night of judging the guys were also awkward and had misconceptions about the competition and working as models. They were challenged to go amongst the audience to solicit votes. Brandon and Aitor were somewhat tenacious, while James and Elvin stood amongst their friends like wallflowers at a party.

This is not the like of a top model. Much of a top model’s success depends on his or her personality and ability to relate to others. I would say James and Elvin failed at the challenge. James was eliminated at the end of the evening.

The following week, Elvin, Aitor and Brandon did a photo shoot with Oliver Klink. The concept of was edgy and hot men in an industrial setting. The photo shoot took place at an abandoned warehouse in the Seaport District.

The guys showed much improvement this week. Their sexuality and sensuality showed through in their photos. Some of the frames were stiff, but for the most part, they looked like budding models.

During judging, Brandon received 5 votes less than Elvin and was eliminated. This was unfortunate given the close call. I would encourage Brandon to pursue a modeling career in commercial and editorial modeling. He’s got that boy next door look that is so much in demand right now.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, male model competition

I chose to work with the gay community because they have been supportive of my career. In addition, what other group is better at picking the next top male model in New England than a bunch of gay men?? As expected though, the straight wonnabe models had issues with the venue and sponsor.

There were three in particular, who comes to mind. One was a graduate of a local ‘modeling school’. I put ‘modeling school’ in quotations because I think ‘modeling schools’ are nothing but frauds. I’ll explain that later in a separate entry.

Anyway, this guy, let’s call him F, came to the open call. He was early, which was impressive. When it came time to do his polaroids, he refused to take his shirt off. Aileen, my runway coordinator, explained to him that it was necessary for him to take his shirt off for the polaroid. After all, this is what they do at high fashion castings. After some convincing, he did do it.

His body was impressive. His photos and personal hygiene, were not so impressive. In fact, the judges were on the fence with him. They felt his facial expressions looked the same in all the photos and was, over all, not photogenic. I made the final call and decided to put him in the final 5. To make the long story short, he emailed Aileen telling her how he ‘got a weird vibe’ from the casting. When Aileen forward me the email, I called to leave a message for him to see if he would like to discuss his concerns. I never heard back from him.

I’m not sure to what ‘weird vibe’ he was referring, but I have an idea it had to do with the gay men who were there at the casting, and our asking him to take his shirt off. To this, I’d say - firstly, 90% of the men in this industry are gay. Didn’t they teach him that at ‘modeling school’?? Secondly, if he had a problem taking his shirt off for a polaroid, he has no business being a model. What does he think modeling is? Showing off his intelligence???

The next wonnabe model that I shall discuss; let’s call him R. I must say that I was extremely disappointed in him. I thought he had excellent potential and a wonderful personality. Not to mention a great body. After a couple of unanswered emails in regards to his making the finalist in the competition, I finally called him. He told me he doesn’t ‘think that he would be able to participate in the competition’. I didn’t ask any questions, but I can read between the lines….

Finally, there was G. G called me the next day after having made the final 5. He told me how uncomfortable he was at the gay club. I explained to him that I wasn’t really interested in justifying why we’d held the competition there. I frankly didn’t even see it as an issue and if he did, well, he really shouldn’t be a model, especially at my agency.

G was invited to come to our first photo shoot. He reluctantly agreed. Unfortunately, he was an hour and a half late, citing transportation issues. I sent him home.

I really don’t understand what these guys’ problems are with gay men. Do they think that we all want to sleep with them??? Honestly, this is a business. Until they see it as such, they will never make it in this industry.

Clients and agents need to see guys (and girls) in their underwear because there’s simply no time to waste. We cannot take the chance of a model having unwanted tattoos, scars or flabs. This is the business of beauty. If you cannot be comfortable with your body, then I would suggest becoming an accountant.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, male model competition

She and I have a lot more in common than modeling, however. The other thing we have in common is that we are constantly judged by others based on our looks and our profession as (former) models. People look at us and assume that we don’t have a brain. They speak to us in short sentences. Once they find out we were models, their vocabularies lower even more so. Little do people know that Amy became a Columbia Law School graduate, while I graduated with Cum Laude (that means top 10% of my class btw) from one of the nation’s top liberal arts schools, and entered a doctoral program at Northeastern, and of course, launched the successful Tonn Model Management.

To this day, I fight against the prejudice and misconceptions that people have against models (and former models in my case). It’s no wonder I’m still single. When I go out on a date, the first question people ask me is, “Do you sleep with your models?”. My response is (depending on his profession), “Do you sleep with your patients/customers/clients?”.

Why should people automatically assume I sleep with models I represent?? It’s because they think anyone involved with the modeling industry also dabbles in prostitution and other forms of promiscuous sexual practices. This is the prejudice that the rest of society has on us.

Not only are we seen as high class prostitutes, but we’re also seen as inferior. I was having a conversation with the chair of my graduate department last year, and he said to me, “Oh, don’t own some agency that books models?”. I said to him, “No, I own one of the top modeling agencies in Boston. Mention my name in the industry, and everyone will know who you’re talking about.”.

I wouldn’t say something like, “Oh, don’t you run some little graduate department at some university in Boston?”. So, why would he belittle what I do?? Again, the answer is simple. Society simply does not value what we do.

The final example that I will give you is the reaction I get from model-wonnabes each time I hold a modeling competition. I hold these competitions each year to recruit some of New England’s best raw models. However, about 80% of the people who respond to our open calls turn out to question the legitimacy of what we do.

The women get offended when we tell them their measurements are too large. The men feel violated when we ask them to take their shirts off for polaroids. Unfortunately, as all professional models know, these are standard practices within the industry. If a prospective model is offended by these requests, they have no business being a model. Clients will inevitably ask these things of you, and tell you the honest truth about your looks and measurements.

I wonder if they would feel just as offended if a school tells them their SAT scores were too low; or that they weren’t ‘right’ for a particular fraternity or sorority? The answer is no. It is because society does not feel that the modeling industry is a legitimate one (even though it’s a multi-billion dollar industry). They do not feel that it and those involved in it offer any contribution to society. According to them, we’re all just perverts.

So how is one to handle these misconceptions about modeling? How does one rise above the prejudice and become a respectable, professional model? My approach has always been to treat it like any other profession as it IS a profession. Show up on time. Be well spoken. Be well dressed. Be courteous and well mannered. Have intelligent things to say. And above all, become educated, whether it’s through schooling or just reading. Just educate yourself on diverse topics. Sounds cliché, but information IS power.

Even then, people may still have their misconceptions and prejudice toward you, but at least you will have the strength and intelligence to rise above them.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models

“Great post, Tonn!  As a sociologist you may well know that people tend to be more accepting of sex scandals and sex tapes in Western cultures.  There's lots of speculation that Kim Kardashian "leaked" her tape for a little cash settlement and publicity (did Paris, her close friend, give her a little push?).

But while Kim and Paris enjoyed more fame (and admiration?) after their respective sex tapes, Hong Kong "pop-star" Edison Chen was much less fortunate when his "scandal" broke out.  His career may even be over...and it doesn't look great for the other movie stars allegedly involved.”

When I was working in Hong Kong as a model, there was a popular soap actress there, who was due to marry into old Hong Kong money. Sounds like a fairytale, but the problem was that the groom’s family, who was very conservative, threatened to disown him if he married her.

You see, models and actors, even in today’s traditional Chinese families, do not hold a very high social status (keep in mind that social status is different from economic status). They are seen no different from prostitutes, selling their looks for a few bucks. So, it’s no surprise to me that the East react very differently to celebrity sex tapes than the West does.

What does all this have to do with modeling? Well, as a model, especially a top model, you are breaking cultural barriers. People may think that models can’t possibly make a contribution to society. Well, these people are usually unattractive people. But aside from that, these people also don’t understand that models are instrumental in defining popular culture, and popular culture is who we are as a society at any particular moment in time.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, male model competition

He emailed me wanting to come back to work in Boston, probably thinking that because it’s a smaller market, less people would recognize him. My response when he told me – “So?”.

Everybody who’s anybody has a sex tape these days. The first infamous sex tape that got leaked out was Rob Lowe’s in the 90s. Then who can forget about Pamela and Tommy Lee’s? Then came the more familiar Paris and now Kim Kardashian’s. And, let’s not forget Madonna’s. OK, so hers was produced with a multi-million dollar budget for the purpose of being sold for profit. The point is that sex tapes are on practically every celebrity’s resume.

I’m not advocating that everyone should go out and make a sex tape in order to become famous. I learned early on in life from having dated a politician that EVERYTHING you do may come back to bite you in the butt. But, if you’ve made a sex tape for whatever reason, and someone gets a hold of it after you become famous, there’s no need to apologize for it or hide from it.

So how should one handle a sex tape situation? Well, just embrace it. Upload it on YouTube. Send out a press release. Hold a premier. Whatever you do, just don’t apologize for it, and you certainly shouldn’t hide from it.

It’s sort of like being in the closet when you’re gay. People make fun of you and judge you, but when you come out, they have absolutely nothing else to say about it.

Remember, if we let people define us, we will never know who we are. We are all humans and humans make mistakes. We shouldn’t have to apologize for our mistakes or hide from them if they haven’t harmed anyone. We should just learn from them and move on.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, modeling and racism in Boston

When I got there, the client took one look at me and said, “You’re too Asian” I thought I had heard it all, but that was something new. I said to him, “I am Asian. And, what’s more, this is Bangkok!” He said to me, “We’re looking for someone who can pass as Asian and White.”

OK, so that’s not me. But, that statement – “You’re too Asian” – has always haunted me. Not that I’m bothered by the fact that I look Asian, but I’m bothered by the fact that a Bangkok company would want someone who doesn’t look Asian. This is perhaps one of the reasons I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology. Close to finishing my Ph.D., I’m no closer to understanding racism in the modeling industry.

When Tyra Banks started out, she was competing with Naomi for jobs in Europe. Can you imagine? Competing with Naomi?? Why couldn’t the two Black female models partake on the same runways??? It’s simple. Most clients just don’t want more than one Black model on their runways. But can it be so simple as to blame the client? I think not. The clients give us, the consumers, what we want. And, apparently, most of the consumers want to see white models, despite where they are on the globe.

It’s a sad situation, but true. Owning a top modeling agency in Boston, the situation, I’m sad to report, is no different. Most clients, when booking models, prefer Caucasians, and in fact, request Caucasians. When they do want ethnic models, they’d prefer those who are partly white. They like to use the term ‘ethnically ambiguous’.

So to all the ethnic models out there, I leave you with this solemn note: The likelihood of your making it in this industry is slim to none. Have a back-up plan. Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell are anomalies.

This afternoon, I was sitting in my office answering some emails. It was a pretty quiet, uneventful day… until my phone rang. It was a booking director from Armani Exchange in New York. He told me he was calling about these two brothers whom he thought I represent. Right away, I thought to myself, ‘Uh oh… What now…??!’

Apparently, these two have been emailing this booking director for the past three years. They even had the audacity to email the President of the company, asking him to book them for a photo shoot.

Armani Exchange, being a professional company, had replied to them in the past in a very nice way stating that they are not right for the brand. If you’ve read ‘Decoding the Agent’s Word’, you would know what that phrase means. Well, these two guys obviously don’t know what it means, and continued to bombard the booking director to the point where he had to contact me, thinking that I still represent them, to ask them to stop.

Now, while I admire persistence and ambition, I also know that there is a clear line between persistence and stalking. Not only are their looks not right for the brand, but if a booking agent has your information and hasn’t booked you in three years time, they’re not interested. There’s no need to further pursue the matter.

It’s these types of models that make it difficult for everyone else. Not only did they embarrassed me by association, but they’d also made an ass of themselves and models in general. In addition, their behaviors are the reasons why most agents and clients are so blunt with models. Being nice sometimes, doesn’t work. If a model can’t take a hint, then they need to take the truth. So, when I say to these guys, ‘You’re too old and too short for high fashion’, I’m not being mean. I’m just trying to get it through to them, so that I don’t get embarrassing calls, such as the one from this afternoon, from clients.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, modeling and stalking

Even I (who’s known for my sharp tongue and dubbed the Janice of Boston) catch myself being a bit less abrasive sometimes when talking to models.

Here are a few helpful translations to decode what modeling agents in Boston really mean when they speak.

You’re not right for us. = The only agencies that would sign you are those that will scam you.

You’re a bit commercial. = You’re old and/or short and/or have a receeding hairline.

You need an agent more devoted to your ambitions. = You’re really annoying with all these questions.

How tall did you say you are again? = Don’t lie to me about your height.

Could you get me some more conservative photos to use? = You look like a half naked tramp in Maxim.

Are your measurements still the same? = You’ve gained weight.

Were these photos taken on vacation? = Get professional hair and makeup, and professional photography next time.

Your look is a bit urban. = Less Lil’ Kim and more Britney (pre-K. Fed.).

Have you been tanning? = Your skin is getting leathery.

I wish you all the best. = Don’t ever contact me again.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, Boston modeling agent

Last week, I had a colleague from the men’s division of a hot agency in Milan come to my studio. He was particularly interested in picking out some male models to work during Milan’s Fashion Week in two months. For those of you who are new to the fashion industry – if a model has to work during fashion week, that model has to do runways. This in turns means that the model must have runway measurements and age range (6’ – 6’2, 16-28 for men). This is pretty straight forward. Nothing out of the ordinary.

And then, I received an email from one of my models, who was nearly 30 and 5’10, asking me if he could meet with this agent, if I could ‘make it happen’. I, of course, immediately said no (several times, in fact).

However, this guy is very tenacious. No, wait. Not tenacious. He was plain annoying. He took it upon himself to contact the Milan agency to find out who was coming to my studio. He then emailed that agent introducing himself, asking if he could go to the casting at my studio.

He had the audacity to call me after all that to tell me that the agent was willing to see him. I was livid at his lack of professionalism. This coming a week after had had given his private contact information out to a client that I had sent them to see. So, I terminated representation with him.

Now, one might ask – Why would you terminate the relationship if the Milan affiliate wanted to meet them, and had expressed interests in working with them? It is because I knew he wasn’t being truthful with the agent. I’ve been in this business a long time. The day a legitimate agency in Milan would take someone who’s nearly 30 and 5’10 to walk the runway, is the day Madonna wins an Oscar.

Lo-and-behold!! When I spoke with my colleague, the model had told him that he was 5’11. When I told my colleague that he was barely 5’10, the colleague, as I had suspected, said that he would never work in Milan, at least not on runways.

After the dusts settled, I had to ask myself – Was his behavior really worth my terminating my representation with him? After all, he’s still a very marketable commercial model. I pondered that question for about 2 minutes.

While I admire his tenacity, as an agent of a reputable modeling agency in Boston, I cannot take the risk of working with someone who has shown that level of disrespect towards me, and that type of reckless actions. He completely ignored my judgment as his agent, and then contacted, and LIED to my colleague.

The words ‘loose canon’ comes to mind. Businesses describe unpredictable, reckless employees, who are high liabilities, as ‘loose canons’. Well, this is a business. My agency is my business, and I consider this guy to be a loose canon – someone who, at any moment, could cause damage to my business.

So, now the question becomes – Was it worth it for him to have done what he did?

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models

Although modeling agencies are not direct employers; they introduce you to their clients, who might employ you. The agency’s reputation is built upon the professionalism of its models. So, how a model approaches an agency for representation is a tell-tale sign of how a model would approach an agency client, and agents take this to mind when deciding whether or not they want to represent you.
 
Take a look at this email submission sent via a modeling site:
 
Prospective Model: Hi Tonn Model Management,
it has been my pasion to be a model for some time is there a way you could help me? in the modeling world

TONN: Hello- Please visit www.TonnModel.com/models-bediscovered for submission materials. -Tonn

Prospective Model: age:20 will be 21 in may. 5'11 128lbs
dress:2-6

TONN: Hello - Can you come in to see me on Tuesday at 11:30? -Tonn

Prospective Model: Where?
 
TONN: Please take the time to visit our web site before further contacting us.
 

So, let’s deconstruct this e-conversation. First, the model emails a question without signing her name. Is she Giselle? Is she Tyra?? Is she so big and important that she need not a name??? Even Cher and Madonna use their first names!!!
 

The other problem is that the email is filled with spelling and punctuation errors, and she didn’t have proper submission materials as required by our agency.
 

I directed her to our submission page, so she could send in appropriate photos and measurements.
 

She shoots me an email back with her measurements without a salutation and again, no name.

I was having a good day, so I was not bothered by her and I liked her measurements. I asked her in.

Again, she shoots me an email without salutation or a name.

By now, I had lost my patience. I was no longer interested in meeting with her, nor was I interested in taking the time to tell her why.

For your knowledge, however, I do not want to represent someone with such tactlessness. When I choose to represent someone, that person will also represent me. This email exchange, not only tells me that she has no social graces, but she also isn’t very bright. Neither trait is a good one for a model I would wish to represent.

Amanda has a wonderful, high fashion look about her. Her eyes are completely captivating, and her measurements are exactly what a high fashion client would look for. But, can you tell from these photos that she didn’t have to pay for? NO!!

The photography is nice and I can tell they’re taken with a professional camera. They are OK commercial modeling photos. Somehow, though, they just don’t suit Amanda’s look. Let’s deconstruct these photos and figure out what’s wrong with them.

1. Amanda’s look is more high fashion. Although she should have some commercial photos in her portfolio, she should be smiling in the photos. She’s giving a very high fashion look in commercial photos. OK, if you need me to spell it out for you – THE PHOTO SHOULD CORRESPOND WITH THE LOOK! High Fashion Photo = High Fashion Look. Commercial Photo = Commercial Look.

2. Amanda doesn’t have professional hair and makeup. Pieces of hair are hanging out and I can see the dark circles under her eyes. *sighs* I’ll say it again – If you’re going to spend time and/or money on a photo shoot, please don’t skimp on the hair and makeup. Otherwise, what’s the point?? You end up getting photos you can’t use and you’ve wasted your time, and possibly your money.

3. Wardrobe. I don’t even know where to start with this one. Amanda’s attire is better suited for hanging out around the house on a Sunday morning somewhere in Vermont; not for a modeling portfolio.

4. At first glance, industry professionals can tell that this was not only a test shoot, but a really bad test shoot with absolutely no planning. A professional test shoot takes time and planning with many different people working together to achieve certain looks (see Photo War). Everything from hair to makeup, and from clothes to background, have been pre-selected to suit the particular model. The goal is always to increase work for the model.

It’s a common myth that agencies will pay for a model’s photos and other expenses. Depending on the model’s marketability and commitment to modeling, sometimes agencies will pay for some of the costs and deduct them from future earnings.

Amanda, like most young models, has limited funds. However, like most young models, Amanda fails to realize that the sooner she has appropriate, professional photos, the more work she can get and the more money she would make. Amanda has been with me for less than a month and has already earned enough to pay for photography through our studio. Imagine how much work she could have gotten in this one month had she had fantastic photos!! That’s food for thought…

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, Boston TFCD fashion photography

Here are the do’s and don’ts about photo selections for comp cards. It’ll explain why your agents have chosen the photos he/she did for you.

1. Don’t use photos that are too similar: Composite cards are just that – composites. In other words – a compound, a merge, a fusion, a combination, a mixture – of photos that you already have. So knowing that definition, the first rule of thumb is ‘Don’t use photos that are too similar’. Similarity refers to backgrounds, facial expressions, style of photography, dress, poses and looks (commercial, high fashion, business, catalog, etc.). Doing so will limit the number of looks that you’re able to portray and might also clue the client in on how inexperienced you are as a model.

2. Choose photos that show different looks: ‘Looks’ refers to characters or roles that you portray. Generally, you should have a business look, an athletic look, a formal look, and a lifestyle or high fashion look (depending on your market), and a clear headshot. These different looks allow clients to see the types of roles you can portray in photos. So, if a client is looking for an athletic model, they can see that you can do athletic photos.

3. Choose photos that show your features clearly: The photos you choose should include a clear headshot that showcases your complexion, a full length with fitted clothes (so the client can see your figure), and at least one smiling photo that clearly shows your teeth. For this reason, comp cards do not often use artistic photos with strange angles and shadowy lighting.

4. Get professional hair and makeup!: I can’t stress this point enough. If you’re going to spend several hundred dollars on a photo shoot, don’t skimp on the hair and makeup. It’s not worth getting shots with blemished skin and windswept hair that you won’t be able to use.

5. Get a good photographer: Needless to say, hire a professional photographer, who specializes in composite cards. Most ‘photographers’ are trained as artistic or journalistic photographers. Some dabble in ‘glamour’ photos because they like to see young boys and girls half naked. All will tell you they do ‘fashion’ or ‘modeling’ portfolios. The best thing to do is to use a photographer that’s recommended by your agent. He or she is sure to know what the agent wants and needs.

6. Do NOT create your own comp cards: With digital imaging and printing these days, I get all sorts of submissions from wonnabe models, who print their own comp cards. This is so wrong, wrong, wrong!! Don’t do it!! For one thing, you probably are picking the wrong photos. Secondly, once you’re signed with an agency, the agency will want you to reprint them using their logos (they will not send out cards without their logos). Finally, if you’re printing the cards, so you can have something to submit to an agent, you’re wasting your money. A few printed photos would do fine. Better yet, I prefer photos to be emailed to me (but in small formats. I hate it when people email me large photos taking up my disc space!).

7. Never put snapshots in a card: Time and again, I have models wanting to put their favorite photos from a fashion event, or from a runway they’ve done onto a card. This is a no-no. Your card should ONLY have professional photos, not snapshots of you at events, which should be used in your book. Even if they are taken by a professional photographer, the photo generally standout amongst the rest. This also clues a client in on your lack of experience as a model. See number 8.

8. Show that you are an experienced model: A model, who has been in demand, will have excellent tear sheets and photos from jobs they’ve done or photographers they’ve worked with. Some of those can be used for comp cards, providing they fit the above guidelines. A variety of photography, meaning different style of photography, which are acquired by working with different photographers, tells clients that you’re experienced. For a new model to achieve this look, the model would have to work with a comp card photographer, who understands the importance of using a variety of looks and backgrounds. So, using snap shots, such as those from events, tells the clients that you don’t have a whole lot of photos to choose from, so you’re using a snapshot that should really be in your book and not your comp card.

9. Make sure your measurements are accurate: As I’ve mentioned in the section about being an honest model, NEVER lie about your measurements. People in the industry can tell what they are just by looking at you. You’ll only make a full of yourself. And, telling them that your doctor gave you those measurements will not only make you look like a fool, but an argumentative diva.

10. Leave it to the professionals: Photography is a form of art, and like all art, it’s subjective. You may like a particular shot, but other people may not, and vice versa. So, just leave the photo selections to the professionals. These are people who look at faces and photos all day long, and who understand your particular look for the market in which you work. Save your favorite shots for your family album. This is business. The goal is to get you work. If you are completely unhappy with the photos selected for you, I would recommend asking some friends and family what they think. We are often our own worst critics.

By now, you should have a basic understanding of what goes onto comp cards. It’s not a matter of just putting in your best photos (that’s what you do for your book, not comp cards). It’s a matter of allowing clients to see you clearly and to see that you’re diverse.

In this digital age, keep in mind too that photos used on web sites may differ from those used in comp cards. At my agency, for example, web photos are generally a bit edgier than the printed comp card photos. Everyone around the world will see the web site, so I want my models to appear competitive, as if they are competing with models in large markets, such as NYC and Paris. The printed comp cards, on the other hand, only goes out to local clients in Boston, which is a very conservative market. They’d prefer lifestyle photos with lots of smiles. Again, these photos are intentionally chosen to increase the models’ marketability. Nothing is random in this business, so keep that in mind before you start complaining to your agent about photo selections. You may have paid for the photos and comp cards, but they have the experience and your best interest at heart.

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, models composite cards, modeling comp cards

I get this question all the time from young girls and their parents. My answer is – if you have problems getting to go-sees and castings in Boston, you’re not ready for the big time.

Most models dream of making it big. Well, making it big, unfortunately, means you have to live in a big city. And, you can’t really live in a big city until you’re ready to take care of yourself (and until your parents allow you to take care of yourself).

The problem with starting work in a place like NYC, which is really the only fashion capital in the US, is that you really do have to live there. If you’re a so-so model, you could be going to 1 or 2 go-sees a day. If you’re hot, you could go to 5 or 6 go-sees a day. Imagine having to do that living in northern New England! So, as I had said, if you have problems getting to go-sees in Boston, you’re not ready for NYC. And, if you miss one too many go-sees, your agent will stop sending you all together.

So what’s a girl to do when she’s still in high school and living hours away from NYC, but want to make it big as a model? Well, she can start honing in on her skills and plan ahead for the big time. I’d recommend that she works as much as she can in the closest city that is to her, so that she can get experience and tear sheets. In addition, she should look for a college in NYC, assuming she wants to go to college.

Another option, which is what I did, was to look for a study abroad program. I spent my high school senior year in Paris finishing my diploma while working as a modeling. If your parents are comfortable, talk to your agent about going abroad for the summer. I would recommend Asia. There is a HUGE need for Caucasian models there. Europe is more competitive, so if you don’t have much experience, I would not recommend it.

In summary, take your time, hone in on your skills, and plan ahead. Once you hit the big time, there’s no turning back. It’s not like you can say to a client – oh wait, I have a test Tuesday. Can I do the shoot on Thursday instead?

Keywords: Boston modeling agencies, Tonn Model Management, Boston model management, talent agencies in boston, bostn model, Boston fashion models, Boston runway models, Boston male models, Boston female models, modeling in high school, high school models