We've all heard the stories: Kate Moss was spotted in an airport, Jourdan Dunn was scouted in Primark, Cindy Crawford was discovered while de-husking corn, of all things - a heavy dose of coincidence, luck and being phenomenally attractive was in play in securing the careers of those top models - but how best to catch the eye of agency bookers? Being a modelling agency we love new talent, from male models to curve models we are constantly checking out our latest model applications. Yet when the
IMM team are not at our desk we are constantly looking for new models on the streets of London - check our 5 top tips on getting scouted!
While obviously, there are certain physical aspects that are a requirement of the job (height is a plus, enviable cheekbones a bonus), there are certain things that you can do to increase your chances of being noticed, our first hot tip is do your research!
London is a crazy city, which is constantly evolving similar to the scouting Game. Fiona Ellis the director of Independent models is a an industry stalwart, Ellis has been a scout for 22 years and famously discovered Erin O’Connor skulking around ‘The Clothes Show Live’ (the industry’s primary hunting ground) in 1995. However it appears that clothes shows have dwindled as a place to find fresh talent – Our hot tip, the best places to be scouted in 2016 tend to be the busiest places; Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, Covert Garden and even high end stores, in the past Topshop have had scouts on the shop floor and this is beginning to catch on with other popular retail brands. From High streets to popular markets across the city and not to mention music events; from Hyde Park to Glastonbury, Love Box, Wireless and even Europeans festival will have British scouts on the hunt so Benicàssim may be the place to be if you are looking to venture into modelling.
Tip 2 - If approached how do you know they are genuine...A genuine scout should be affiliated with an established modelling agency. They should have a business card with an address, phone number and an e-mail contact on it. They should have an on line presence so you can do research on them.
Tip 3 - But what are the warning signs to suggest a scout is fake? Anyone who asks for money when you first communicate will not be a professional scout. Also, never go anywhere with someone who has approached you. Always do some research on them before going in for a meeting. If you are under 16 many agencies are open to you attending with a parent to make you feel more comfortable. A big tip which we mentioned in previous posts for aspiring models - don't pay money for meeting a scout or having a portfolio done, if the agency are interested in you they will arrange organising this for you.
What do scouts look for - 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' and this is very true for a scout. Although height, chiseled cheekbones and being photogenic are all helpful factors in being chosen, some scouts work differently. For example a popular scout on the cobbles of Camden Lock is Sarah Leon, she stated in an interview with
Timeout how she likes an 'Offbeat face, I like it when people think: Ugh, how can they be a model? To me that’s brilliant.’ However one similarity to many top scouts is they may not have the same taste in physicality's but personality is a whole different game. They seek a effervescent and charismatic personality, or something that inspires other people to want to be around them. Those people are more than models. They are muses.
And finally.. Do check out the
Association of Model Agents as it represents all the credible and reputable modelling agencies in the UK. You can also submit your pictures on line for our consideration here at
IMM if you are looking to become a model - newfaces@immagencygroup.com
One new face who has recently joined the
IMM Team is
Jamie. Already doing campaigns for leading brands such as
Pull & Bear alongside being part of the
Drop Dead 'itchy & Scratchy show' collaboration. 2016 is going to be good for this model and we just can't wait to see what happens next!
