How do Pittsburgh models find work?

Even if you're a model that is represented by an casting agent or modeling agency, there are things that you can do to bring in more modeling jobs. Here are five easey ways to get yourself more modeling assignments and excellorate your career as a model here in Pittsburgh, or any other mid sized city.

Pittsburgh Modeling, Models, and Talent is a web site dedicated to the education of models in mid to small towns like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati. To many people interestied in modeling, the industry is a mystery. This site will help answer the questions that many potential and novice models may have.

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How do Pittsburgh models find work?

Most Pittsburgh models, after they get an agent, will just sit around and wait for the agents to get them work.  Modeling Agencies do have the ability to attract a lot of work. Advertising Agencies, Graphic Design Firms, Photographers, and most major corporations will already have a relationship with the Modeling Agencies in a given city. However, a pro-active model stands a much better chance of breaking into the industry if they "help things along" a little. Often times, it's a matter of "being at the right place at the right time," or the oppisite of "out of site, out of mind".

If you’re an independent model or you’re just not content waiting for your agency to get you work, there are other ways of getting your face and name out to potential clients. Here are a few things that you can do to possibly get yourself some work.

1. Make a bunch of Comp Cards.  You’ll need these to pass out to potential clients.  A comp card is a large postcard-looking thing with pictures on it, maybe 4 or 5 shots.  Usually, a comp card is printed on both sides in either color or black and white. One side of the comp card is usually a large headshot and the other side usually consists of several small shots showing the model from different distances and angles, usually wearing different outfits.  The idea of a comp card is to give the viewer as much information as possible.  The different shots should show the model’s versatility in look and expression.  There should be at least one “body” shot to illustrate the build of the model.  If a client wants a busty stick, or a pudgy short person, they will be looking for that information on the model’s comp card.  Often times a comp card can tell enough information that the client may not even need to see a portfolio.  I know that many of the projects I become involved in require only a headshot or a comp card for the client to make a model choice.  You still need a portfolio, but a comp card is probably a little more important than the rest of your portfolio.

2. Circulate your book around the city.  By book, I mean your portfolio.  With digital prints being as inexpensive as they are, you can economically make a few books and run them from ad agency to ad agency.  The yellow pages can supply with the names of Advertising Agencies and Graphic Design Firms, and even Public Relations Firms in your city.  Most of these types of businesses need models on a regular basis.  Just call up the company’s receptionist and ask if you could drop off you portfolio for a day or two.  Ask them if they would mind passing the portfolio around the office.  When you pick up the book, make sure that you leave a few comp cards for the Art Directors or Designers to keep.  It works sort of like a business card for the visually oriented.  If there are any large corporations or department store headquarters in your town, you might want to take the time to get your book into their Marketing, Advertising, or Art Departments.  In Pittsburgh, UPMC, Dicks Sporting Goods, GNC, and even Heinz will use models many times each year.  If you’ve taken the time to drop off your portfolio, you may be the model that they think of when the next appropriate job pops up.

3. “Test” with photographers.  A great way to develop relationships and to gain valuable exposure is to “Test” with photographers.  Testing means to offer you services to photographers for free in exchange for prints.  Some photographer, the ambitious ones, will constantly be attempting to hone their skills and to tryout new photographic techniques.  Many of these techniques require models.  If you can offer to model for free, you will not only get the free print in exchange, you will probably get the photographer to do a little free sales for you too.  If the photographer gets a shot or two that he or she really likes, chances are that the photographer will send the image around to all the same clients you want to see.   A little side note here…  From my experience, the decision of which model to hire, is rarely left to the photographer.  Usually the Agency or Client makes that decision.  A photographer will often have input in the matter, but will rarely have the final say.  There are exceptions, of course.

4.Make your own web page.  Why not?  It’s not as expensive as most people think.  The web is becoming more and more popular and clients are getting more comfortable shopping and finding information on the net.  The key to a profitable web page is has less to do with the design of the page and more to do with the S.E.O.  But that’s another discussion.  Many of the modeling agencies have their own web pages.  If you have the chance, get your self on that page.   And if there are any other pages you can be listed on, do that too, if the price is right. 

5.Kit calls or emails.  Kit stands for “Keep In Touch.”  As a photographer, I do this all the time.  I’ll email a new picture around to potential clients just to let them know I’m still alive.  You need to be careful that you don’t become perceived as a spammer, but this technique is very effective and maintaining relationships with your potential clients.  Every other month or so, send out an email (never “broadcast” an email, always send it to an individual, one at a time) Say something like this.