The Model's Workbook ...Miller Boulay, Inc.

Reading Room

The Model's Workbook
A Hollywood Agent's
Twenty Step Guide to Launching Your Modeling Career!

William Squire and Laura Boulay

Table of Contents

Foreword 6

Introduction 7

Model Categories 8

Step One: Photography 9

Step Two: Finding Photographers 15

Step Three: Contacting Photographers 19

Step Four: Meeting & Choosing Photographers 25

Step Five: Preparing For Your Shoot 33

Step Six: The Shoot 45

Step Seven: Developing Film & Reviewing Proofs 49

Step Eight: Creating Your Comp Card 53

Step Nine: Your Portfolio 59

Step Ten: Your Headshot 63

Step Eleven: Your Resume 67

Step Twelve: Agencies 73

Step Thirteen: Looking For An Agency 77

Step Fourteen: The Agency Interview Or Open Call 83

Step Fifteen: Your Agency Relationship 87

Step Sixteen: Auditions 91

Step Seventeen: Your First Booking 95

Step Eighteen: Your Bag 99

Step Nineteen: Managing Your Career 103

Step Twenty: Questions & Answers 107

Glossary 115

Step Five:

Preparing For Your Shoot

"A Prepared Model
Is A Professional Model”

OVERVIEW

Now that you know which tools you need and have your shoot scheduled, you need to start preparing for it! The goal is to be well-organized and have all your looks thought out completely! The following instructions will help you prepare for shooting a comp card, portfolio, and headshot.

TIP FROM WILLIAM:

“You work hard for your money. Don’t waste it on a
shoot that you’re not prepared for.”

Instructions

A black and white headshot is used for commercial work. Look at the sample headshots on pages 11 and 12 to refresh your memory. Plan for your headshot on Step Five Work Page #1.
Comp cards are used for print work. Look at the sample cards on pages 13 and 14. Note how each photo shows a different look. Your job is to answer this question: what are my looks? It’s critical that you answer this honestly and thoroughly. Go through magazines and get ideas for poses and different looks that are appropriate for you and express who you are. Think of any special skills or interests you have (sports, hobbies, etc.) that would be an effective way to market your talents. For instance, if you’re a serious athlete in a sport, take your sports gear and get a shot wearing it—these look great on comp cards. Use your imagination but don’t go overboard—if you’re a 14-year-old girl, don’t try to look like a 25-year-old business woman. Work Page #2 is designed to help you with this process.
Now plan your comp card on Work Page #3.
List each look and everything you need on Work Pages #4 through #8.
Portfolios are used by print models. You will have photos from your shoot that can be used to create your portfolio. We’ll discuss this further in Step Nine.
Take a look at our “Countdown to Shoot” suggestions. This is Work Page #9. Add it and use it as a check-list to keep organized and on track!

STEP FIVE WORK PAGE #1:

Black And White Headshot

For my headshot, I will wear:

____________________________________________________(Top)

____________________________________________________(Bottom)

____________________________________________________(Shoes)

____________________________________________________(Underwear or lingerie)

I will need the following accessories: (comb, brush, curlers, gel, blow dryer, spray, bobby pins, etc.)

___________________________                  ___________________________
___________________________                  ___________________________
___________________________                  ___________________________
___________________________                  ___________________________
___________________________                  ___________________________
___________________________                  ___________________________
___________________________                  ___________________________
___________________________                  ___________________________

A few additional notes about your headshot:

Keep your clothing simple.
Wear your hair the way you normally do.
Minimize jewelry—it can take the focus away from you!!

Now you’re ready for the next Work Page: What Are My Looks?

STEP FIVE WORK PAGE #2:

What Are My Looks?

I am _____________ years old.

My special skills, sports, hobbies, and interests are:

_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Now take this information and decide which four or five looks are your strongest. Keep in mind that the front of your comp card is a headshot. This is different from the headshot you’ll use for commercial work!

For my shoot, I’ve selected:

Look #1 ___________________________________(Front of Card)
Look #2 ___________________________________
Look #3 ___________________________________
Look #4 ___________________________________
Look #5 ___________________________________
Look #6 ___________________________________

Now you’re ready for the next Work Page: Planning My Card!

STEP FIVE WORK PAGE #3:

Planning My Card

Look #1:

Front of Card
For this shot, don’t wear white. A solid colored
shirt or sweater will
be much better.

Look #2

Look #3

Use this space for ideas cut from magazines or write
in your own descriptions

Look #4

Look #5

Now you’re ready for the next Work Page: Look #1: Front of Card.