While you may have to have quite a bit of experience (or a lucky break) before you’re able to land a job modeling major fashion brands like Gucci or Calvin Klein, there are tons of new designers out there who are looking for models just like you. Often up and coming designers have great ideas, innovative designs and superb collections, but small budgets. Therefore new designers often look for new models that are willing to work for experience, or a smaller fee than more experienced models. That’s where you come in.

So what does it take to get the attention of new designers and book a job modeling their latest clothing lines? For the answer, I caught up with Ivory Narvell to get the inside scoop. Ivory Narvell has worked in the industry as a runway coach and stylist and now she’s launching ReignSuit, her new line of swimwear. She’s helped lots of new models, including Dani Evans (America’s Next Model) on their road towards fame as the founder of the Miss Spokesmodel International modeling competition. Here’s what Ivory had to say…

Jon: What characteristics do you look for in models when selecting them to model your designs?

Ivory: As a swimwear designer I look for someone with a naturally fit body. Proportion is very important too. For fit models, their measurements must match our sizing charts. For runway models, they must have a great runway walk. For print models, again proportion is a must. Additionally, they must be able to pose well, have great skin and take direction.

Jon: What advice would you give to models who are submitting their photos for consideration to work with designers?

Ivory: It can be a tough industry and not everyone will love you, so it’s important that you develop thick skin. However, while you may not be the right model for one job, keep going and stay positive because you might be the right model for the next job.

Jon: There’s so much competition in the industry. What measures can new models take to standout and get designers to notice them?

Ivory: After a model call, make sure you follow up with a thank you letter by mail. I recall an instance when a model who wasn’t very memorable sent me a thank you letter after a casting call. While she didn’t get the job initially, because she sent the letter which made her instantly standout, I booked her at a later time.

Wow, what great advice! If you want to read more advice from Ivory Narvell, log in tomorrow for more great tips. Ivory gave us a lot more information, so make sure you read tomorrow’s blog. For more information on modeling jobs and casting calls available on our website, visit http://StarSearchCasting.com and check out our auditions page.

Previously we began talking about what you need to know to book a job with a new designer. For expert advice, we interviewed Ivory Narvell, founder of the Miss Spokesmodel International modeling competition and designer of ReignSuit, a new line of swimwear launching this year. Ivory Narvell has worked with lots of models, including Dani Evans from America’s Next Top Model and was more than happy to give our members and us the scoop on how they can grab the attention of new designers.

When we interviewed Ivory Narvell, she gave us so much great advice that we decided to create a list of the top tips Ivory shared with us during her interview. Check out these tips below. We’re sure they’ll be extremely helpful in your quest to land jobs modeling with new designers.

Top Tips from Ivory Narvell, fashion designer and runway coach:

• Always be on time – if not early. Time is money and no one likes to wait on a model.

• Know what you really want to do in this industry and where you fit in.  

• Learn as many skills as you can. Even if you are considered too short for most agencies to hire you for a fashion show, perfect your runway walk anyway. You never know what opportunities may arise.

• Don’t get discouraged if you’re experiencing lots of rejection. Different designers want different things from models. You’ll get your shot.

• Know the ins and outs of the industry so that when a designer or agency approaches you about a job, you can discuss the opportunity intelligently. There are a lot of girls who have a great look but don’t get booked because they don’t appear to take the industry seriously.  

• Even if you do not have a professional portfolio, make sure you have snap shots of yourself, preferably with no make up. Also have full body shots because designers will need to see your body type.  

• When you’re taking your photos, always make sure there is proper lighting and never over-exaggerate when posing.
  
  

Special thanks to Ivory Narvell for sharing her expert advice with us. Ready to put Ivory’s advice to the test? Visit http://StarSearchCasting.com for casting calls from designers and agencies, plus a whole lot more!