The Complete Models' Guide

Professional modelling isn't about body measurements and looks. It's about your ability to sell products.

Most models aren't being hired for their beauty. They are being hired for their ability to promote, market, and sell products. This requires a very specific set of skills that can be learned. It requires practice and actions, as well as gaining an understanding of how the industry works. Fitting into classical beauty standards is far less important than your ability to help brands achieve their objectives.

This complete actionable guide gives every little detail of the global modelling industry, from how to get signed with a modelling agency to how to develop an international career and build the personality required for success in the field.

Learn crucial knowledge and tactics to avoid career-ending, money-wasting blunders:

• Why modelling schools are a waste of money
• What agencies really look for and how to get started if you don't fit the classical look
• How to prepare an application so good they can't ignore you
• What to do if you’ve been rejected? Or haven't heard back?
• How to recognise a legit modelling agency
• Your Polaroids are so important -- learn why and how to make them well

Crucial financial insight to make more money with less stress:

• Who pays for what and how much you can make for each type of job
• What is a "direct booking" vs. "on stay" modelling?
• How to maximise your jobs using Instagram
• How to build a trustworthy relationship with your agent
• How to manage your income and personal finances for a safe and stable career

The Models' Guide is the only existing book on modelling that contains a detailed overview of the 27 countries and their modelling culture. Paris, Milan, London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Barcelona, Hamburg, Athens, etc.: learn why some markets would work better for you then others, and how you can get representation in any of them.

Divided into 3 chapters, "Becoming a model", "Working as a model" and "Succeeding as a model", this book will be useful to people who are new to modelling as well as the ones who are already signed and want to get more jobs and exposure. People who consider to become agents will also gain a clear understanding of how things work.

Why am I the right person to talk about modelling?

I am a French/Russian agent from Paris with 10 years of experience of working with all the top modelling agencies in the world and many top clients. My responsibilities include searching for new models, building their portfolios, getting them signed with international agencies, booking jobs, and managing their global careers. All while being their friend and, sometimes, therapist.

I have worked with agencies such as IMG, Ford, Elite, Women, Viva, DNA, Supreme, The Lions, Premier, Storm, Monster, Oui Management, Tokyo Rebels, and I have booked models for See by Chloé, Zara, Pull&Bear, Sephora, Vogue Russia, Vogue Ukraine, Vogue Portugal, Bershka, Marc'o Polo, Tally Weijl, Only, The Kooples, to name just a few.

The modelling business is surrounded by myths and assumptions, but in reality it is a set of pretty straightforward processes that, once understood, can be easily used to your advantage. You can learn them all in this book!