FAQs About Modeling

Below you will find some of the Frequently Asked Questions about Modeling.  Can't find your question here?  Try Contacting Us

What are the industry standards for a model?
Typically, women must be 5'7 to 5'11 and men between 5'11 and 6'2 in height. For females, waists should be no larger than 24 inches and hips (measuring from the widest part of the buttocks with both feet together) between 34 and 35 inches. Men should be able to fit into a 40R or 42 Tall suit. Men should have a waist size of 32 inches. (Hi-Fi does represent proportional petite and plus sized models on the local level.)
There are many different modeling and talent agencies out there, how do I choose the best one to represent me?
This depends on your goals as a model. Look first at what type of modeling you are interesting in doing (local, international etc.) and what type you are suited for. Then find an agency that has experience, strong ongoing connections in the local community but most of all ? one that believes in you. Avoid any that charge thousands of dollars in representation fees or photoshoots or that seem very pushy about signing you.
I am really short, can't I just be a face model?
Unfortunately, no. Modeling is an incredibly competitive industry where even models with the full package (good agency, great body, proper measurements and height, super skin and good personality) are never guaranteed success. To compete, you must be able to do it all, particularly at the beginning of your career.
What about Kate Moss? She is short.
Yes, we get this question a lot. She is definitely much, much shorter than the average model. But her ascent into the business was an anomaly. She was handpicked by designer Calvin Klein whose interest and belief in Kate launched her career.
Why do models have to be so tall and skinny?
Clothing designers make all of their sample outfits in one size ? all models must fit that size in order to get work. Designers also believe that their clothing is showcased better on long, lean models and therefore, more likely to be purchased by store buyers, featured in magazines etc. Agents have nothing to do with the current demands of the industry.
What kind of modeling work can I expect to do if I am signed by Hi-Fi Models?
Locally, there are fashion shows, photo shoots, promotional modeling and so on. Landing these jobs will depend a lot on your look, determination, professionalism and willingness to work hard. Of course having a great agent like us behind you is also critical to your success. But we don?t want to lead you on, there are no major fashion markets in Alberta, so local work is limited. However, Hi-Fi is very well connected with casting directors, photographers, advertising agencies etc. Further, if you have the ability to model internationally, we will aggressively pursue those opportunities for you as well.
How long has Hi-Fi Models been around?
Hi-Fi is definitely the new kid on the Alberta block, having just incorporated in 2008. But within our agency we have more than 20 years of combined experience in the industry. Hi-Fi Models was created after seeing there was a need and demand for a smaller agency that focused less on hype and ego and more on the getting models jobs. We are committed to keep our modeling board small so that they can all get the attention they deserve from their agent. Hi-Fi has affiliations with agencies in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and abroad.
What is a mother agency?
Hi-Fi Models is also a mother agency. Mother agents usually have started the model in the business and then are charged with the responsibility of overseeing a model?s career. So in addition to finding some local work, Hi-Fi Models will also place models in fashion markets around the world, guiding their career in the process. Just as a ?mother? would, a good mother agency remains in touch with their models on a regular basis to ensure they are doing well, are happy and to offer help tackling any issues that may arise. It is our belief this responsibility is paramount to the longevity and success of a model?s career as well as critical to an individual model?s happiness.
What is a boutique agency?
This is a newer term in the modeling industry that represents those agents who have deliberately chosen to stay small in order to give models the attention they need to reach their goals. Sometimes a boutique agency will focus either on men or women?or even in very specific markets around like the world such as Asia.
How does Hi-Fi Models choose the models to represent?
Our trained scouts look for people with potential and the ability to maintain the industry standards required for either the local or international markets. Scouts must stay on top of current trends and demands in both the local and international markets. Intially, the agency will likely request some digitals and measurements to be emailed to assess your suitability. If we see potential, then the development process begins.
What other modeling agencies are you associated with?
We work with a number of reputable agencies in Canada and around the world to get our youngest stars placed and working. These include Images International (www.imagesmodels.com) in Calgary, TalentCo in Vancouver (www.talentco.net), Corestone in Toronto (www.corestonemodels.com), and SpotSix in Toronto (www.spotsixmangement.com).
What kind of models are you looking for?
1. Local models in all shapes, sizes, colours and ages. There isn't a ton of work in Edmonton, but we do have many clients looking for outgoing, fashionable models for runway shows, print campaigns, promotional work and sometimes film or television work. 2. Guys and girls interested in not just local but international work. For men, we will look for those who are a minimum of 5"11 to 6"2 in height. Women should be 5"7 to 5"11. All models should be very fit, tone and have beautiful skin. Usually we start developing these international models around the age of 13-15, although there may be exceptions.
How do I submit myself for consideration?
Please email fiona@hi-fimodels.com several digital photos - these should not be professionally done. Guys should be wearing form-fitting briefs or boxer briefs (Calvin Klein style) and women should be in a one-toned bikini (or body conscious clothing like tight leggings and a tank top.) ** Women should have their hair completely off their face and be wearing NO makeup at all. Take the following snapshots and email them in jpeg format or in a zip folder: Head - straight on face, left profile, right profile and one smiling. Full Body - left profile, right profile, straight on and one with back facing the camera. Waist Up - no smile, looking at the camera. We also need the following measurements: Men: Height, Waist, Inseam (leg length), Suit Size, Collar, and Shoe Women: Height, Bust, Waist, Hips (measured from the widest part of the buttocks all the way around with feet together), Dress Size, and Shoe.
How does Hi-Fi Models make money?
As an agency, we take the industry standard of 20 per cent of the model?s income. This is our primary source of revenue. If you don?t work, we don?t make money. We try to keep costs for workshops, test shoots etc. as low as possible.
How do I get paid as a Hi-Fi Model?
As with other agencies, we bill the client for your time and work, they pay us and then we pay you. We are not an employer but serve as a defacto contractor for your services. We don?t issue any documents related to your income tax, you must keep track of the money you earn yourself. Track the number of hours worked, hourly rates as well as any expenses you are entitled to write off as a self-employed person according to the government.
How do i get modelling jobs and what do i get paid for doing a job?
Clients call us to book models and based on their needs, we submit pictures of suitable candidates or arrange for an in-person casting. Rates, hours and usage is negotiated by the agency on the model?s behalf. Rates increase based on the look of a model, experience level and how the products will be used. For example, billboard campaigns tend to pay better because so many people will see them and they tend to stay up for a while. Conversely, a fashion show in a small mall will likely not pay as well.
I have an adorable baby, everyone tells me she/he should model. Do you represent children?
Hi-Fi Models represents children from the age of 3 and up. However, we do want to be upfront that there is very little work for them in this market. Catalogues are not shot in Edmonton and very few in Calgary, so if you want your child to model it is best to move to a market like Toronto or New York City.
What areas does Hi-Fi Models serve?
We are currently traveling Alberta and Saskatchewan to locate new talent. We hope to involve the local communities in this search and to find a way to showcase their local talent through fashion shows. We also do workshops in many small communities in these provinces. Contact us for more information on these opportunities.