8 Things Clients Wish all Plus Models Knew - The Inside Scoop

Are you an aspiring plus size model? Here's the scoop on eight things plus size models can do to make their clients love them straight from the mouth of an industry insider. 

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My name is Sarah. I’ve worked in marketing, branding and public relations for twelve years. It’s safe to say, I’ve been around the block. Four of those years I spent directly in the plus fashion industry where I directed and produced countless photoshoots. I worked with highly experienced models and those with “first day jitters.”I adore being behind the camera. I love to synthesize the big picture while orchestrating the little pieces of a photoshoot. I dig working with talent. And I thrive on creative vision. Producing a photoshoot is a dance of details. One of those [super important] details is hiring the right models for your job. Once you find the right model, you need them to be

really great

on set.

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There is a lot of information out there for aspiring models. Some of it is self-explanatory. For example, models must arrive on a set well groomed. This stuff is [should be] obvious.  But there are some things you will only learn from experience. This is where I come in. I’m going to give it to you the insider scoop I will spare you from learning [embarrassing] lessons and tell you the stuff that nobody else will.What I am about to tell you comes from the perspective of someone who works for The Brand that has hired you. The person that is running your photoshoot. For intents and purposes of this blog, let’s refer to this individual as Person In Charge- or P.I.C – since this Person In Charge at a photoshoot can wear a bunch of different titles depending on the size and organization of the company.

Your P.I.C has been tasked with hiring, directing and managing talent (including models, hair and makeup professionals, stylists and photographer) in order to get the best result. The P.I.C has one goal- to make a shoot that meets the goals of The Brand. This, in turn, helps The Brand to make the most money.  That is what all of this is about, obviously. The best photoshoot that result in the best shots to sell the most stuff and increase profits.Here are my rules. The things you need to know to make the P.I.C’s job easier. To help with the success of the shoot and, in turn, be the most valuable plus model you can be. If you look great (however that is defined) and deliver what I’m explaining below, there’s a good chance the P.I.C will want to hire you again. Awesome.

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Rule 1 - Service the brand, not yourself.

“You are here for the P.I.C [Person in Charge]- the one running the photoshoot. The P.I.C is there for The Brand. Therefore, you are there for The Brand. Your presence exists to help the brand achieve their goals. A photoshoot is not about you. It is about the goals that The Brand has. For the most part, you are replaceable. Therefore, don’t do anything that takes away from the shoot and puts the attention on YOU as a person. The attention should always be on the end result.”

This means…

Resist the urge to spend your free moments trying to capture the perfect selfie. If you want to take one, ask the person in charge if it’s ok. Sometimes we [the person in charge, running the shoot] may say yes. Other times we’ll say no. Either way, we will appreciate you not making assumptions and respecting our decisions. Maybe you’re working on a top secret project! How bad would that be for you if the Boss of The Brand has to tell me to tell you to take a picture down from your Facebook or Instagram that shares something we don’t want to show yet? Bad. Very bad.

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Rule 2- Prepare and be prepared.

“If there is something The Brand needs to know about you that will affect the productivity and result of its shoot, it is your duty to let them know.  One of the worst things you can do is catch them off guard with anything that will affect their productivity or end result. End result = money. Anything you do that puts The Brand in a position to lose money is bad for them and bad for you.”

This means…

Do you have a very wide foot? Any tattoos or markings on your skin? Tell us in advance, and then help us.  If you have an extremely hard foot to fit into shoes, communicate that.  Let us know what shoes you have in your model bag to help if needed. Another example? If you have a rash or skin discoloration on your legs, let people know AND offer to bring a selection of tights or heavy covering makeup to work around it.Expect the P.I.C  is prepared for typical situations. If you have anything to share outside of this, give us them chance to be prepared.

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Model- Kelsey Olson; Photographer- Lilly Cummings

Rule 3 - Be gracious.

“Always have manners. Say “please” and “thank you” to everyone from the lowest assistant to the person behind the big doors. Everyone will remember your personality and will appreciate this.”

This means…

Be classy. I shouldn’t have to explain what that means. If you don’t know what that means, you have bigger obstacles than how to make it as a plus model. Picture the most graceful, professional lady you can think have—and then try to be like her.  For e xample, after a photoshoot, if you have had a particularly good experience, send an email to the P.I.C and let them know. This kind of thing is classy and gives the P.I.C a real positive impression of who you are as professional.

Rule 4 - Know what works… But also be willing.

Every plus size model has a different body. Different poses and angles work differently for different people. Know what looks good for your body. How to stand, turn and shape yourself. At the same point in time, let the P.I.C take you out of your comfort zone.  This is a marriage and dance between you and the P.I.C. You must trust them to lead you and the must trust you have the skill to follow. “

This means…

Take an honest look at pictures of yourself to see what works and what doesn’t. Ask for, and LISTEN, to feedback that you are given from trained professionals. Do not rely on copying poses you see established plus models making. Instead, use them as a platform for you to find what works for YOU.  Some P.I.C’s on set are very hands on. They will want to direct you and give you suggestions. Some will just sit back and let you do your thing!Also, never say you won’t do something because it doesn't make you look good. P.I.C’s  don’t care what you think. P.I.C ‘s care what they think. Let them determine that for myself.

I've got four more tips coming! In Part 2 of this series I'll tell you why you should never take things personally and how come walking (yes, walking) is the most important thing you can do right on set!Click here to read Part 2!

Have comments or questions? Ask me below and I'll do my best to help!