In an interview with model and actress Jacky Wruck, we find out more about her breakthrough from veterinary assistant in the family business to the catwalk. (Photo: guido_raschke + mf mgmt)

From the practice to the catwalk

Jacky Wruck took the plunge in her career by winning the 15th season of GNTM, and with great success, as she was able to turn this dream into a sustainable career. As a content creator on Instagram, she shares her beautiful snapshots as well as insights into her everyday life, including her sports and skiing routine, but also how she is passionate about animal welfare and spends time with her own horses. In the interview, Jacky tells us more about her life in the public eye, tips for anyone dreaming of becoming a model and her TV appearance in high diving.

• Jacky Wruck Instagram
• Jacky Wruck TikTok

GNTM, acting and the modeling world

FIV: Tell me Jacky, when did you actually realize that you wanted to become a model, or was it always your dream? Was it a moment or a development over the years?

Jacky: It’s been a dream of mine to be in front of the camera professionally for as long as I can remember.

I always loved fashion as a child, getting changed four times a day, standing in front of every camera or experimenting with nail polish. In fact, being in front of the camera was always a bit more my thing than the catwalk, which I nevertheless learned to love.

And then it was up to me: at the end of my youth, would I dare to pursue the courageous dream or go down the path of working with animals, which also had its great appeal. But for now, I wanted and still want to be brave and try something that some people advise against.

FIV: GNTM was a decisive stage in your life – tell me, what’s Heidi like behind the scenes, did you have much contact with her?

Jacky: We had regular contact with Heidi, but not all the time or “a lot”. Nevertheless, I had the opportunity to get to know Heidi. As a person and not just as a model and entertainer.

It’s nice to realize every time that we are all cut from a similar cloth. We all have this place that shapes our private lives. Heidi placed a lot of emphasis on this. She had often mentioned that it was important to protect your private life and spend as much time as possible with your loved ones. To be there. To exist as a person and not just as a public figure.

FIV: Is there anything that surprised you in the real fashion world or that you didn’t expect during your time on GNTM?

Jacky: Nothing really surprised me. I was mentally prepared for a few things, but it’s still something completely different when you experience everything live. This statement refers to both the good and the bad sides of the industry.

FIV: You have also ventured into the world of acting – how is that similar to modeling, if you can compare it at all?

Jacky: There are parallels, but the differences definitely outweigh the differences. Acting is a completely different craft and explores different artistic themes. A very exciting topic, if you ask me.

Foto: jannis_mattar. + mf mgmt

High diving experiences & veterinary practice memories

FIV: You were also recently seen on the RTL high diving competition – how did you like that?

Jacky: I love challenges, learning new skills and meeting new people whose stories inspire me. The high dive was one of those extreme experiences. I would have liked to have presented other jumps, but life is only sometimes a concert of wishes. I really surpassed myself during this time and am already looking forward to the next challenges.

FIV: Do you miss the time when you worked at your parents’ veterinary practice and if so, what?

Jacky: No, I don’t miss that time. Sometimes I look back melancholically on the time when I wasn’t in the public eye, because the pressure – which I naturally put on myself – didn’t exist in that way. I am grateful for the experiences I had in this important profession as a veterinary assistant, but I am currently experiencing a different phase of my life – for which I am just as grateful in a different way.

FIV: Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and insights with us. We wish you continued success on your exciting journey!

• Jacky Wruck Instagram
• Jacky Wruck TikTok

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32

Want to become a model? What you need to know

Have you always seen yourself on the catwalk in Paris, Milan and New York and want to be booked for cool shoots, but have no idea how the modeling business actually works? Here are a few tips from the pros:

Tips from the model manager

• Model Agency – CM Models

Model: Requirements, size and lifestyle

Stephan Czaja is owner of CM Models, author of The Model Book, he brokers luxury real estate and has one of the leading social media agencies in Germany. If anyone knows what he’s doing, he does! We were able to meet him today between two appointments for an interview. CM is one of the leading agencies in Germany with jobs all over Europe but also in USA and Asia. They work with companies like Hermès, Prada, CK, Dior, Nike, Levis, and many more.

FIV – My first question: What do you think makes a good model?

Stephan Czaja – discipline and ambition! Beautiful looks, talent for the catwalk and fashion shows, photo shoots, commercials, that everything can only be checked later. That’s why the discipline of a model is at the beginning of all. That means punctuality, reliability and stamina.

Added to this is ambition, that is the own, independent will to improve constantly. The competition is fierce, especially when a model later goes to the big fashion capitals, to Paris, New York, Shanghai or Milan.

Modeling abroad: Paris, New York, London, Shanghai

FIV – So Paris, New York, Shanghai are the big destinations for models?

Stephan Czaja – As a model who works professionally and wants to make a living from it, it is very advantageous to have worked in these cities for a certain time. It’s not only about jobs, but also about international experience and of course photo shootings with the top photographer. The more experience, the more different photo series, the better for the model. The own model portfolio becomes stronger and stronger by new photo shoots and therefore models get bigger jobs.

In cities like Shanghai, London but also New York there are the big advertising campaigns, haute couture shows, brands – For models, cities like New York, LA, Paris, Milan, London but also Shanghai and Hong Kong are the place to be.

FIV – How does a model get jobs abroad? Are they individual campaigns or do you spend more time on location?

Stephan Czaja – After the build-up during his school time and after the first jobs, models who meet the requirements of size and proportion usually go to a city for 2 to 3 months. This is called “On Stay”. Young models then live in model shared flats, attend many castings every day and ideally get their first jobs. This is also where you can get the leading brands in fashion such as Hermes, Burberry, Dior, Prada, Givenchy and many more.

We as an agency pay and finance these trips, later on they are billed. So there is no risk for models. In return, we expect exactly the qualities I mentioned at the beginning of the interview: discipline and ambition.

Photo: Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Milan, Model Linn Fausten @ CM Models / Women Milano

Model scouting: What’s the point?

FIV – If you are looking for new faces for your modeling agency, you will surely have a few factors to consider when choosing and deciding. What do you pay attention to when scouting young models, when you see and meet a potential model in the agency, or in other words, how do you recognize a good model as a model agent?

Stephan Czaja – Scouting is all about body size, facial contours and figure. Discipline and ambition are unfortunately not apparent at first glance! In those few moments when you see someone who wants to become a model, it is primarily about figure and proportion.

Minimum size and proportions are always the first requirements. After that it is all about the contours of the face but also all the subtleties and special features that everyone has. From striking faces, to extraordinary faces, freckles, the taunt of the skin, long and short hair or even tooth gaps. During the quick evaluation there are many interesting details that make a model unique, for us as Model Scouts.

Accordingly, the decision-making process in agency meetings is often long, for example after a casting with 100 models. In the end, everything plays a role in the selection and selection process. In the second round we get to know each other at the introduction in the model agency. Here you talk to each other in detail, models get to know the agency, the bookers but also the cooperation. At the same time you learn a lot about the model, the personality, your own ambitions and of course your appearance. Here you want to see the famous “fire in the eyes” as an agency, so that you realize that the person in front of you really wants the job.

FIV – About the performance in your agency I have a few more questions about your personal tips. But before that I would like to know, should you as a model rather “look special” or “rather average” to be successful?

Stephan Czaja – For the majority of models, the typical ideal of beauty is fulfilled. Extremely extraordinary is special, but is hardly ever booked by customers in regular business around commercials, online shops, campaigns, showrooms and fashion shows.

“Good looks” are better received than the “extravagant”

In the end, as a model you don’t live from extravagant photo shootings and video productions like you see in TV shows. There are no paint cartridges injected, there are no wild animals at the shooting and no, there is never a “nude shooting” like on TV. The real model life is different!

You earn most of the money as a model with “typical” photos for online shops, campaigns or even commercials. Accordingly, the appearance must not be too “extreme” or extraordinary, or deviate from the typical ideal image that we all carry within us. If you take the taste of all people together, the majority of people have a “typical” image of beauty in terms of appearance and proportions.

Apart from that, in real life, a natural, sympathetic appearance, in combination with the right body size, always wins in the end.

90-60-90: Ideal measurements or ?

FIV – Speaking of convincing, when you think about the “perfect measurements”, you immediately have the typical 90-60-90 in your head, which everyone knows. Are these really the perfect measurements for female models and is this a general misconception?

Stephan Czaja – I am asked this question more often, dream measurements or not? In fact, nobody has ever thought up these proportions and said, this way it is perfect! These proportions are derived from our general ideal image, in short: Who do we find attractive?

However, if you look at the cut of people, as mentioned before, and put all beauty ideals on top of each other, then for most of them a proportion of 90-60-90 for women is far ahead in the ranking of attractiveness. Accordingly, we take women, with similar proportions, as attractive in the media.

But it is interesting to note that the proportions are not set in stone, they are relatively independent of body size.

This opens the market for smaller models with chances for castings and jobs

An example: Bikini Shootings are often booked for smaller models, here again the proportions or the relation of body to face plays a role. With smaller models, female curves look even more beautiful. Accordingly, the 90-60-90 is more a synonym for the typical “hourglass figure”, whether Cara Delevingne or Jennifer Lopez. Beauty ideals also change when you leave the continent.

Another example: In Asia and cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul, the most successful models are between 171-176cm, which makes them a full 4-5 centimetres smaller than in Europe or America.

Application, goals and personality

FIV – How many applications do you receive as a model agency per month?

Stephan Czaja – Many, very many. In a month, let me make a short projection, there are about 100 to 150 applications a day, that means up to 3.000, 4.500. The applications come from all over the world, from New York to London, Hamburg to Shanghai. Our agency invites 5 to 10 applicants for interviews or video calls. A model contract in our agency will then be given to 2 to 4, which means “only” 2 to 4 new models per month. Why? Because as international management we build career plans, where do you start and how do you reach your goal as a model in 2 or 3 years. The better and more intensive the management, the faster it goes. We want the best of the best, after all, in the end it’s about worldwide commercials, Fashion Week in Paris, On Stay in New York, photo shoots in Hamburg, showroom in Milan. Right from the start, a lot of responsibility for young models.

For me as a model agent and even more so as owner, it is extremely important that young models understand the seriousness. If you start modeling at the age of 15, 16 or 17, you have a long way to go. Many people are not aware of this, they want to be on the cover of Vogue within a few weeks and if that doesn’t work, they stop again. It’s extremely frustrating as a modeling agency, that’s why you’re so extremely selective when it comes to casting and applications.

So if you get a model contract after application, introduction and casting, you know that he or she has the right qualifications. The next steps are then: personality and model portfolio to convince clients.

FIV – With so many applications, isn’t the market already saturated? Is an application still worthwhile at all?

Stephan Czaja – It’s like everywhere else, if you want to make it to something, you have to try a lot! If you start modeling with the attitude that the competition is too big, you definitely won’t make it. It’s not only like that with modelling, it’s the same with football, as a musician and singer or even as an actor. In the end you need ambition, discipline and a good agency or club that provides you with the right contacts, training, opportunities, castings and jobs.

FIV – Apart from the appearance and characteristics of the model, when is the perfect age for models to start?

Stephan Czaja – For me personally, the perfect age to start modeling is between 15 and 17 years. But here it does not start immediately 100%, school has priority. School education is extremely important for models, no matter if it is about texts you have to learn for a commercial, English for small talk with the team around photographers, creative directors and fashion designers, but also mathematics, after all you are an entrepreneur. The smarter, the better! That’s why good model agencies make sure that you get a good degree. After that the world is open to you. The smarter you are, the further you can get. Because as a model you also live on follow-up bookings. If a client likes you, you get another job and another one. Be likeable, convincing on set, that will get you further. But until then, 1 or 2 years will pass until the final graduation with the build-up of experience and visual material in small steps. So to speak, the basic set to make it later in the big cities like New York.

FIV – That’s why so few models manage to get a contract in the end, right?

Stephan Czaja – Right. After all, we want to take very good care of our models so that they can develop free from all the work behind the scenes. For us, this means models who can live well from their job and constantly experience new things. In fact, the time as a model is so intense and interesting that you can never convey all the facets in an interview! When I think about it, at the age of 17 I went to Paris for the first time, a little later I went to Milan for the first time during the holidays, as soon as school is finished, the real model life starts: Shanghai, Fashion Week Paris, photo shooting in Hamburg, catwalk in Düsseldorf. At the age of 19, 20, you have already experienced so much, so much to tell – a real dream job.

FIV – How does such a setup work, quickly described?

Stephan Czaja – If you come to a big model agency like ours at the age of 15, the first thing you need to do is to achieve good results in school. At the same time, your model portfolio will be built up step by step, with the aim of having diverse and multi-faceted photo shoots. Once you have a model portfolio together, which can stand up to experienced models in casting, it is a pity. You do not become a top model overnight. School, build up your portfolio, gain first experiences on jobs, career plan, graduation, foreign countries. Your big goal sort is to be able to live well from this job at 21 years, 22 years! The one who goes with the attitude has the best chances.

photo: new male models / spring @ CM Models

Model agency advantages

FIV – If you summarize the support of a modeling agency, what is the most important thing a modeling agency gives to a model?

Stephan Czaja – Network. As an independent model you could never build up the contacts that a model agency has through years of work and the many employees. This is about creative director, fashion designer, marketing director, managing director, advertising agencies, the whole administration behind it, shootings with photographers, the list is very long and we are not yet on tax issues, invoicing, dunning, travel planning, calculation of usage rights, partner agency abroad, financing of travel, etc.

As a model you have to make it within a few years, you don’t have forever, so it’s only possible with a good and strong model agency behind you, which takes care of everything important as management. A model’s job is to stay disciplined, have fun at work, have positive charisma and and of course professionalism, it’s about stressful travel, tight schedules and of course the pressure behind you when in the end a whole campaign depends on your performance as a model. While the advertising agency has prepared everything important in the background, you are in the focus of the whole production during the photo shoot as a model. In the end, the overall success of a campaign depends to a certain extent on your performance. That’s why it’s so important to build up the team, gain experience, take time for yourself, so that you can grow bit by bit to get the big jobs.

If you make an effort and stick with it, you get a great fork, you can discover the world, get to know many people. As I said, modeling is a real dream job.

Minimum size: Runway (fashion show) and Commercial (advertising)

FIV – How tall does a model have to be to runway in a fashion show?

Stephan Czaja – For catwalk and fashion show the typical, known measurements of models are extremely important. The more top-class the brand, the more international the location, the more uniform the measurements of models. The reason is quite simple, fashion shows are meant for a buyer to see and order or buy new collections. Even if there are celebrities in the audience and influencers, the most important people for fashion designers are buyers, because they buy collections in large quantities. Of course, influencers and celebrities are also important as brand ambassadors, but before the outfits are on sale, it is buyers who bring business to the designers. Only if they are later available in the trade can they be bought by private individuals. Accordingly, it is said: Focus on the collection.

So the focus is on the fashion and not the model. A fashion show therefore requires the typical measurements that are known in the world of modeling. In countries like Germany, a female model usually needs a minimum height of 176 cm for the runway. Since female models usually wear high shoes, men must be at least 186 cm tall accordingly, for a harmonious image of the group.

If we are then on a fashion show in New York, Milan or Paris, the measurements are even more strict. On the one hand the height, female models must be 178 cm tall, maximum 180 cm. Men have to be 2 cm taller accordingly, 188 cm to 192 cm, max 194 cm. In addition, in the big fashion metropolises of this world, the hips of women also play a major role. For female models, it should be a maximum of 90 cm. In cities such as Tokyo or New York and Paris, even 89 cm is often demanded as the maximum.

Even though there is a lot of hype about diversity, 99% in the paid fashion market moves exactly around these measures.

FIV – For models there are two areas, the high fashion but of course also the large area of advertising, how big must a model be when it comes to advertising (commercial)?

Stephan Czaja – Nice that you ask this question! Because there is not only the High Fashion and Haute Couture, another big part of the industry is in advertising. Here, size is not the most important thing, usually you pay attention to a very “nice” face. Then there is the professionalism on set, facial expressions and the right emotions at the right moment.

One of my best models for example is only 171 cm tall and already 57 years old. She is fantastic! The customers love her! She works all over the world and has a fantastic personality, she is such a positive person! But I don’t want to go into raptures right now.

Photo – Take measurements yourself (hips, waist, chest and height)

FIV – How much does a model earn in advertising, can you give an example?

Stephan Czaja – If you want to be successful as a model in advertising, then facial expression, emotion and body language are the most important factors. If your model agency knows that you perform consistently and consistently well, you can get a lot of jobs! Especially jobs in advertising are very worthwhile, because here you get paid for usage rights. It’s very simple: If an advertisement is produced, the rights of use are bought by the client for one year, for example. If the commercial is well received, it is played for a second year, maybe even a third, fourth and fifth year. With every extension of the rights of use you will receive an additional fee as a model. That can easily be a few thousand Euros, so that in theory you can pay your rent for one year with just one job. If you earn 5.000 Euro in the first year, then 4 times extended, you have 25.000 Euro for one day of work.

To get there, you need ambition and discipline as a model!

Application and interview

FIV – If someone decides to become a model and sends in an application, what kind of photos should models send?

Stephan Czaja – Simply put: Take the photos with your smartphone, show your natural look without make-up, without styling in natural light, i.e. preferably daylight just before, after or during lunchtime; not at night. Back to the naturalness, your clothes should not distract either, it’s best to wear a simple black top as a woman or a shirt as a man model. Show yourself 100% natural, because that’s exactly what model agencies and their clients value most. Only natural beauty is convincing.

Therefore I can only recommend, show yourself exactly as you are right from the start!

It is also important to say that you do not need a paid photo shoot! Many look for a photographer to send “creative” photos. My tip for all those who want to become a model, just take the photos with your mobile phone! Ask your mum, dad or just a good friend or girlfriend.

FIV – Many people spend hours every day in social networks. Therefore I would be interested if you get a model application, what role do the followers play nowadays? How big is the role of social networks in the selection of new models?

Stephan Czaja – Again, naturalness is the most important factor! The job of a model is not about the range, customers need and want models, the appearance decides in the casting. Interesting becomes only with young people, who have for example on Instagram already 200,000 or 300,000 Follower have however “only” 95% of all conditions fulfill.

Young people who already have 200,000 or 300,000 followers at the age of 15 or 16 are extremely, extremely rare. Accordingly I would say that the number of followers doesn’t matter, unless you are one of the 0.001% who will have half a million followers at a young age and as I said, 95% of all requirements have to be fulfilled anyway.

FIV – Is there a minimum or a maximum age for models?

Stephan Czaja – First of all the best thing about modeling or the job of a model, there is no maximum age! Even better, the older you get as a model, the less competition there is, because many of them decide in the course of their life to pursue another career, e.g. in journalism, marketing, they become a doctor or do something completely different.

photo – VW commercial with Milva Spina @ CM Models

T-Cross campaign with Cara Delevingne and others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJO6DLcGy7g

The minimum age is different, if you want to work as a model, you should apply with 15 years, 16 years, at the latest 17 years in a model agency Because especially in the younger years you have time to travel abroad, do test shoots and much more. You can’t make up the time later.

Beginning age, perfect measurements and model jobs

FIV – How old is the youngest model in your modeling agency?

Stephan Czaja – At CM Models we start from 15 years, that’s how old our youngest are. Before that you should definitely enjoy your childhood: Friends, free time! But the first jobs don’t start until they’re 16, 17 years old, then comes the foreign countries.

FIV – Every job is different, from showroom to fashion show, photo shootings and video: How different are the requirements in the different areas? Where do quality and skills differ?

Stephan Czaja – Every job is different! Short run sequences for the new Nike commercial, runway show for Calvin Klein, e-commerce shooting with 25 outfits, group shooting in the city centre for an advertising campaign, every job has its own special challenges.

The first steps of a model

FIV – If you find a New Face interesting in your modeling agency, for you and your clients and it presents itself successfuly in your modeling agency, how does the typical start of a model work, what are the first steps for young models?

Stephan Czaja – After the interview, first of all there is the model contract, then the first photo shoot and then the building of the model portfolio starts. Depending on the age, this can take a relatively long time, because if you are still in school, this has absolute priority, of course. It is important that everything is ready by the time you leave school, say 6-8 good shoots with good photographers, plus 3-5 photos of jobs.

This is a good start if you want to work a little more in the last school year. After graduation you have already done a few small jobs in Germany, then with the right qualifications you can enter the big world of fashion, media and advertising! The big cities, especially cities like Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Milan, London, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing and London. Then there are many more interesting spots like Cape Town, Barcelona or even Seoul. Models have to take their time after school, about 2 years for the whole international build-up. After that you have international experience, the staff and managers of the partner agencies of your parent agency (in our case CM Models) know you. Your book also has strong photos of jobs and photographers from all over the world.

Everything starts with the model portfolio

You need good and meaningful photos. As a tip for young up-and-coming models, the quantity of photos is not important, but the quality! You need different settings, black and white, sporty, photos with fun, fashion, colorful backgrounds, laughter, being serious, and much more. So that the customer can see himself in all possible facets. For example, if an advertising campaign is planned in which you should smile, you need a photo where you have fun and laugh. At some point an international sports fashion manufacturer comes along and the casting director sees a sports photo in your book directly. The advantage: On the one hand you can imagine the model faster in the casting role to be cast, on the other hand you know that you have already gained experience in this field. Accordingly, it does not matter how many photo shoots you have, your model agency will make sure that the photo shoots are varied so that you show as many pages of yourself as possible. Therefore, as a model it is also important to forward all requests to the management. Once you are in a modeling agency, people will pay attention to you. So you get more and more requests, for example about Instagram. The secret is not to “do everything”, the more exclusive you are, the better and the more you earn as a model.

Also important: the higher the quality of the client, the more natural the photos. You should make sure right from the start that you don’t have too experimental photos in your book. Your face must always be clearly visible, must not be covered. Models should also make sure that photographers don’t do too much retouching, naturalness brings you up as a model.

Showroom and fashion show

FIV – If the model portfolio is strong enough, what are the next steps for young models, where does their career start?

Stephan Czaja – Young models usually start as fitting models or in the showroom. In showrooms here fashion designers present new collections. In the showroom there are buyers from big fashion chains and also from department stores, not many of them only about 1-5 persons. As a model you present the individual pieces of the new collection in a kind of small fashion show. Customers can get a direct impression of the materials, fabric, workmanship and quality of the new garments. A relatively simple job.

The first real challenge is then the first fashion show. The actual show is relatively short, but the preparations are very intensive. Here you have to work with up to 20 different models, you are under time pressure but also have an audience. But as a model you are actually working, outside of Paris, Milan, London, New York, etc. rarely on fashion shows. Much more important are photo shootings.
The next step in the claim are therefore also the first photo shootings, for example for Instagram or online shops or e-commerce. From here on, it is usually no longer just a matter of “being beautiful”, now it is also about performing and delivering consistent performance. That means positive charisma and smiles even with the 18th garment and 7 hours of production. As a model, one of the big goals is to get follow-up bookings from customers who were extremely satisfied with the model’s work. If you do a good job as a model, the customer will book you again for similar jobs or even bigger model jobs.

At some point it is no longer just about you alone in the online shop. In the next step you shoot e.g. your first campaign together with other models. You should all be together in the campaign photos, smiling, perfect movement and harmony. Now it’s no longer just about performing yourself, you have to perform in combination with the others. That means, every time the photographer takes a photo, the movements of all models have to fit and of course the facial expressions, of all models. To coordinate these emotions together is really difficult! As a model you need a lot of practice and experience.

At some point you will not only get photo shoots from your agency, but also this campaign and as the next commercials. In such commercial productions, the teams are already much larger, and so are the costs for such a commercial production. So a lot depends on you as a model. Therefore it is worth it, we have discussed how much you can earn as a young model with commercials with all rights of use on top.

Video – Nike Factory Store commercials (international) with Lisa and Louisa @ CM Models

Video – Dailies commercial (international) Johanna, Hannes and Marie @ CM Models

FIV – One last question, what do you think about Germany’s next Topmodel? Can you become a famous model with the show?

Stephan Czaja – Through formats like Germany’s next Topmodel you can become a famous person, that’s true. But usually there are only three or four people from each season who create lasting success. The rest have the GNTM stamp forever, which is not necessarily beneficial, as it distracts from the actual campaign. GNTM is a great push for Instagram. What’s important for the candidates is that they stay on the ball after the show and don’t rely on the hype of the broadcast time. Just a few weeks after the show, almost everyone’s mailbox is quiet. Anyone who then wants to switch to a normal model agency usually remains trapped in the GNTM universe.

Many of the candidates are also cast outside the dimensions that are finally needed as models for high fashion clients. When they want to move to a good model agency a year later, they often don’t understand the rejection, because everything was right at the GNTM. In real life, however, they often don’t stand a chance at casting with real models. Often their hips are too wide, their waists too small or too prominent. As a GNTM candidate, therefore, you have to make sure that you take as many followers with you as possible. After GNTM, Instagram is the basis for other jobs, such as advertising also Instagram.

The participants are usually also slightly older than the models, who may decide to pursue a professional career as a model and apply when they are 15 or 16 years old. But it is a great format to get publicity! Especially in times of Instagram, you can build a good fanbase and make a good living from it. For those who want to be at events, promote products, the show is a great chance.

How much do GNTM candidates earn on Instagram?

FIV – At the end of the interview I really want to tickle some insights out of you! Besides your model agency you also have one of the leading social media agencies in Germany. The most successful GNTM candidates have many followers after the show, which interests me. When does one start earning money as an influencer on Instagram?

Stephan Czaja – How much money you earn on Instagram depends extremely on the individual person behind the channel. One is more entrepreneur, the other less. Some manage to make money with 100.000 followers, others don’t know how to make money out of it and constantly post promotion codes where they earn 5% or 10% per sale. If nobody buys, she doesn’t earn money. But if you sell yourself well, you can charge up to 1.000 € for a posting with 100.000 followers and more. Whether the respective customer takes part is another question, that’s where the individual negotiation skills come into play. Especially if you don’t have an agency and negotiate privately, which most ex-candidates have to do. But here, as I said, it depends extremely on how business-minded the respective person is. There are also many positive examples such as Stefanie Giesinger and Lena Gercke.

FIV – How does your social media agency calculate prices for Instagram?

Stephan Czaja – The evaluation is not only about the number of followers, but also about interaction and the own community. Anyone can buy followers on the internet for a few dollars. Even apart from bought followers there are many people who for example post “only” sexy photos, but have hardly any interaction with their own community. Those who have little interaction, little discussion and participation, quickly drop in the rating. However, those who interact a lot with their own community, are active on a daily basis and make an effort to create strong content so that their own community is entertained will be rated well.

The interaction ultimately decides who gets the job and, above all, how much he or she gets for the job!

Model Castings

FIV – For your social media agency, the model agency but also fashion shows you often organize castings, how does a model casting work? And can everybody participate in such a casting or only by invitation?

Stephan Czaja – A classic casting, as well as for my last fashion show at the Berlin Fashion Week, usually takes place in a time window of 3 to 4 hours. The casting date is then sent to selected model agencies or bookers about 2 weeks in advance, who in turn send suitable models to their agency for casting. Accordingly, such good casting dates are not publicly available, such as so-called open castings. Castings for fashion shows but also for jobs are usually never public. Public castings are mostly done for two reasons: Either to save costs (people models) or as PR effect (many participants, nice videos). Castings for jobs are almost always exclusive and only on invitation of the advertising agency or model agencies. The network and the reputation (the reputation of the model agency) is extremely valuable for models, because this is how they get the good jobs.

The casting usually takes place 1 week before the fashion show, so there is still time to adjust clothes, logistical issues have to be solved, the location has to be prepared, then there is a fitting and a rehearsal in advance. All this is part of the organization of a fashion show. During the fitting, the clothes are tried on, so that everything is guaranteed to fit on the day of the show. At the rehearsal the choreography is shown to music, directly on the location, depending on how complex the catwalk is, from a simple hall to a big show in Paris. Therefore the casting will take place 1 week before the show.

At the casting everything happens very fast! Between 40 and 200 models wait in front of the entrance, depending on how many are finally booked at the show. Most shows book 12 – 24 models. At the casting, model after model is now called. She or he introduces himself or herself briefly, does a short catwalk in front of the Creative Art Director and the designer. After the casting all model agencies are informed about the booked models, they then organize everything in the models’ schedule.

One more little tip! So the actual casting usually takes a minute, maybe two. Sometimes the fitting is done directly at the casting, so if you are asked to try on a piece of clothing, you are a little closer to the job.

Tips for Model Castings

FIV – What can you recommend models for their next casting? Do you have tips for young models and their first casting in a marketing, social media or advertising agency?

Stephan Czaja – Yes, I have two very simple ones. First: Smile! Second: Be natural! When Creative Art Director like me has a long day, it’s nice to have a smile. After all, you want to sell your own product with pleasure, especially if you have spent weeks and months working on a project, the concept, the strategy and the implementation! Accordingly, one is happy when models come into the room in a positive mood. A smile directly brings a few extra points in the casting.

You should be absolutely natural, no make-up, no hairstyling, just you! Your outfit should not distract either, best you wear black jeans and a black top. You should also wear plain white or black shoes. Female models should also have a pair of high heels and a plain black bikini. This way you are perfectly prepared for an audition as a model!

Model portfolio at casting

FIV – What if you are absolutely new and have no photos?

Stephan Czaja – If you don’t have your own model portfolio yet, with lots of photoshootings, you should honestly say, “I have been modeling for about 3 weeks and I am happy to be here”! Take your first photos with you on a tablet, just like the pros! New Faces should always be honest! After all, you have the chance to convince personally at the casting. Use it! And don’t forget a friendly smile every now and then!

FIV – What does the perfect model portfolio look like?

Stephan Czaja – In a perfect model portfolio you should have about 30-40 different photos. 1 photo each from tests with good photographers and jobs from customers.

FIV – After a casting you usually go directly to the shooting. How long do you actually work on a social media campaign, from the first concept to the shooting and publication?

Stephan Czaja – That differs extremely, but usually a campaign is planned in a period of 2 to 6 months, then published. Depending on how many agencies and actors are involved, how extensive the project becomes, for example in the area of different countries and languages, different media, 2 to 6 months are then realistic. Accordingly, everything has to work on the day of the photo shoot!

Exactly this one day, when the model is booked, is the intersection: the media production. Before that came the whole conception, strategy, planning. After the media production comes the whole marketing, promotion, analysis and reporting. So the day of the photo shoot is crucial, for the release date, the whole run-up to an advertising campaign and for everything that comes after in the area of public relations. That’s why you don’t become a top model overnight. When agencies send models on such jobs, suggest them or even send them to castings, then only if they have absolute trust in the model, through many years of cooperation.

Fashion show: How do you plan a show?

FIV – At the end I wanted to come up with a special topic, you organize fashion shows! Speaking of GNTM, the winner of last season Simone was at your last show in Berlin, as well as other celebrities and influencers, but also media such as Sat1 Prominent, Hapers Bazaar, the full program. For all those who were not there, Stephan’s fashion show was a real highlight this summer, with Swimming Pool Runway, right in the middle of Berlin, in Crested Grebe. After Karl Lagerfeld there was no one from Germany who makes great haute couture shows, except Philipp Plein who lives in the USA. Your last fashion show set new standards at Berlin Fashion Week. Can you tell us a bit about your last show as Creative Director?

Stephan Czaja – For me, as a creative director or organizer of a fashion show, like everyone else who does this kind of job, it means work, of course! In short, while everyone is enjoying the after show party, I usually drive models and staff back to the hotel, for example if a driver drops out, I organize the dismantling for the next day and just fall KO into bed! So much for the real life! I pay attention to all details, accordingly I am with my employees and models, not on stage.

But the last show was absolutely crazy for Berlin! Maybe you can add the YouTube video later. We did the show extremely spontaneously, I think in two or three weeks everything was organized, from the catwalk elements to the musician, guest management, model casting, choreographer, snack and drinks, everything. It was important for work! And it was extremely spontaneous but in the end we really did it and created a real highlight on Saturday night, for the grand finale of Berlin Fashion Week.

[ our video version is currently being edited and will be online soon ]

New highlight in Berlin – July

FIV – Finally, can you tell us something about your next fashion show? Which highlight can we as visitors look forward to and will we get Front Row Seating?

Stephan Czaja – We can spoil a little, we definitely grabbed the same location Guido Maria Kretschmer had last year. One of my absolute favourite hotels in Berlin, directly at the Spree! What makes this hotel so special? Here you can order your own electric guitar in your room, for example, a real Rockstar Hotel! On top of the Rooftop there is a separate 7 million Euro studio for recording songs. Everything top modern and chic. It’s located directly at the Spree, in the heart of Berlin and we’re just planning. Nothing is set in stone yet, but if everything works out, it will again be an absolute highlight in July. I can’t promise you Front Row, who knows who will come, but you will definitely get invitations, gladly.

FIV – Thank you very much for the detailed interview and for taking time for all our questions. That was our XXL interview with Stephan Czaja, owner of CM Models. If you want to know more about the model agency, you can find the website of CM Models and the agency Social Media One here.

Agencies and tips

• Model Agency – CM Models
• Social Media Agency – Social Media One

Become a model, free tips on the blog and the book “The Model Book” by Stephan.

• Become A Model – CM Models Blog

The importance of the parent agency

How do you become a model for Vogue & Co. In short, you need a good modeling agency with an international network. You gain initial experience in your home country and later abroad. This is the only way to make it onto the covers of the big fashion magazines!

You need a good model agency, your “mother agency”!

In the industry, we call them the “mother agency”. This is the first agency that believes in you as soon as they see your application and photos. Your mother agency is your first support and your first confidant in the fashion world.

How model agencies work together – Video

You can find more videos on YouTube x CM Models.

How does cooperation between agencies work?

Mother agencies, such as CM Models, look for promising talent, sign contracts and help models get their first photo shoots, castings and jobs. Once a model has proven herself and built up confidence, the doors to international opportunities open.

The way abroad

If you want to work as a model abroad, it is important to gain experience and build your reputation. At first, you will probably work in European fashion capitals such as Paris or Milan. With time and a growing portfolio, you may then be able to make the move to the United States.

The US market

New York City is undoubtedly the epicenter of fashion, but Los Angeles also has a lot to offer, especially in the commercial sector. If you manage to make a name for yourself here, there are plenty of opportunities open to you.

In the world of modeling agencies, a lot of communication takes place via email, as agencies and models are often spread across the globe. Nevertheless, it is important to meet in person from time to time to create a closer bond.

A modeling career requires time, commitment and hard work. Your mother agency is your first and most loyal ally. With patience and a growing list of jobs, you may one day be able to enter the exciting world of fashion in the United States.

How does it all begin? Become a model

The Road to Modeling – In the latest video from Stephan Czaja, founder of CM Models, author of The Model Book, aspiring models and anyone looking to dive into the exciting world of modeling will learn valuable insights and tips. Here are some of the key takeaways from the video:

• The path to modeling

Find a good modeling agency? 3 tips

What to do if you have the dream of becoming a model? Model Agency One (MAO) offers the solution. Here you will find the best model agencies worldwide, whether in New York, Los Angeles, Paris or Tokyo.

• Find a good modeling agency? 3 tips

You can find out more about Stephan’s agency here:

• CM Models

Stephan’s “The Model Book”: Now in German, English, Spanish & Co.

In “The Model Book” you will not only find a guide, but also a source of inspiration for your modeling dreams. Stephan Czaja’s dedication and passion for the modeling industry shines through in every chapter of the book and in this video. Whether you’re just beginning your modeling journey or looking to take your career to the next level, “The Model Book” is the key to your success in the exciting world of modeling. Let Stephan Czaja guide you along the way and get started!

• The Model Book – English
• The Model Book – Spanish
• The Model Book – German
• The Model Book – Italian

Tip! Listen to the book for free in the Model Podcast on Spotify, Deezer & Co.

• Model Podcast

In the selection of agencies for kids, it is especially important to me to make sure that:

• The website is actively maintained and looks appealing
  (just as customers would see a page)
• The blog is filled with new jobs and shoots
• Social media channels (especially Facebook, Instagram) are used
  (this also helps the promotion of child models).

The perfect model agency for kids! My recommendations

Serious child model agencies organize castings and appointments for jobs so that everything goes according to the law. Children are allowed to work only under certain conditions.

For example, you need a certificate from the public health officer to be allowed to do jobs. The requirements for jobs also differ. While adult models usually work 8 hours, boys and girls are (currently) allowed a maximum of 3 hours. Babies are only allowed on set for a maximum of 30 minutes. Extremely important is also a close communication of the agency with you as mom and dad.

• Close communication with mum and / or dad, or the legal guardians
• Special requirements for the work of Kids & Babies

So that you have a good overview of the child model agencies, you find here our list with respectable model agencies, for all cities from Duesseldorf to Hamburg and Berlin.

Good luck with becoming a model!

Keolas Kids Models

The friendly children’s model agency is based in Düsseldorf. After 16 years as a model, owner Ellen Dörflinger knows exactly how to make the little talents big. The agency attaches importance to a mediation, which is approved by the district government of Düsseldorf, according to the guidelines of the Children and Youth Protection Act. On the agency page you get directly a small insight into the work of Keolas Kids Models. Here you can find new catalogue, newspaper and poster ads but also new TV spots of the lively agency. But also on Instagram and Facebook you can quickly see that an application to Keolas Kids Models is worthwhile!

Jürgensplatz 56 in 40219 Düsseldorf

• Www.keolaskidsmodels.com
• Www.instagram.com/keolas_kids_models

Sunday Kids

Effort is made here! An informative website with all the data about clients, the agency and owner Nadine Oussayfi. “Working with children is my passion”, she says herself. The model agency has been active since 2002! This is also noticeable in dealing with jobs and decisions: “We are happy with the kids about every great production and can sympathize just as much when things didn’t work out.”

Tarpen 40 House 2 in 22419 Hamburg

• Www.hamburgersonntagskinder.de

Light Child

Modern, chic and full of exciting jobs for child models. The lively agency with the beautiful name “Lichtkind” is based in Berlin and is certainly one of the most exciting candidates when it comes to the placement of child models. Founder and owner of Lichtkind is photo designer Christina Oette. Lichtkind was founded in 2010.

Gerichtsstraße 12-13, 13347 Berlin

• Www.lichtkind.eu
• Www.instagram.com/agency-light-child

Prodigies

The agency Wunderkinder has been working successfuly as a model agency for children for five years. Whether child model, acting or cooperation with television productions, in the Wuppertal agency kids are in good hands.

Döppersberg 19 in 42103 Wuppertal

• Www.wunderkinder-agentur.com
• Www.facebook.com/wunderkinder

Cool Kids

The children’s model agency Cool Kids was the first children’s agency in Berlin in 1996! Owner Cindy Jeme-Girod has been in the market for a long time! After many years (already more than twenty) the agency mediates young models for all areas, from castings for fashion and advertising, to film, cinema, TV, music videos, and much more. For Berlin models and parents, the agency offers a good springboard into the modeling career!

Sägebockweg 90 in 13125 Berlin

• Www.coolkidsberlin.de
• Www.facebook.com/coolkidsberlin

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More to come soon!

Have fun with your first job and photo shoot!

Modeling over 15 years: Model agencies (external)

Outgrown? From the age of 15 you can also apply in the big model agencies, in every major German city, whether Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Dusseldorf or Hamburg. Check out the ranking here > Model agencies ( external).

Tip! Interview with model agency boss Stephan Czaja(CM Models): Becoming a model

Fashion photographer Oliver Rudolph tells you how you can stand out on set!

Become a Model Special: All episodes

1. Model Application – How to Become a Model
2. Model Casting – How do you prepare?
3. Model Jobs – From Instagram to Advertising Campaign
4. International modelling – New York, London, Paris
5. Model Book – The book for young models, author interview
6. Fashion show – catwalk and fashion designer
7. Photoshooting tips – Behaviour on the shooting set
8. Fashion photographer – The interview with tips from Oliver Rudolph

Tip! Interview with model agency owner Stephan Czaja (CM Models): Become a model

The Model Book – Printed book on Amazon

The Model Book – Ebook on Amazon

3 questions about the model book by model agent Stephan M. Czaja

New Faces and young models between dream and reality

FIV – Stephan, why did you write that book?

In our model agency we are confronted with an incredible number of questions every day, which is often hard to imagine. Each year and every season new models follow, new talent! Do you know how many models apply alone every day? On peak days, we easily receive 20 or 50 applications from models. Every new model has absolutely understandable questions, very many questions! It ranges from absolute basics like “What does giving an option actually mean” to “How do I build up my model portfolio correctly” or “What do you have to prepare for when it comes to agency visits, castings or jobs? To collect all these questions in a single book, I retired in the evenings after bookings and on weekends and spent four months writing hard! In my favorite cafe, for several days, weeks and hours. Here I collected a lot of information together, formulated new terms and of course talked to my friends photographers. Also models and of course young models. It was important to me to find out which questions are particularly important to them! Four months later the time had come and now the book is on sale! I hope it will be the new standard work for models and look forward to the first results from the publisher!

FIV – Many love printed books! Is the book available only as eBook or also in Print?

As an author I am of course an absolute friend of books. I think everyone understands that, because it’s much nicer to have a printed version at home. Especially books you love! Or where you want to look something up again. That’s why! The book is published not only as an eBook, but also as a printed version with hardcover. Also as a gift much more beautiful than an eBook. We even did an extra cover shooting! With our little top model Lea Schiffmann and fashion photographer Oliver Rudolph. He also gives strong tips for posing and facial expressionxpressions in the book.

Tips for young models looking for a model agency

FIV – If you can give today an important tip for all New Face, what would that be?

First of all, it’s always about self-assessment! The subject also a large part in my book. If you don’t fit into the high fashion world in terms of your measurements and requirements, you shouldn’t waste your time expanding your model portfolio or your career in this direction. Every year there are thousands of new models and many corresponding requirement of the customer more than you. If you’re in the wrong area, you lose valuable years. That is why it is very important for models to find the right agency at the beginning that will help and support them in their career. There is an extra guideline in the book. With it you can distinguish serious model agencies from dubious ones. For the agency search there are also a few practical links. If you focus directly on the right area, you will save valuable years as a young model.

As with athletes, the first few years in particular are your most important ones. Here’s the New Faces bonus. You don’t have big commitments like a job or a family yet and you can perfectly prepare for the future and earn even more money. The choice of agency or your management decides whether you get few or many jobs. Accordingly also little experience or a lot!

Another quick tip at the end: If you want to start as a model, don’t invest money in photo shootings. Good agencies can use it if you send him some simple mobile phone photos. It’s simple, you in daylight. It’s called Polaroids. Never invest money in agencies! No serious agency will get money from you! And always believe in yourself! Like an entrepreneur, you have to get up every morning with a smile. As long as you say I did it! Self-doubt is blocking you.

Author & Model Agent Stephan M. Czaja

Stephan M. Czaja is an entrepreneur and owner of renowned advertising and media agencies. As an author he publishes many articles in blogs but also books. His main areas of expertise include business development, personality development, media development, model management and trend topics such as influencer marketing. Stephan M. Czaja took his first steps as an entrepreneur at an early age. At the age of fifteen he founded a music magazine, published several studio albums, wrote lyrics and produced. At the age of twenty-one, you founded his advertising agency, specializing in the digital world and business development. Over a hundred media projects later, Stephan M. Czaja founds one of the top agencies for models. International clients are the hallmarks of the agencies’ rapid growth. As a model agent and media expert, Stephan M. Czaja also speaks in media and TV about models, influencers and media.

• The Model Book – Printed book on Amazon
• The Model Book – Ebook on Amazon

Tip! Interview with model agency boss Stephan Czaja(CM Models): Becoming a model

How do I get more self-confidence? Casting situation and jury!

Become a Model Special: All episodes

1. Model Application – How to Become a Model
2. Model Casting – How do you prepare?
3. Model Jobs – From Instagram to Advertising Campaign – New!
4. International modelling – New York, London, Paris
5. Model Book – The book for young models, author interview
6. Fashion show – catwalk and fashion designer
7. Photoshooting tips – Behaviour on the shooting set
8. Fashion photographer – The interview with tips from Oliver Rudolph

• Models’ Merchandise

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfiUBWpBdqz/

CM Models designs their own merchandise

To be successful you have to set yourself apart, always be a bit better and faster than the competition, have creative ideas and implement them. That’s why the trendy agency now has its own online shop. How cool is that? They sell their own merch, just like the stars do. There are different T-shirts, sweaters and even cool college jackets in all trendy colours from black to red to apricot. You can also buy sports trousers and jute bags. The garments are printed with either the CM logo or the CM Models logo. If you want to order something you can easily do it in the online shop. The shop is clearly arranged and modernly designed and reminds of the trend shops Zara and Asos. The models represent their brand perfectly and convince with their looks. The 4 models also show that fashion can really be worn and styled cool by everyone. So that everyone can find the right outfit for themselves, all garments are available in sizes XS – XXL. Prices range from 10 to 50 euros. Really a great idea!

How to become a model at CM Models?

First you should meet the basic requirements for modeling. That means that as a girl you are between 1.75 – 1.81m tall and have a slim figure, just like a beautiful or unusual face. As a boy you should be between 1.84 – 1.90m tall and have a slim, athletic figure. A well-groomed and natural appearance is very important. Beautiful teeth, good skin, well-groomed hair, hands and feet are a must. Naturalness means no extensions, false eyelashes and no artificial nails. You should also avoid strong make-up and ideally have no tattoos. Working in the model business also requires strong self-confidence, professionalism and a positive charisma. Here you will also find a very detailed description of all requirements for models. Then you can apply via the website with all information such as size, measurements and natural photos of your face and figure. If you are of interest to the agency, the scout will contact you within 2 weeks.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkMdZCth-qC/

Tip! Interview with model agency owner Stephan Czaja (CM Models): Become a model

Key questions

• Annual costs for a modeling agency?
• Can I become a model with 164cm?
• Am I old enough to model at the age of 14?
• Is Instagram worthwhile as an older model?
• How much can you earn as a model and influencer on Instagram?
• How many followers do you need to be an influencer?
• Is it easier than a male or female blogger?
• At what age is it best to start with Instagram?
• Next: Scouting via Instagram hashtags, it’s worth it?

Annual costs for a modeling agency?

Question: I was posted on Instagram last week by a modeling agency that wants to take me to the agency. Now she has sent me a contract and it states that every year I have to pay 500 € membership. Now I wanted to ask you once, do you think that this is a serious offer? I really do not know about that and would like to model and make jobs as a model.

Hello! Reputable and big modeling agencies do not want to have any money from you. Good agencies want to earn money with you! They invest in you, your career and in your modeling portfolio with photographers’ test shootings from their network. First, you should always check the seriousness of the model agency, z. B. on the website. Here you can see which models the agency represents or how professional they are. But you can also look in the blog which customers the model agency serves or which jobs it has currently made. As a result, you can at least look at a few criteria that show whether the agency works well. Of course you can also see a lot from Instagram, you can buy likes, but you can see if many people are interacting with the pictures or videos.

I would always invite a reputable agency for an interview, so she can see you live and take your measurements, of course, so that she can get to know you personally. So before you commit to an agency, be sure to look it up so you know what you’re getting into. I hope we have been able to help you a bit and wish you a lot of success on your way to becoming a model!

Can I become a model with 164cm?

Question: Hello dear FIV team. You hear everywhere that you have to be pretty tall as a model, unfortunately I’m only 165cm tall, can I become a model or am I too small? Other models like Kate Moss have made it though they do not have the ideal size and minimum size! I would very much appreciate an honest answer from you!

Basically, there is a minimum size of 174 or 175 cm for women, in America about 9’8 ” for the international model market. Of course, depending on the city, the measurements are a bit stricter and more accurate. In Paris, London, New York or Milan, you need loosely 177 or 178 cm, in America 9’9.5 ” and that with a dress size of 34 to a maximum of 36. Your hip should not be greater than 90 cm and ideally he 88 cm. With these measurements, you have the biggest chance of earning your money as a model so that you can live off the job and not just do it part-time.

Of course, as a smaller model, chances are, have a look here in this post, we talked about people agencies and your chances to earn money in this agency area.

Am I old enough to model at the age of 14?

Hello my name is Jennifer and I’m from Toronto. I always wanted to be a model. Now I wanted to ask you once before I apply, is it worth to go to an agency at the age of 14?

Good evening! In principle, it pays off in any case if you already start modeling at an agency at the age of 14. Why is easy, in addition to the school and the many homework that you have or the exams, there is little time left. But you can invest this time to prepare yourself as a model. Because before you can work well as a model, you need of course photo shoots with photographers. Of course, you will start working with smaller photographers or photographers who are still at the beginning of their careers. But if you are in an established modeling agency status, you can of course build up much faster. It is not necessarily about earning a lot of money right at the beginning, but first gaining experience.

As I said, it does not depend on the money! As a student, you have relatively little time and therefore can not do many jobs. Because many jobs require you to travel. Of course, travel is always associated with additional time. So a one-day shooting with trip, can take three days directly. If you miss school for 3 days several times a month, you will not be able to keep up with the material. That’s why at the age of 14, you should definitely focus on school! But you can already take the first step into an agency, just apply and send some pictures of yourself. It’s easy.

Explained here briefly, I present in daylight in front of a white wall or against a flat background, so that nothing distracts from you. Take a black jeans and a white shirt or a top. If you want to model as a woman, you should also wear high heels. Then you ask a friend or your parents to quickly take two or three photos with their cell phones. Look at the camera head-on and make a portrait. For the second photo, your friend or your parents goes back a bit and takes a full body photo of you. These two pictures you send to model agencies with a short text that you would like to advertise. In addition you still send:

• Your e-mail address
• Your full name
• Your current place of residence
• In the attachment of the e-mail you put your photos

Of course you can also be scouted on Instagram today! Here’s a list of the most popular hashtags on Instagram in America from Los Angeles to New York: Instagram hashtags for models.

Next: Is Instagram worthwhile as an older model?

Question: Good evening, I just came to your website through a search engine and discovered your questions and answers and wanted to ask something myself. I have been working as a model for many years and not full-time but sometimes for small photo shoots. I’m not a classic model now but also as Curvy, I’m 35 years old, you can still do well by the side for small fashion labels for work! In any case, I notice that more and more talk about Instagram and how many followers one has, now I wanted to ask once is it worth having an Instagram channel for me? Do I get any more customers or how does it work? I also have no idea about the whole thing and would be very happy about some tips because I already have quite a lot of photos and also like to take pictures and in any case could imagine that I win a few fans on Instagram but just do not know how and if that is worthwhile for me at the time, I do not do it full-time but would still like to do something. I would be very happy if you answer me!

Good morning and thank you for your question! Instagram and social media is really important for models today, especially when it comes to young models. If you still have 10,000 fans, for example, see a photo of the shoot or even a later, finished photo of the campaign, then it is of course a huge advantage for the fashion brand. What is an advantage for the fashion brand, may then be an advantage for you! But let’s just take your question apart, in principle yes, Instagram is also worth 35 years. Why? The users on Instagram are getting older, while in the past, especially the younger people were traveling here, from 14 to 18 years, today are many with 30, 35 here. They also like to get inspiration for their everyday life or want to follow their stars, no matter if they are musicians, actors or even models. But building another successful Instagram channel is another job.

How can you build yourself a successful Instagram channel? Above all, it is important that you post regularly. As a model you already have the advantages that you regularly get new footage. Of course, you also know photographers with whom you can take new photos. You also have an eye for aesthetics because you have to deal with it independently. That’s three real benefits that you can use as a model to build on Instagram reach. Of course, what always works is sex appeal. Whether as a man or as a woman, who shows a little skin, usually wins faster fans. This can be z. B. in the picture selection. In addition, you should post regularly, at least once a day in your timeline and of course a few stories. What did you do this morning, where was your lunch today, what was your shoot and where are you going out tonight? Because these are questions and answers that fans are interested in. If you deliver content regularly, you will get used to retrieving content from you. As well as a good series on Netflix.

The last tip I can give you spontaneously is patience! Just as you build your career step by step as a model, you build up your Instagram channel step by step, improving yourself every day. If you stick with it long enough, be diligent, show commitment, you’ll bring it to reach.

I hope our tips could help a bit and that you will soon start with Instagram! Good luck and if you have any questions, write us!

How much can you earn as a model and influencer on Instagram?

In short, how much can you earn as a model and influencer on Instagram?

Of course the exact answer is extremely difficult to give! For some, of course, the “VIP status” is added, z. B. if he or she is better known through other jobs as well as music or drama. In principle, however, the value of the range can be roughly determined, since the calculation of advertising costs is usually calculated in relation to the persons reached. So if you reach 100,000 people through an ad in a fashion magazine and that costs $ 5,000, the equivalent on Instagram is easy to calculate or compare, if you reach just 100,000 people. Important: The value is not equal, because print media (for example) offer more space and with a whole A4 page, many people will read the information (advertising) as well. On Instagram, many products are only “casually” placed and are of little value.

With this range of data and other variables, as well as the rate of interaction, that is, the amount of likes and comments that are given on an average image, the price, or the money, that you earn as a blogger is calculated.

How many followers do you need to be an influencer?

In short, how many followers do you need to be an influencer?

The exact number varies depending on the area or topic that you are dedicated to as a blogger. If you cover a very specific topic, eg. Clothes for little Pomeranians (sweet dogs), then already enough 2,000 people. If you’re on a popular topic, as well as fashion in general, eg. Sunglasses or stylish clothes, then you need more. To be interesting and get clothes for free, you need at least 5,000 fans. If you really want to earn money with your Instagram channel, then you need 20,000 to 50,000 fans. It is really profitable only from 100,000 followers.

Is it easier as a male or female blogger?

In short, is it easier as a male or female blogger?

As you’ve probably already seen, there are extremely many female bloggers on Instagram. Finding male bloggers is not that easy. As in the modeling world, more and more young girls are interested in this profession. Many boys often come here by chance or through their girlfriend. So, if you start as a male blogger, you can quickly build a big community if you’re diligent.

At what age is it best to start with Instagram?

In a nutshell: At what age is it best to start with Instagram?

Ideally, of course, you start as early as possible. Of course, you should always look to see if you are the “right guy” and become a blogger. Because ultimately you give a lot of private price. However, if you start at the age of 13 or 14, you build up your reach relatively early, which you can use extremely well over the remaining months and years. Those who work hard on blogging build their own community. If you have your own community on Instagram or in other social networks, you are valuable as an influencer.

Tip! Interview with model agency boss Stephan Czaja(CM Models): Becoming a model

Modeling with agencies: How to build your modeling career

FIV: What are the advantages of a model agency for young models?

The most important department in every model agency are scouting and booking. That is, the main task of model agencies is a good, high-calleiber network of photographers, magazines, model scouts and customers, but alleso, the constant discovery of new faces. For me, every morning starts in the café or in the office. Next to me, the first cappuccino is alleready on the table. I check allel email accounts and sort out information from the day before and new requests. My job is model management. As a model agent I communicate with clients, negotiate conditions and contracts or plan trips for models. After a long time I know every model very well. I have spent a long time with many of them and have accompanied them from the first casting to model coaching, first test shootings, jobs and the first campaigns. To see how models grow over the months and years with our help, that’s what makes the job so fascinating for me!

Your model agency is the most valleuable partner for you as a model, even on the very first day. With their mix of personalle, sometimes exclusive contacts, the top-class network and their own model selection, agencies are the intersection between advertisers and models. So if you as a new model are represented by an established agency, the chances are high that you can get a big job right from the start. Because many employees in advertising agencies, production companies or photographers, alleways look at the agency site and inform themselves about new models.

Inquiry, casting and contracts: Model agents take over the management

FIV: How does a booking request work?

Many model requests come through the personalle contacts of the agency, which have grown over years of trustful work. These customers often callel your model agent directly and ask for proposalles for productions. Many requests, especiallely from new clients who have become aware of the agency, but alleso come through the agency site on the Internet. No matter if personalle contacts or agency website, most requests come to the office via email.

Emails are still the best means of communication today. As a model, you will alleso write many emails. Here, a lot of information can be collected and sorted. Therefore, customers alleso send their requests, allemost exclusively directly via e-mail. Here you can place allel information very clearly. Be it details like location and date but alleso more complex attachments like dispositions as PDFs, flight bookings and tickets but alleso photos and videos are quickly available.

When a booking request arrives, it usuallely contains the framework data of the photo shoot or the advertising shots. But it alleso contains the concrete (or less concrete) ideas of the model. The statements are quite different. Some customers have exact ideas of their model, but many only give broad information, such as body size, clothing size and skin and hair color.

Model agents structure your requests and career plans

FIV: What else do you have to consider as a model agent when placing young models?

Model agents and agencies use their experience to filter the good jobs from the less lucrative ones. That is, they calleculate whether the amount of the fee is appropriate in relation to the media output (the use afterwards) of the shooting or advertising shoot. Is the job worth it for you? Are buyouts (usage rights) taken into account? Is the client in line with your career plan? Is the type of shoot helpful to you and your portfolio? After allel these initialle considerations, the shooting information is neatly summarized. The booker then makes the selection on his own and decides which model fits the job and which does not. The selected models now get the request.

If the conditions of the job are not right in advance, your model agent will alleways first contact the client to negotiate the fee. Many models think of jobs only in terms of working hours. But it is much more! In realleity, you are advertising with your face for 360 days in a one-year campaign. Every single day, you represent the brand with your appearance. That’s why agents don’t only think about the single working day, but alleso about rights of use!

Internalle competition in model agencies

FIV: What are the selection criteria for New Faces and experienced models?

The selection criteria for jobs differ between new faces and professionalle models. While New Faces are alleso sometimes mediated for “relatively” smalleler jobs, only large jobs come into question for professionalle models. The experienced model has the absolute advantage that he or she gets bookings solely through the meaningful photo materialle in the book, through proven talleent and experience. So customers ask directly for this one model (direct booking), not just a selection.

They respond very quickly to emails and provide images immediately upon request. If the agency needs spontaneous photos for a request, for example of the hands, for a new beauty campaign, then they immediately make a few snapshots. Answers come immediately and without many queries. Some of the professionalleism you need to bring right from day one! This is who you need to be: Straightforward, fast and alleways available. Why? This increases your chances of getting a job!

Model agents, agencies and their clients have a huge choice at New Faces. When your model agent gets a request from a client, he feels the same way you do: the faster he answers and makes his suggestions, the higher the chance that the client will make a positive decision. If someone from an advertising agency or a photographer, is assigned with the search, he alleready makes his thoughts about the production during the search. If a model agency sends early proposalles, producer alleready makes his thoughts. If he finds a model particularly great, he alleready plans with the face. If proposalles from other model agencies come in the next day, the chances are high that the client, after allel the thoughts, will decide directly for you. Speed is everything!

The same goes for you. As alleready mentioned, there is a lot of choice, especiallely with New Faces, for clients and agencies. New models are coming in allel the time. Every year there is a new generation. So if your model agent asks for fifteen models for a job and ten respond within the first hour, the proposalles go out to the client. But if you leave it until the next day, it’s very likely that your portfolio won’t be considered.

This reduces your chances of getting a good job! Therefore, you should alleways set the most important communication channels on your mobile phone. This includes an email address but alleso socialle networks and services like WhatsApp or Facebook. Since you alleways have your mobile phone with you, you are alleways informed about the latest news from your agency! Even if you won’t get a new request every hour, it’s still worth checking your phone regularly to see if there’s a new request from your modeling agency. That way you can react quickly and get the best options.

Also your model agency honors it very much if you alleways report punctuallely and quickly to inquiries. This way you can guarantee high standards in the placement of models towards your clients. If you alleways take too long as an agency, the client will eventuallely just not get back to you. It’s the same with models. If you alleways take too long to respond, eventuallely you’ll stop getting requests and sooner or later you’ll get the notice. Especiallely as a new face you have a lot of competition in a model agency in the beginning. The agencies have their regular models for months or years and know them very well. As a new model you are, even after the agency acceptance, only one face among many. New models come in allel the time and not allel of them will stay! The model agent knows that, the model agency knows that. That’s why it’s so important for you to show the highest commitment right from the start if you want to become a model.

Model applications in agencies

Do you know how many models apply to a good agency every day? When a model agency has reached a certain level of fame and status, its name stands for first-class clients and a very good job, hundreds of model applications are received every day! Every year thousands of young girls and boys want to become models. As I said, the competitive pressure is very high!

Permanent accessibility for the agency

FIV: That means that models have to be available allel the time and everywhere?

You should be available, ideallely seven days a week. Because the team in the agency alleso work not only at regular times. Good model agencies are alleso occupied in the evening and on weekends, even on holidays. Because if a model spontaneously drops out or a new job comes in, you have to react quickly.

If you are going to be away for a longer period of time or on holiday, inform your agency in good time so that they know that you will not be available for a longer period of time. This way, your bookers know that they can make allelowances for a few days if, for example, you can’t answer immediately. Ideallely, however, you should alleways be available even when you are on vacation. As a model you are self-employed and therefore alleways responsible for your success! If you don’t stick to this and let the communication slide, it can quickly happen that someone else takes your place.

Many thanks for the detailed interview to Stephan M. Czaja, Head Booker and owner of CM Models. Here you can learn more about his model agency.

The new book by Stephan M. Czaja: Become a Model & Modeling

Model agent Stephan M. Czaja (CM Models) is very busy. Nevertheless, we were able to meet the 29-year-old for a short interview and ask him three questions! Since today his new book is available in stores: The Model Book. The 264-page book is for up-and-coming models and answers allel the questions young models have, that young models have. Just in time for the new season of Germanys Next Topmodel, it now hits the book market and is available in German stores as of today. Stephan M. Czaja is a model agent and with his team he places models internationallely with top clients. Among his clients are brands we allel know: Prada, Tom Tailor, Callevin Klein, Dior, Peek&Cloppenburg, and many more. Not only fashion, alleso customers like Microsoft, Opel or Mercedes Benz have the agency in the portfolio.

• Fashion & Become a Model > BuyThe Model Book

Check out the second part too! We tallek about model scouts and model building. In the third part we tallek in detail about the structure of your model portfolio.