24/12/2015
TRAVELING
10 things you have to know about :
Traveling. Without it, your modeling career is very limited. Excelling in the industry means traveling and lots of it. Building your book, gaining experience and widening your knowledge as a model is integral to having a successful global career.
You may find that once you begin, it’s an addictive behavior- even more so if you’re having any sort of success and travel = $$ to you. For first timers and seasoned models wanting new tears, read below for 10 things worth keeping in mind for an effective money-making trip.
1. Traveling is no holiday, although it can sometimes seem like it when work is slow! Those models that do best in travel situations take everything one day at a time. Show up to all your castings, be early if you can. Listen to any feedback from your local agency, the language barrier is sometimes difficult- so really make an effort to understand their requests and their intentions. They will give you criticism to adjust your image more to their market. It can be as simple as more concealer to cover freckles, or maybe they want you to tone up. Take it in your stride, add a little concealer and make some changes to your workout routine- your goal is to succeed (make money by attracting good clients) in the market.
2. Homesick? Longing for home will not make the days come quicker and if you’re feeling a little homesick, set aside time to talk to your family and friends back home. Feeling lonely abroad? We recommend balancing your mindset with a little cardio exercise; running, boxing or swimming will improve your mood and give you something to do in your off hours.
3. Drinking and partying won’t book you the job Partying and socializing, though fun, have the ability to take jobs away from you; models who show up to work or castings looking hungover & tired risk being cancelled for jobs. Sugary, alcoholic drinks late at night may also cause weight gain that’s not welcome. It can be nice to meet locals and bond with the other models over dinner and drinks, just as long as whatever you do in your off hours does not affect your performance at castings and on the job.
4. Know your seasons There are peak seasons and slow seasons in every market, knowing what time you are arriving among these seasons is so important to an effective trip. Arriving on national holidays is not only expensive but you could be left for days or weeks without many castings at all. Try to arrive 4-8 weeks before a show season or the busy season, so you can meet the clients before they cast. This also gives you time to navigate the city, let your complexion adjust to the weather and refine your look to suit the markets needs.
5. Save your money Earning in large, unpredictable sums means that your money management skills need to be above the average worker. Ideally, setting a budget will make sure you’re not spending quicker than you’re making it. Money management takes self control and begins with small habits that you repeat daily. Set up linked accounts with an international bank (to save on bank fees), with a savings account and an account for spending. Try to make the savings accessible online only and move what you need and no more to your spending on a weekly basis. Over time you will enjoy seeing your savings build and when the time comes you can invest in a car… or a house!
6. When in doubt, Credit. A credit card when traveling abroad is a MUST HAVE. Accepted almost everywhere they should be used as an emergency cash line, for food and for travel expenses. Use it as you need and avoid extravagant shopping sprees. Ideal times to use it are waiting for pocket money (weekly allowance from your agency) and to buy yourself the necessities for work.
7. Being you is the most important having a true sense of self, not only that of being a model- is what will keep you going overseas. If you’re a big reader- keep reading and exploring your love of literature, by finding a popular local author & reading their work. If you like the outdoors, take wonderful hikes with other models and discover new areas. The outgoing, social models always excel overseas because they feel at home, but they do have to keep in mind they’re there to make a living. If you’re a little anti-social that’s ok too, just don’t obsess on the job ahead of you.
Good luck!!!
