Finding the Market that is Suited To Your Look:

It's that time of the year again when the models are on the move. The herd moves from city to city, in search of that scarce thing… a job!
Where should you go to build your book and make some cash? Well, let's talk about what your "look" is and that will tell you where you will book out the most.

Are you more of an editorial model or a commercial model? Do you book more beauty or fashion? Are you a curvy or an athletic model or more straight up and down with lots of height? The more All-American models with great smiles and toned body will usually work better in a smaller, more commercial market. The taller, thinner, edgier girl or guy will most likely work in a high fashion, editorial large city.

Some great commercial markets are Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas. Los Angeles can be a very commercial market because of the film industry.
The actresses are usually shorter than the male actors. A female model who may be lacking a few inches and who has an interest in commercial work or acting may do better here. Miami is great for models with toned, proportionate bodies. Tons of swimwear and catalogues are shot here. Miami is also a winter market (Nov-March) so you can travel here and then go to NY or overseas for the summer and for shows in the fall and spring.

Markets like New York, Paris, and Milan work very well for those models that have the height working for them and who are also very thin (size 0-4). The runway work is great and there are tons of magazines shot here that are in need of editorial models. The money is not as great in editorial work but if you can book a lot of it and really build your book, then you can make a decent living. Shows happen two times a year in these markets and many models will travel in just for that time period. The shows are in September and February in NY.
Casting will increase around this time, but there is also an influx of models into the city.

There are many other markets globally where you can travel to gain experience and build your book. Germany tends to be a money market that treats the catalogue models well. The Asian markets favor the Western models and can put some money in your bank account. South Africa, Australia, Spain, Greece, London, and other overseas markets usually need to be discussed with your agent to see if they feel you are right for what the market is looking for at that moment.

Traveling can be a great way to make money, build your book, and gain experience. You will need to commit at least two solid months in a market to really get out and see the clients and have time to get work. Make sure that you retain contacts in the market of your choice so that you can receive the tearsheets of any local magazines that you may have worked for. Test as much as you can while you are there.
Also, get involved in the local culture and learn as much as you can before you go and while you are there.

If you are interested in traveling to a new market, make sure you discuss it with your bookers. They will have the contacts in place to make the transition easier for you. Your booker can set you up the appointments to meet the agencies and help you with temporary housing.
They can also put you in contact with other models that may have worked that city before who you can direct further questions to. While you are away, make sure that you stay in contact with your mother agency and let them know how the trip is working out for you. They can still push you while you are away and fly you home for direct bookings. It is also nice to bring your mother agency a gift when you return for working on your behalf while you were away.

I hope that this helps you out as you go and explore the world. Make sure you keep receipts and take lots of pictures. Learn as much as you can and make the trip a life experience. This can be a great time to discover new places and more about yourself. Happy travels!

Ciao Bella!
Sabrina Sikora