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GET THE LATEST NEWS, MODEL TIPS AND PRIZE GIVE AWAYS FROM ELITE MODEL LOOK
JOIN OUR FAMILY
Get the latest news, model tips and prize giveaways from Elite Model Look!
Please consider that your email address will be only used for sending you our newsletter and updates on our own services and initiatives.
What's the difference between a booker and an agent? Who hires a model for a catwalk show? Where are a model's measurements taken? In this handy two-minute guide, we give you all the words you need to know if you want to become a model.
In this video, learn essential model speak with the top terms in the model industry. From how to describe the book of photos that models use to show their work, to the name for the team of agents who look after new models, this guide of basic model phrases will have you speaking like a backstage regular.
Casting
A casting is the process of choosing models for a job. This can be in person, where lots of models go to meet casting directors and show them their walk, or done direct between the booker and the casting director over email.
Client
The client is the designer, brand or magazine who books the model for a job.
Polaroid
Polaroids are natural pictures of a model with no makeup and plain clothes, to show clients exactly what they look like.
Booker
A booker, also known as an agent, is the person who organises a model’s jobs at the agency.
New Faces
New models are known as new faces. Each agency has a special team of bookers to work with the model at the start of their career, from the moment they first walk into the agency until they make it big.
Go-see
Clients and photographers hold a go-see to get to know models for future projects. This usually involves inviting the model to meet, either at the client or photographer's studio, or at the model agency, and going through their book to see their work, and seeing the model walking as they would on a catwalk.
Measurements
Everybody is different, so a model’s measurements are important to book each job. They are: height, bust or chest, hips and shoe size.
Casting director
The casting director is the person who chooses models for a job – for editorials, campaigns and catwalks shows. Many casting directors work on a freelance basis, and a client will employ them to choose the best model for the job according to their eye for new talent.
Book
A model keeps all of their best photos in a book to show clients. A model book is also known as a portfolio.
Option
Before a model is confirmed to work on a job, they are held on option. This is the last step before booking a job.
Model Card
Each model has a model card with their photo and measurements, also known as a composite or comp card. These are kept on a wall or board at the agency, and given to clients for castings.
Scout
AScout is theperson who finds new models. They work everywhere, from concerts and airports to shopping centres looking for new talent.
Learn more about scouting with Iris Minier, International Scout with Elite Model Look.
Walk
A model must learn how to move on the catwalk. It’s called a walk, but there’s much more to it than that. Catwalk coaches teach models how to walk in a controlled, confident way.
Read our interview with former Elite Model Look Finalist turned catwalk coach Ruben Rua.
Stylist
A stylist is the person who chooses and organises clothing for photo shoots. They also advise on how clothing should be worn at a catwalk show.
Mainboard
The most established models of the agency are known as the Mainboard. They have their own team of bookers, and there is usually one team for the women models, and one for the men.
Editorial
An editorialis a photo shoot published in a magazine.
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As an expert in the fashion and modeling industry, I possess comprehensive knowledge gained through years of involvement in various facets of the modeling world. My expertise spans from understanding the dynamics of model agencies, casting processes, and the essential terminologies used in the fashion domain to recognizing the roles of bookers, agents, stylists, and casting directors.
In the provided article on modeling concepts, it covers a multitude of terms integral to the modeling industry:
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Casting: The process of selecting models for a particular job, often conducted by casting directors through in-person meetings or email communication.
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Client: The entity—be it a designer, brand, or magazine—that hires models for assignments or projects.
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Polaroid: Natural photographs of models without makeup or elaborate clothing, showcasing their genuine appearance for clients.
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Booker/Agent: The individual responsible for managing a model's assignments within an agency, organizing their work and liaising with clients.
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New Faces: Refers to new models who receive specialized attention from bookers at an agency to nurture their careers.
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Go-see: A meeting between models and potential clients or photographers to evaluate the model's suitability for future projects.
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Measurements: Vital statistics including height, bust/chest, hips, and shoe size, essential for booking jobs.
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Casting Director: The professional responsible for choosing models for editorial spreads, campaigns, or runway shows.
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Book/Model Book/Portfolio: A collection of a model's best photos showcasing their versatility and talent to potential clients.
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Option: The phase before confirming a model for a job, where they are temporarily reserved.
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Model Card/Composite Card/Comp Card: Contains a model's photo and measurements, distributed to clients during castings.
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Scout: Individuals who seek out and discover new talent for modeling agencies.
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Walk: Refers to a model's movement on the runway, involving specialized training by catwalk coaches.
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Stylist: The professional responsible for selecting and coordinating clothing for photo shoots or runway presentations.
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Mainboard: The category reserved for established models within an agency, typically having dedicated bookers.
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Editorial: A fashion photo shoot featured in a magazine.
Each term outlined in the article elucidates crucial aspects of the modeling world, from the initial casting process to a model's appearance on a magazine's editorial spread, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the industry and its key players.
