Why Developing a Model is Important

Photo from the article, taken by Kevin Tachman

Yesterday Vogue published an incredibly informative article from the point of view of a casting director.  Anita Bitton, a casting director who's clients include Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, and Alexander Wang, was interviewed and shed some light behind what casting directors look for.  She also expressed the importance of developing a model before sending her to meet with major clients.  Of course this is not news to us, as developing our models is a significant part of managing their careers.  In fact we think one of the most important things model management can do is develop their model and make sure he or she is prepared to work in whatever market we are placing him or her in.  It is why even though we knew our models like Olivia and Liz are amazing we didn't send them to New York to work right away, we sent them to other markets to build their books and experience, so when they went to work in New York, they were ready for the castings there.  We tell this to our new and potential models, but it doesn't hurt having a Vogue article to reiterate the message.

The Power of a Selfie

Pulse Management Model Liz Kennedy taking a selfie with fellow models during NYFW

Forbes Magazine ran an article a few months ago that really resonated with us at Pulse Management.  It is about how models these days are experiencing popularity like the supermodels of the 90's and a lot of that is due to their presence on social media.  By posting pictures of their lives, both during their modeling work and in the rest of their lives, these models are gaining fans and increasing their success.  To read the Forbes article click HERE.

We have been saying to our models for years that they are their own brand.  We are here to manage and advise them, but they have to put in a lot of the work.  By having themselves on social media like instagram, Facebook, tumblr, etc. they are essentially taking control of their brand and putting themselves out there. Our instagram account can be found HERE, and we regularly post pictures of our models, and link to their instagram accounts as well.  So if you are into that kind of thing, make sure you check it out.

The Financial Realities of Modeling

Recently Forbes Magazine published their annual article ranking the Highest-Paid Models in the world.  While it is easy to be enticed by hearing about their multi-million dollar fortunes, it is important for potential models to know that these women are the exception, not the rule.  Forbes teamed with VFiles to create the below video explaining more about the financial side of the modeling industry.  Models can quickly go into debt when they are starting because their agencies are paying for a lot of things in their behalf, but they expect to be paid back out of your future earnings. This is why it is so important to have experienced model management guiding your career.  

At Pulse Management, we keep in mind our model's financial situations and we enough experience in the industry to know what jobs to advise our models to take to earn them money, but not to diminish their editorial possibilities.  For example, a catalogue job for Walmart may pay big money, but the top tier of fashion jobs (Vogue, Fashion Week Runways, Luxury Advertising Campaigns like Chanel, Prada, etc.) are not going to hire a model who previously worked for Walmart.   We send our models overseas so they gain experience, are guaranteed our negotiated sum of money, and then they are still seen as desirable for the high fashion jobs we pursue.  It takes a long time to understand this industry enough, and we have learned the ropes in our 20+ years of business.  

This is not to say that you cannot be successful in the industry.  Quite the contrary actually, we have managed or currently manage some of the top models in the industry (Ali Stephens, Hannah Holman, Hye Rim Park, Tori Praver, Liz Kennedy, Natalie Keyser, etc).  We know how to become successful because we have done it with our models time and time again. Whether you are signed with Pulse Management or not, we feel a responsibility to educate those who want to be in the modeling industry about these things, so you do not become a victim of a greedy agency who doesn't care how much debt you ring up while they attempt to get you work. Hopefully this will help some of you!

Viktoria is Heating Up Miami

You all may remember Pulse Management model, Viktoria, from this endearing post?  She is currently in Miami, and making us so proud of her! We have her placed with Wilhelmina in Miami, and it is proving to be a great pairing so far.  She recently was photographed by Miami photographer, Diana Santisteban, for a beauty shoot.  We love all the color in the photo, and we think Viktoria looks absolutely amazing. Keep up the good work Viktoria, we can't wait to see more from your Miami shoots.

photo by Diana Santisteban

Looks Like Olivia and Liz Have a New BFF...

While in New York, Pulse Management President, Stacey Eastman, was able to catch up with some of our models working there currently.  He was able to see Liz Kennedy (from Minnesota) and Olivia Hamilton (from Colorado) walk the same runway in a fashion show.  Later they went to dinner with another Pulse Management model, Alisha Judge and Fusion Model Management's (Pulse's New York Partner) Jodie Louise.  We have models working all over the world right now, so it is always nice when we are in the same place as some of them!

Natalie Keyser for Grazia Mexico

Natalie Keyser is continuing her hot streak, and she is showing no signs of cooling off anytime soon! The above photos are from her recent editorial for Grazia Mexico. We keep saying it but the images we have seen of Natalie lately are some of the best that we've seen throughout her entire career, and we would know because we have managed her for her entire career.  

We were touched earlier this week when Natalie wrote a personal message to Pulse Mgmt President, Stacey Eastman, on her Facebook.  Natalie said, "Stacey Eastman thank you for always being a great manager and friend towards me. Since 12 years of age you have taught me so many wonderful things. Thank you for praying for me and believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for pushing me to be the best model I could be.  Because of you, I kept going. And I'm so glad I did."

We love all of our models, and we really pride ourselves in having a personal relationship with each one of them. When making decisions about what market to send them to, and which agencies to place them with in each market we truly consider all aspects of our models lives and careers.  We think this is the unique advantage we offer to our models.  Thank you for your kind words Natalie, we couldn't love you anymore!

Big Moment for Natalie Keyser!

We love this pic that our girl, Natalie Keyser, posted on her instagram.  All you models out there know that it is a big deal when one of your pictures ends up in a frame at your agency's office.  It means that out of all the work, from every model they represent, the photo of yours is one that they deem noteworthy, and they want others to be sure to see it too!  This picture is from Natalie's agency that we have her with in Mexico, Paragon Model Management.  Congrats on achieving your goal Nat, we are just as thrilled as you are.

Also, we loved this article about the realities of being a model.  Modeling can be very exciting and glamorous, but this article entails some of the less glamorous things about modeling, and we think it is a must-read for all models, their friends and family, and any aspiring models.  For the people who want to get into modeling, it is good to know what you are getting into and to have realistic expectations.

Dacoda for Wildfox

How pretty are these images from Wildfox's Summer 2014 Lookbook?  We think that our model Dacoda looks absolutely ethereal, and plays the part of the "little sister" in this shoot perfectly.  This is a perfect summer lookbook because it captures the essence of summer, and we think that our Dacoda couldn't have been cast any better!  

We have Dacoda placed with Photogenics when she is in LA, and they are doing a wonderful job with her. (Click here for the Photogenics post announcing our partnership with them) That is what model management (what we do) is all about.  We manage her career globally by placing her with the best agencies for her career in each market. Click here to see the entire lookbook, and there are plenty of teasers below.