Welcome to How IDidIt, a weekly professional travel series.
This week we will look at the modeling industry from a casting perspective (previously looking through the model).
Joel Bowe, 35, works as a head scout for Elite Model Management London in London.
He’s been in the industry for over a decade, initially working for fashion magazines before moving to Scout, but Joel always knew he had to be fashion of some sort.
He said, “After graduating from university, I started working for editorial magazines like Arena Homme+ and Another Man, but I soon realized that model casting (especially street casting) was my specialty.
“It didn’t take long for the elite to call and I went home to become a full-time scout.
“I think I’ve stopped people on the streets for over a decade.”
This is your path.
Joel, how did you become an explorer?
It was very organic for me as I was already working in fashion and was a fanatical model.
Arena Homme+ premiered the number, the ode to the “80’s Buffalo Stance” movement inspired by Neneh Cherry and Ray Petri.
The publisher wanted to be on the street as much as possible, so of course I offered. The rest is history.
Is this a job with a path to the input, or is it completely random?
The path to scouting has not been decided, but my advice to young people is to start scouting.
Print out some business cards, find a great face, and then send it off to an elite or other agency for a finder’s fee.
Once you have a good reputation, you can either go home or start your own agency.
How does it work for you? Where do you find people?
I regularly attend British music festivals. Probably the best place to find many young people in one place.
It’s really a numbers game, you have to look at a big chunk to find a million heads.
The downside of the festival is that it has a lot of explorers. Therefore, it is a highly competitive place.
I also like to find small events that no one goes to.
How long have they been engaged since you found them?
If you find someone, invite them to the office to find out how to take a photo. After that, the development process may slow down. This is essentially “model training”.
Each person’s journey depends on their level of self-confidence and availability, but I try to get involved in their first big job.
What do you look for when you explore? Is there something that makes the person feel possible, is it a visceral feeling?
My eyes and instincts are the only ones I really have.
That said, I admit I don’t always get it right, but you have to take a chance.
Our industry loves oddities.
My “eyes” have been developed over the years using fashion images and models. I think I know what I like.
How much internet work do I need to do to keep going?
It’s not about networking, it’s about getting the right pictures, digital, style and hair.
Next, it is important to place the model in front of the appropriate casting director and hope for the best.
It doesn’t always happen overnight, but if the model is really special, they make waves with the right people.
Average Weekly Work Life of Joel Bow
There are several business days to meet with the people you are looking for, take pictures, respond to emails and review online submissions.
Time is spent calling new models for haircuts, contracts, try-on sessions, and digital updates.
The next thing is to plan, check upcoming events, buy tickets and travel.
The rest of the week is spent traveling to festivals, cities across the UK, shopping malls, music, sporting events and more.
What do you think is the biggest myth in the industry?
it’s shallow
Most of the people in our industry are really very interested in their work.
Whether it’s creating a high-end fashion image or, in my case, nurturing and developing to work with young people and their families.
Is reality as attractive as it seems?
Of course not, but there is a time.
It’s great to see a young model on a billboard or on a big catwalk…but all the work put into making it happen is unattractive.
Does this job require a specific title?
We have to be honest with ourselves about who we think will work, and if not, it’s better not to choose them.
Sometimes I am emotionally obsessed with a particular young man and my colleagues have to check my reality. After all, he is a human being!
What is the best professional advice you have?
Play to your strengths and be nice to everyone.
What do you like most about your job?
I have the best job in the world.
I travel, meet wonderful young people and give them opportunities that will change their lives.
The main thing is to always make your dreams come true.
What do you like more
Administrator. Agreement. Mud / bad weather. I think it’s pretty universal?
How did you do it?
Do you have an exciting job or professional journey?
To share a practical story, email [email protected].
Source: Metro
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
