The Model Bag
So now you want to be a model and you're booking shoots, but before you go to the shoot, you need to put together a "model bag." Below, I am going to give you the basics of what you should always have with you when you go to a shoot.
Clothing -- You should always have the following with you no matter what:
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of black dress pants
1 short black shirt
1 black evening dress
1 white or light colored dress
several little tops
1 sweater
a black bra and matching underwear
a white bra and matching underwear
a skin tone bra and underwear
various colored bras and underwear sets
a robe to wear during makeup and in between shoots
1 pair of tennis shoes
1 pair of black heels
1 pair of white heels
1 pair of flip flops
1 black swimsuit (one piece)
1 black two piece swim suit
various swim suits in various colors
various sets of lingerie
accessories - necklaces, bracelets and earrings
white, black and skin-toned panty hose and thigh highs
Now, that is just a basic wardrobe. In addition to those items, you should add various other things depending on the job. For example, if you are doing fetish or gothic modeling, it is good to have a corset, a vinyl skirt, a vinyl dress and some other things that are fetishy or gothic in style. You can find these things online or at places like Hot Topic.
Your model bag must also contain things needed to do your hair and makeup. I recommend always having the following with you when you go on a shoot:
foundation
powder
blush
various eye shadows (you need light, dark and neutral colors as well as colors)
black eyeliner, white eyeliner and various other colors
red, pink and various colored lipsticks
lip gloss that is clear
mascara
eyebrow, lip and powder brushes
makeup remover and baby wipes
tweezers
a razor
Having your own makeup is also a must because you never know when someone isn't going to have what you need or want at the shoot. You should also get a makeup box to put your makeup in and keep it organized so it doesn't get messy.
For hair, your model bag should contain:
a brush
a comb
a curling iron
a hair dryer
straightener
hair spray
gel
hair bands
hair pins
travel size shampoo and conditioner
I also recommend that you bring snacks, safety pins, body lotion, skin glitter, a notebook, your comp cards, your portfolio, a cell phone and extra cash.
Now, you may think that this is a lot, but you need to have these things because you never know when you may show up for the shoot only to find that makeup artist or the stylist had car trouble or canceled. Besides, once you invest in these things, you can use them for a long time if you take care of them and, in addition, you can write them off as business expenses on your taxes as long as you remember to keep a record and the receipts.
Having a properly stocked model bag will make you much easier to work with and will convey that you are professional. Remember, your looks and your attitude and your professionalism will either make or break you.
Jillian Ann
www.JIllianAnn.com