New Faces August
We are thrilled to introduce two new trainers, Alexander and Amanda, to the HJM Top Model Program.
Both Alexander and Amanda understand the journey from new face to seasoned model, and bring valuable insights on achieving success in the industry.
Join us as they share their expertise and guide you towards your modelling goals.
Welcome, Alexander and Amanda!
Alexander is a versatile performer hailing from Perth, Western Australia. After earning degrees in Law and Creative Arts from Murdoch University, he pursued acting and improvisational comedy training in Los Angeles. Since his return, Alexander has made appearances in television commercials, feature films, and has become a sought-after TV presenter, Master of Ceremonies, and performer. Notable credits include hosting events for prominent organizations like the City of Perth and Channel 7, as well as stage performances in popular musicals and WA Opera productions. With a wide range of skills, Alexander effortlessly transitions from TV presenting to musical performing, event emceeing, education workshops, public speaking, modelling, standup comedy, and creative content creation and consultancy. With his broad skillset Alexander will be HJM’s new Intro to Industry/Media Coach.
INTO TO INDUSTRY/MEDIA MODULE
In this module you will learn the true essence of being a model, the purpose of the industry, and how to approach it as a job. Discover how to stand out, identify your unique strengths, and upskill within your control. Gain insights into managing a multi-faceted creative career and explore related fields. Master speaking to the camera, understand the model-agent relationship, and embrace collaboration with fellow models.
Amanda will be HJM’s new Social Media Coach, bringing her unique perspective as a former student of the Top Model Program and a signed model of HJM. With early success in the modeling industry, Amanda worked with renowned brands like ASICS, Pyra Elements, and Francesca Jewellery. Her modeling journey inspired her growth in the online and fitness spaces, allowing her to monetize social media platforms and collaborate with brands such as Rimmel London. As the HJM Top Model Trainer, Amanda guides new models in developing their brand identity, optimizing social media profiles, and curating eye-catching content aligned with current trends.
SOCIAL MEDIA MODULE
In this module you will learn how to create a strong brand identity, gain exposure, and effectively leverage social media platforms. You will gain valuable insights into social media analytics, discover useful tools, master networking strategies, and explore monetisation opportunities for your platforms.
To apply for the HJM Top Model Program click here
The Harvey James team takes great pleasure in introducing a new model to our family, please join us in giving a warm welcome to Tshego A!
Tshego A (Photographed by Cal Hadaway)
CREDITS:
Cal Hadaway (@cal.hadaway)
Tshego A (@apexafi)
HJM model Suha T had the pleasure of doing a test shoot with the talented Morgan Shaw. Morgan is an Australian born fashion and lifestyle photographer based in London UK, you can see more of his work here.
Credits:
Our lovely models Lauren P and Ryan P recently starred in a bridal themed shoot for Rydges Hobart. Recently renovated, Rydges Hobart combines the modern comforts and stylish interiors of a boutique hotel.
CREDITS:
Female Model – Lauren Potter – @laurenapotter
Male Model – Ryan Posselt – @ryan_posselt
Photographer – Mark Lane – @laneway
Hair & Makeup – Lara – @a4hairandmakeup
Dresses – Strutt Design Studio – @struttdesign
Model Agency – Harvey James Management – @harveyjamesmgmt
Suit – Les Lees – @lesleeshobart
Venue – Rydges Hobart – @rydgeshotels
HJM model Riverson R had the pleasure of doing a test shoot with the talented Morgan Shaw. Morgan is an Australian born fashion and lifestyle photographer based in London UK, you can see more of his work here.
Credits:
HJM model Amanda G appeared in her second campaign for Francesca Jewellery. Established in Tasmania’s famous Salamanca Markets, Francesca has grown into a much-loved Australian brand with an international online presence and stores in Hobart and Melbourne CBD.
Credits:
HJM models Rhett L and Prince I modelling for When In Roam’s launch campaign, an up and coming LGBTQIA+ owned swimwear label based in Perth.
Credits:
HJM models Amanda G and Ella B had the opportunity to model for Asics Australia in an international campaign for the GT-2000 runner, shot in Perth’s beautiful Elizabeth Quay.
Credits:
Asics (@asicsaustralia)
Chisel TV (@chisel.tv)
Sophie McDermott (@sophie.mcdermott.mua)
Amanda G (@amandigardner) abd Ella B (@ellabrouwer.modelling) represented by Harvey James Management (@harveyjamesmgmt)
HJM models Sam H and Alana M starred in a styled shoot for Perth Wedding Upmarket to kick off 2023, featuring gowns from JRW Bridal.
Credits:
Vision and Styling @weddingupmarketperth @perthupmarket
Videographer @mr.masonroberts
Photographer @_atlastco_
Models @alana.mileham @sammmyholden for @harveyjamesmgmt
Gowns @jrwbridal
Jewels @stelios_jewellers
Headpieces @boutiquebybrendalee
Makeup @hcartistry_
Florals @mapleandwren
Arbour @memoriesbydesign.events
Venue @mooreandmooreevents @mooreandmoore_cafestationery @turquoise.crea
All models have to start somewhere. For many, that somewhere is finding an agent. But what is the relationship between a model and their agent? How can each party get the most out of the relationship? In this post, we’ll take a look at the basics of the model-agent relationship, discuss what agents do, how to find an agent, and what you should expect from your working relationship with your agent.
While signing with an agent is definitely not the only way to become a successful model, it can be useful having someone you trust to help you navigate the industry. This is why it’s important to understand the model and agent relationship. So, whether you’re just starting out in modelling or you’ve been working with an agent for a while, read on for some valuable information!
As you may already know, a model is someone who is paid for their time to represent a brand and help promote products via varied mediums. An agent is someone who represents said model and helps to find work for that model in their genre.
A model’s agent is typically paid a percentage of the fees that the model earns for finding them work and negotiating contracts on their behalf. In Australia, the standard percentage for a model to pay an agent is 20% commission or less.
A good relationship between a model and agent is important because the agent is responsible for finding work for the model, and therefore, an agent and model must have great communication. The agent must know the model’s typical work week and personal details, so that they can arrange castings, rehearsals, fittings, flights, postage of clothing items, and send phone numbers and measurements to clients. An agent should even know when a model has had a haircut! It is the model’s responsibility to keep their portfolio up to date and share content with their agent in order for their agent to advertise them to clients. A model must be responsive, professional, organised, flexible and easy to work with. An agent is more likely to book a model work if they know the model is contactable, as booking modelling work is often time sensitive. On the other hand, It is the agent’s job to oversee the immediate career and long term goals of their models. If the model is in demand, this may include brokering a deal to sign the model to additional agencies. Generally, an agent should communicate suitable casting calls to the model, negotiate terms and provide model briefs for upcoming work. It is also the agent’s responsibility to guide and nurture their model and give them advice when they don’t book work, and need to update their portfolio or look. The agency representing the model must seek payment from the client on behalf of the model, and pay the model according to the rate negotiated with the client for time worked, plus allowances of meals or travel owed.
To find an agent that is a good fit for you, start looking for agencies that represent your genre. For example, Harvey James Management is a commercial agency, representing relatable talent that the masses connect with. There are different agencies that excel in every genre of modelling – if you are unsure of what type of model you are, then please read our article, ‘https://www.harveyjamesmanagement.academy/what-type-of-model-are-you-height-and-beauty-standards-in-the-australian-modelling-industry/’
Once you’ve found an agency that seems like a good fit, do your research to ensure they are a reputable agency. Search for reviews online from other models. Look for their client list on their website. If the model agency is a local agency, then attend local industry events and ask others about the agency. Reach out to industry professionals such as photographers or makeup artists you may know or have worked with, and ask about the agency.
Once you have confirmed that the agency operates according to your values, then look up how to apply to join them. Every agency has a way to intake new models. Some agencies have an open door policy on certain days of the week, others hold interviews, and some hold yearly model casting calls. No matter what the format, when attending an agency casting there are some general basic etiquette rules on how to act, what to wear and what take with you.
Never arrive late to a casting call, you may miss your turn. Never wear too much makeup or an overly styled outfit. The model Agent will want to see YOU. The more clients they can imagine booking you, the more likely you are to be signed. Wear fitted clothing so that they can see your figure and, females must wear heels that they can walk comfortably in. Only take your curated portfolio to the casting. If you want to know more about curating your portfolio, then please read our article here https://www.harveyjamesmanagement.academy/top-portfolio-mistakes-models-make-and-how-to-fix-them/
If you are shortlisted at an agency casting, the agency team will typically take your measurements, and digitals. You will then be contacted by the agency with a contract offer. An agency should not want you to sign a contract at the casting, as a model has the right to take home the contract and seek legal advice. Never sign a contract if you feel under duress. Your contract should always outline the commission that the agency with deduct from your fees for time worked.
For more tips on how to find a reputable agency, what to wear to a casting and what clauses a model contract should contain, keep an eye on our future articles or book a Top Model Assessment with our Founder Jade Taylor here, and ask her your questions in person!
Once again, HJM was thrilled to take part in this year’s most prestigious black tie event, Boobalicious Ball 2022 – raising funds for Breast Cancer WA.
Our models Natasha L, Kathryn F, Kaylene B and Ella B were cast to walk the runway of the year in Simone Perele – get a glimpse at behind the scenes below!
Credits:
General Credit – all photos
Photography – @adamnalapraya
Production / Styling – @liz_mitch
Assisted by – @rochellerenwick
BOH manager – @gracenrose
All wearing – @simoneperele_australia
Hair – @elevenaustralia directed by @jaimmelee
Makeup – @artistsatplay directed by @smfmakeup
Models @natashaallyse @kathrynfigueiredo @kaylene.melanie @ellabrouwer.modelling represented by @harveyjamesmgmt
HJM model Rhett had the pleasure of modelling for Eye Junction Karrinyup’s first campaign this month – for the latest trends and leading brands in eyewear, check out the final edits in store.
Credits:
Eye Junction @eyejunction
Ben Davidson @ben_davidson
Audience Revolution @audiencerevolution
Taylor Morgan Creative @taylormorgancreative
Rhett L @rhettlloyd_ represented by Harvey James Management @harveyjamesmgmt
HJM model Riverson was invited to model for Nick White at Friday’s studio
Credits:
Nick White @nickwhiteinstagram
Riverson Robbins @riv_robbins represented by Harvey James Management @harveyjamesmgmt
Fridays Studio @fridaysstudio
Featuring Natasha L & Nathan H represented by Harvey James Management
Credits:
One of the most common mistakes that models make is not having a strong, organised portfolio to present when attending a casting or agency interview.
A model’s portfolio is their calling card and it is one of the most important tools that they have to market themselves. Without a strong portfolio, it can be difficult for a model to get signed or book work. In this article, we discuss a few simple, but key things that every model should keep in mind when putting together their portfolio.
The first thing to remember is that your portfolio should showcase your very best and most recent work. It is important to remember that your portfolio is not a place to display all of the work that you have done, only your best work.
Another common mistake models make is not keeping their portfolio up to date. It is important to regularly update your portfolio with new images as you shoot them. This will show potential clients that you are actively booking work, improving your modelling skills, and that you have fresh, new content for them to review.
Another mistake is when a model chooses to work with the same photographer to build their entire portfolio. The outcome can be a one-dimension portfolio presentation, that looks like the photographer’s portfolio; not your own. Select images from your first photoshoot thinking from the client’s point of view, then leverage these photos to book an additional photoshoot to add to your portfolio. This can be the toughest but most critical stage in an aspiring model’s career, so your first photoshoot and how you introduce yourself to the modelling world is paramount.
Our advice to new, aspiring models is to try your best not to present a full portfolio of Time for Print material. When the work is Time for Print, the photographer is generally going to produce and shoot work that will benefit their portfolio and is signature to their brand, in exchange for their time. This can be positive if you are selective and only work with photographers whose vision aligns with yours, and you are given some creative control when planning the shoot, however, the safest solution is carefully selecting and booking a range of different client shoots and Time for Print work when starting out, showing your skills in a variety of settings – meaning you shine as the hero subject!
The final mistake that models make when curating their portfolio, is not tailoring it to the specific type of work they are looking for. It is important to have a variety of images from different photographers in your portfolio that showcase your range as a model, but ensure you have images that are specifically tailored to the type of modelling you are interested in doing, or are casting for. For example, if you are interested in or good at commercial modelling work, make sure to curate images that showcase your experience in this modelling genre. You choose your modelling genre according to your features and what type of clients are approaching you.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your portfolio is strong and give yourself the best chance at booking modelling work to keep improving your portfolio game.
Do you have any other tips for creating a strong portfolio? Or want to take advantage of a FREE portfolio review with our Founder Jade Taylor? Then book a Top Model Assessment today!’
HJM Model: Suha Tilmiz
Photographer: Andrew Ho
Makeup Artist: Rana Mosleh
Stylist: Juvelle Behrendorff
This might seem like a simple question, but it has a complex answer. A model can be many things: someone who poses for photos or is booked for runway, someone on IG who is the ‘face’ of a beauty brand, or even an actor who books campaigns on the side. There are different types of modelling, and the industry has its own set of height and beauty standards that aspiring models need to know about. In this post, we will explore the different types of modelling and what you need to do to become a successful model in today’s world!
So, what is a model? A model is typically defined as someone who represents brands and connects with consumers via different mediums of advertising, such as, print, billboard, social media platforms or live runway shows. Most models today offer a hybrid creative skillset in order to become a recognised personal brand such as model/influencer, model/actor, model/pageant queen or model/singer. Within the modelling industry, there are different types of modelling, and each one has its own set of requirements. Despite each genre having it’s own requirements, most successful models become skilled in more than one type of modelling.
One of the most common types of modelling is fashion or editorial modelling. Fashion models are typically used to showcase clothing and other fashion items in magazines, runway shows, and advertisements. Generally, to be a successful fashion/editorial and runway model, you need to have interesting features, and be tall with a slim build. Most editorial/fashion models are between five feet eight inches and six feet tall. The reason fashion models are slim is so that the clothes stand out on the runway, rather than the models body. In addition to height, you need to have a lot of confidence, poise and rhythm so you can work the runway like a pro. Runway modelling is a very demanding profession and so you need to be physically fit as you need to be able to walk long distances and stand for long periods of time without getting tired.
If you’re not quite tall enough to be a fashion model, don’t worry! There are other types of modelling that might be a better fit for you. For example, commercial modelling is a type of modelling that focuses on promoting products or services and is a very popular career path for Australian models. Commercial models typically appear in television commercials, print ads, and online advertisements. To be a successful commercial model, you need to have a relatable or friendly look that the masses can connect with.
Beauty models are models who are chosen for close-up portrait photos for hair, makeup and skincare campaigns. To be a beauty model, you need to have physical attributes that are traditionally considered to be attractive or interesting. Most of the time, this includes symmetrical features, clear skin, bright eyes and lustrous hair. There are no height restrictions for a beauty model.
Petite modelling is another type of modelling that is open to people of all heights. Petite models typically showcase clothing and other products that are designed for people who are shorter in stature.
Swimwear models are generally very healthy looking and more curvaceous and toned than their fashion model counterparts as the swimwear they model is enhanced by their body movements and shape.
Size diverse models or ‘curve’ models, are making waves in the commercial modelling industry in Australia. These size-diverse women are shattering stereotypes and proving that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
A common misconception is that curve models don’t work as much as straight-size models. But that’s not true. To the contrary, curve models are in high demand and Australia is leading the way as more and more local brands are choosing to use size diverse models in their advertising, runway and marketing campaigns. Curve models come in all shapes and are generally a size 10-12AU+ with a relatable, friendly or interesting look.
Even though all of the above types of modelling are very different, they still have some qualities in common. To be any type of model, you need a strong work ethic: Making it as a model takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You’ll need to be willing to put in the long hours and make sacrifices to make your dreams a reality. In addition, models need to be able to work well with other people as models often have to work with other models, photographers, stylists, and makeup artists. In addition to these attributes, you also need to be able to take direction well and work well under pressure. And finally, you need to have a positive attitude! Modelling can be very stressful, and you need to be able to stay calm and focused whilst working.
Now that you know a little bit more about the modelling industry, it’s time to decide what type of model you want to be. Are you interested in fashion modelling? Or are you better suited for commercial or curve modelling? No matter what type of model you want to be, remember that all models need to start somewhere. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t fit the “perfect” mould. Just keep working hard and you’ll eventually find your niche within the industry!
Do you think you have what it takes to become a model? If so, what type of model you want to be? If you’re still unsure after reading this article, book in with our Founder and Principal Jade Taylor for a FREE Top Model Assessment to find out how to maximise your unique features within the modelling industry.
We’ve heard the “horror stories” about the modelling industry but Jade Taylor is making sure her models aren’t part of them.
The former model, who started Harvey James Management in Tasmania in 2016, still hears about the kind of inappropriate behaviour that she experienced during her years as a model, from new students.
“It’s just hideous to hear because I can’t do anything about it because it’s already happened, but I can try and create a really safe culture,” Taylor told AAA.
The founder and principal recently introduced an app that connects the client, model and agency, and has a tracking feature.
“We actually have an app that we use, and it tracks the models while they’re on the work, so they log in and it tracks them,” she said.
“I can’t see them all the time. It’s only when they log in for their job and if they turn it on, but they’ve got that option.”
Taylor said it had been very well received by her signed models.
And that’s not the only thing that sets her agency apart.
The Perth branch of the business opened last year and it has never been busier, with almost 300 new model applicants this year.
“Last year was great and this year we’ve already enrolled double what we had last year and the submissions are just through the roof, in the hundreds,” she said.
“It’s just blowing my mind how many people are applying at the moment.”
She said it was partly because of the cultural shift towards diversity in the modelling industry.
“I’m definitely finding that the client requests coming through are a lot broader and not your typical 5ft 8 blonde supermodel types. That’s enabled us to open up what we’re looking for . . . to service that client demand,” she said.
As for Taylor’s model program, she said “there’s nothing like it on the Australian market.”
It includes “forward-thinking” modules such as nutrition, holistic health, personal branding, casting and audition techniques and “how to create your own personal elevator pitch”.
“We do come across a lot of freelance models and they say to us, ‘I’ve got this portfolio of 200 photos. Why aren’t I being signed?’ And that’s where we step in,” she said.
“I think it’s really important to give people the time that they need and tell them honestly, obviously in a nice way, but I tell them honestly, where they sit in the market and what their opportunities are.”
This was the case for 18-year-old Katie Ellis, who came in with hundreds of photos, but couldn’t book a job.
“We completely rebranded her and within four months of doing our program, she had a national campaign,” Taylor said.
“I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do this without the beautiful team behind HJM. Especially Jade. She has always been my No. 1 support ever since I first joined,” Ellis added.
Jade Taylor wants to discover the next new face on the Australian modelling scene right here in Perth.
The founder and principal of Harvey James Management established the agency in 2016 in Tasmania, and “believes there’s so much undiscovered talent here”, she opened an office in Hay Street at end of last year.
“I am really passionate about providing a platform for aspiring models who live in the outer states of Australia, who may not get the opportunity to apply for work like other models do in Melbourne or Sydney,” Taylor told PerthNow.
There’s so much undiscovered talent here.
The agency held its first annual Perth Model Search on Saturday to scout for budding talent.
Competitors had portfolio shots taken and catwalk training with highly regarded pageant trainer Peter Sereno who has worked with Jennifer Hawkins, Scherri-Lee Biggs and Jesinta Franklin.
“You can’t get any better than actually seeing people face to face and having that personal one-on-one with them and answering their questions, which I don’t think a lot of agencies do these days,” Taylor said.
@ harveyjamesmgmt
