What You Should Have In Your Model Bag
Whether you are a model running between castings and jobs every day, or you're just doing it on an occasional basis; have a designated model bag with the following essentials. You will be prepared for any modeling situation, and don't think the clients won't notice! Remember to also bring it with you when you go to your agency. This is in case you need to do some digis or meet a client last minute.
WHAT MODELS SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR BAG.
PORTFOLIO - Yes, this may be obvious, but you would be surprised by how many models forget their books!
UNDERWEAR- Women should have a matching set of seamless underwear. Including a strapless bra and thong. You can throw in a more 'pretty' or 'sexy' set for any lingerie style castings. Men should have fitted boxer-briefs, briefs, and a tank top as an undershirt. All items should be a solid color, in nude, white, black and grey.
PEN & PAPER - Apart from general note taking, you may need to write down last minute important information, if you, the client, or the agent does not have access to text or email.
COSMETICS- These include makeup remover, face and body moisturizer, and SPF. This is so you can remove makeup whenever needed, and keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy throughout the day.
CHICKEN CUTLETS - Female models should have underwear accessories such as bra fillers 'chicken cutlets', pasties and bra straps. This is so the clothes can fall properly and avoid any bra peekaboo!
HOSIERY & DRESS SOCKS - Women should have nude and black hose. Men should carry brown and black dress socks. Clients do not always provide these items but need them to complete a look.
SWIMWEAR - Female models, in particular, should always have a bathing suit with them. Some clients might prefer that you wear this while measuring you or shooting digitals, rather than being in your underwear. And, it should always be a two-piece. Guys do not use bathing shorts as much, but it's good to keep in the bag just in case. Similarly to underwear, your bathing suit should be well fitted, a dark solid color, and in good condition.
ELECTRIC SHAVER - Especially for guys who are prone to the 5 o'clock shadow. If a client wants you looking the same way at 4 pm as you did at 9 am, you will need to give your face a once over. This will maintain consistency during the shoot, and you can do this right on the spot without cutting yourself. Also, there could be occasions when you are asked to arrive with a few days growth of facial hair, but then the client decides they want you clean shaven.
HAIRBRUSH & HAIR ACCESSORIES - Always carry a hairbrush and hairspray, gel, or whatever product you prefer, to keep your hair looking groomed throughout the day. If you have long hair, you should also have hair ties and kirby grips to pull it back.
FACE & BODY WIPES - Aside from cleaning your hands while on a lunch break during a location shoot, they are also great for wiping off makeup both on your face and body. Additionally, they work wonders for your underarms, when you can't apply deodorant due to wearing your client's clothes.
LINT ROLLER - You'd be amazed by how many models walk around with lint all over their black clothes.
MAKEUP & MAKEUP BRUSHES - This is for any touchups needed while on a booking without a makeup artist on set. However, if there is a makeup artist, this will come in handy should you be allergic to the products. Lastly, you will be able to apply or readjust makeup in between castings and bookings.
MANICURE KIT & CLEAR NAIL POLISH - You never know when you might break a nail! For all bookings, models are required to have neat and tidy nails. Sometimes the client might request that your nails be a certain length or shape. Unless you are expected to have an elaborate mani, it is unlikely that there will be a manicurist on set, so be prepared to do it yourself. Also, clear nail polish works great when applied on to snags in hosiery, to prevent them from running and getting larger.
TRAVEL SEWING KIT - For any wardrobe malfunctions during castings and bookings.
SHOES - Although you will most likely have a whole other bag full of shoes to take with you to bookings, you should also throw a pair or two into your model bag, suitable for last minute castings or digis.
WATER & SNACKS- For when you don't have time to pick up food in between castings and bookings, or if the catering is not your cup of tea. It's important to keep your energy and sugar levels well regulated.
PHONE & WALLET - Just DON'T leave home without them! And, remember to charge your phone.
MAP OR PRINTED DIRECTIONS - In case your phone gets flat and you can't charge it, or you have bad reception, it's always good to have a backup for locating where your bookings and appointments are.
Five Healthy Snacks Perfect For Long Casting Days
A day full of castings back to back allows little room for a sit-down leisurely lunch. Although there are plenty of healthy and nourishing meals you can pick up and eat on the go, such as a wrap or a salad bowl, you also need a few snacks at the ready to maintain your energy levels. Attempting to win over the casting directors, while running on empty, is difficult. Stave off the sugar level yo-yos with these five delicious, healthy, and energy reviving snacks. Not only do they travel well, but will not be messy or give you ‘food breath’ right before you meet a client.
1. Endurance Crackers
A delicious, energy boosting, savory snack. Using a combination of chia, sunflower, pepita and sesame seeds; they are vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, nut-free and oil-free – and they are super easy to make! RECIPE
2. Spicy Power Bars
Derive your energy from this heavenly mix of fruit, nuts, and spices. Added bonus: No need to bake, just leave in the refrigerator overnight. RECIPE
3. Blueberry, Almond, and Puffed Amaranth Granola Bars.
Yummy gluten-free granola bars packed with superfoods. Highlighting the grain Amaranth, extracted from the crop that was considered sacred by the Aztecs. RECIPE
4. Spiced Honey Tahini Cookies
These gluten-free and naturally sweetened cookies are too good to be true. Perfect with a morning cup of coffee or with a cup of afternoon tea, these versatile treats can even turn into seasonal holiday bites! RECIPE
5. Cherry Pie Larabars
Made from three natural ingredients, and only takes ten minutes to make. What better way to get a delicious, anti-oxidant, and energy reviving snack than this? RECIPE
