How To Get Scouted By IMG Models
Tips on how to get scouted by the top modeling agency, even during quarantine.
Top Image: Alyssa Fatou Traoré via @weloveyourgenes Preview Image: Leonie Hertel via @weloveyourgenes
An oft told fairy-tale, chance encounters have launched the careers of numerous cat walkers. From Naomi Campbell, to Gisele Bündchen, to Slick Woods (Who was in fact scouted by fellow model, Ash Stymest at a bus stop) some of the industry’s most in-demand supermodels were scouted on the street. However, with an ongoing worldwide pandemic, where we’re confronted with limited travel and restricted face-to-face interactions, scouting is taking a different form at IMG Models.
Despite these restrictions, the modelling industry still doesn’t sleep. Way back in 2014 when life was normal, whatever normal may be, IMG launched a digital initiative, We Love Your Genes, a social media-based programme providing a platform for aspiring models to get scouted and noticed. Over-looked by the agency’s worldwide development scouts, the head-hunters are on the lookout to recruit new faces using the hashtag #WLYG. #WLYG enables people from all over the globe to engage with the top modelling and talent agency. New-gen models such as Inka Williams and Lameka Fox, are among the IMG talent discovered through WLYG.
In recent months, the WLYG strategy has proved notably abundant, what with our only interaction with the outside world being upon that of a screen. IMG’s Senior Vice President Jeni Rose expresses that things would have been very different be it 15 years ago due to the lack of social media presence. Social platforms provide a new light in ways to which new faces are scouted; an easy access to pictures of people, if they are right you can contact them, if not, you can just move on.
Despite endorsing the cliché model calibre, tall, skinny frames, prominent facial features, agencies all adopt a style that differs to the next, in the hopes of mothering the industries newest most in-demand face. Now, more then ever, there are so many models in the business; standing out is becoming increasingly difficult. IMG look for a model that adopts a story – the model is curious and loves the job they’re in. A model that constantly evolves is what keeps clients coming back.
In addition to Instagram, IMG have also begun scouting on TikTok. This has led to a new consciousness of scouting between Instagram and TikTok. Unlike Instagram, TikTok provides an insight into the prominence of personalities and not just a pretty face; the scouting team are exposed to an infinite community.
Photo: Cottonbro via Pexels.com
Regardless of quarantine intercepting the usual scouting procedures, the digital platforms allow aspiring models the chance to be seen. Following the WLYG account alongside the use of the WLYG hashtag augments the possibilities of getting noticed, as IMG track their followers and encourage new faces to reach out. Associating your TikTok account with your Instagram makes it simpler for the agency to contact individuals, therefore depleting the aggro of the agency not being able to contact you.
Long gone are the days of having to spend money on portfolios and endless train journeys. Social scouting has vastly broadened the talent pool, paving the way for an industry full of diversity and inclusion.
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