Photo Advice

Winter is approaching us in Chicago and usually things slow down in the promotional modeling industry. This is the time to update your resume, get new pictures and look for more agencies to work for. When it comes to pictures the team at Pink Avenue Models wants to submit the best pictures that we can of our promotional models. With that said here are a couple things to keep in mind when submitting pictures to modeling agencies. Please wear clothes! I can't even count how many times we have been sent nude pictures. We don't want to see you naked, we will never send naked pictures of you to our client, and you should not send them to us. This includes implied nudes! We want to see recent pictures, not anything from 10 years ago. Please submit clear pictures of your face. We don't need pictures of your back or you with sunglasses. We want a clear representation of what you will look like when you show up to work your event. Photo shop happens, I know. Let's keep it minimal. Always send a candid picture as well. These are more accurate. Do not send pictures with your boyfriend, friends, baby, family or group. We need to know who you are, not other people. Those are my tips for now! If you get updated pictures always send them to your agents. People change over the years and we want the most current images. Team Pink Avenue

Pink Avenue Model's Pet Peeve

The team at Pink Avenue Models likes to blog about events that are taking place, trade shows that are coming up, and tips to help our promotional models. We also spend a lot of time on job boards, or Facebook forums, it's a great place to recruit! One thing that drives me crazy is that people don't use their real names on social media and that they have inappropriate email addresses. It is 2015 and people look at your social media pages before they think about hiring you for a job. You can learn a lot about a person based on their profiles. You can learn how they interact with people and how they represent themselves. Do not post anything that you wouldn't want a future employer to see or read. We like to see pictures of your events and positive posts, not drunken nights with inappropriate language. Please use your real name and be cautious when you're posting. Also, when you submit to modeling agencies use your real name! It's so annoying for us to send you paperwork and receive a response that you are using a fake name and need us to change it and resend it. Think about everyone else involved. Team Pink Avenue

Promotional Model Travel Tip

We know a lot of promotional models that travel to different cities for work, that is awesome! Here is a tip for anyone that is thinking about doing this. Please have your travel and lodging arrangements made before you agree to work. Modeling agencies are already hesitant to book models from out of state because anything can happen, the flight can be delayed, you can get lost, who knows. If you tell an agent that you are available they may ask for proof of your flight or lodging because they want to make sure you have made the effort and are committing. When planning to travel for events or trade shows make sure that you know how much you are making and how much you are spending. Most clients do not cover travel expenses so be aware of this before you commit to traveling. Just keep all of this in mind, the agencies appreciate it! Team Pink Avenue

My Social Media Complaint

The team at Pink Avenue Models doesn't usually post on social media websites to find promotional models. We like to hire talent that has submitted on our website, been approved and added to our database. We look for models that have experience and great pictures that we can forward on to our clients. With all of this said we are aware of all of the groups on facebook and I noticed something while looking through the pages the other day. I saw a ton of postings which is great if that is how modeling agencies want to find their staff. What bothered me was the comments from the promotional models looking for work. The main comment that bothered me was "I applied but they never responded." This bothered me because they don't understand how many emails the modeling agency receives a day. I would say on an average day I receive at least 100 emails/phone calls. We try to respond to everyone, especially if its about an event, payment, or questions that you may have. When it comes to castings we can not respond to everyone that is available for the event. Our process is reaching out to our staff, sending pictures and stats of available models to our client, then contacting the models that the client has selected. It would be impossible for us to reach out to everyone that wasn't selected, it's just how this industry works. My recommendation for commenting on social media is either don't do it or keep it simple and positive. I hope you all are having a busy Fall and a busy trade show season! Team Pink Avenue

Negative Thoughts Out. Positive Thoughts in. :)

I saw this on Facebook today and thought it was awesome. While I was in college I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just knew that marketing was interesting and a good field to go into. One night I was bartending and a Miller Lite rep came up to me and asked if I wanted to do promotions, 10 years later I am in the same field. I started doing liquor promotions, that turned into golf outings, trade shows, auto shows, special events and being requested by modeling agencies all over the country. I moved to Chicago after college and continued to do promotions. One day I was asked to come into a modeling/talent agency on Michigan Avenue for an interview that turned into me getting an internship and then becoming the Director shortly after. I've always enjoyed everything about this industry, I love that every day is different and that I work in an industry that entertains and educates people. I think this is why work never seemed like work. While working at the agency I tried so hard to be the best and do perfect work. I learned so much at the agency and in the field of what I liked, what worked and what didn't work. Things went bad with that company so a friend and I started our own company. I had the experience in the field, he had experience in finance and owning a business. It seemed like the perfect combination and a winning team. Five years later here we are still going. With that said it hasn't been easy. We have had amazing clients, perfect events, great staff and I couldn't be more excited every day about what else will happen. We have also had bad days, there is a lot of competition in this industry and we have to keep growing and competing. "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius This article made me think about work and my story. I get asked all the time what I'm going to do next, or why I picked this career, and a lot of other negative questions because some people don't get what our industry is. They think we are uneducated promotional models that flirt in small outfits for money. This article reminded me to not care what others think, says not to explain yourself, don't force things and just be happy. I know that I needed a reminder like this and I think a lot of our team needs the same. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason so I'll keep letting things happen. :) Read this for a happy and refreshing read. With all the negative things going on in this world I think we all need it! http://www.lifebuzz.com/just-stop/?utm_source=iajsiaspal9920&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=juststopios Team Pink Avenue

Become A Pink Avenue Model

I answer the phones all day long here at Pink Avenue Models and I get asked a lot of questions. I would say that the most common question is, how can I become a model. As you can imagine I have the same answer for everyone. I tell them that we are a promotional modeling agency that staffs events all over the country and that we don't manage models. I also tell them that we take all of our model submissions online and that we ask for 4 pictures and a resume. The reaction I get can be anything from thankful to surprised. We want to have the best team possible, its best for us and our clients. We review every submission, read through every resume and look at every picture. Some modeling agencies add everyone to their database, we don't and we never will. Our clients are very selective and they have a reason to be. When you are submitting your pictures online send professional and recent pictures, blurry underwear picture don't make it very far with us. Keep it clean! We are always looking for the best talent around the country, we look forward to working with all of you. Team Pink Avenue      

No Call No Shows/Last Minute Cancellations

I know I have blogged about this before but every time it happens I blog about it again. This is any modeling agencies pet peeve, most hated thing and a way to ruin our day. Yes, I am talking about no call no shows and last minute cancellations . I am proud to say that this doesn't happen often but in my 10 years of experience I have seen it way to many times. I myself was a promotional model and still work events occasionally because I love this industry. I love meeting new people, learning about new brands, going to new places and not knowing what will happen when I am onsite. I have worked a ton of events where promotional models don't show up and I can say that it doesn't ruin the event, we always make it work but it does ruin things. It ruins the relationship with our client. I can guarantee that if a client has a bad experience with an agency they will not be back. It ruins the relationship between promotional models and modeling agencies, WE WILL NEVER CONTACT A PROMOTIONAL MODEL THAT HAS SCREWED US OVER. We have heard every excuse, there was a death, I'm so sick, my car isn't working, I forgot. We don't care what your excuse is, we wont believe it, especially 30 minutes before your event starts. It also upsets us that we could've booked anyone else that would have showed up, done a better job, and appreciated the opportunity but the client unfortunately selected someone that was irresponsible and unprofessional and it ruined it for everyone. So after we get the fake email or text message because you are to unprofessional to call we have to scramble to find a replacement. This is tough because models don't want to be the 2nd option because the 1st one backed out and there is usually no time to find a replacement. The reason we write about this is so people don't do it! This is such an amazing industry and you are privileged to work in it. We ask that you are professional, reliable, and do your job. The team at Pink Avenue Models tries to pay well and we pay fast because we think you deserve it. Since we have worked in every aspect of this industry we know what is important and we know what to expect. One of our clients contacted us today because they used multiple agencies for an event and models from some of the other agencies backed out. They asked for our help but with the event being hours away there was nothing we could do. Their client is now going to be upset with them, and they are upset with the modeling agency, and those models have been banned from the company. Just notice how much your irresponsibility affects others. Rant over. Enjoy your weekend. Team Pink Avenue

Chicago Auto Show 2014

The Chicago Auto Show is coming up, less than a month away! We have a ton of promotional models that travel and work the auto shows often so they know what to expect. The auto show is a long, tiring, but fun event to work. For an event like this agencies want to hire their best talent. They want reliable, professional, outgoing staff that can work 8+ hours for 10 days in a row. Modeling agencies can't staff promotional models that will call in sick, or whine about being tired or sore from standing. If this is your first auto show here are a couple of tips for you to make it through this 10 day event.

1. Get lots of sleep. This show is exhausting and you need to have as much patience as possible. You will be talking to people your entire shift.
2. Bring your lunch. You can by food at McCormick Place but it will be expensive and isn't healthy at all.
3. Invest in comfortable shoes, you will be standing your whole shift.
4. Take public transit, parking is nearly impossible.
5. Dress warm, the convention center is always on the cooler side.

Good luck to everyone that is working this event, it's fun and the check is always great! Team Pink Avenue

We Are Ready For Fall, Are You?

We have been mentioning it for weeks, Summer is busy season but Fall is usually even busier. We want to make sure that all of our promotional models are ready so we made a short list of things that should be done asap!

1. Send us your updated pictures! We want clients to see what you look like now, not last year or years ago.
2. Update your resume. We know that you have worked a ton of events this Summer and modeling agencies like to see that and so do our clients.
3. Make sure you have the standard pieces of clothing that you will need for all types of trade shows and events. Black dress, black dress pants, cute flats, comfortable black heels and of course khaki pants.
4. Just remember to send us your paperwork as soon as you can. It's a commitment between you and us and we need it. Smile and have fun, you love your job!

As always we want to remind all of you that we appreciate your hard work and couldn't do this without you. Thanks for all that you do!

Team Pink Avenue

No Call No Show = Worst Thing To Do

Our blogs are usually about events that we have coming up or about tips to make our promotional models more prepared. We usually talk about trade shows, events, street teams, promotions and anything else going on in the industry but today we are going to vent about promotional models. We understand that this industry is flexible and that you make your own schedules, everyone is an independent contractor. We appreciate all of the promotional models that are reliable, responsible, and live up to their responsibilities. We HATE the models that fill out their paperwork, confirm that they are all set to work, and then the day of they just don't show up. Not only do they not show up but they don't even respond when we reach out to them, maybe being ignored is better than a fake excuse. The reason we bring this up is because the weather is getting warmer and people would rather do fun things then work, and that is fine, just don't agree to work then. There is nothing worse for the modeling agency and client then a no call no show. Clients rely on us to provide staff for their events and all of our clients select who they would like to book so it isn't easy to just find any replacement. A model that doesn't show up ruins that relationship with our client. Not showing up to work is a very selfish thing to do and not only does it cost the agency money but it ruins our relationships and can make us lose clients as well. It is THE worst thing a models can do. Please think about this the next time you just don't feel like working. Tell the agency something came up so they can find a replacement and replace you with someone that actually wants to work. Just so you know you will be banned from the agency and if you do this to a lot of modeling agencies you wont be able to find work. Sorry for the vent but it's annoying for us!

Team Pink Avenue

Follow Us On Twitter! Like Us On Facebook!

Social media is such a popular thing these days. Almost everyone has Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and so many other ways to post pictures, keep in contact and share their opinions. Social media is used by a lot of modeling agencies too, even the team at Pink Avenue Models uses it! This is another way to keep up with us and know what we are working on and what is going on in your area. We want all of our promotional models to follow us and like us. don't worry we don't go over board and post every few seconds. Here are the links to keep up with us! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Avenue-Models/96499645882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/pinkavemodels See you in cyber space!

Team Pink Avenue

       

Follow Us! Like Us!

Social media is such a popular thing these days. Almost everyone has Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and so many other ways to post pictures, keep in contact and share their opinions. Social media is used by a lot of modeling agencies too, even the team at Pink Avenue Models uses it! This is another way to keep up with us and know what we are working on and what is going on in your area. We want all of our promotional models to follow us and like us. don't worry we don't go over board and post every few seconds. Here are the links to keep up with us!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Avenue-Models/96499645882

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pinkavemodels

See you in cyber space!

Team Pink Avenue

 

 

 

 

5 Things Promotional Models Should Do This Month

Since it's Winter and things tend to be a little slower during this season we thought we would make a small list of things for you to catch up on this season.

1. Update your pictures! We want to show our clients recent pictures of our models so take some time out and set up a photo shoot.


2. Update your resume. It's nice for modeling agencies to know your experience. We know its hard to update it after every event but try and keep it as current as possible.


3. Buy those items you're missing. Make sure that you have everything you could need for a promotion. Khaki pants/shorts, black dress, black closed toe heels, gym shoes, black pants, a blazer for trade shows. Every event requires different attire but these items are frequently requested.


4. Add yourself to more agency databases. The more companies that have your information, the more opportunities you will receive.


5. Take time to update your profiles on any modeling website or agency page. Update your pictures, resumes, stats, age, address or anything else that may have changed.

These things should keep you a little busier this season. It's best to keep things current, it will guarantee you more work and shows that you care about the industry you work in. Don't forget to send us your new info, pictures or resumes!

Team Pink Avenue

Updated Pictures Needed!

Things are starting to slow down since Winter is approaching which means more free time for the models! Since you won't be going promotion to promotion the next couple months make some time to update your pictures. The team at Pink Avenue Models receives tons of model submissions every week and we have seen tons of pictures, good and bad. It's important to keep your photos updated so the clients know what you look like currently, not years ago. Photo shoots are meant to be fun and a time to be creative and use an alter ego but we do want simple pictures, nothing to artsy. When we send a model's profile to the client for approval we send 3 pictures, a head shot, body shot and a candid photo so keep that in mind when you submit to modeling agencies. The head shot should be close up and the model should be smiling. The body shot does not have to be a bikini or lingerie picture, we prefer jeans a fitted shirt and heels. This will show your body without being too revealing. A candid picture can be you out, or working a promotion. The only request is that you are the only one in the picture. We understand that pictures are altered, photo shopped and can be changed dramatically, we ask that you send us pictures with minimal editing. Have fun at photo shoots, it's your one chance to wear things that you can't always get away with wearing. Not to mention you get to wear different make up and have great hair, it's a day to dress up and have fun. We can't wait to see your new pictures!

Team Pink Avenue