Words by Iasmina Ionescu
Think you have what it takes to be a professional model? Our very own Iasmina from ‘Team H&N’ explains her journey into modelling and gives hints and tips to help you realise your dream.
My journey began when I was only 15. After years of being the “tall girl” in school, having a naturally slim build and encouragement from everyone around me, I thought I would pursue my dream… to get involved with modelling. I always had a love for fashion from a young age, whether that was being a fashionista at 10 or collecting Vogue magazines throughout secondary school.
Fashion is a great way to express yourself and to create your own style – your own flare. I had been scouted before, with agents coming up to me in train stations or shopping centres while being with my mum but nothing really came of it until I started applying to agencies myself.
After a couple of rejections from online applications (trust me, it really isn’t easy to get signed), I decided to go to a casting for a top agency in Manchester. I took the day off school and dragged my mum along with me, I was SO nervous… the word ‘nervous’ is probably an understatement!
A casting is best when starting out as a model as the agents get to see your features in person and you also get to wow them with your personality rather than an online application. Wearing little to no makeup and tight-fitting clothing to accentuate your natural features is best when going to a casting and make sure to smile!
After getting signed through the casting, I was ecstatic. My dream to be with an agency finally became true and I was usually the youngest one when attending shoots. I soon realised modelling isn’t just ‘look pretty and pose’ – it takes a lot of hard work. Jobs can be full 12-hour days and you’re going to have a lot of unpaid work and portfolio shoots before progressing to paid work.
I was extremely lucky to work with a lot of up-and-coming artists in collaborations for my portfolio, a top tip is to reach out to photographers on Instagram who are also new, as people are always wanting to shoot with new faces. This way you would both benefit from the photo shoot and you will build up more experience! Of course, always make sure you go through your agent to ensure that it is a safe and comfortable situation.
I quickly learnt that you need a professional and kind approach to the people you work with and you’ll receive the same back – when you collaborate with other creatives, make sure your attitude reflects your work ethic in a positive way and that makes the shoots really fun.
After 2 years of modelling, I was hit with GCSEs and then A Level exams so I took a little break, focussing on my education was most important as my other passion was and still is, writing. During my break, I really missed modelling. I never looked at it as a chore, it was always so fun and exciting working with people who inspired me regardless of the long hours.
So, after exams, I chose to go back to modelling. This brings me to last year, when I moved closer to Manchester to study Journalism at University and I was able to travel to Manchester easier and begin to book jobs again. I had a change of agency, this time sending headshots and full-body photos through online applications and then casting videos. If you are looking to apply to agencies, make sure that these images are as natural as possible, no filters and minimal makeup, you want to show off how beautiful you are!
This time the experience has been completely different, I’ve grown a lot from 15, as you can imagine. Being almost 20 means that my outlook on life has completely changed from my younger teens, I have a newfound appreciation for those that I work with, and I sometimes have to pinch myself when I see the amazing content those I’m involved with create. I feel extremely lucky every single day- being published in multiple magazines, working with huge brands and amazing creatives.
One thing I want to stress is that anything is possible, if someone told me at 15 that I would be in multiple magazines and even writing for some, I wouldn’t have believed you. If you have a dream, chase it!
I’ve learnt that the only things stopping you are your own anxieties and doubts… never settle for less!
