An important way to build the image of your brand or clothing line is to pick out the perfect model. You need to pick out models that you feel represent the image that your brand portrays. For example if you are an edgy brand get an alternative looking model. In my opinion the best models are the models that will take pictures for you in exchange for free clothes since they love your clothing line. In this article we will look at ways to get models to work for free clothes and how to handle their shoots.
The most important thing when it comes to procuring models who will work for free is to have a great t-shirt line or clothing line. Fashion models are not going to shoot for companies that they feel make shoddy apparel unless they either get paid or love your brand. If they love your brand you can post classified ads on Myspace or Craigslist looking for models who will model for a clothing trade. Basically you provide them with a few pieces of your line and have them take pics wearing your clothes. If Myspace or Craigslist aren’t giving you qualified models search for modelmayhem on Google and contact the ladies who have their emails or Myspace profiles available. To contact the other models you will need to register an account.
Once you have the model that you feel fits your brand image and will work for a trade of clothes you need to work out the details of the shoot. Most models who have ever worked it all will have a personal photographer that they will go through to handle the shoot. This photographer should cost you nothing and if they try to get you to pay the photographer find another model. Talk with the model about the kind of shots you want the photographer to take. This is your clothing brand so you need to take the lead on the type of shots you want and not let the model or photographer dictate what shots they will take. Of course be receptive to their ideas as you don’t want to look like a control freak and they might have a great concept that can benefit your brand.
By finding a model that works for a trade of clothes you can save money for you clothing line, still get a great model, and keep building the image you want for your brand. Find the models that have their own photographers and let them know what kind of shots you want. Remember if it doesn’t work out with one model there are thousands of great models out there that will work with you if your brand is strong.
