How To Find Models For Your Lookbook or Catalog
Finding just the right models for your Lookbook or Catalog is an important process. You want different looks & variety in your models and probably have very specific requirements (height, hair color, eye color etc). The casting process is much easier now than it was 10 years ago thanks to the innovative ways to hire models. Make sure you are clear about what a lookbook and catalog are, what they consist of and how to construct one. Find the best way to hire models efficiently while saving time and having full control of the hiring process.
What is a Lookbook and Catalog
- A lookbook is wonderful marketing tool for businesses big and small. It is used to pass out and expose your material as a designer. Your look book is not just a traditional catalog but an expressive way to show your work and what your company represents in the most creative way. You are going to want to take time planning what your lookbook entails considering it is time consuming and is not free to do. Create your lookbook according to your targeted audience and not just by what you personally like. The best way to start planning your lookbook project is to list:
- 3 reasons you may need a lookbook.
- 3 ways you will distribute it.
- 3 ways it can increase Return On Investment or ROI. (A lookbook is time consuming and can get pricey to create but has multiple marketing benefits.)
Once you have written your plan to action, start jotting down specific ideas on the creative process that you are trying to achieve. In most lookbooks, freelance models are used to show off your work as a graphic designer, clothing designer, product specialist etc. Understand what is going to make your audience buy your product by having a targeted audience in mind. Make sure to keep your product the main focus. If you are showing off your new clothing line choose models wisely in order to draw attention to the fashion aspect. Also, keeping your vision consistent through the different versions of lookbooks you create. It is essential for keeping your brand design structured and supported. Lastly, keep your lookbook at 4 pages. That is the perfect amount of content for your audience to get a clear understanding of your product, designs as well as vision. Anything above that is more so for higher budget projects that are being mass distributed.
- A catalog is a more traditional way to present your work. Your audience will love to flip through your catalog to find new fashion, products or specialities. If your goal is to create a fashion catalog get to know your audience first. If you create children’s clothing, you will have a more family oriented audience so direct it accordingly. If you create high fashion you are going to have a specific focus and mood that you will want to set. Make sure to embrace consistency in your tone, layout, font and layout depending on your audience and style of merchandise. Make a decision how you are going to want to display your merchandise. Choose if you will use live models, mannequins or on hangers. Using live models will bring your catalog to life and show your merchandise on different body types. When you are using live models make sure to:
- Keep in mind the right photographer to hire that will understand your vision.
- Choose your models wisely. Utilize web platforms that offer models to hire that will be time efficient.
- What type of models are you aiming to hire? Diversity is key, create a catalog that will target many different groups of people. Men, women, children, blonde, brunette etc.
Hire models that are going to accentuate your creations and bring your ideas off the paper. Your catalog is going to be used at events, trade shows, or even sold at shops or small boutiques. Put time and effort into making your catalog exactly how you want the targeted audience to view your product and brand. Make sure to list sizes, colors and price or each item.
Hiring Models For Your Project
As we mentioned above, making sure to take your time in creating your lookbook or catalog is key. Not only are you putting in hard work but your time will be consumed with projects such as these. They could bring in new audiences or possible buyers. Find the right model hiring platform for you.
- If you are wanting to take full control over who and how you hire your models take advantage of online web platforms such as Castango.com. Castango is not an agency, instead it is the most innovative and successful way to hire talent. You have the freedom to search through thousands of talent of all diversities on your own time remotely. Not only are you able to post your job, you can also find talent and connect with them direct. Each talent has their own profile to view so you are aware of their experience and statistics. Check out Castango.com to get the most out of your hiring experience.
- Agencies are an option as well. If you want to pay for the service of someone else choosing your models for you go with a brick and mortar agency. Be aware that models are chosen for you without you having much say except for your requirements. Be aware that as you are creating your lookbook or catalog, you may choose different looks and styles, so have open communication with your chosen agency.
- Looking for models through social media can be a less expensive way to go about hiring but may not be as efficient as you wish. The most common complaint from companies is hiring a model and having them show up not looking like the photo posted. Be careful not using a credible platform such as an agency or Castango.
Hire models for your lookbook or catalog while having control of the hiring process. Looking for models can actually be a seamless experience as long as you chose the right avenue for you and your brand.
Creating the perfect lookbook or catalog for your brand is going to be fulfilling on a marketing level as well as a personal level once you see all of your hard work paying off. Keep in mind that diversity (young, old, male, female, blue eyes, hazel eyes) is going to tie into your targeted audience and be quite fun on a creative level. Having specific requirements is a good thing. Knowing what you want will help you refine your search as you hire models. Make the process of hiring models exciting and all up to you. Gone are the days of having to put your concept into someone else’s hands.
Check out Castango to maximize your hiring experience. Now, you know what a lookbook and catalog consist of, how you can plan each and every step and where to hire the right models. Being more educated will only give you more of a focus for your project. Have fun creating your best work.
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