How to Find the Right Models for Your Brand

Intheconstantly evolving fashion industry, finding suitable models isnot just about their physical attributes but also their ability toembody your brand’s unique story andmessage.

This article will guide you indiscovering theperfect models tailored toyour brand’s needs andrequirements. Keep reading todive deeper into tips andtricks formaking thebest match!

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Does Your Business Need Models?

Businesses ofall sizes can benefit from using models todemonstrate their products. For example, apparel companies could use models toshowcase their latest collections. Models are also helpful when creating promotional material forsocial media orevents, such asproduct launches.

Basically, ifyou sell something people can wear, beitclothes, accessories, shoes, makeup, etc., then itwon’t hurt tocollaborate with models toshow your potential customers how they can use your products.

Incomparison tojust product photos ormannequins, images that include models (that look like your target demographic) provide some important context andvisual information that you simply can’t achieve anyother way.

Research proves this iseffective: data from eye-tracking studies show that –aԻ you want your products toget asmuch attention aspossible.

Keep Your Audience InMind

Before you start your search, let’s take amoment totalk about models. Gone are thedays when models were only skinny people with high cheekbones andperfect abs. Brands realized that, more often than not, such models donot accurately represent theaverage person who shops attheir stores.

Consumers also want tosee models ofdifferent body types, ethnicities, andbackgrounds sothat they can feel represented bywhat they’re viewing. Surveys prove that, too. According toasurvey conducted byGoogle, theFemale Quotient, andIpsos, , aproduct after seeing anadthey think isdiverse orinclusive.

Inviting people ofvarious body types toshowcase products quickly proved tobeaprofitable strategy forbrands. Just look attheinsights from a:

Your customers come inall shapes, sizes, andDZǰ—aԻ it’s important toremember this asyou look forthemodels that will represent your brand.

Savage xFenty hires models ofdifferent body types andethnicity

First, Define Your Brand Identity

Before you start scouting formodels, itiscrucial tohave aclear understanding ofyour brand identity. Consider factors such asthetarget audience, brand values, andtheoverall aesthetic you want toproject. This will not only help you find suitable models who align with your brand but can also assist inmaking your brand more relatable toyour target customers.

For instance, ifyour brand promotes body positivity andinclusivity, you’ll want toensure your models represent various body types, ages, andethnicities.

Let’s take abit ofadeeper dive here tohelp pinpoint which models are going tobethebest foryour fashion store.

Demographic Specifics

Take time toidentify thespecifics you’re looking forinamodel. It’s not enough tosay females between theages of16-25. Spell itout more byindicating:

The rule ofthumb istochoose models that look like your target audience. Ifyou’re selling coats formiddle-aged men, you won’t invite teenagers asmodels andvice versa.

Brand Values andAesthetic

Inaddition todemographics, you need tothink about thevalues andaesthetics ofyour brand. Often, this will becommunicated through thetype ofmodel you choose, aswell asstyling andposes.

When itcomes tovalues, think about what your brand stands for. Are your products made with sustainable materials? Doyou support ethical practices? Tailor these core values into anarrative that resonates with your customers. It’s more important than you might think: according toa, 74% ofthegeneral population says that their purchasing decisions are influenced bytheir ethical beliefs.

Take Nike, forexample. The athletic brand consistently maintains animage ofpower anddetermination, often hiring professional athletes toshowcase their products. Bydoing so, they cement their position asaleading sports brand while simultaneously catering totheir target audience.

Another example isFaguo. The brand says they are inspired bynature, andtheir is“to help our generation fight climate change.” Their ads, website, andsocial media profiles reflect that. You see their models outdoors, riding bicycles orwalking intheforest.

Posts onFaguo’s Instagram page

Explore Diverse Channels forModel Sourcing

You have several different options that will get your model search started. Choose one based onyour needs, budget, andgoals.

Collaborate with Social Media Influencers

With theincreasing influence ofsocial media platforms like Instagram andTikTok, finding models has become more streamlined andaccessible. Social media influencers andmicro-influencers, who have adedicated following, have become valuable assets forbrands looking togain visibility andengage with abroader audience.

According toDigital Marketing Institute, . Consumers are more likely topurchase ifthey feel confident about aninfluencer’s advice.

Influencers can help build trust between brands andconsumers byproviding honest reviews andrecommendations about products orservices. This type ofmarketing has been proven tobevery successful asithelps brands reach new audiences while building relationships with existing customers.

Target collaborates with influencers topromote their products onsocial media

Pro Tip: Look forinfluencers who have established relationships with their followers. For best results, ensure aninfluencer’s average engagement rate isabout 3-5% ǰ󾱲.

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Reach Out toModeling Agencies

Consider reaching out tolocal modeling agencies orhosting open casting calls. This traditional approach not only allows you toensure you’ll have avariety ofprofessional models tochoose from but also gives opportunities todiscover fresh faces andrising talents.

You can use different tostart looking forprofessional models tohire. Collaborating with professional models not only guarantees high-quality results but also saves you precious time andresources. They are well-trained inposing andhave additional skills forafruitful shoot, ensuring your brand’s image iscaptured inthebest light possible.

Remember that this will bethemost costly route, asmany ofthese models book this type ofwork regularly. Keep inmind that amodel’s rate excludes anyphotography and/or shoot-related expenses.

Use Professional Networking Platforms

Taking advantage ofprofessional networking platforms, such as, can help you connect with industry professionals, like photographers, stylists, andmakeup artists, who are likely tohave valuable connections andrecommendations inthemodeling world.

You can use filters when looking formodels onModel Management

These platforms can also provide awealth ofinformation ontrending styles, themes, andmodel types that may suit your brand’s aesthetic.

Another option istoattend networking events inperson. Attending events catered tothemodeling industry, such asfashion shows ornetworking parties, can introduce potential models toyour brand.

Consider Outsourcing

Ifyou’re not comfortable finding andshooting model photos onyour own, you can completely outsource them toacompany like , which specializes inon-model product photography forecommerce brands. You send theproducts, andthey find suitable models based onyour specifications andshoot theimages foryou. Such services can bepretty costly, sothis option might not suit beginner business owners.

Examples ofphotos you can get when outsourcing product photography

Tosave some money, you can find models such asmicro-influencers with thesame target audience asyours andhire aphotographer forashoot. This option isalso great ifyou don’t want toshoot yourself, forexample, ifyou don’t have much experience with acamera.

You can find photographers forhire bysearching locally, using afreelance platform, orbyfinding out who similar brands worked with.

Aim forLifestyle Pictures

People want tosee models that reflect their own experiences, passions, andinterests. They want tofeel aconnection with theproduct they see, sofinding arelatable model isjust thebeginning. Then you need tocreate lifestyle pictures with your product.

Look atthese two pictures:

Apicture from Ziggy Zaza’s

Now imagine you need tobuy clothes foryour little nephew orniece. You know they are anactive kid who loves toplay sports. Webet thesecond picture would catch your attention. That’s thepower oflifestyle product photography.

Lifestyle product images differ from regular ones: instead offocusing ontheproduct, they show how consumers interact with theitem. They capture amoment that tells astory andconveys anemotion. The key istotranslate themessage your target audience relates oraspires to.

Both Shein andCeline make clothes forwomen, but their target audiences differ پ—aԻ that’s why their product images differ just asmuch. See foryourself:

Lifestyle product pictures show theproduct incontext andgive potential customers abetter idea ofhow itwould fit into their own lives. They help potential customers imagine using theproduct themselves, which can bevery persuasive.

The key togreat lifestyle pictures isshowing thelifestyle your customers want. Create anexperience your target audience actually desires andwants tobuy. Ifyou sell accessories, not only take pictures ofmodels wearing your products. You must dress themodels theway your target audience dreams ofdressing. Use props andshoot inenvironments that make sense fortheproduct andyour target audience.

Anexample oflifestyle product photography byAsphalte

Build aSuccessful Collaboration

When selecting models, beaware oftheir personality. You should look forsomeone who isconfident andnatural infront ofthecamera aswell ascomfortable being directed byyou. When communicating with them, beclear about your vision andprovide ample guidance sothat they can deliver on-brand results.

Once you’ve found potential models foryour brand, itisessential toestablish apositive working relationship built onopen communication, mutual respect, andunderstanding. Betransparent about your expectations andprovide constructive feedback toensure both parties are satisfied with thepartnership. This will ultimately lead tomore fruitful collaborations andanincreased likelihood ofyour models returning forfuture projects.

Before signing anycontracts, consult alegal advisor toensure aproper understanding ofterms such asimage usage, compensation, andnon-disclosure agreements. This protects your business from potential legal disputes inthefuture.

Wrap Up

Navigating theworld ofmodels can seem overwhelming, but theright talent truly sets your brand apart. Remember thefactors such asbrand identity, fit, andpotential alternatives asyou search fortheperfect model toshowcase your business. And remember, it’s not just apretty face you Ա—i’s apowerful story andmessage that themodel should embody.

Now that you’ve learned thecore elements offinding theperfect models foryour brand, don’t hesitate anylonger. Put your newfound knowledge touse, andwitness your business reach new heights!

About The Author
Lina is a content creator at . She writes to inspire and educate readers on all things commerce. She loves to travel and runs marathons.

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