Matthew Hardy, 16, first came to We Are Models because he was interested in finding out more about modelling. Less than a month later, and he’s signed with The Eye Casting as a teen model and couldn’t be happier.
We sat down with Matthew and asked him a few questions about his journey.
Introducing…. Teen model Matthew Hardy
WAM: Hi Matthew! Thanks so much for making time to chat.
M.H: Hey! No problem; more than happy to talk.
WAM: I guess the first question is this… why modelling? Why did you get in touch with We Are Models?
M.H: Why modelling. OK. Well, since I was 13 people had been telling me that I’ve got good cheekbones, and so maybe I should think about being a teen model. It’s one of those things. You definitely don’t put too much store by it to start with, but if you keep hearing people saying you could model, you start to think about it more seriously.
Plus I’ve always liked being in front of the camera, and I have an interest in film and photography myself. I’m actually thinking of taking a director course one of these days. I’m also interested in editing and production, so it all plays into the modelling industry. With everyone telling me I should be a teen model as well, that gave me the confidence to pursue it.
I didn’t know anything about the industry, but I thought it was maybe worth giving a shot. Then I saw an advert for We Are Models through social media and that was the prompt I needed to get in touch.
I went in to see the We Are Models team and they told me all about this huge industry I knew nothing about. It was really exciting stuff, so I signed up as a member.
teen model
I went in to see the We Are Models team and they told me all about this huge industry I knew nothing about. It was really exciting stuff, so I signed up as a member
WAM: What sort of things did you talk about?
M.H: They gave me so much insight into the industry; I just didn’t know a lot about it before. They explained the differences between fashion and commercial modelling and where I’d be most suited. The team really told me where I should be heading and how I should position myself as a teen model.
I decided this was something I’d be interested to pursue, so I had my portfolio done. We worked through loads of different looks and different outfits and got a really great collection together.
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The team really told me where I should be heading and how I should position myself as a teen model
I was so impressed with the Head Photographer, Marina. She and her team developed a whole theme, and mapped this out through a series of photos. They came out and were really impressive: I was so thrilled.
WAM: Was this your first time in front of the camera?
M.H: In front of a professional camera, yes. It was great actually. I like to think that I’m quite confident – there’s no point being shy if you want to be in the modelling industry. I just went for it, and they helped me a lot. Gave me a lot of direction. I’ve picked up a lot that I carried forward in my career.
When I first went in to see The Eye Casting, the agency I’ve signed with, their photographer took a couple of shots of me and the first thing he said was that I know how to carry myself, how to work the camera. He said he was impressed at how natural I was, which I definitely have We Are Models to thank for!
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The first agency I applied to commented straight away on how natural I was in front of the camera, which I definitely have We Are Models to thank for!
WAM: We hear that a lot! Obviously coming away with fantastic professional images is a big plus, but the direction in front of the camera is invaluable for aspiring models.
M.H: Definitely! That’s one of the best things about working with We Are Models. When you’re coming into the industry you can’t just take up the mantle and do it yourself; you definitely need someone to guide you and to help you along.
If you want to be a teen model, if you want to make your start in the industry, you should definitely go to We Are Models!
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When you’re coming into the industry you definitely need someone to guide you and to help you along
WAM: Aw, thanks Matthew! You’ll make us blush. And on that note, do you have any other tips for anyone who wants to be a teen model?
M.H: I’d say go for it! Also, confidence is key – in all walks of life but especially in the modelling industry. We Are Models really gave me confidence, because I felt like I knew I was doing the right thing, acting in the right way.
I’d also say how important it is to find something that’s right for you. Don’t just apply to agencies because they’re prestigious – find agencies that are a good fit. We Are Models pointed me in the direction of The Eye Casting because they’re much more edgy and young, and that really suits what I’m looking for.
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We Are Models really gave me confidence, because I felt like I knew I was doing the right thing, acting in the right way
If you’re going to try and go into modelling, don’t waste time by applying to the wrong agencies. There’s no point signing up to someone who isn’t right for you, because either you won’t get signed anyway, or you won’t get work through them.
WAM: That’s perfect, thank you. And finally, what does the future hold for you?
M.H: I don’t know; it’s all exciting stuff! I guess, as cliché as it sounds, I just want to continue the journey. It’s all about the experiences!
WAM: Matthew, you’ve been a star. Thank you so much for your time!
Want to be a teen model like Matthew? We Are Models can help. Get in touch to find out more about our high-touch, highly-personalized service to help you become a model.
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