Creative writer/editor with wide-ranging expertise in marketing, corporate communications, and journalism. Focus on clear, direct messaging to generate sales and increase customer traffic. Experience includes:
- Retail selling copy
- Columns on the arts and music for an alternative newsweekly
- Public Relations
- Corporate/Institutional Communications
SUPPLIES
- Camera
- Internet or telephone
Overview
As one of the country's largest retailers, JCPenney is also a major employer of models for its catalogs, commercials and retail advertising. Like most catalog and retail companies, JCPenney does not hire models directly. To model for JCPenney, you will need to sign up with a modeling agency. While signing with an agency will not guarantee a job with JCPenney or any other client, it is absolutely necessary for anyone serious about becoming a model.
Step 1
Start with photos of yourself, as you'll need these to apply to modeling agencies. Include closeups--one smiling and one unsmiling, and one full-length shot. No makeup is best. Photos don't need to be professional or elaborate--a simple shot from your own digital camera is fine. Avoid unnatural posing or complicated backgrounds; instead try for photos that show the real you.
Step 2
Sign with a modeling agency. JCPenney advertising is produced in Dallas, Miami, New York and LA. Contact local modeling agencies in those markets to learn about opportunities. Pay close attention to the application requirements for each agency; some prefer digital photos via email, while others ask for printed photos sent through regular mail. Get your best photos together and send your application in to several agencies.
Step 3
Attend an "open call" casting. Many agencies do regular "open calls" where they meet prospective models in person. Check with agencies in your area to see when the next open call will be scheduled. You will need to bring photos of yourself to leave with the casting agent.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Research agencies you are considering. A visit to their websites will show you whether they are national, how many and what types of models they represent, and often will show recent work by their models so you can get an idea of what kind of clients they work with.
Casting requirements change from season to season, so resubmit photos to agencies every 6 to 12 months, or whenever you have a major change in your look, such as a dramatically different haircut, new hair color, weight loss or gain, or getting taller.
Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back from the agency. Most agencies take on very few models as a rule, and there are always many more applicants than jobs.
- WARNING : Working directly with a photographer or client can lead to nonpayment, legal issues and sometimes dangerous situations. All modeling assignments should come from your agency.
You don't need expensive portfolio photography to apply to a modeling agency. Most agencies prefer simple photography.
Reputable modeling agencies are paid by clients like JCPenney, never by models. If an agency requests a large payment from you for any reason, be very careful; make sure you know exactly what you are paying for.
Resources
