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Is Social Media Integral?
As a model, do you use social media to market yourself? Why or why not? How do you feel your tactics are working out for you? Edit to add: This post is not an inquiry for advice towards whether - I personally - should use social media or not. I have already made my decision on that long ago. I was just curious on what other people did and how they felt about their choices. Dec 02 15 09:47 pm Link If you consider Model Mayhem as social media, I do use this site to get assignments and to meet people who are interested in working together. I have actually never used Facebook and have no interest in that sort of so-called social website activity. I haven't heard anything good about social media activity on the news, other than Facebook is making the guy who started it very rich. Many people say having a presence there or on other websites is a serious detriment to getting a real job in the business world because it's too easy for a prospective employer to find out bad things about your lifestyle and decline to hire you. Dec 02 15 10:22 pm Link IDiivil wrote: As a bridal makeup artist yes... absolutely, it is an integral component of my marketing mix... Dec 03 15 04:06 am Link When I was traveling across the country, it was absolutely necessary to have some form of social media. As a local model, you have your home base of people that know you well; I'm very fortunate that I live in a relatively small market and can get work based on referalls and rebookings, but to be fair as an art model a lot of what I do is for schools and longer jobs, so there is some inherent regularity to that form of work. I've also been modeling for well over 6 years off and on in this market alone, so it did take some time to build up a local network. If I were still seeking work as a photo model, I would maintain a portfolio site and whatever sites those who shot the genre I modeled in seemed to use most. (I.e. fetish work, fetlife; general art nudes and glamour, MM; etc). I think it's best to utilize many forms of social media as well as combining traditional networking methods. The way I've gotten my foot in so many doors is by saying I was willing to be a last minute fill-in model. You really get on a model coordinator's good side when you show up out of the woodwork and fill in for 5 gigs in a row and are early, prepared, and get good feedback from the teachers and students. Hopefully some of this was helpful! Dec 03 15 05:11 am Link Now it is, yes. A few years ago, no. Dec 03 15 06:55 am Link I cannot speak for models, but I my experience on facebook suggests to me that it is far more effective than model mayhem, although I am not at all sure that MM understands the dimensions of the threat that FB poses. If I post a casting call on MM, I am doing well if I get half a dozen or so responses and if one of those turns out to be a capable model. In contrast, I posted a casting call on FB a few months ago and got 97 responses, of which 15 looked like reasonable prospects. To date, I have shot with four of them and the results have been superior to those that I have achieved with MM models, so, if you do not already have a FB presence, you may be missing out. Dec 03 15 07:36 am Link Rob Photosby wrote: I briefly had a Facebook for modeling, and as a nude model it wasn't super effective. It's also technically against Facebook rules to have more than one Facebook as far as I understand, even though many people do. Linking to an external portfolio site was ok, but the whole anti-nudity thing Facebook has can be inhibiting as to what work you can post on your actual Facebook page. Dec 03 15 07:57 am Link I find twitter to be a great source of getting attention for modelling purposes as theres alot out there that already do this and are interested in it, theres no nudity ban as such and the ability for other people to retweet your tweets to reach an even wider audience again and again is very much worth it. Dec 03 15 08:35 am Link IDiivil wrote: Hi Christine! Dec 03 15 09:28 am Link udor wrote: Has posting on Instagram helped you? Dec 03 15 09:43 am Link I have pretty much all of the social media accounts. I have a Facebook profile, a Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tsu, Google+, YouTube, and then a bunch of others that don't really get used (Ello, for example). I mainly use them to promote my work, sell prints, promote Zivity sets and my Patreon, and just generally to connect with fans. I also use them for non-modeling related things like promotion of art and charity events I coordinate. In some ways, I'm very happy using social media and I've definitely reached a lot more people than I would have otherwise, but I also feel like I struggle with it. I don't have the huge number of followers that other sort of similar models do. I've been told that part of my problem is that I'm too nice and friendly and genuine and that I need to develop a flirty, fake personality and basically lead people on and/or shoot and post more explicit work. (un)Fortunately, my personal ethics prevent either of those things so I suppose I may be stuck around the level I am now forever. However, I really am quite thankful for social media and all that I've been able to accomplish because of it, particularly with my modeling. I also realize I'm still far more "out there" than a lot of other models, probably partly due to my name. Google is definitely my friend and the friend of those looking for me specifically ^_^ More in depth... social media has definitely boosted my visibility. In terms of gain fans and supporters, it's been fantastic (even if my numbers aren't what I want right now). In terms of booking shoots as a model... I can't really say. I've cut back on shooting a lot and mainly I shoot at group shoots now for a variety of reasons. I'm not doing the paid model hustle any more. I do get offers to shoot, but most of them aren't really trade shoots at the level I'm willing to take on or they're not in my area or they're paid shoots that just aren't well paid enough to justify the time spent and driving or they're beyond my limits. I live in kind of a weird area, way too many people and not a lot of people looking for who I am and what I offer. I spend at least a couple hours a day on social media and I've got a few side projects like my Untouched Skin blog for (photos of) glamour and nude models with no body mods. I also use it, as I mentioned, for promoting events including group shoots, but also art events and such. It's really important for those as it is an easy way for people to contact the events, find information, and invite their friends. Dec 03 15 10:04 am Link Jerry Nemeth wrote: Not yet, I am not as active as I should be! I am posting now for only 12 weeks (you can't expect wonders and thousands of followers when you just started!) and I have only 62 posts and 450 followers... it takes diligence to develop organic followers (vs. purchased ones) and you need a few thousand to develop to get into the efficiency. Constant interaction is key, e.g. posting once a day and liking and commenting on other people's post in categories you are interested in, e.g. #editorialfashion etc. Hashtags are extremely important, since they are indexing and cataloging your photos. You can consider this as part of your daily routine of marketing your business. Dec 03 15 10:17 am Link le chat dort wrote: Facebook's attitude to nudity is certainly not an asset, but they are OK with posting implieds and seem to be OK with bare behinds provided they are not close-ups. Dec 04 15 05:52 am Link I shoot film, print it out and carry it around asking random people to like and comment in hope that some time in a blue moon they will knock on my door and ask to commission me to produce a real expensive work of art. I also come forward in the restaurants and tell them how I like what they are eating, what they are wearing and re-telling their answers to others. In a nutshell PS I already have 5 followers: 3 policemen and 2 psychiatric nurses!!! Dec 04 15 07:38 am Link i would like to know the best social media site to share photos i certainly cant share sexy stuff on facebook Dec 19 15 07:27 am Link I'd recommend linking contact info in your bio on Instagram/twitter etc. And follow people you want to work for! My dream has always been to be apart of the NAIAS, and one of the designers for the main event contacted me because of my email on instagram. Utilize it as a networking tool! Dec 19 15 10:29 am Link IDiivil wrote: Personally, I no longer shoot models who don't have a healthy presence on Instagram. It shows way more about the person than a Model Mayhem account ever could- plus I can gauge whether or not having them post a picture taken by me will generate click on my page. Dec 23 15 06:36 pm Link I am an Instagram newbie; starting to try and use it at least daily, shoots or no shoots. Dec 24 15 03:02 am Link Dec 24 15 10:43 am Link I use 'em all. I don't post daily idk I'm sure my content could be better and could use more hashtags etc. I don't use separate accounts for my work or a stage name. It's mostly because I'm proud of my work and have a real love for modeling and acting. I figure nobody else is going go promote me, until I can afford to hire a publicist so I have to get my work out there myself. Sometimes you have to speak to people in a platform they understand. Dec 24 15 11:22 am Link Social media matters tremendously to me! Although I come from an old school era of print, I wouldn't be able to continue working as a freelance photojournalist from home without it. Models who use social media get noticed by me. There is no way to avoid it. Dec 24 15 01:17 pm Link I use Instagram, Zivity, Tumblr, and Model Society. I've booked gigs using both instagram and tumblr multiple times - instagram was how I got started actually. Model Society has also proven pretty useful. I update my tumblr and instagram almost every day, answer email from all sites as promptly as possible while maintaining communication (it's useless if you don't continue the email through booking and then even to confirm up to the day before or day of), and I try to also stay connected to people who regularly book me through all of these - I have people I work with on a biweekly basis. Social media is definitely useful for me. If nothing else, you can get hosting while traveling this way quite easily and use the sites to connect with other models, which is definitely helpful. Jan 06 16 02:10 am Link Jerry Nemeth wrote: udor wrote: Update... I have been a little bit more diligent the past two weeks with posting... Jan 06 16 02:37 am Link I use model mayhem, fetlife, and model society. Model Mayhem is the best source for photographers but I get some hits on fetlife too. I don't have a modeling page on facebook but that might be a good idea. I also have an instagram but I more regularly update the mm and model society sites https://www.modelmayhem.com/3782221 https://fetlife.com/users/5389199 http://modelsociety.com/Model/acro11 Jan 06 16 03:18 am Link Mostly my FB is full of fans and not paying photographers. I don't have anything to sell, such as prints and such, but I really think I could monopolize on the FB following I have if I really had the initiative right now. Jan 08 16 06:39 pm Link I find knocking on doors works much better than waiting for someone to surf me. Make your own opportunity. Jan 08 16 08:58 pm Link I’ve just done a fashion shoot with a professional model that I first met via social media. I liked her rebellious attitude and non model-type looks. The magazine suggested someone else but we went with my recommendation and it worked out great. Jan 09 16 02:43 am Link WisconsinArt wrote: Having a presence on social media doesn’t prevent anyone doing any door knocking. It just knocks on a few more metaphorical doors whilst you are asleep. Jan 09 16 03:18 am Link Amelia Simone wrote: Having fans is nice but what's the point of having fans if you don't get paid? Jan 09 16 04:04 am Link Popularity factor I guess is important if people that pay you think it is. Jan 09 16 04:10 am Link MatureModelMM wrote: ... and most employers check Google in addition to Facebook. Jan 09 16 04:18 am Link R.EYE.R wrote: ROFLMAO. Bloody Brilliant Jan 09 16 09:52 am Link I personally hate sites like twitter and instagram; but being honest, I find most of my models through Facebook. Jan 09 16 03:15 pm Link Its a tool, a very important one. Sadly. As a model, its not required, but thats for those who are blessed enough with genetics to land a contract with the top fashion agencies. For every day industry models, id say its a must. Its free marketing, exposure and outreach. Why anyone wouldn't use such a resource is beyond me. The downside its the vanity and egos some people develop through their social media pages. Ive known and lost many models who were friends because they let the social media world consume and dictate how they lived and treated others. Insta-fame isn't fame, or success, its temporary. There isn't a over night secret using social media for success. Many companies use models for their followers, but they are not respect in the industry, by anyone. Work hard, share your actual work online, and wait for legitimate opportunities to arise from your work. Most "models' post hundreds and hundreds of photos and not one is from a paid gig, cover, campaign etc. Use it, but use it wisely. Don't think its a career move to work only through social media. Feb 04 16 02:47 pm Link Although the OP is soliciting the opinions of models, the topic is important enough for me to chime in. I have never met a model familiar with the posted terms of service of many social media sites. Terms of service of most "social media" sites contain clauses in which by by joining you agree to your posted images possibly being sold to third parties "without notice or compensation." Please read these notices. Some have agreements with stock houses that continually scan for usable images they can use for free. Many established commercial photographers choose not to join as it renders their work as valueless. There are other, less exploitive sites available for self promotion. Feb 19 16 08:49 am Link I love how integrated social media has become to the fashion world! I feel that it is important to stay updated and connected online. I have personally grown my contacts in my community through social media. However I'm sure there are still a good amount of highly desired models/designers/photographers who don't put everything they do on Instagram and Facebook! It's a preference! Mar 05 16 07:26 pm Link Social media is very important for my photography and modeling. I think it depends on your genre and your target audience. My audience are people that use social media and the most effective websites have been Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. However, it is very important to follow up my social media with real world marketing and networking as well. I get the most of just going to events and meeting potential clients as well as other artists. Mar 06 16 07:07 pm Link IDiivil wrote: I absolutely use social media to market myself. I have a Facebook profile, a Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, Ello, DeviantArt, and maybe others that I've forgotten about by now. Mar 09 16 12:35 am Link I like to check the Instagram of the Model before casting anyone for a job/test... 2 basic checks: - Natural pics without make-up. - And the number of followers. Mar 22 16 09:06 am Link IDiivil wrote: The one thing that doesn't seem to have been brought up is that fact that when you're using social media for promotional purposes you have to straddle a very fine line between being a person and a persona. Looking at Facebook in particular on your personal page it's completely okay to post goofy pictures at a friends birthday or to use the geotagging features BUT when you set up something like a fan page those things can be more detrimental than helpful e.g. a photographer may cancel a gig if they see something that concerns them or the end client. I'm not saying not to post more normal pictures/events but know that in putting yourself on social media as a model that essentially what you're doing is publicizing yourself as a brand and it needs to be consistent with the line of work that you're looking for. Mar 22 16 09:35 am Link |
