Rays Fine Art wrote:
I think it's extremely important.  Most of my decision to contact or ignore a model is made on the profile, more so even than on the pictures in the portfolio.  There's no lack of beautiful people, male and female, on MM.  Interesting, responsible, dependable folks who, whether pro or amateur, conduct themselves in a professional manner are in far shorter supply
--Does the model seem intelligent and interesting?  If I'm going to spend two to four hours with someone, I much prefer that (s)he not be boring, overly self-centered or even just plain dumb.
--Does (s)he seem to be responsible and dependable?  I certainly don't want to spend my time organizing myself, my space and that of the other team members on someone who may or may not show up on time (or at all) and ready to work.
--Does (s)he understand my work, and is (s)he realistic about  his/her ability to contribute to a successful shoot?  If I'm looking for someone for an art project, I don't to waste my time with someone who is categorically opposed to any level of nudity and if it's a fashion-oriented project, I don't want a four-foot, eleven inch, hundred and fifty pound model who is convinced (s)he can "think tall".
--Is (s)he genuinely committed to modeling or just in it for the buck?  Nothing wrong with wanting to make a living, but I find that the folks that think this is an easy gig that doesn't involve skill, talent and commitment to the project at hand tend to make pretty poor pictures and the ones that have an excessive idea of their own worth area best left to their own devices.

All IMHO as always, of course.

All of the above, plus, I don't care about your love for your dog, grandmother, or favorite poet, band or music. If you have any special talents, dance, underwater swimming, yoga, acting training, I would like to know about those. If you are a vegan and won't eat, touch, certain things, that is also handy to know. Also keep your weight, hair, etc. information updated.

RTE Photography wrote:
I don't care about your love for your dog, grandmother, or favorite poet, band or music.

Reading model profile can be entertaining.  Once upon of a time I read  "I don't show my goodies because they are for my boy friend only"......LOL

Deep Visions wrote:
A models' bio is the very first thing I look at before viewing any photos, sometimes I don't bother looking at the models' photos after reading the bio

Yeah, I read it first too... that gives me an idea... then I might give it a very quick look... a few seconds are enough to have a negative or positive impression confirmed and either continue to look, or click out not to waste my time.

alba_andela wrote:
Hi!
Wondering what everyone's thoughts were when it comes to the "about me" section of your profile. Are you more likely to hire someone who has a particular type of bio? What are some important components to add?

very important.  Also, for models, the photos in your portfolio is just as important.  this applies same with makeup artist because that is what most people will look at if you are right candidate for the spot.

alba_andela wrote:
Are you more likely to hire someone who has a particular type of bio? What are some important components to add?

It's fine to get relevant and targeted information.

If a model tells me in the "about me" section that she/he is concerned about global warming or supporting animal shelter or such stuff suspicion raises that this model will be unable to sort relevant things from irrelevant things in other contexts, too.

Limit yourself to things that are relevant for your modelling and for your (potential) customers.

I'm not interested in your cute kids (except maybe I can book you plus cute kids for stock photography showing cute mummy with cute kids...). But mentioning your cute kids may raise suspicion that your kids might be much more important for you than your modelling - and that may raise questions about your reliabilty. I'm not interested in your religious beliefs but speaking about it in your model bio may raise suspicion that your religious beliefs may interfere with some modelling jobs.

Telling private things or even about your sex life and than stating "This is not a dating site!!!" in the next chapter is a little bit weird. Models are hired for their look and their professional competence so a very short "bio" even may appear extra professional...
References are fine. Special competences (dance, yoga, horseback riding, diving, acting, ...) are fine. Special interests may suggest special competences - but also lead to bias. Use "about me" for information that do not fit into the standard categories. ("Tattoos: some" - "A 10" tattoo showing a tiger head on my upper back")

alba_andela wrote:
Should you leave out your agency from your bio?

No, do not leave out.

Deep Visions wrote:
A models' bio is the very first thing I look at before viewing any photos, sometimes I don't bother looking at the models' photos after reading the bio

+1

I'm looking for red flags* and green lights in the bio, and if I read the latter, I look inside to see if what I feel are positives are supported by the images in the portfolio.

*red flags aren't necessarily "wrong" or "bad", just indications that we might not be compatible.

Dekilah wrote:
I adjust my bio at least a few times a year to reflect my current goals and such. My goal for my bio is to answer the most common questions people may have about working with me, to show that I am serious about and devoted to what I do, and to convey a high level of professionalism. It's difficult to know if it's effective or if people appreciate it, but I have had a couple people tell me they like it. The fact that most people contacting me seem to be contacting me about stuff I am interested in is probably a pretty good indication that my bio is doing part of it's job.

I wish that all bios were as informative as yours!

alba_andela wrote:
Hi!
Wondering what everyone's thoughts were when it comes to the "about me" section of your profile. Are you more likely to hire someone who has a particular type of bio? What are some important components to add?

"About me" is extremely important and I would not even think about engaging a model without studying the bio.

That being said, many models seem to consider the bio as running a distant second to their portfolio, so, especially with newbies, I allow a fair bit of leeway unless they include demands or attitudes that I think will be counterproductive.

Dekilah wrote:
I adjust my bio at least a few times a year to reflect my current goals and such. My goal for my bio is to answer the most common questions people may have about working with me, to show that I am serious about and devoted to what I do, and to convey a high level of professionalism. It's difficult to know if it's effective or if people appreciate it, but I have had a couple people tell me they like it. The fact that most people contacting me seem to be contacting me about stuff I am interested in is probably a pretty good indication that my bio is doing part of it's job.

Rob Photosby wrote:
I wish that all bios were as informative as yours!

Thank you ^_^ It's been a process. I still think some people would see it as too long, but I'm hoping it saves everyone some time.

Connor Photography wrote:
Absolutely, I read the model profile carefully, often twice.   Most of the time, it tells me her maturity, intelligence and commitment.  I look for red flags so I don't have to bother her. 

this!
sometimes its more of a deciding factor than the images.

D a v i d s o n wrote:
I'll go straight to the images first being that she is a model I need to see her,  If I like what I see then i'll look at the bio.

I do the same except I first look to the left to see if she said "yes" on shooting nudes (I paint fine art nudes, so that's a must), then it is straight to the photos! I love reading the bios, (some are sooooo funny) but that comes last!