New Model Workshop - FAQ

With our next workshop coming up, and our main website not quite updated (though I'm happy to say we welcome Kendall, our new intern, who will be helping move that project along!) it seemed that it may be helpful to post some FAQ regarding Model Integrity and our workshops to address many of your questions or concerns. So here goes!

Q: What is Model Integrity?
A: Model Integrity is a resource group in the Twin Cities for aspiring models (of all ages) with the attention of giving models the information and advice they need to avoid model related scams (of which the industry if flooded with) and connect with a legitimate, local agency to find paid modeling bookings.

Q: Who started Model Integrity?
A: Model Integrity was founded by Shannon Tacheny, (who is also the owner/photographer of Feather Blue Studios), and has been a model herself for over ten years, working at some point with almost all of the local agencies. Shannon has modeled for clients such as Best Buy, Fingerhut, and Rocco Altobelli Salons locally, as well as for some shows in NY. She now has two small children who also model in the Twin Cities as well.

Q: Why is a group like Model Integrity necessary?
A: When Shannon began modeling, she researched and considered many different modeling related options, including modeling schools, scouting events, online sites, advertisements, test photographers, and more (probably much like you are). Once she did find a legit agency, she realized that most of these very visible opportunities were actually unnecessary, some of them complete traps costing people large sums of money, while the legit agencies seemed tucked below the surface, overshadowed by all the people trying to make money off of persons interested in pursuing their dreams. She founded Model Integrity to provide the direct, honest information people need to pursue real modeling jobs with a real MN modeling agency.

Q: How does Model Integrity actually go about helping aspiring talent?
A: Model Integrity offers this information primarily through our New Model Workshops. Model Integrity also occasionally hosts open model call events to get models exposure or participate in a test booking to gain experience. Model Integrity is not a modeling agency and is not intended to replace being part of a local MN Modeling agency. Instead, we are a one step resource to help you cut out all of the unnecessary traps, expenses, and confusion, and connect you with the specific info you need to work with a Twin Cities modeling agency. After attending one of our workshops, you will literally have all the info you need to step out the door and pursue a real agency the very next day, as well as the knowledge to communicate effectively with local agencies and clients.

Q: What do you actually cover in a New Model Workshop?
A: The workshops take everything you need to know, beginning to end, from understanding the local market to how to pay your taxes. Here are some of the details:
-Necessary and unnecessary expenses in the world of modeling
-Recognizing scams & identifying legitimate resources
-Contact info for established modeling agencies in the Twin Cities
-How to make the best submission possible (for your look) to an agency
-Understanding model materials - photos, comp cards, portfolios, web, etc.
-Insider info on attending auditions & bookings
-Posing & runway basic training
-Plus, every model gets one-on-one time at the end to answer questions, evaluate any materials you may have now, and help you identify what type(s) of modeling you may be suited for and how to best market this to get you noticed by agencies and clients.

Q: How much does a Model Integrity workshop cost and how often are they?
A: Model Integrity group workshops are generally offered only 2-3 times a year at this point. (So when there's one coming up, you may want to jump on it). As we grow and become a trusted name in the community, we'd like to offer them more often. Group workshops are generally $49 and include a folio of detailed info as well as a free model bag. (FYI: Currently there is a pre-registration rate of $39 being offered for our April 2009 workshop and a photography gift card included as well). If no group workshop is coming up, you may request a one-on-one consulting appointment that will cover the same info for a rate of $95.

Q: How many people are at these workshops?
A: To keep the individual attention up at the end, we limit workshop size to a minimum. There may be as few as two or as many as eight in your workshop. To avoid missing out on the workshop if it fills up, register early.

Q: Does Model Integrity guarantee I will be able to find an agency or paid work after attending a workshop?
A: Absolutely not. This is exactly what makes us legitimate. Any resource in the modeling world that makes promises is likely a trap. We are hoping to restore integrity to the talent industry by offering affordable, honest, legitimate information to persons who have an interest in pursuing modeling in MN. Working with Model Integrity however can give you an edge over other aspiring talent. By helping you avoid costly scams and advising you on the right kind of submission to make to an agency, we can help you avoid mistakes that others are making. This can help you save money as well as give your agency submission the attention it deserves (rather than being immediately tossed in the trash) because it will better suit industry standards, define where you fit into the modeling world, show your knowledge of the industry, and help feature you strengths.

Q: How do I get more info or register for a workshop?
A: You can email us at modelintegrity@juno.com or call 651.489.8281 to receive a registration form and info packet. (In the next coming weeks our main website will be updated as well, and we'll post once it is).

Our next workshop is scheduled for Saturday April 18th, 2009, at 10:30am. It will be hosted in St Paul, Midway area. (Feel free to peak down a few postings to more details about this particular event. This time around we are offering a 15 minute open model call & free info session to individuals who may want to get more info in person before registering. However registering at the door after the open call is $49, and pre-registration is only $39.)

Please get in touch if you have further questions or want to register for our Saturday April 18th workshop! Thanks! :) ~modelintegrity@juno.com~