Working for a world-famous fashion brand like H&M is a major goal for kids modeling but also a realistically achievable one.
Learn how your child can try to reach it and why it’s a target worth striving for.
The Preparation
Create A Portfolio
A first impression can be made only once so make sure you do it right. This is a must-do step since without creating your child a modeling portfolio, there is virtually no way for potential employers and clients, as well as talent agencies, to assess what the child brings to the table.
A modeling portfolio serves as a visual representation of the child’s talent, experience, personality, and potential in the modeling industry. If the portfolio is done right, it should introduce the model's versatility and professionalism, as well as other qualities to potential clients and agencies.
Things a child's modeling portfolio should include:
High-quality headshots and full-length shots. Those photographs should capture the child’s beauty and personality. Parents should ensure the photos are professional-looking, focused on the child, and showcasing various looks and expressions.
Basic information about the kid. Such details should include the child’s name, age, height, and contact information, as well as relevant skills and relevant experience in modeling.
Highlight unique information. The relevant skills should be showcased since they can help the child stand out amongst other candidates. Such skills can include dancing, singing, sports, and acting, amongst many more.
Highlight the experience. If your child already has modeling experience, it is crucial to highlight it in the portfolio the same way adults do when applying for jobs. It shows that the model already is familiar with the industry and can be expected to be a professional.
Gain Experience
Whether the child has no prior modeling experience or has already started modeling, getting to the gigs for major brands will require dedication from everyone involved.
To help kids modeling to gain more experience, it is efficient to start small-time and reach for the relatively lower-hanging fruit. Modeling opportunities can initially arise at events like school plays or community theater and art productions. There certainly will be local photographers and designers who are themselves looking to build their portfolios while providing valuable experience for child models in the process. While it may not be as prestigious as modeling for major brands, it will help the child build modeling skills and understanding of the industry, as well as gain confidence in their performance in front of the camera and audience outside of their family and friends.
Also, consider enrolling in workshops and classes specifically designed for child models. In such places, children can learn about posing techniques, runway walking, expression control, and other important things related to the modeling industry. Most importantly - the knowledge and feedback will be communicated in a way that is specially designed for their age group and isn't confusingly complicated for a minor.
In today's day and age, online presence is also very important. Through social media platforms or specialized websites like KidsCasting the child model can be showcased with professional photos from previous shoots and behind-the-scenes glimpses of modeling projects. This can not only help reach a wider audience but also hopefully catch the eye of casting directors or agencies scouting for talented kids modeling.
Master The Balance
In the route to their child modeling turning into a success parents should not forget to ensure they don't neglect their other obligations. Balancing modeling commitments and goals with other obligations is crucial to ensure a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle for your child.
Setting dedicated time for studying, extracurricular activities, and personal time can help maintain a balance for child modeling. Parents should make sure that their kid has a schedule in place that allows them to fulfill both modeling ambitions and academic responsibilities.
As exciting as chasing modeling dreams can get, education should remain a top priority for children. Parents should ensure their kids keep up with schoolwork, attend classes regularly, and seek support from teachers or tutors to maintain their academic performance.
On top of that, adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation should be prioritized so that the child can successfully cope with the demands of both academic and modeling pursuits.
The Execution
Finding H&M Casting Calls
When the child model has gained an adequate amount of experience in the industry and also leads a well-balanced lifestyle, it's time to take it to the big leagues. You can search for H&M kids' casting calls by simply checking the brand's official website for casting call announcements regularly.
Alternatively, keep in touch with reputable modeling agencies and online platforms that are known to be working with H&M. You can also follow popular job boards and social media platforms for H&M casting calls aimed at children models.
Successfully Applying
Once the opportunity arises to apply for a casting call from H&M, do it the same way you would for any other casting call - fulfill the necessary requirements and await the invitation.
Typically the age for kids modelling that H&M and other renowned fashion brands are looking for is between two and twelve years old. Normally casting directors expect the child models to be easy to work with, as well as to show a friendly and curious attitude towards the whole process.
As with any other kids modeling cases, it's also essential the child model's skin is healthy-looking, the hairstyle is well-kept and the clothes for the casting calls are clean and appropriate.
Once you get the invite, support the child with reaching the goal of being cast. Make sure to encourage the kid to not be scared to interact with H&M staff or modeling agency scouts to showcase their personality and modeling skills in between the casting process too.
The Benefits
Why Strive To Model For H&M?
So, the applying and casting call ends up with a success and the child model gets the gib for H&M. What are the benefits from it you wonder?
Kids modeling not only get a prestigious entry for modeling portfolio but also working for H&M and similar major brands can give children valuable exposure to the big stages of the fashion industry early in life. They learn how to take direction, work under pressure, and collaborate with others effectively. These skills are tbeneficial in various aspects of life outside of modeling.
Being selected as an H&M model can also really boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence. It allows them to showcase their unique personality, style, and talents in a major way, which can be empowering for young individuals.
What Comes Next?
Modeling for H&M opens doors to networking opportunities within the fashion industry for the kids. Children who model for H&M may have a higher chance to connect with industry professionals, photographers, designers, and other models.
Such connections can be valuable for future career prospects in the fashion world - both in the short-term for getting the next modeling gigs as child models, as well as in the long-term for a career in the industry.
