Social Media for Models: How Important is It?

BS: Most definitely. I’d say we are embracing social media as an agency and are changing our strategies to utilize a model’s social media transparency to our benefit. Whether that’s “art directing”  a models post so it’s geared towards a particular client base, or helping them streamline their posts to reflect a certain “personal  brand” direction we see for that model so that they may have the opportunity for business ventures down the  line. It’s not taken lightly.

JU: Not as involved as you’d think. I mean, models are humans too. They have weak moments. They may do something out of anger or something as a response to what people are saying. If it’s something ABSOLUTELY that should be removed because it will damage them … Yes … Otherwise… No.

BS: A models social influence is powerful leverage.  If a client is deciding between two models, the job will definitely go to the model with the most followers and the biggest social presence.  We are also becoming smarter with our models fan data and are using this information to help clients package digital media campaigns that would target that model’s specific fans through online ads.

JU: You know, there was a point that it didn’t and people laughed at social media—especially Instagram. I’m still shocked that it’s such a surprise a visual source has sort of taken over our industry little by little. At this current moment, [followers] aren’t  a deal breaker but I can see how a few years from now the amount of followers and who you are will be one in one.

JU: It’s one of the easiest sources. Lately Wilhelmina has found about 3 to 4 of our top talents based on social media and yes it’s an easy source to get you to have an insight of the person. Being an ex scout, I spend times on end looking into Instagram and finding talent who can’t maximize on their potential.

BS: Instagram is definitely being used as an important tool in our scouting process.  It’s a great because it gives us immediate access to view the accounts of women and men globally, and we are able to see what they are all about— their personalities, interests,  what their “personal brand” could be all about.

BS: I don’t think the focus should be on keeping up with over-the-top “sexy” photos on Instagram, but rather should be about creating tasteful and strong posts that reflect that particular model’s career, personality and interests. Instagram is too diluted with half-naked girls, exploiting themselves and their sexuality.  We’d rather our models focus on posting about their career with new work and tear sheets, their personalities by having them share “a day in the life” type posts, and interests such as fashion, health and wellness, cooking or fitness as examples.

JU: Not necessarily [important.] think social media gives people the freedom to show who they are. If sexy is what you are, then yes. If ‘yoga’ is who you are, yes. If a foodie is who you are, then yes! It’s not one specific character you have to do on social media to make you relevant. Find what you love and then let that lead you!

BS: Social media is a powerful content creation tool that allows us to create authentic brands around each of our models.  Our world is changing, and I think it’s in the best interest of a brand to use models who are authentic representatives of what that brand is all about, rather than just “looking” like the brand.  Social media allows brands and consumers to have the “personal relationships” with these models needed to form those authentic connections. In turn, the models with the high social followings hold high “influence” in the fashion world.

JU: Visual industry, visual app.

JU: Danielle Knudson, Andre Hammen, Margaux Brooke, Soo Joo Park, Cindy Bruna

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