Modeling castings can be stressful, especially if you’re not prepared. Even professional models often keep a checklist handy. One slip-up, forgetting a vital item, and you might be out of there.
NY Castings said that casting directors form their impressions within the first 10 seconds. With casting directors making up their minds in the blink of an eye, being properly kitted out lets you focus on making that killer first impression rather than sweating over what think you might be missing.
The Must-Haves (pack these items for every casting)
5+ Up-to-Date Comp Cards: Even if you applied online, casting directors will be passing them around like hot potatoes. No comp cards? Bring some printed headshots and full-body shots on good ol’ regular paper instead.
Your Portfolio: A print book or tablet with your top 15 images. Make sure it’s easy to flip through and keep it updated. Give them a bad photo and you might be sunk.
A Fully-Charged Phone: With your agent’s direct number handy. You never know when the casting directors are going to need to check on size or availability on the fly.
Basic Grooming Kit: Think tissues, oil blotters, dental floss, mints, deodorant, and clear lip balm, fingernail clippers, cuticle cutters. Please, no heavy perfume. Casting directors may have to get through a ton of people.
Wardrobe 101
A Black Form-Fitting Outfit: A black top and bottoms that show off your shape. Black always works, and you can’t go wrong.
Good-Quality Nude Undergarments: Seamless, close to your skin tone, no bright colors or visible lines showing through your clothes.
Pro Tip: Get a few Nude Undergarments in different skin tones.
Black Heels (women): Three or four inches high, and make sure you don’t wobble. You need to be able to walk with confidence. Yes, they’re usually required for runway, but commercial jobs often ask for them too.
Clean Sneakers: For the commercial and athleisure castings, plain white or black is always a safe bet.
Items You Might Be Forgetting
Hair Ties and Bobby Pins: even if you never wear your hair up, casting directors might want to see what you would look like. And who knows, it might be your look.
Your Book and Measurements Card: Just a simple list of your exact measurements, shoe size, clothing sizes. And also, your agency’s contact details because this saves everyone a lot of time if they need to get in touch.
Your Backup Outfit: Whatever the casting was looking for, if they said ‘business casual’, bring that. And if you’re not sure, then pack something else just in case. It’s always a good idea to be ready.
Water and a Snack: Castings can be long and unpredictable. Do yourself a favor and eat your own preferred snack to keep your energy up without taking any risks.
What Not to Bring
Leave the big bags, the entourage, and all the flashy jewelry at home. Just one professional-looking bag will do. You should also keep the makeup light. For goodness’ sake, directors want to see your natural face.
Another Pro Tip: the Night Before the Casting
Pack your casting bag the night before and get into the habit of restocking your comp cards and charging your phone straight after each casting. This way, you are always ready for the next one. No worries.
And remember, Modnet.io says that models only book 10-20% of the castings they attend. Rejection is just part of the Modeling game because of this low booking rate. Being consistently prepared does make a difference, though, and it might help you.
Save a copy of this list on your phone. This is not about being the prettiest. This is about being the most on it. Walking in with the right gear is our first step. And, this one thing that we can control.
