Models with the looks to stand out in a crowd

Jan 29 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

When a North-East model agency approached us to help them search for character models we were more than happy to get involved. Hannah Davies reports.

PERHAPS it’s the use of skeletal teenage girls parading down catwalks as examples of perfect womanhood or the unachievable glossiness of hair/teeth, the sculpted muscles of the men and generic tanned/blonde/big boobed women – but there has been a shift in modelling.

Out of the dark corners, the nightclubs and pubs a new breed of model has emerged.

These are termed “character” models and certainly do not conform to the usual idea of a “model” type.

Leah Wilson of AM models has been increasingly asked for models which fill a character criteria.

She says: “People are sick of generic-looking models, of course there will always be work for a pretty looking girl or a handsome boy, but a lot of advertisers are looking beyond that for other people.

“We’ve had requests for skateboarders, punks, older people, fatter and thinner.

“To be a ‘character’ a model needs to stand out from the crowd.”

Leah says this quality is not “ugliness” which is a misconception gained mainly from the London modelling agency which is called Ugly, but a distinctiveness.

“We’re looking for redheads, skinny people, fat people,” she explains.

“We want bikers and punks, goths, people who are heavily tattooed.”

Leah adds that the new models to her books shouldn’t expect to be inundated by requests however.

“If someone has a very specific look they are likely just to be signed up for the odd job, but it’s good money when they get paid it,” she smiles.

THE SCOUTING

In an effort to track down people with the required look, we head to Newcastle’s Westgate Road, filled with biker shops.

Wandering in the windows we attempt to scout down some hopefully hairy/large and leather-clad lads and ladies to sign up to the agency.

There is sadly a lack of old-style Hells Angels bikers but, luckily, a trip into Eric’s tattoo studio proves more fruitful.

Inside we find the imposing figure of Garry Valentine, 31, who is having a leg tattoo finished off by Don, 40.

He proves to be quite ideal for character work, willing to be photographed, with plenty of personality, and is covered in tattoos from head to toe.

Garry shows us one he had of Charles and Camilla in a heart – done for the royal wedding, “as a bit of a joke really”.

Leah grins: “This is the type of person we want.”

While Garry is having a leg tattoo finished off, Leah takes his particulars, 6ft 3in tall, 40in waist and size 11 feet. He does not however have any dancing experience and looks amused at the idea he might be made to do the foxtrot or waltz.

Never mind, after collecting his details we leave Garry to it and go searching for the next character.

Walking further down Westgate Road towards Newcastle, we come across Flip vintage clothing shop and decide it is worth a trip inside.

Among the vintage jackets, plaid shirts and cowboy boots we find our next character, 40-year-old Colin Kitching of Felling, Gateshead. He is chatting to Flip’s owner about a hat when we approach him.

“My look is influenced by despair,” he says, showing us the skull tattooed on his hand.

“I’m very interested in literature, poetry and art to do with despair.”

Colin’s image is certainly strong; lots of black, long hair and round glasses. He’s got a Victorian-Gothic style look.

“No one’s ever asked me to do modelling before.” Colin laughs.

“This is definitely a first.”

After Colin’s details are taken we begin the search for the next person.

It is a strange thing, specifically looking for “characters”.

People are dismissed as not extreme enough if hair is a bit too sensible; if tattoos are not visible enough they are discounted.

Next on our search is High Bridge and new shop Best Vintage.

The first person who crosses our eyes is Sophie Henderson, 23, a vision with flamingo pink hair and pink coloured clothes who works in the shop.

Her clothes are essential for any work she will be given.

“Characters have to have their own style – stylists aren’t used to dressing people to characters and quite often there isn’t the budget or the time,” Leah adds.

Sophie certainly needs no help dressing. Her style is definitely her own, she adds her boyfriend has a “blue” complimentary style and Leah is even happier.

“They’d be great for couple work she explains.”

Sophie laughs: “I certainly didn’t expect this when I came into work today.

“I’d be quite up for some modelling jobs, it sounds like it could be all right.”

For a few hours’ work Leah is pleased with the scouting. But she’s got some more ideas on the go.

“There’s a pub in North Shields I’ve been told about...” she murmurs, “and the students are back, so I should probably look around there.”

If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a character model, particularly if you have dancing or acting skills as well, call Leah at AM models on (0191) 233-1420, for more information visit www.ammodels.co.uk/apply