Travelling to a model booking – top tips

Even the most well-planned days can take their toll.

Most of us like to plan ahead, but sometimes travelling can scupper everything. Whether it’s a late dash for the tube or bus, scrambling into your car for an important meeting, or realising you’ve forgotten something after you’ve locked the front door, travelling can be infuriating at the best of times.

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Delays, bad weather, traffic, accidents, sheer absent-mindedness…they can all contribute to a thoroughly miserable journey no matter how meticulously the day’s been organised.

The key to any adverse travel plans is to remain calm and level-headed. This particularly applies to travelling to work, with employees fretting whether they’ll be in trouble for their tardiness. There’s nothing that can’t be fixed, and there’s nothing that can’t be remedied with clear communication – and this applies to any Models Direct model.

Most of our models travel to their assignments – jobs aren’t just “around the corner”. So, with that in mind, here are seven top tips for a stress-free journey to an assignment. Even if one of them is helpful, it could save you a great deal of stress and make sure you arrive on set in tip-top modelling condition.

1. Get the facts right. We’re here to help you both pre- and post-modelling assignment. We’ll give all models the necessary contact details – name of client, location, first point of contact etc – but it’s a model’s responsibility to keep the information to hand. It also pays to know a little about the client beforehand, so do a few minutes’ research.

2. Running late? You’ll need the client’s contact information if you find yourself struggling with time. Clients are understanding, so they won’t be annoyed if you are behind time. However, the worst thing a model can do is not tell them – or us – that you’ve been held up. A quick phone call can go a long way, and save time in the long run. Most assignments work on organised schedules, and so models may need to wait in-between takes, so a half an hour here and there may not be too crucial…but it will be if you don’t let the client know. If you can’t get through to them, please contact our Head Office or your assigned booking agent, and we’ll let the client know.

3. Check weather updates. The UK climate can notoriously change in an instant, so read forecasts before you set off. Take appropriate extra clothing with you as required.

4. …and check traffic / rail updates, too. Gauge if you might be late and, conversely, try to map out a route which affords you the shortest travel time or one with the minimal fuss.

5. The essentials. Make sure your phone is charged on full, bring a charger with you just in case (most trains and buses have USB portals), and keep your wallet / purse safe. Take with you some loose change for those pesky parking charges.  

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6. Have breakfast – even “on the go”. Lunch is provided on many modelling jobs, but don’t forsake a morning meal simply because you don’t have time. You’ll feel better for it, helping your concentration and energy levels.

7. Drink a couple cups of coffee if you want, but don’t forget to take a full water bottle with you. Stay hydrated.

Most of our models have perfectly normal and enjoyable journeys to their jobs. But all it takes is one slight malfunction or a little disorganisation for the journey to become a race against the clock.

At the very least, we cannot stress how important it is to let the client know if you won’t arrive on time. It’s common sense, respectful, and will keep them happy!