The Business Of Modelling

Dean Cleary Patterson is the founder of D1 Model Management, an agency that he launched in London in 2006 after working across in the industry in Glasgow, Miami, Paris and London. In this episode, he reflects on how his early love of fashion, his first agency roles and his time working with major agencies shaped the way he came to understand models, clients and business behind the industry. 

He talks about creating D1 with a clear identity, backing models who did not always fit the obvious mould and developing an eye for talent that was with instinct a...

Antony Fitzgerald is a classic model and the founder of New Silver Generation, a community he created to champion older models and talent, particularly older people of colour. In this episode, he reflects on coming into modelling at 50 years old, after earlier careers in PR and teaching and he speaks about his view of how the industry was shaped by his father and sister who had both modelled before him. 

He talks about the lack of visibility he noticed when he first started for older models of colour who did not fit a narrow commercial stereotype. A...

Ines Celine Le Gousse is a model and journalist who writes about her realities of the modelling and fashion industry. In this episode, she reflects on her own experience as a model, from being scouted in London to working across Paris, Milan, Athens and London, and speaks honestly about what the job can involve beyond the image people often see from the outside. 

She talks through the pressures that can come with high fashion modelling, particularly around body standards, sample sizes and the lack of control models can feel when so much depends on being chosen. Ines...

Jody Furlong is the founder of The Eye Casting, working across fashion, advertising and commercial campaigns, with a focus on casting that feels current and grounded in relatable people. In this episode, he reflects on how he built his career in casting - from early work in the industry to establishing an agency and developing a clear approach to finding the right talent for each brief. 

He talks through what casting involves day to day, from interpreting briefs to managing clients’ expectations, and explains why understanding what a brand is really asking for is often more import...

Freddie Abrahams and Daisy Pettinger have both built long-term careers in modelling, working across fashion, lifestyle and commercial campaigns in the UK and internationally. In this episode, they reflect on how they each entered the industry through very different routes, what it took to build careers that lasted, and how the realities of modelling changed once it became their full-time work. 

They speak openly about rejection, confidence and the difficulty of separating personal feelings from professional outcomes in an industry where appearance is so closely tied to opportunity. They also talk about the pressure of freelanc...

Dan Kennedy is a celebrity portrait photographer working across advertising and editorial, with a portfolio that includes some of the most recognisable names in the world from Keira Knightly and Angelina Jolie to David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay. His career has developed from early press photography through to high-profile portrait work, giving him a broad understanding of both the technical and practical side of the industry. 

In this episode, he speaks about the reality of working as a photographer, from navigating freelance life and building relationships to managing shoots with high-profile talent under tight timeframes. He explai...

Natalia Littman is an agent and producer at Icon London, working across photography, production and creative representation. With experience on both the agency and production side, she brings a clear understanding of how creative work is developed, managed and delivered from initial brief through to final output. 

In this episode, she speaks about the realities of working behind the scenes in the industry, from representing photographers and building their portfolios to managing clients, budgets and production on set. She explains how much of the role is built on relationships, consistency and understanding how to position talent in the right...

Lauren Gregory is the founder of Crumb Agency, a London-based casting and talent agency representing people across fashion, editorial and creative projects. Her work focuses on casting individuals with personality, perspective and cultural relevance, moving away from traditional model boards and towards a more human-led approach. In this episode, she talks about her journey through the industry, from modelling and working in music to building businesses in hospitality, before returning to the creative world to launch Crumb, and how those experiences shaped the way she approaches casting today. 

She explains why she chose to build an agenc...

Danni Bramall is a brand and e-commerce strategist who works with businesses to strengthen how they present themselves, trade online and connect with their customers. Her work sits across brand, content and digital commerce, with a focus on making sure creative output is aligned with commercial performance. 

In this episode, Danni talks about how e-commerce has become central not only to sales, but also to how modelling work is created and delivered. With the shift from traditional retail to digital platforms, brands now rely on a constant stream of content, placing increased demand on shoots, casting and p...

Marie Owen, founder and CEO of LS Productions, a Scotland-based production company working across advertising, film and content. She has built the business into one of the UK’s leading production companies, delivering campaigns both nationally and internationally. 

In this episode, Marie talks about how LS Productions was built, starting without all the answers and learning through hands-on experience across as the business grew. She shares the realities of working in production, including the level of organisation required, the pace of the industry and the responsibility of managing complex shoots with multiple moving parts. 

Marie re...

Lili Johnson and Melissa McConnachie are fashion models represented by Colours Model Agency in Glasgow who began their careers in Scotland before moving into international fashion markets. Both were scouted at a young age and gradually built their experience working across editorial, e-commerce and fashion weeks, gaining experience with a wide range of designers and brands. 

In this episode, they talk about the early stages of their careers and the realities of starting out in fashion, including the first nerves on shoots and the pressure of being part of castings and shows. They reflect on how their work has...

Jason Hall reflects on growing up in Edinburgh and entering hairdressing as a teenager, initially drawn to the energy and personality of the job before discovering discipling and structure it truly requires. What began as traditional salon training developed into a career spanning more than four decades, combining technical precision with fashion-led creativity.

In this episode, he speaks about building his reputation within international session styling and fashion week teams, working across London, Milan, Paris and New York. Along the way he has contributed to shows and creative projects for designers including John Galliano, Thom Browne...

Rosalynd Ramage and Alison Bruce, co-founders of Colours Model Agency in Scotland talk about how they met on modelling jobs in their early years, which then lead to building an agency up together with their similar sense of humour and confidence 

In this episode, they reflect on what the modelling landscape in Scotland looked like when they began in a market that was far more Scotland-centric than it is today. While the industry changed around them, their outlook was always bigger and constantly thinking beyond Glasgow and positioning their talent for London and international opportunities. 

They are o...

Bailey Frances offers a perspective shaped by experience on both sides of the audition room. After 12 years working as a dancer and model, she transitioned into casting, bringing with her a performer’s understanding of pressure, comparison and rejection. Having entered the industry young and without a strong grasp of the business side, she reflects on how much of her early focus was on being talented, rather than understanding how decisions are made. 

In this episode, Bailey explains what performers often don’t see: that rejection is rarely personal, that shortlisting is already a sign you are right...

Dan Corsi has spent much of his life working in front of the camera, starting as a child model before becoming highly visible through teenage magazines and later finding sudden fame as a member of 90s boyband, Northern Line. His career has spanned commercial modelling, music and DJing, shaped by both early opportunity and the reality of having that success end abruptly.

In this episode, Dan talks openly about growing up in the modelling industry, the scale and intensity of pre-social media fame, and what it felt like to lose structure, income and identity when the...

Natalie-Amber has built a commercial modelling career whilst living with Crohn’s disease and an invisible disability. Having entered the industry at a young age, her experience spans across fashion, lifestyle and brand campaigns, alongside navigating years of misdiagnosis, emergency surgery and returning to work with visible scarring. Her perspective is shaped by firsthand experience of how health, access and understanding impact a model’s ability to work safely and confidently on set. 

In this episode, Natalie talks about growing up in the modelling industry, the realities of managing chronic illness alongside work, and the physical and...

Susannah Boughtflower is the founder of Kids on Set and has spent many years supporting babies and children across commercial, photographic and film productions. Her work as a child wrangler is understanding that a child's experience on set must be carefully managed, with preparation, structure and calm playing a central role in how a shoot unfolds.

In this episode, Susannah talks about what her role involves before, during and after a shoot, and how working practices around children have evolved. She explains why preparation and clear communication are essential, how calm environments help children feel secure...

Ian Boddy is a children’s commercial and editorial photographer with extensive experience working across fashion, advertising and editorial projects. His career has been shaped by a clear understanding that photographing children carries a responsibility that goes far beyond getting the shot.  

In this episode, Ian reflects on how his approach to working with children has evolved over time and why trust, calm and communication are key to every successful shoot. He talks openly about the importance of creating the right environment on set, respecting a child’s pace, and recognising that young children cannot and should...

Sue Walker is the founder and director of Kids London, one of the UK's most established children's model agencies. With decades of experience working closely with young talent, families and casting teams, Sue has built her career around trust, responsibility and long-term thinking within the children's modelling industry.

In this episode, Sure reflects on how children's modelling has evolved over time and the increasing awareness around safeguarding and wellbeing. She talks openly about the responsibility agencies carry when representing young people, the importance of clear boundaries, and why children cannot and should not be treated like...

Kiki Minwegen is an international model represented by Seeds Management in Berlin, whose career spans working in Paris, Milan, Cape Town and Germany. Alongside modelling, she is trained in nutrition and has gone on to become a life coach and mindfulness teacher, building a more holistic, purpose-led way of working alongside her creative career. 

In this episode, Kiki reflects on entering the fashion industry at a young age, the pressures of perfection and constant comparison, and why modelling was never meant to be her final destination. She talks openly about identity, body image and mental health. Her...

Francois Pouria Latscha is the founder of Dubai Beach Boy, with a background in luxury hospitality and global brand marketing. Having worked on international campaigns and large-scale brand projects for hotel groups before launching his own fashion brand in Dubai, he brings a commercial, real-world understanding of branding, positioning and customer behaviour. 

In this episode, Francois talks through his journey from luxury hospitality into fashion, how his experience in marketing and brand strategy shaped the way he built Dubai Beach Boy, and why understanding your customer matters more than chasing trends. He shares practical insight into...

Sally Andrews casts actors and models across commercial, fashion and digital campaigns. Her career spans in-person castings and the shift to self-tapes, giving her a clear view of how casting decisions are made, how talent is assessed, and how the process has changed over the past decade. 

In this episode, Sally breaks down how casting works today, what casting directors are looking for when reviewing self-tapes and Spotlight profiles, and why many strong performers fall short for reasons that have nothing to do with talent. She shares practical insight into authenticity, preparation and presentation, explains common mist...

Recorded with a live audience in the SR offices, Sarah Gabillia is a creator and influencer strategist with experience working both agency and client-side, including leading influencer strategy for global beauty brands. Her career spans large-scale creator campaigns, brand partnerships, performance strategy and navigating the realities of a fast-moving, highly saturated space. 

In this episode, she breaks down how the creator economy works today, why brands often misunderstand creative freedom, and what creators need to know about value, usage and long-term partnerships. Sarah also shares what defines successful creators heading into 2026, why metrics alone don’t tell th...

Brandon Andre is an LA-based photographer, model developer and scout whose work has helped hundreds of new faces to build their books, take strong digitals and sign with major agencies. His career spans agency testing, portfolio building on-camera coaching, high-impact social media series and the creation of new scouting formats.

In this episode, he discusses the mindset required for a sustainable modelling career, the technical standards that models overlook, and why confidence comes from performance, not perfection. He also shares how social media transformed his business and reshaped how aspiring models are discovered today.

Sophie Hughes is a curve model and content creator whose work spans commercial fashion, beauty, lifestyle and e-commerce. Her online presence is built on honesty - from showing her real body and scars to speaking openly about her surgery, recovery and the physical changes that followed.

She discusses building a sustainable modelling career, navigating sizing pressures, and the day-to-day realities clients never see. Sophie also talks about boundaries on set, mental resilience, and how transparency has shaped both her work and her online audience.

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Hollie Lacayo is a London-based fashion stylist and writer whose work spans editorial, commercial, music and red-carpet styling. Her portfolio includes campaigns for Hackett, AllSaints and M&S, along with features in Vogue and 1883 Magazine. In this episode, she talks about what the job actually involves, the pace of freelance life and the parts of styling people rarely see.

As Chair of BECTU’s Fashion UK division, she outlines the work being done to support stylists, MUAs, hairdressers and other freelancers behind the camera. She discusses why raising industry standards is overdue, what needs to change an...

Steven Michael-O’Hara is the Founder and CEO of Genesis Model Management, an editorial agency built around professionalism, trust and a clear understanding of what talent and clients need. 

He speaks about why he launched the agency, how the name Genesis reflects a fresh start and a new way of working, and the standards he believes the industry should be holding itself to. Steven also discusses the realities of longevity, representation that goes beyond the surface, and what models today need to know if they want to build a sustainable career. 

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk ...

Based in Sheffield, Zoe Proctor and Laura Winson are the co-founders and directors of ZBD Talent, one of the UK's most forward-thinking model and talent agencies. Representing people with disabilities, visual differences and neurodivergence. They also work with global brands including Nike, Vogue & Gucci.

They discuss how they started up the agency together and the shift from tokenism to true representation, and what meaningful change really looks like within the modelling industry. They also talk about the power of visibility, their work with Ellie Goldstein, and the importance of creating opportunities for talent can often be...

Based in Berlin, Nina Houwer is co-founder and casting director of Troeber Casting, one of Germany’s most respected agencies. With a job list spanning campaigns for Zalando, Hugo Boss, Adidas and Mercedes-Benz, Nina works closely with global brands and creative teams to find talent who bring authenticity and individuality to screen. 

In this episode, Nina discusses what makes talent stand out in today’s market, how individuality is valued over perfection, and how digital and self-tape castings have transformed the process. She also shares insights into Berlin’s creative scene, working with international clients, and the growing...

Bree Colter is a fashion and beauty model represented by Freedom Models LA. She has worked with brands including Fenty Beauty, Urban Decay, NYX, Maybelline and Nike, and walked for LaQuan Smith and VFiles at New York Fashion Week. 

In this episode, Bree talks about developing confidence through experience, navigating social media, and the importance of professionalism and communication on set. She also discusses managing finances, setting boundaries, and treating modelling as a business from the start. 

Bree is the author of Strike a Pose, a guide for new models entering the industry, an...

Ingo Nolden, founder of Iconic Management in Berlin, has built one of Europe's most internationally renowned model agencies, representing global talent and refining the image of modern modelling in Germany. Starting out with early catalogue roots so its rise as an e-commerce and creative powerhouse, Ingo has been at the centre of an industry in constant transformation.

Ingo reflects on the evolution of the German market, the shift from traditional campaigns to digital-first storytelling, and the enduring importance of personal management in an age of AI and virtual models. He shares his perspective on the future...

Gerry Cott, founder of A-Z Animals and former guitarist with the chart-topping band The Boomtown Rats, has forged a career that bridges creativity, discipline and compassion. After years performing on global tours, he turned his focus to training animals for film, TV and advertising and building one of the UK's most respected animal talent agencies.

In this episode, Gerry reflects on his journey from rock musician to animal trainer, exploring the parallels between performance and animal behaviour. He shares the unseen preparation behind on-set perfection, how animal welfare and evolved over four decades, and the role...

Michael Gross is a renowned journalist and bestselling author whose storytelling has transformed how the world views the modelling industry. Known to us for his landmark book Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women, he revealed the real stories behind the rise of the supermodel, the power, the glamour, and the hidden truths beneath it all. 

In this episode, Michael reflects on his journey from rock and roll journalist to one of fashion’s most respected voices. He shares the moment photographer Richard Avedon inspired him to write his groundbreaking book, his candid thoughts on Eileen For...

With over 18 years' experience, Poppy France has worked across fashion, advertising, TV and celebrity campaigns, building her reputation for her clean, conscious approach to makeup. Assisting photographers in her early days to collaborating with global brands and magazines, she has always championed sustainable and cruelty-free beauty.

Poppy shares her journey and the inspiration behind creating her own organic facial oils, and how practices like yoga, meditation and facial massage shape her work. She also reflects on the changes she’s seen in the beauty industry, from diversity to the growing demand for ethical products and why...

Cindi Blair has produced campaigns for some of the biggest names in fashion, from Sports Illustrated and J.Crew to Jimmy Choo and Brooks Brothers. Based in New York with projects that take her across the world, she's known for turning ambitious ideas into reality and managing every detail of large-scale shoots.

In this episode, Cindi talks about the pressures and problem-solving that comes with major productions, leading teams on set, and working with brands at the highest level. She also reflects on why diversity, sustainability and authenticity matter more than ever in her work.

From the runways of Milan, Paris, LA and New York to building businesses in fashion design and real estate, Keni Silva has lived a career full of change and reinvention. She started modelling as a teenager, worked with top creatives, and later turned her focus to design, property, and charity work helping children with cancer. 

In this episode, Keni opens up about the lessons modelling taught her - resilience, confidence, and how to take rejection in your stride - as well as the challenges of starting over, raising grounded kids, and creating a life that reflects y...

In this second part of the conversation, Cameron-James Wilson explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the creative industries. Building on his experience creating Shudu, the first digital supermodel, and founding his agency, The Diigitals, he discusses the rise of AI-generated models, the difference between 3D and AI, and what these tools mean for fashion, e-commerce and beyond. 

Cameron shares his views on ownership, transparency and ethics, as well as the opportunities and risks AI brings to both brands and models. From sustainability and representation to digital twins and the future of work, he offers a candid l...

Cameron-James Wilson began his career as a fashion photographer after studying at Arts University Bournemouth, moving to London at just 20 and working with brands including Garrard, Fabergé, and Gossard, as well as models such as Gigi Hadid and Leomie Anderson. 

His journey took a turn when he created Shudu, the world’s first digital supermodel, which went viral after being reposted by Fenty Beauty. From there, Cameron went on to found The Diigitals, the first all-digital model agency, collaborating with global names such as Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Samsung and Mercedes. 

In this episode, Camer...

Reece Richards began his career in musical theatre after training at the London Studio Centre, touring in productions such as Hairspray and Motown. His work has since spanned both stage and screen, with roles in Netflix hits Sex Education and You, as well as campaigns for brands including BMW, JD Sports, Cuisinart and Not on the High Street. 

In this episode, Reece reflects on his journey as a performer, from the excitement of live theatre to the realities of working on film and television sets. He also opens up about the incident that led to his w...

Walking the runways of Milan and Paris, shooting TVCs in Thailand, and building a thriving career in Dubai, Paula Rodrigues’ story is one of resilience, adaptability and self-belief. She has worked with global fashion houses and local brands alike, carving out a space in one of the industry’s fastest-growing markets. 

In this episode, Paula talks about resilience in the face of rejection, navigating the pressures of the European market, and why she values the diversity and opportunity she’s found in Dubai. She also shares the importance of financial education, the lessons she learned during Covid...