Perth modelling agency Harvey James Management changing the industry
We’ve heard the “horror stories” about the modelling industry but Jade Taylor is making sure her models aren’t part of them.
The former model, who started Harvey James Management in Tasmania in 2016, still hears about the kind of inappropriate behaviour that she experienced during her years as a model, from new students.
“It’s just hideous to hear because I can’t do anything about it because it’s already happened, but I can try and create a really safe culture,” Taylor told AAA.
The founder and principal recently introduced an app that connects the client, model and agency, and has a tracking feature.
“We actually have an app that we use, and it tracks the models while they’re on the work, so they log in and it tracks them,” she said.
“I can’t see them all the time. It’s only when they log in for their job and if they turn it on, but they’ve got that option.”
Taylor said it had been very well received by her signed models.
And that’s not the only thing that sets her agency apart.
The Perth branch of the business opened last year and it has never been busier, with almost 300 new model applicants this year.
“Last year was great and this year we’ve already enrolled double what we had last year and the submissions are just through the roof, in the hundreds,” she said.
“It’s just blowing my mind how many people are applying at the moment.”
She said it was partly because of the cultural shift towards diversity in the modelling industry.
“I’m definitely finding that the client requests coming through are a lot broader and not your typical 5ft 8 blonde supermodel types. That’s enabled us to open up what we’re looking for . . . to service that client demand,” she said.
As for Taylor’s model program, she said “there’s nothing like it on the Australian market.”
It includes “forward-thinking” modules such as nutrition, holistic health, personal branding, casting and audition techniques and “how to create your own personal elevator pitch”.
“We do come across a lot of freelance models and they say to us, ‘I’ve got this portfolio of 200 photos. Why aren’t I being signed?’ And that’s where we step in,” she said.
“I think it’s really important to give people the time that they need and tell them honestly, obviously in a nice way, but I tell them honestly, where they sit in the market and what their opportunities are.”
This was the case for 18-year-old Katie Ellis, who came in with hundreds of photos, but couldn’t book a job.
“We completely rebranded her and within four months of doing our program, she had a national campaign,” Taylor said.
“I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do this without the beautiful team behind HJM. Especially Jade. She has always been my No. 1 support ever since I first joined,” Ellis added.