5 Things To Keep On Hand: The Model Bag

Throughout this reading I want to give you the inside look of the infamous model bag. The what to have inside and the extras things that should always be on hand.

“The model bag is your own thing, add what you would like to it so that you are comfortable and prepared for the set."

If you are in the modeling world you have probably heard about the infamous model bag. And if you haven't, well welcome. In my years in the industry I have found it important to bring these essential things on hand at all times.

1. Deodorant / Perfume

2. Lotion

3. Chapstick/ Lip Gloss

4. Water / Snacks

5. Book /Journal

There are other things that I tend to carry along but only when the client has suggested it. This information is usually given to you within the call sheet that you are given. Items such as blue jeans with no holes, extra nude underwear and bra, makeup, hair brush, hair ties, hair spray, warm jacket and/or blanket are all extra things I sometimes tend to bring along. Some models, including myself, have all of these items ready in the car or in their model bag on set. But I wanted to focus on just these simple 5 things that should be in your bag on every set to make you more feel more comfortable and prepared.

Let’s dive into the why’s of what I have listed above.

1. You are working hard throughout the day and man oh my does the body odor come to haunt you. You never want to be that model to leave a gnarly smell under the sleeves of whatever you are wearing. Granted if you are wearing the same thing all day it may be even harder to keep it from doing so. I generally sweat a lot. So I always keep deodorant and perfume on hand to not only protect my ego but the stylist's sense of smell. If you are laughing it is fine.. I tend to laugh at myself and flat out say, “ I am sorry in advance but this is going to smell not too great…”

2. I mean flat out we don’t want dry elbows and knees my friends. Most of the time the HMUA has this on set but just in case they don’t it is always nice to have your own. And it’s easier to get to.

3. I have fuller lips so my lips tend to be dry and a lot of the clients will call that out for me. Which I love, only because I hate when my lips look dry on camera. Once again, the HMUA usually has this as well but I always like to keep mine in the dressing room and apply when I feel as if I need it. No coloring either, just a clear coat so that it doesn’t mess with what the HMUA has perfectly put together for you.

4. I drink a crap ton of water on set and am always hungry. If you are lucky there will be craft services on deck but a lot of ecomm work does not provide ample drinks and food throughout the day. So I always like to bring my 40 oz hydro flask and at least a couple of bars to keep me going until lunch time. Also, if you are one of those models that is scared to drink a lot of water because of bloating and excessive bathroom breaks, we are human! It is what happens to our bodies but we gotta stay hydrated and fed so we don't pass out on the client.

5. Some jobs you are sitting around more than usual and you start just twirling your thumbs waiting for your turn. I usually like to try and bring a book and/or journal to the shoot so I feel as if I am being productive instead of staring at the ceiling or watching the clock pass time. You could even bring your laptop if you do other work or schooling.

The model bag is your own thing. You can add whatever you like to it. But I wanted to give you at least 5 things I think that should be priority and suggestions for other additions if you want to be over prepared for any job you may have coming up.

xx Tayler Fettig