A Look Into Castings - An inside look at the casting process, from first impressions to final selections.

From a casting director’s perspective, I want to give you an inside look at everything that goes into casting, from the first impression to the final selection, and what the entire process actually looks like behind the scenes.

Having been in this industry for over five years, I’ve experienced castings from both sides of the table. I remember what it was like to be one of the girls standing in front of designers, hoping to be selected, and now I have the privilege of helping make those selections myself. Having experienced both sides has given me a unique perspective on this process, and I’m excited to share it with you.

In this blog, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about casting: what EFMM castings look like, how to prepare for them, what designers are looking for, and how to put yourself in the best position to be selected.

What Makes EFMM Castings Different?

One common misconception is that EFMM castings are just like your typical New York City modeling auditions. In reality, I like to think of this industry as pageantry meets modeling. It’s the perfect combination of the two, and it takes a unique set of qualities to stand out.

At Market, we look for bubbly personalities, big smiles, confidence, a can-do attitude, and, most importantly, an understanding of how to sell a product. Being beautiful or knowing how to walk the runway is only part of the equation. Designers want someone who can connect with an audience, represent their brand, and make a customer excited about what they’re wearing.

When you can combine all of those qualities, you become the kind of model who is not only memorable but also highly bookable.

What Casting Days Really Look Like

For us, casting days can be long and demanding. At most shows, you’ll spend time with me and my staff, and our schedule often depends on the designers. We work around their availability, which means we’re sometimes waiting for them to be ready to see the models. Flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude go a long way.

But despite the long hours, these days are incredibly special to me. I get to spend time with girls who genuinely want this opportunity and are excited about what it could mean for their futures.

Five years ago, I was one of those girls sitting in the holding rooms, waiting for my turn. I remember the mix of excitement and nervousness, wondering how things would go and hoping to make a good impression. I know firsthand how emotional these days can be, especially when you want something so badly.

My biggest piece of advice? Make the most of the experience. You can spend the day worrying about the outcome, or you can choose to enjoy the people around you, learn from the experience, and make memories along the way.

When I was in castings, I met girls who were in the exact same position as me. We bonded over our shared experiences, supported one another, and built friendships that went far beyond Market. Some of those friendships became so meaningful that those same girls were there to celebrate one of the most special days of my life, my wedding.

And that brings me to another common misconception in the modeling industry.

You Don't Have to Compete With Everyone Around You

There’s a perception that modeling is an inherently competitive environment, where you have to be better than the girl standing next to you to succeed. While having a driven, go-getter mindset is a great quality, believing you have to outshine everyone else isn't necessarily going to get you far in this industry.

At Market, being personable is part of the job. You’re building relationships with designers, buyers, fellow models, and everyone you encounter throughout the experience. Your personality and the way you treat people matter just as much as the impression you make during a casting.

I've seen how a negative or overly competitive mindset can affect a model's opportunities. Sometimes, it's not a lack of talent that holds someone back, but the way they carry themselves and interact with others.

At Everything Formals, we pride ourselves on creating a family like atmosphere. We love seeing our girls become best friends outside of Market, spend time together after work, and build friendships that last long after the shows are over. We want our models to support one another, celebrate each other's successes, and understand that someone else's opportunity doesn't take away from their own.

Our goal is to help you flourish as a model while building meaningful lasting relationships with the people around you. The connections you make with other models and designers can become some of the most valuable parts of your career.

Where Can This Opportunity Take You?

If you signed with us within the last three years, there's a good chance we've already met over Zoom before one of your first Markets! One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Where can this opportunity take me?"

The answer is that it can take you in so many different directions.

When I first started, I met girls who had never modeled before. They were taking a chance on themselves, stepping outside their comfort zones, and seeing where the experience might lead. Today, I see some of those same girls walking runways in Milan, pursuing fashion editorial modeling in New York, and building careers they may never have imagined when they first started.

I've also watched pageant girls go on to win titles throughout the year and seen models discover an interest in fashion design, eventually creating their own designs and pursuing opportunities on the creative side of the industry.

That's one of my favorite things about this world. You never know which connection, experience, or opportunity might spark something bigger. What begins as a modeling opportunity can introduce you to an entirely new career path, give you the confidence to pursue a dream, or help you discover a passion you didn't know you had.

There isn't one specific path you're expected to follow, and there isn't one definition of success. Your experience is what you make of it.

My hope is that you walk away from Market with more than just a great portfolio or a list of designers you've worked with. I hope you leave with more confidence, new friendships, valuable connections, and a better understanding of what you're capable of achieving.

At the end of the day, casting is about so much more than being selected. It's about the person you become, the relationships you build, and the opportunities you create for yourself along the way.

Love, Alana