Being a model as your first part-time job isn’t a typical pathway, but Hanna makes it work! As one of the few regular models of Cotton On’s teen label, Free by Cotton On, Hanna’s modeling career is taking off in front of our eyes.
Cameron, Hanna’s doting dad, has been on this journey with her every step of the way. We got the chance to speak to Hanna and Cameron about this experience and hear things from their perspective.
Age: 14 years old
Signed: 2017
Clients: Cotton On, Holden & Attitude Studios
Hanna
How long have you been with Bettina Management for?
I have been with Bettina for around 18 months
What was your first job?
It was a modeling job for Free by Cotton On
What was it like going to your first casting?
My first casting was a bit nerve-racking but it was very exciting and it went pretty quickly actually.
What has been your favourite job so far? Why?
My favourite job so far has been all my shoots for cotton on free, because I have a lot of fun doing them and they have a great crew and the other girls I do it with are amazing and really funny.
What’s the best part of working on set?
The best parts of working on set are that you just have a really good time with the people you’re doing it with and taking the photos reminds you that you’re going to be seen and it makes you really excited.
What did you find difficult on set?
The only things I found difficult were getting nervous that when all these people see your photo you get a thought about what they are going to say and their thoughts on you after they’ve seen them.
How did you feel seeing your photos online for the first time?
I was so excited and my hands were shaking and I was all tingly but I still got a bit shy every time someone wanted to look at it.
What things have you learnt from working in the modelling industry?
I have learnt how to walk properly on a runway and how to just relax when someone was taking a photo of me; I have also learnt how to deal with peoples thoughts on me and take them all positively.
What do your friends say when they see your photos?
They say they look so good and I’m really cute and I’m good at what I do.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to become a Victoria’s Secret supermodel but still study biology, physiology and zoology on the side.
Cameron
Why did you decide to join Hanna up to an agency?
We decided to join Hanna up to an agency mostly to gain guidance and an experienced idea of how to proceed carefully with her career as a model.
What made you choose Bettina Management?
We have a friend of a friend who is a portrait photographer. We asked her who had a good reputation in the industry of child modelling and Bettina was their first choice.
What was it like taking Hanna to her first casting?
Very exciting for both of us. It was a very positive experience, the staff were very positive and enthusiastic.
What is the best part of seeing Hanna work on set?
By far the best part of seeing Hanna work on set is seeing how happy she is to be modelling, she’s smiling for the entire time.
What is it like seeing Hanna in print?
It was a little surreal at first but now it is quite normal. Seeing her in a shop window recently was especially exciting.
What do you find challenging about having Hanna work in the industry?
Probably the late notice of some castings that are held by the clients and also the repetitive paperwork involved.
In what ways has working in the industry impacted Hanna in her life?
Her self-confidence has grown immensely since her first job. I think she doubted her abilities at the start but she just gets in and gets the job done now. She listens much better to direction now than before.
Do you have any tips for new parents entering the industry?
Be patient, it doesn’t always happen overnight. Judging your child’s maturity is also important. It has to be the child that wants to do it.
How do you feel about the use of social media such as Instagram to promote Hanna as a model?
Hanna and Lukas have Instagram accounts for modelling. Neither of them have received work through social media but I think it is important to get their profile out there. I manage and have 100% control over their accounts.
Watch their interview here:
Bettina Management Blog 