Oct 5, 20235 min read

Promo Life 101: Headshots

How To Become A Brand Ambassador

Although many of our subscribers are pro-s in the game, I recently got a DM from someone who asked me, "how do I become a brand ambassador?" I realized I didn't have anything to truly answer this question so here we are and I encourage anyone who has tips to add, add them in the comments on this blog. We are a community, let's share knowledge!

At minimum, you need the following to start off on a good start on your own:

__ Step 1 - A GoodHeadshot (Blog: Promo Life 101: Headshots)

__ Step 2 - A Resume & Cover Letter

__ Step 3 - Email

__ Step 4 - Bank account

__ Step 5 - Patience

This will be divided up into a series so that I can give you a better understanding and a good start that you can be confident in.

A Good Head Shot

Why?

Because they want to see what their consumers will see when they place you at an event. This is the promo world and walks a close line to casting calls. Sometimes, the event needs a certain look that matches the marketing the brand already has in place. For example, the brand may have a product that is geared toward families, the brand may want someone who looks like a parent in the eyes of the public (even if the person is not a parent). Or the brand is making a presence at a major sports game on Heritage Day, the brand is likely looking for promo staff that will reflect the demographic that will present that day. Long story short, the headshot is for them to see what you look like and you don't need for them to be professionally photographed.

What to do:

Get a friend who knows how to take a good photo, pick a blank spot against the wall that gets good natural light, and take the photo there. Look happy, friendly, and approachable. It's okay to show personality. This photo is foreshadowing for the client. Other places to take this photo would be in front of your front door in the morning when the sun glows in front of you (and not behind). As long as the background of your photo isn't busy or destracting, you should be fine. If you don't have a friend to take the photo, a selfie will do. Please keep in mind that this photo may be used in presentations for the client to review or the photo may become your profile photo for the promo company.

What to wear:

I suggest a plain color, NON-BRANDED, nice fitting t-shirt and jeans with a solid color closed toe sneaker. I know I said that you would need a good head shot but sometimes clients ask for a full body photo so you mind as well take some full body photos (hence why I said ask a friend to take your photo or if your photo has a delayed timer to take the photo, that'll work, too). Please make sure the clothing doesn't have stains, rips or holes, etc.

Make sure you are groomed for a normal day. Hair looks nice, if you wear make-up apply it as if you were on an interview, well put together. Imgaine being casted for a toothpaste commercial and how the actors are presented. That's the feel you want to have for your photo.

Here are 12 examples of good headshots:

Tips for a good headshot:

Smile, look approachable, and friendly. Genuine!

Don't crop off your head. Let the photo show from the top of your head down to the collarbone at least.

No group photo. Submit photos of just yourself.

Make sure there is great lighting that doesn't wash you out.

No filter or heavy photoshop. Submit natural-looking photos.

Don't over think it.

This headshot is to get your foot in the door, after you've worked some events you should take photos while you're there to replace this headshot. Right now, you just need something to submit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I have tattoos or piercings?

If you have facial tattoos, take two different versions of your headshot. One with the facial tattoos showing and one without them showing (even if you covered the tattoos with make-up/concealer). There are clients who don't mind tattoos showing but they need pre-approval. If I were you, I would submit the photo with the tattoos concealed and in the email inform the staffer that you have facial tattoos to inquire if the tattoos can be approved to be unconcealed during the activation if booked. Or wait until you are sent the booking confirmation and inquire for approval. In either situation, be prepared for a yes or no. Some brands don't mind approved tattoos and others require them to be concealed. Don't be discouraged.

If your tattoos or piercings are on your body, if you can cover them with apparel, it will serve you well. But if you can't (for example, tattoos on the neck), inform the staffer and inquire about approval.

Q: My hair isn't my natural color anymore/right now. What do I do?

Always keep up-to-date headshots, but if the color you've dyed your hair is of a natural color even if it's not the hair color you were born with, you should be fine. For example, if you are of an ethnicity that isn't known for having ginger-colored hair and your hair has been dyed ginger. You should be fine because ginger-colored hair is a natural hair color even if it's not common in your particular ethnicity. I would raise an eyebrow at any promo company or client that tells you that is not acceptable. However, there's no harm in asking your staffer about your hair to make sure there's no conflict.

Q: My hair color is not of any natural hair color. I dyed it an unnatural color. What do I do?

If your hair is dyed an unnatural color like engine red, pink, teal, etc. inform the staffer and inquire if your hair color will be acceptable (even if your headshot shows your current color). Hair color of this kind isn't something you want to surprise the promo company with on the day of activation. You're liable to be sent home in many cases. Why? Because the client may have asked for a specific look for the promo staff. We may think that hair color is a small matter but activations are a part of a bigger overall marketing plan and it isn't up to us to decide if hair color impacts that or not.

Q: I wear extensions and I change my hair length/color from time to time. What do I do?

This shouldn't be a problem as long as the color is a natural hair color. Unless the event posting or notification specifies a certain hair request, don't worry about it. But submitting a headshot that has the current hairstyle you'll be wearing if booked is a good direction to take.