How you can get 'discovered' by a model scout at Splendour

ONE of the world's most successful model scouts and managers will be on the lookout for fresh talent at this year's Splendour in the Grass.

ONE of the world's most successful model scouts and managers will be on the lookout for fresh talent at this year's Splendour in the Grass. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

ONE of the world's most successful model scouts and managers will be on the lookout for fresh talent at this year's Splendour in the Grass.

Kirk Blake, the man who brought the world Byron Bay's Jordan Barrett, will be casting his very discerning eye over the thousands of young people who will descend on the Byron Shire and the music festival in particular.

"Byron Bay is a crossroads for young people from across the nation and the world," Mr Blake said.

"Splendour in the Grass in turn is like a crossroads within that crossroads."

Mr Blake works with Hamburg-based model agency Kult and estimates that each year he identifies just three girls and five boys with the the attributes needed to possibly become a successful working model.

"In the first place I can often tell just from a single digital photo whether a person has potential. I have a very immediate physical and cerebral reaction to seeing the person," he said.

But lest you think one lucky selfie can open the door to international success, there is much more to it.

Mr Blake sometimes despairs that Byron Bay, and the world, is rife with "duck lips, over-plucking and bleaching".

"Aside from the physical requirements, one of the most important things for me is authenticity," he said.

"I am looking for a person who is self-possessed and true to themselves, with a realistic outlook on modelling as a career."

Mr Blake said big agencies and clients were currently looking for diversity in their models, with looks that defy racial stereotypes.

Then there are the classic model requirements.

"Of course we look for great bone structure, good teeth and skin and girls need to be around 175-185cm and boys need to be 185-190cm," Mr Blake said.

So put put your best foot forward at Splendour this year, but keep it real.