Helgi Omarsson, Scout And Photographer, Elite Copenhagen
Helgi Omarsson is Scout at Elite Copenhagen, where he also works as In-House Photographer, a dual role he has held for six years. He is on the development team at EML Denmark, and has attended the EML World Final as Chaperone. In his spare time, he runs a podcast, Helgaspjallið. We caught up with Helgi to find out more of what he does, what he looks for in the Finalists, and how getting ahead in fashion is more about having the right attitude than having studied the right degree.
What are you most looking forward to about working on the Elite Model Look Denmark contest this year?
I always really look forward to Elite Model Look Denmark every single year! There is a lovely feeling of being able to start something with these beautiful individuals. Of course, we get to work with new models all the time but with EML it’s different. You get to know them better, so you are on a more personal level with the kids. You almost feel as if you are their elder sibling and not their agent, we really become their cheerleaders! There is an essence of family involved with EML and we, in the team, really feel it. EML certainly is such a huge platform, so the girls and boys who compete are always brand new to the industry, but being able to follow their ongoing journey is very rewarding. I get a sense of both accomplishment and achievement, which is an indescribable feeling.
What is different about the contest in Denmark for 2019?
This year it’s bigger, which is great and exciting. The team at our Denmark agency is the best team in the world, so to get to work with such great people is just really special. All my colleagues are kind and caring, and that is an ongoing thing every single year with our EML. So, we apply this to ensure that a bigger and better EML contest will happen this year!
What do you look for in the applicants at the castings?
It has been shown in the past that looks aren’t everything. Attitude plays an important role in being a model and I’m not just saying this, as it is the whole truth. Having ambition and good attitude gets you a long way, any decent client, model agent or designer can testify that as a fact. That is what I look for personally. I want someone who shines in all those aspects. Looks are important, but it most certainly isn’t everything.
Have you always wanted to work in the model industry?
Yes, I sort of knew that I would somehow work in this industry. When I watched the first season of America’s Next Top Model, I knew - although it certainly isn’t a good representation of what we do! I feel that my job is important because I want to take care of the models that are signed with our agency. Being a model and being a part of this Elite family is much more than about making money, it’s also about guiding them, being there for them and celebrating with them. That’s what I love about my job.
What did you study?
I didn’t go to University. But I have been working non-stop since I was sixteen. I moved from a small fisherman’s town in Iceland to pursue my career at sixteen, which has led me to where I am today. The school of life taught me a lot, y’all!
What are the challenges of your job?
I don’t feel like we face a lot of challenges, to be honest. I love the models, I love scouting someone and watching them become something amazing! I love my team at our Copenhagen agency, our group dynamic is pretty in sync. We all want to do well, and in turn, it makes me want to be a good team player. There’s no competition, we just know if the game is played well, it will be good. You don’t want to be the worst player on the football field. You want to be one of the best and inspire the rest of your teammates to do the same. That’s sort of how we work here at the office!
What are your passions outside work?
My dog Noel, he is my favorite thing in the world! Working on my spirit, mind and body is also a huge factor in my life, seeing my family and just enjoying my life to the fullest. Even though I like my job a lot, I love going on vacations. That’s a big passion. I also do Crossfit, photography and I have my own podcast, Helgaspjallið. That makes life fun as well!
If you didn’t do what you do now, what would be your dream job?!
I would just want to be Sam Smith. Write music, play music and just have a god damn voice that can sing. I can’t sing so... that’s what I would want!
What is your advice to anyone applying to EML Denmark in 2020?
Keep both feet on the ground, bring good energy and take a chance. If you don’t try, you never know!
