Aspiring models may assume that they only need an attractive face and shapely figure to be successful as models. Although modeling can be a glamorous career, becoming a professional model requires dedication and planning. Modeling should be treated as a career option, but the process of becoming a model can be both rewarding and challenging. Knowing where to start in modeling can be difficult, but there are several things you can do to land a modeling job.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare your portfolio
Step 1. Take your measurements
Because most modeling jobs have particular model types in mind, you must have a clear understanding of your own physical attributes. If you are a woman, measure your chest, waist and hips and check your height and weight. If you are a man, measure your shoulders, waist, and inseam, as well as your height and weight.
Track these measurements over time, especially if you are a young model. Men in particular continue to increase their height in their early 20s
Step 2. Decide the type of modeling you want to dedicate yourself to
Since art manifests itself in various ways, there is a wide range of modeling options. Your photos and your portfolio should emphasize your physical attributes and your personality according to the type of modeling work you want to do.
- If you are interested in becoming a couture model, the most exclusive type, the physical standards are very strict. For example, female models must be "standard haute couture size", which means they must be between 1.75 and 1.80 m (5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet) tall, Measure 34-24-24 inches (86–61–86 cm), wear clothing sizes 0–4, and weigh 105–130 pounds (47–58 kg) proportional to your height.
- An "alternative model", by contrast, will not fit industry standards. Many have tattoos and piercings, as well as unusual haircuts.
- Catalog models can be in a variety of sizes and shapes as well, depending on the fashion designer and retailer.
Step 3. Get professional photos taken
Find a reputable photographer who specializes in modeling or face photography. Make sure you have access to the negatives too, so you can build your own business card and portfolio.
Ask the photographer to help you keep it simple and natural. Modeling agencies and clients look for confident models who look relaxed in front of the camera, without overly awkward poses or false "glamor."
Step 4. Make business cards
A business card is an important marketing tool, like a business card, that agencies and clients will have as a reference from you. It consists of a single page, usually a 5 x 7 inch (12 x 17 cm) card and sometimes a full 8.5 x 11 inch (21 x 27 cm) page, with your face on one side and several photos with your vital statistics (physical characteristics and personal qualities) on the back.
Step 5. Create physical and digital portfolios
You use your photos to create an attractive portfolio to take to castings, open auditions, and agency interviews. This portfolio should represent the range of your expressiveness and emphasize your personal style and physical attributes.
- For example, if your emotional expressiveness is your best quality, then select images that highlight the way you show emotion with different lighting, different makeup, and contexts.
- A digital portfolio, such as a DVD or pen drive, can be a useful investment, especially if you are interested in modeling on television or on the runway. You can include a recording of your walk or of your previous modeling experience.
Method 2 of 4: Be a Freelance Model
Step 1. Consider working as a freelance model
If you live in a big city, having an agent would be ideal. However, if you live in a small or medium-sized city with a population of less than a million, you can consider working as a freelance model. While agencies in large cities usually cover the cost of things like portraits, agencies in smaller cities do not and may also charge more for their services to stay in the market.
Keep in mind that working as an independent model means that you are in charge of your own reservations, your development, billing and dispute resolution. If you think that you will not be able to perform these tasks, then try to find an agent
Step 2. Connect with people in the modeling industry
Networking is a great way to meet models and people in the modeling industry who can help you get jobs. Networking requires meeting people, meeting them casually and conversationally, and then asking for tips and advice on how to get jobs.
- Attend modeling industry events in your area. Get-togethers, parties, and other events can offer you some networking opportunities. Make sure to add these events to your schedule and start being a regular presence in the modeling world.
- Try to meet people who have influence. For example, someone who hires models for a magazine is more influential than someone who has modeled for that magazine. However, keep in mind that someone who is not influential now may be influential later, so be nice to everyone.
- Be friendly and personable. It can be tempting to start talking about your career and asking for help getting a job, but this is wrong. Instead, try to have a nice, friendly conversation with everyone you meet. Ask questions, listen, and show genuine interest.
Step 3. Build an online portfolio
Whether you plan to work independently or in an agency, consider building a website as another type of digital portfolio. As a marketing tool, a website under your own name will make it easier for others to locate you and you can direct potential clients to a wider variety of your work.
- Social media sites are not as professional as a website and therefore potential customers may not take you seriously. In addition, on your own website you have control of the content and the format, contrary to social networks.
- Make sure your website is attractive, professional, and easy to navigate. Potential clients should get to your photos and albums quickly, so make the links to your work as clear as possible.
Step 4. Add your name on trustworthy model list sites
These sites are a clearinghouse for models seeking work and clients seeking models. Most of them require membership fees, but there are only a few reputable free sites.
- Many sites allow you to tag your modeling interests, such as high fashion, sports, or body parts.
- These sites usually also include photographers so that you can make new contacts with professionals in the field and improve your portfolio.
- Be careful when you add your name and your photos on the Internet. Some of these listing sites have raised serious concerns about predators posing as photographers or agents. There are models who have been sexually assaulted or have disappeared after responding to a call from a fake casting or a contact.
Step 5. Make visits
Do an Internet search to identify companies in your area that hire models, such as photographers, graphic design firms, casting companies, and advertising companies. Make "change" by going to their office and leaving your business card.
- You can also swap over the phone and attach your business card by email, although it's best to meet the customer in person so you can show them your friendly and laid-back personality.
- Check your city phone book or local business directory and their contact information. You can find these directories in most local libraries.
Step 6. Go to open castings
Look online or in your local newspaper for open castings for models in your area. These castings can be for anything from local fashion events to TV commercials, so be open to the challenge of being in different types of modeling situations.
- Consider charitable fashion events to build your expertise and portfolio, even if you don't get paid for your work.
- Make sure the open casting is for a real client and is not a hoax or dangerous situation. If in doubt, go with a friend to the casting or photoshoot.
- Be aware of the signs of a hoax, such as unsolicited direct contact from a photographer, filmmaker, or advertiser.
Step 7. Treat modeling like a daily job
If you want to be successful as a model, you will have to work hard every day to get a job. Although the life of a model looks glamorous, the highest paid models focus on their career and not on the nightlife.
Plan to do at least one important thing every day to improve your career, whether it's making a call or visiting a potential client, working on your portfolio, or looking for jobs online
Step 8. Consider other fields in your career
A number of very successful models have discovered other careers related to modeling, but in other areas such as acting, hosting, and photography. Be a person willing to change direction if you no longer fit into your preferred modeling style or if you don't have the success you want.
Method 3 of 4: Work with a modeling agency
Step 1. Apply to reputable agencies
An agency will manage and promote your modeling career, promote you to clients, fashion events and on the Internet, and help arrange jobs based on your availability and resources.
- Most agencies keep a 20% commission on your earnings.
- Being part of an agency does not mean that you will have a guaranteed job, but you will feel that you are being promoted appropriately.
- Some non-exclusive agencies will allow you to sign with other agencies so that you have even more modeling job opportunities.
Step 2. Go to open castings for agencies and clients
Some agencies offer open castings in search of new talent, so add those dates to your schedule and be prepared for an open casting or audition.
- Make sure the open casting is for a real client and is not a hoax or dangerous situation. If in doubt, go with a friend to the casting or photoshoot.
- Be aware of signs of deception, such as unsolicited direct contact from a photographer or agency, or requiring a down payment or up-front fees to be accepted by the agency.
Step 3. Take the contract to a lawyer before signing it
Most contracts are inclined to favor the agency, but always contact an attorney before signing any documents. The terms of an agency contract are always negotiable, so review the document with an attorney and propose the changes to the agency before deciding whether or not to sign.
Step 4. Manage your funds carefully
Modeling for an agency, especially at the beginning, can be expensive, as you need upfront costs for marketing, as well as for your business cards and messaging services between the agency and the client. Agencies usually bill these expenses to your future earnings, so it will take a little time to see any earnings.
Foreign models must pay the agency for travel expenses and therefore may be in debt before starting work
Step 5. Stay in touch with your representative agency
Make sure you get promoted often and ask if you need to do something else to be more promotional. If your agency isn't doing a good job getting you a job or you don't like the way they're promoting you, consider finding a new agent or working independently.
Method 4 of 4: Prepare for castings or auditions
Step 1. Check your portfolio and your card
After reading about the casting, take a little time to review your photos and your portfolio. Ask yourself the question: does my portfolio meet the expectations of this client? Do my photos match the client's style? If the answer is "no" to any question, consider taking new photos, or at least updating your portfolio and card to be more specific to this job.
Step 2. Practice your expressions in front of a mirror
Even if you feel confident in front of a camera, applying for a job is a stressful situation. Watching yourself make expressions will not only help you make those movements more naturally, but you will also learn how they "feel" on your face, so that during the casting you are confident that you are showing the client what they want.
Step 3. Take care of your skin and your body
In the days or weeks before the casting, pay more attention to your health. Make sure you eat healthy food that is high in vitamins and antioxidants to reduce any inflammation of the skin or body. Exercise to keep your muscles toned and use gentle products on your skin and hair to reduce the chance of irritation or excess oil.
- Make sure you eat enough; Eating less can lead to irritability and disorientation, which can cause the wrong impression of your personality during casting.
- Get enough sleep so your skin replenishes itself and you don't have dark circles or bags under your eyes.
Step 4. Go to the hairdresser
Even if you want to look as relaxed and natural as possible at the casting, you should still improve your normal style. Get your flowery ends trimmed or try a new cut to update your look.
Try to schedule your appointment at the salon a few days before the casting. This will allow your new cut to settle in and also give you a chance to try it out
Step 5. Choose a casual wardrobe
Most potential clients want to see someone with a natural style who can wear formal or casual wear. Try to wear cute jeans and a shirt with medium heels. Use little makeup, like blush and lip gloss, so you can see your face like a palette.
Avoid trying to appear "glamorous" as it might not be the style they are looking for and many aspiring models are still unable to show off that style
Step 6. Arrive early and prepared
Have your portfolio and your card at hand, as well as be aware of the styles of the agency and the client. Modeling can be fun, but it's also a professional industry, so treat every call like a serious job interview. If you take yourself seriously, the client will too.
Step 7. Show your cheerful personality
Successful models aren't the self-centered superstar type. In fact, the most recognizable faces in the industry are genuinely kind and open to photographers and other members of the profession. At the casting, have a positive attitude about modeling, about yourself and your willingness to learn, about the agency and about the client. This attitude will help you overcome rejections, but it will also show the potential client that you are a person who enjoys working with.
- Be as nice and authentic as you can. You don't have to be falsely charming to get a modeling job. Instead, be the best version of yourself: natural and relaxed in any context.
- Answer questions about your experience honestly, confident that you can learn in the future.
Advice
- Do not leave your studies. Even if you are very successful, you may find that you need to go in another direction in your life.
- Don't rely on photo retouching to fix your blemishes or "problem areas." Instead, take care of your body, skin and hair with a balanced diet and exercise.
Warnings
- Harassment and sexual abuse are not acceptable practices. Consenting to be photographed is not the same as consenting to sexual assault, even if you agreed to take nude photographs. A photo release authorization is only permission to use your image, not to exploit your body in any way.
- Always be on the lookout for deception. If you have suspicions or doubts, investigate the photographer or the agency or simply keep looking for other options.