SUPPLIES
- Photos of your face and body
Overview
Not everyone who wants to model has to be 5'10" and 115 pounds. There are plenty of modeling opportunities for short or petite models in the print and commercial modeling world. Unfortunately, there is no work for a short model in the fashion world; however, petite models are in high demand for TV commercials, print ads, stock photography, product ads and print editorial work. The key to becoming a short model is to find the right modeling agencies that will help you find work.
Step 1
Prepare photos to submit to modeling agencies. You should have high-quality photos of your face and full body. They don't need to be professional, but they do need to give an accurate portrayal of what you look like--meaning no airbrushing or Photoshopping. Make sure that your personality shines through in your photos. As a short model, you may be asked to model for all types of non-fashion products and brands including contact lenses, acne products, cars, food, shampoo and other haircare products. Thus, you may be asked to evoke different types of normal human emotions for print ads, as opposed to fashion ads, where the modeling poses are more avant-garde and unusual looking.
Step 2
Find local modeling agencies that specialize in print and commercial modeling. Short models succeed in print and commercial modeling because there is a need in these markets for models who are not traditionally beautiful and who resemble average-looking people with whom a consumer can identify. For example, a short model would be ideal for a toothpaste commercial in which a more realistic and natural look would be better received by the TV-watching public. Non-fashion advertisers often look for models that have a unique but realistic look, as opposed to the glamorous fashion models that promote an unrealistic beauty ideal. The Images Model Agency in Los Angeles specializes in finding work for print and commercial models of all shapes, ages and sizes. Flaunt Models and Ugly NY in New York also specialize in short models.
Step 3
Send copies of your photos to the print and commercial modeling agencies. You can send your photos via mail or email. You can also attend open calls at the agencies where you will be given the opportunity to meet face to face with a modeling agent. Some short modeling agencies, such as Ugly NY, also accept photo submissions online.
Step 4
Get representation. Signing with a modeling agency is crucial to achieving success as a short model. A freelance model will find it highly difficult to find work, especially a short one. Modeling agencies and agents learn of jobs and work opportunities before anyone else, and they will send you to interviews and auditions where you will meet potential clients.
Step 5
Go to castings, auditions and go-sees. These are basically brief meetings with potential clients in which the clients decide if you are the right fit for their product or brand. The more castings you go to, the better your chances of finding work as a short model. As a short model, you may also attend auditions for TV commercials, in which rudimentary acting,including reading some short lines, will be expected.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Take good care of your physical self. Make sure your body is fit and your skin is free of blemishes.
Be open to different types of modeling. As a short model, you will most likely never be featured in a fashion magazine or runway show, but you can find lots of work in print ads and commercials.
- WARNING : Don't sign with any agency that tries to take money from you upfront. This is a scam, and no legitimate agency will ever ask you to pay for anything.
Resources
