Contests to Become a Model

Modeling contests are a great way to break into the business and get discovered quickly. They have been credited with discovering some of the biggest names in fashion, movies, and film, including Heidi Klum, Jamie Pressly and Adrianne Curry. There are a variety of agencies and organizations throughout the world that search for talent amongst unknown applicants.

One of the most famous contests is The International Cover Model Search (ICMS). Started in 1985, ICMS scouts applications from men and women for over 100 agencies throughout the world. Individuals over the age of 12 are welcome to enter and are required to send a headshot, full name, address and age to the official entry email of ICMS for review. Winners are chosen once a year from the entries and matched with appropriate agencies. ICMS was responsible for discovering film and television stars Jamie Pressly and Amanda Righetti.

Supermodel of the Year is a female modeling contest that offers the winner a professional portfolio shoot, including hair, makeup, and clothes, as well as a feature in Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. Supermodel of the Year is decided from the monthly winners of the Supermodel of the Universe contest that is run by the same organization. Monthly applicants must submit their photos by the 25th of each month to be eligible to win for the previous month. Yearly winners earn a three year modeling contract, while monthly winners earn a year contract.

Hawaiian Tropic sponsors the yearly Miss Hawaiian Tropic International Pageant that offers winners modeling contracts with Hawaiian Tropic and partner agencies. Over 20,000 women participate in the United States contest each year. The contest is often judged by celebrities like Shaquille O'Neil, Gary Busey and Fabio.

The Barbizon New Face modeling contest offers winners a chance to experience a professional photo shoot, build their portfolio, and become featured on their model's website. Interested applicants can submit their application and headshot to the Barbizon website. Semi-finalist winners are chosen quarterly and the yearly winner will be selected from these top four. Applicants must be at least 13 years old.

Elle Girl magazine hosts a yearly model contest that offers the winner a two year modeling contract, guest role on a CBS soap opera, feature article in Elle Girl magazine and other prizes. Women ages 14 to 35 are eligible to enter, and should send a headshot through the Elle Girl Magazine Model Search website or attend one of the live casting calls occurring around the country. This contest is designed to start the career of an unknown model, and 15 finalists will be selected from all applicants.