How to Become a Magazine Model

Study all types of magazines. Models should evaluate the type of magazine modeling they are interested in; Additionally, consider the appropriate field for your assets. Strong, toned models should consider fitness modeling, a popular industry due to the surge of fitness magazines in the United States (such as "Self," "Men's Health" and "Shape"). High-fashion magazines--like "Vogue"--are highly competitive and often reserved for industry modeling leaders. Other magazines seek to sell a product, from cruise travel to bathing suits to college admission. Understand how facial expressions and body language conveys emotion, from desire to loneliness. There are magazine modeling opportunities for plus-sized, petite, mature, and glamorous models. Analyze potential magazines in a realistic manner, but don't be afraid to set high long-term goals. Make a list of favorite magazines, photographers and editors for reference, and create a clip file of your favorite images.

Establish the right attitude. Magazine modeling is competitive and often critical; Each pose must be perfectly executed to communicate a message or sell a product. Additionally, magazines often have rigorous standards for the men and women that grace the issue's pages. Take care of your body with proper nutrition, regular exercise and healthy behaviors to optimize modeling opportunities. Establish the right frame of mind: a positive attitude, friendly demeanor and hard work ethic.

Improve your appearance. Magazine models must look attractive and practice excellent hygiene habits. Practice a regular, deep-cleaning skin routine. Pluck and shape eyebrows. Learn make-up techniques. Develop your fashion style and exert an outgoing, positive energy. Magazine models must compete against talented competition; take excellent care of your mind and body to promote the best possible asset.

Get head shots taken by a professional photographer. Be prepared to spend upwards of $300 for a respected professional's services; In return, you will receive high-quality head shots for a composite card. Photographs taken should reveal your natural beauty; Additionally, have several outfit options, facial expressions and body poses to show agencies and magazine editors your modeling range. Consider featuring a few black-and-white photographs, up close head shots and full-length body poses. Get comfortable in front of the camera, and practice responding to feedback and following instructions.

Build a modeling portfolio. In the beginning of a modeling career, jobs may be low-paying or even trade-for-pictures (a non-paying opportunity that offers a photograph for services rendered). Consider all opportunities to build a modeling portfolio or "look book." Additionally, stretch your talents to reveal different modeling styles, as this will make the portfolio more marketable. Communicate to your potential agency (or client) that you have cultivated talent, are versatile, experienced and professional. Unsure of how to arrange your portfolio for maximum benefit? Verify that portfolio photographs are all the same size and are in sheet protectors. Feature the best photographs in the beginning and at the end; If images appear weak in comparison, take them out. Evaluate your make-up, fashion and expression choices. A captivating portfolio should highlight 12 to 16 of the strongest, most diverse looks possible. Invest in the months required to create a high-quality portfolio; The investment will be well worth it in the long run. As magazine modeling jobs may have a cover photo or subsequent editorial photos, each portfolio photograph must be the best possible representation of your modeling skills.

Practice excellent modeling etiquette. While on a modeling job, ensure that you maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Be pleasant to all job participants, follow all requested instructions, reveal your dedication through hard work, pay attention to the photographer and client, always arrive early and send a thank-you note upon job completion. These behaviors will not only lend credibility to your modeling professionalism, but may lead to future repeat jobs or regular opportunities. Additionally, maintaining an organized schedule--through a pocket calendar or electronic device--will ensure that you don't overbook yourself and are available when desired possibilities are offered.

Utilize networking opportunities. Magazine models are often reused for different campaigns if they provide solid work that exceeds the client's expectations. Additionally, magazines have favored photographers, regular contributors and long-standing editors. While on a magazine modeling shoot, connect with the client, photographer and other models. Ask job-related questions and be attentive, friendly and respectful. Have extra composite cards in your purse or bag to distribute should it be requested from a potential client. Listen to the other models share about past jobs or experience advice; Absorb as much information as possible. In addition to researching the competition, your ability to enchant your client and reveal your modeling skill can lead to networking jobs by personal request.

Query an agency. Modeling jobs for magazines are often booked through credible modeling agencies, who are knowledgeable in the industry, know editors personally and have a track record of modeling successes. Research potential modeling agencies, and follow all application guidelines. Confirm that you are professional, courteous, ambitious and attentive at all times. Agencies also appreciate individuals with a healthy self-esteem and outgoing personality, as these qualities lend to modeling success. Consider unsolicited submissions directly to magazine editors; However, the chances of success through this route are slim.