SUPPLIES
Overview
Modeling has always been an attractive career for those who love being in front of the camera. There are many types of modeling, such as fashion, glamour, body part, artistic and commercial, all of which have their own industries and requirements. No matter what kind of model you want to become, the amount of people who want to be models is grossly disproportionate to the amount who actually become models, so you must be willing to make yourself stand out in the pack with your professionalism and skill. To start down the road to becoming a model, read the following instructions.
Prepare Yourself
Step 1
Evaluate your look and determine what type of modeling is best for you. The modeling world is highly competitive, and you will need to be extremely realistic about your chances. If you are very tall and thin, you may want to look into fashion modeling. If you are curvy, you may be right for swimsuit modeling. If you are full-figured, you may be right for plus-size modeling. If you are not tall but can make clothes look good, you may be right for catalogue modeling. If you have beautiful hands or feet, you may make a wonderful hand or foot model. Do not count any type of modeling out just because it does not sound glamorous.
Step 2
Work on your appearance. Models must have healthy-looking skin and hair, free of blemishes and other problems. If you want to become a body part model, work on making that body part look as good as it can. For example, a hand model should take excellent care of her nails and cuticles.
Step 3
Practice modeling. Read different fashion magazines and catalogues, looking at the posing and expressions in the pictures. Hand and foot models should look at advertisements for shoes or jewelry to see what the industry standards are. Practice all poses in the mirror, and determine what your best angles are. If you like, you can set up a digital camera with the timer on it to better evaluate your progress. If you want to be a catwalk model, practice walking in different clothes.
Step 4
Research the industry you are interested in. Learn about working models, designers, makeup artists, hairstylists and advertisers. You can learn about the industry online, through magazines and even through the recent onslaught of modeling-related television shows (although these should be taken with a grain of salt).
Step 5
Start putting together a portfolio. Hire a professional photographer to take a few pictures of you, including a headshot. If you're lucky enough to know an aspiring photographer with talent, you may be able to trade modeling for photographs. Make sure that your portfolio has a diverse selection of photos, and continually update it with new and better pictures.
Market Yourself
Step 1
Look for a few professional, legitimate modeling agencies to represent you. You may prefer to freelance, but it is much more difficult to get jobs that way. Do your research and be sure that you are scouting for reputable agencies and that you are aware of any possible scams that may come your way. Make an appointment with each agency and audition for them. If you do not get picked up by an agency, just keep trying.
Step 2
Create a Web presence for yourself to further market your abilities. Consider creating a Web site or blog that serves as an online portfolio that you can direct potential clients to. Also consider posting on social networking sites and modeling sites to get your image out there. Be as professional as possible in all of your online dealings.
Step 3
Make contacts in the industry, both online and in person. Talk to working photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists, designers and even fashion journalists. Also talk to those aspiring to work in the industry as they may be good contacts to have someday.
Step 4
Attend "go-sees," or auditions, for clients. Look for postings online and get other information from your agency. Make sure to be professional and friendly and to market yourself as well as you can.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- WARNING : Be careful in the modeling industry. There are plenty of people out there looking to take advantage of models, so use your head when trying to get work.
Resources
