What Does It Take to Be a Model?

Tyra Banks is a supermodel who hosts a competition television show to find the next top model. Heidi Klum used her modeling experience to host a television show that looks for the next fashion icon. Ironically, neither fits the stereotype of models because they are older and curvaceous. Both have taken their modeling skills and built long-lasting careers after the runway. But when they first started their modeling careers, it's likely that Tyra and Heidi followed these basic tips on what it takes to be a model.

A large part of modeling goes beyond your body; it's the attitude and personality. It's very important to be yourself, or else you could be a forgettable face. But you should also be able to express a range of emotion and feelings, especially through the eyes. It probably pays to take a few acting classes to learn how to emote. Take pictures of yourself with a digital camera to see what you look like angry, sad, happy, excited, etc.

Regardless of what type of model you plan to be, posture is important. On America's Next Top Model, Tyra often has models posing in extreme situations such as with animals, underwater, or suspended in midair. Having good posture and flexibility can get you through a long photo session and make you more available for different poses.

Many models face rejection over and over again. Perhaps the client didn't like your particular look that day or they were going in a different direction. Regardless of the reason, rejection shouldn't be taken personally. At the same time, constructive criticism should also be taken into consideration. If several agencies recommend a different haircut, you just might need a trip to the stylist. Tocara didn't win during her cycle on Top Model, yet she's been featured in many magazines.

Your personal style and body type should help you find the right job. If gigs call for tall Amazonian models and you're more of a petite, don't expect to grow an extra 10 inches overnight. If your face has more classical angles and they're looking for a rounder face, you might regret eating those extra boxes of doughnuts after the job is over. A little adjustment and adaptability is expected, but going to extremes could lead you to more unnecessary rejections.

For any other job, you wouldn't just walk through the boss's door and expect him to hand you a position without having a resume on file. The same goes with model jobs, except the resume is a set of headshots. It's recommended that you have a professional take several shots of you in differing poses. But be wary of scam photogs that overcharge. Do your research to get what you need and not what someone is trying to sell you. Ask fellow models whose headshots you like who their photographer was.