How to Become a Fashion Model
Many want to become a model because it's perceived as glamorous and sexy. In reality, it's a very competitive and tedious business that will more than likely break you, rather than make you. Here are some of the lesser-known truths about becoming a model, along with some sound advice to help make your dream a reality.
Take baby steps
1. It is important to keep in mind that every successful model usually has certain traits that most other successful models have. These traits are those that exhibit good health, like clear skin, facial symmetry, and a full head of hair. Then there are those traits that are only important depending upon the type of modeling job, like a specific height or weight. If you're not already, make sure you are regularly physically active, in order to achieve the body type that you wish to have.
2. The next step would be to make the choice about which kind of model you want to be. However, it's good to keep in mind that certain types of models have less opportunities available to them than others. All is not lost though, as models can build a reputation as reliable or extremely easy to work with and find work based on these traits.
- If you're tall (5' 7" - 5' 8" ) and very skinny with a small breast size, you can become a runway model.
- If your breasts are large and you have small hips, your ideal job would probably be an underwear model.
- If you don't feel that you fit in either of those categories, you may want to consider becoming a hand, foot or hair model.
- Do your best to figure out which type of "look" you have. If you have a difficult time doing that, ask friends and family what look they think you posses. There is the curvy look of a California girl, skinny European look, lingerie model look (busty with a slim waist), girl-next door wholesome look, among many others. Figure out which you posses and market yourself as such. If you can fit into more than one look, go for it! The more the better.
3. Set up a photoshoot! The best way for aspiring models to go about this would be to use a site like this one to find fashion photographers to shoot your fashion modeling portfolio. Some agencies claim they will accept snapshots, but don't take that as an excuse to submit party pics from Saturday night. Some believe the reason they accept snapshots in the first place is because they want to see how you look without professional retouching. It is a good idea though to get some photos shot specifically to submit to agencies. Just leave the photo retouching to the magazines.
- Have you and your photographer's favorite shots blown up to 8 by 10 inches. That way, if you are ever asked to leave a photograph with any one agency, you will be prepared.
4. Search the phone book or the internet for an established modeling agency and schedule an appointment.
5. Do your best to be prepared for your meeting with an agency. Typically, you may be asked to make faces that exhibit certain emotions (happy, sad, seducing, etc.). It would probably be beneficial to practice in the bathroom mirror before your meeting. Be prepared to have a test shot taken, usually a closeup of your face. They may ask you to demonstrate how you walk for them. It is best to adopt an attitude that takes rejection and criticisms lightly, as this will ensure that you will not get hung up on missed opportunities, and ensure that you are always fully aware of the opportunities still available.
6. Always keep a polite and professional attitude. The last thing you want is for you to be known as difficult to work with.
- Find out if your photoshoot will have a make-up artist provided, or if you will have to do your own make-up. Should a make-up artist be provided, then show up with a fresh face.
- However tempting it may be to be a pound or an inch or two off, always be completely truthful about measurements. Your reputation can be your greatest asset, and lying will quickly tarnish your reputation and make it difficult to find work.
- Take your modeling career as seriously as you would any other. Sure it's a lot more fun than most careers, but that's no reason to take it any less seriously. Know that hard work will be the only way to succeed in the world of fashion modeling.