Modeling

How To Get A Job As A Model

It takes more than just a pretty face to become a successful model.  A Model’s face may be less than perfect.  It may be quite common.  It is not so much how you look as what you can do with how you look.  To become a successful model, you must be photogenic, self-confident, hard working, willing and able to take direction, willing to travel if necessary, and willing to work  in any location, and in any weather.

Models need to be within the height, weight, and measurement requirements for the specialty in which they are modeling.  They  need to have good skin, healthy hair, and the ability to move and pose, with poise and grace. They need to be in good health, fastidious about their hygiene and grooming.   Models help sell cars, clothing, razors, and everything in between.  Before they can sell items, models must be able to sell themselves.

There are many different types of models.

There are FASHION MODELS, or Runway Models, who work for designers and retail outlets.  They display the latest in fashions.  This is the type of modeling career that appeals to most young Models.  Be aware that only the very top Fashion Models earn more than Photographic Models.

PHOTOGRAPHIC MODELS usually earn the highest salaries, though their careers may be shorter than those of the top Fashion Models.   Photographic Models pose for photographs that are found in the print media such as fashion magazines.

TELEVISION MODELS are often the ones with greatest exposure.  They need to be able to pose, move, and act.  It is beneficial to those interested in television modeling to get some training in acting.  Although all ages do modeling on television, it is a field where the young are in greatest demand.

ARTISTS’ MODELS’ must be able to remain in one position for long periods of time.  They pose, often nude or partly clothed, for sculptors, painters, and in art schools.  This work may be temporary.

FITTING MODELS work for clothing manufacturers.  They help clothing designers and manufacturers see what clothing will look like on a real person.  Specific body types, including Plus-sized Models may work as fitting models.  Fitting Models may have a longer career than the other types of Models, though they are not as well paid.

Training

It is wise to get the best training you can afford, if you wish to become a Model.  If you have all the physical, and personality characteristics demanded of a model, and in addition can pose, move, and act, you will have the greatest opportunity for success.

Models should get their High School Diploma, even if this is not required.  You do not know what your future holds.  If you are still in High School, and are interested in modeling, study speech and drama.  Take any fashion or design courses available.

Models should know how to apply their own make-up and do their own hair, even if this may not be required for specific jobs.  Models should understand nutrition and exercise, and keep their bodies as fit and healthy as possible.

A Model, to be successful, needs to attend a reputable modeling school.  There are many modeling schools available, so investigate well.  Interview the administrators and graduates as well to get a full picture of what you can expect.  Be extremely cautious.  Many schools make promises that they cannot keep and jobs that they cannot guarantee.  Some training programs do offer assistance in finding a job.

You will now need to actively look for a job yourself.  To do this you will need to put together a portfolio.  It should contain a variety of shots, of different poses, in different clothing, and in different locations.  Get the best photographer you can afford for the job.  Ask advice on searching for jobs,  from successful models, photographers, school instructors, and agents.

With portfolio in hand you can now start visiting modeling agencies, fashion designers, art schools, and clothing manufacturers.  Realize that modeling jobs are more prevalent in large cities.  Modeling is a very competitive business so hope for success, but be prepared for many disappointments.  Many models work only part time for many years or throughout their modeling careers.  Finding and keeping a second job may we a wise move.

If you choose to use an agent, again be extremely cautious, and make sure you choose a reputable agency.  Agents take a percentage of the profits from every job.

A career in modeling is hard work.   The life may be hectic and involve traveling and living away from home for long periods of time.   Modeling is also exciting and for some, it may be extremely profitable.