 How to become a model
This page has tips on how to start modelling, how to
make the right choices and what to expect from the industry.
Despite the glamour and hype you have seen about the
modelling profession, it's hard work. It's boring (sometimes).
It's tedious. It's filled with rejection, ups and downs,
It's a lifestyle, not an 8-5 job. Not all jobs pay well.
Unless you are seriously committed about modelling,
willing to work at it on your own time, live a healthy
life style, etc., you will not succeed as a model. You
have to understand that there are many people who want
to be models. They are doing everything they can to
be successful. Are you willing to put the time and energy
into competing with these people, 24 hrs a day?
.
Do you have inner stamina to be a model?
Are you tall and slender and unusually attractive enough
that you are as good or better looking than most other
models? You also need to have the tenancy, patience,
aptitude, interpersonal skills, communication skills,
stamina, confidence, business skills, etc.? If you think
you do, then you can try to be a model. Modelling can
be fun, exciting, and adventurous. Be sure to maintain
realistic expectations however, the chances of becoming
a successful or famous model are less. Famous models:
Recently we had Marc Robinson, Bipsha basu now it's
Priyanka Chopra & Ashhwarya Rai, there are not many
at the top!
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Measurements
The best measurements for modelling are 5'9" ,
34b bust, 24" waist, 34" hips. If you are
within one inch of these measurements you are fit to
model almost anything. High Fashion models are typically
5'7" to 6' tall and an extremely thin size 7 with
32-35" bust, 22-25" waist and 33-36"
hips. They are not necessarily classically beautiful.
PETITE measurements would be 5'5" to 5'8"
tall and a size 5 to 7. The model MUST have a well proportioned
body. PLUS SIZE models are 5'7" to 5'11" tall
and wear a size 12 to 14, have a well toned and proportioned
body with a thin face, good skin and beautiful hair.
Always provide very accurate measurements to the agency
and to customers. (Helps to save embarrassment if you
get hired for a job and the clothes don't fit because
you were not honest). For a man, heights should be 5'11"
to 6'2" and you must fit in a 40-42" jacket.
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The ultimate test for an aspiring Model
Well almost... Send your photo and resume to reputable
co-ordinators. Set-up an appointment and you will find
out very quickly if you have what it takes. These people
are very busy, if they don't like the photo you won't
get an appointment. If they like it you will be invited
for an assessment. Then again if you don't have what
it takes they will tell you on the spot. (they want
quality models). If rejected don't give up yet! Each
coordinator/agency is different and has different expectations
and requirements from their models. Always ask about
any immediate physical changes (haircut, weight loss,
skin treatment, dental work etc.) and work on it for
the future. Some coordinators/established models offer
good training(in the form of workshops/courses) for
local fashion shows and print work. This can be a great
way to gain confidence and experience
.
How to get started and some tips to Succeed?
An agency or co-ordinator should represent models. The
model must have a portfolio, and comp cards. The agency/coordinator
provides you with work (That is their main purpose.
It is safe to say that they work for you!) They make
a commission on your fee (15 to 20%). Be warned about
agencies/coordinators who ask for money up front! Also
check to see if they are reputable and genuine. The
agency/coordinator should provide you with a few photographers
name. It's your choice to get the photographer you want.
Pay the photographer for the photo shoots not the agency/coordinator.
The agency/coordinator provides you with safe working
environment and looks after legalities of the paper
work for the job. They provide their clients with "Professional"
models. Keep copies of all-important papers, such as
contracts etc. You may need these if you have a dispute
with the agency/coordinator. It is wise to choose the
agency/coordinator carefully so you can stay with that
them. Constantly changing them gives you a reputation
of being flighty and unprofessional
.
How to find an agency/coordinator?
Since in India there is no system for accrediting Modelling
Agencies per sa. It would be best advised for you to
look up our co-ordinator section. If you are outside
India, please check out the INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY
of MODEL and TALENT agencies & schools, a book with
phone and address of all agencies across the world.
Printed by Peter Glenn Publications, ltd.
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How to approach an agency / co-ordinator?
The oldest way to go about it is to visit them. Book
an appointment ahead of time by phone. Bring at least
2 pictures. They don't have to be professional pictures.
A head shot, natural and clear. Also a full length shot
that somewhat reveals your figure, a clingy dress ,
swimsuit, figure flattering clothes or other tight fittings
garments should be worn. Forget about baggy clothes!
It will tip off viewers that you have something to hide.
Ask lots of questions. Ask to see what work their models
are currently doing? Ask for names and phone number
of clients and call them to verify the information,
be concerned if they promise you work right away or
promise you high salaries. If they don't allow you time
to think about it or if they use pressure techniques
to sign the contract, be concerned. They should not
ask for money up-front for classes or training. Be concerned
if the they claim to be looking for ordinary people.
Reputed agencies/coordinators might have open interviews
during the week, give them a call and find out. Also
you can send your photo and resume as mentioned earlier.
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Portfolio: What is it?
It's a collection of your modelling pictures. How many
pictures you need varies. You should only keep strong
pictures, you are only as good as your worst picture!
Models should aim for quality not quantity! Avoid using
2 pictures of the same shoot (same look) Black and White
is the favourite of the industry. 9 by 12 inches are
the standard size. Your agency will require you to buy
an 11 by 14 inches for their book (portfolio). A basic
but versatile portfolio would have a casual head shot,
styled head shot, body shot (conservative swimsuit or
lingerie), a fashion shot (sexy) , action shot, an editorial
shot and even a catalogue shot. As you gain experience
replace the older pictures with newer one. Keep your
best picture at the end to leave a lasting impression!
Do not wear jewellery for those prints, it takes the
attention away from you. The wrong choice of undergarments
may show panty line or bra straps and will distract
the viewer (on the job, or in interviews it can mean
the difference between looking professional or not).
Tailor your portfolio for your strengths and the type
of modelling you are doing.
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What is a Comp card (not applicable in India)?
Comp card is a card with a few pictures on it. It also
has the information on how to reach modelling agency.
It contains your statistic and measurements. They cost
between US$ 200 to 300 for 200 cards. The model pays
for them and your agency will tell you how many you
need to get started
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Tips on how to choose a photographer
Avoid "portrait photographer" they often don't
understand the need of the fashion industry. See the
photographer's portfolio. Do you like it? Does it represent
the style and format your looking for? Commercial photographers
might be a good source of work! Keep that in mind. Be
concerned about photographers who seek to take nude
pictures of you or claims to be working on a swimsuit
calendar. Photographers should be professional and respectful
and you should bring a friend along. Always be cheerful,
you never know when you might get a free shoot or a
free picture or an extra roll done at no extra cost!
If you bring your own clothes to the shoot, always bring
extra. If the photographer for example like your look
and decides to do an extra roll you will be ready to
benefit from it. Keep an open mind photographers loves
to do editorial shots.
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