How to Become a Model, and

Launching Your Modeling Career

The Modeling Industry can be very difficult to break into, but with the right information, drive, ambition and commitment, once you’ve learnt How to Become a Model, you can become very successful. All you need is a plan, or a checklist, that will help to guide you in the best possible direction.

A lot of people Want to be a Model because it seems very glamorous, sexy, and can also be very lucrative; you might also want to be recognised in the Modeling world. However, it’s an extremely competitive and gruelling business that could more than likely break you, rather than make you.

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If you are serious, about How to Become a Model then ask yourself this question, do I want to be a Model? Because, I must make it clear despite the glamour and hype, you will have seen and heard about in the Modeling Profession, it is very hard work. It can be boring (sometimes) and it can be tedious. Be prepared to be constantly rejected, and get ready for some major ups and downs.

Learning How to Become a Model is a lifestyle, not a 9-5 job. Not all jobs pay well, so unless you are seriously committed about your Modeling Career, and willing to work at it in your own time, and live a healthy life style, etc., you will not succeed as a Model. You have to understand that there are lots of other people who want to Become a Model, and it’s a very competitive business.

So are you willing to put the time and energy into competing with pretty much everyone you meet, 24 hrs a day?If so, all I can really say is to treat Modeling like a real job. Models that don’t take it seriously have a small chance of succeeding in their Modeling Career.

And realize that it is harder than it appears, there’s a lot of work behind all that glitz and glamour especially at fashion shows. When Learning How to Become a Model and thinking How do I start Modeling another thing to consider is that a Model does not have to be like a Supermodel.

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You may think you have higher chances to Become a Model if you have a pretty face. However, just remember this is not a requirement. There are Models of all shapes and sizes: short, tall, skinny, fat, normal, etc. Don’t ever think that you can’t Become a Model; because anyone can!

How to Become a Model, Self – Education

Another very important factor is Education, while trying to figure out How to Become a Model, its absolutely Vital that you MUST EDUCATE YOURSELF; there is a lot you can learn from reading books, and articles on Modeling, and download as much information as you can.

I really can’t stress this enough, get what you can! Where you can! When you can! And read, and learn as much as you can! This will help you to improve important skills, and to better understand how the Modeling industry works (how to find an agent, etc.). Any skills you can add to your arsenal will only help your future Modeling Career.

If its Child Modeling or Teen Modeling you’re wanting to do, then you will need to get your parents’ permission if you’re under the age defined by your country as being an adult. Some Modeling schools are licensed by the Board of Education.

However, whether or not they will teach you How to Become a Model is questionable, and some Modeling Agencies even say that attending a Modeling school, can teach you bad habits that are hard to break! And they can workout expensive. You can also enter Modeling Contests. However, make sure you check that these are being run by a reputable agency.

Here are some major truths about Becoming a Model, as well as some realistic advice and tips to follow before you can become a Successful Model.

How to Become a Model, Your Future Goals

Learning How to Become a Model the best thing you can do for your Modeling Career is to be realistic about your goals. Choose what type of Modeling you think suits you best and stick with it. Models get further in their careers when they are focused on the right form of Modeling.

This means that if you want to be a Fashion Model but you’re too short, then perhaps you should choose Commercial Modeling, because you can get further in that specific branch. Learning How to Become a Model begins with knowing where you fit in best. As I’ve already said technically, anybody can Be a Model.

However, do remember that if you don’t meet certain requirements, the work available to you will be incredibly limited, and you may have to compensate in other departments (reliability, technique, etc). Let’s just take these as examples; if your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a Plus Size Model.

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And if you’re tall (at the very least 5’7 for editorial & 5’8 for catwalk) and very skinny with a small breast size, you can be a Catwalk Model. If you have large breasts but not very wide hips, you can be an Underwear Model. Or let’s look at other types of Modeling. If you don’t fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair or hand Model. What I am trying to say is you must consider your “look”.

There is also more of a curvy California look, a svelte New York look, a waif-like European look, girl next door, swim suit or lingerie (usually requires the bust to fill out the suits and a very thin waist)… Know what you’re equipped with, but also work to pull off other looks. You may want to consider learning How to Be a Fitness Model, or if you are still young enough what about Child Modeling? There are plenty of options to think about.

Modeling is a tough business. Try not to be discouraged by rejections. Even Top Models still get rejected for about 70% of everything they are put forward for!

And Remember Don’t take things to heart, when they say “you’re not right for them” it means you’re not what they’re looking for at that time, it doesn’t mean your ugly.

If you become one of the Top Models, the people you work for, might ask you to take drastic measures to stay a Top Model. For example, they might ask you to get a nose job, liposuction, or have breast implants, and lose more weight… The pressure of Modeling can cause a lot of long term mental health problems, including eating disorders.

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Don’t be afraid to speak to somebody if you think it is getting all too much. And if you just can’t handle the pressure, it may be time to start thinking of a new profession. Plus if you don’t like being looked at, then don’t do this. A job isn’t worth your health!

When Learning How to Become a Model, realize that there are qualities every Model needs to have, depending on the type of Model you wish to become. Generally, any feature indicative of good health is a must, also clear skin, a full head of hair, and overall symmetry. Other qualities such as height and weight depend on what you’re Modeling.

Consider working with a fitness trainer, especially someone who has a good reputation and experience with Models. Tell them you’re modeling goals and how you aspire to look. Perhaps you might end up being a Bikini Model.

How to Become a Model, Make-up and Practice

Before you Become a Model in demand, you’ll need to give yourself an unfair advantage over other Models in your field. This means finding out how you can become a better Model, right at the beginning of your Modeling Career.

So consider doing some make-up, and hair styling courses. Practice your poses in the mirror, and do fake shoots to practice different emotional effects. Sharpen each skill needed while Learning How to Become a Model and your chances will increase rapidly!

Figure out what’s the right makeup for you? Some people need a lot, some need a little. You have to be able to do it yourself, go to a department store; have your makeup done at the counter. Ask for a light day makeup look, one that you can wear every day. Learn how to do what they did, and ask for help.

You must be able to do your makeup by yourself, and well! Models don’t wear a lot of makeup, but a bit of concealer, clear mascara, or a bit of eye liner and some light gloss may be right for you.

One of the main aspects of How to Become a Model is confidence, you must be confident. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Here is a cool way to start off. Grab a friend and go to a social place. Walk right up to some random guy and be like “Hey. I’m…” then start flirting. Then smile and leave with your friend. Then walk up to the next hot guy and do it again. This is a great way to build confidence.

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Learn to walk like a Model. High-heeled shoes always help, and they are best for learning, you should start out with a 2-inch heel and then graduate to a 4-inch heel before continuing on to flat shoes. Walk normally; notice the space between your feet as you walk. On the runway, Models walk with one foot directly in front of the other.

Take a step with one leg, then take another and put the foot directly in front of the other, leaving a two inch space between your toes and your heel. Repeat. Notice how your hips sway perfectly and along with your legs. Look up; Make sure you are looking straight out in front of you.

This is the sort of thing you need to do when learning How to Become a Model. Always have a face that perfectly reflects your mood, but make sure it’s attractive.

Try not to move any part of your body when you walk except for your feet. You should appear as if you are gliding, or flying if someone were to watch you from the thighs up. Get a thick book and put the book on your head and walk, make sure you don’t drop the book and this will improve your posture. Who wants to see someone slouching?

Again, while Learning How to Become a Model, try to have your own unique style, one that’s not tacky. Don’t be overly trampy either. You can show quite a lot of skin if you can still manage to look innocent. Everyone has at least one amazing asset, so show yours off!

Have a few accessories you wear at least once a day, because you should change your outfit whenever you change your mood. And you should change your mood often.

Have fun. Models are the ultimate party girls; make sure you get invited to every party. Have your own parties and be the centre of attention. Guarantee that you will be at every good party. Don’t worry whether you went to the right party, any party you go to is the place to be. Make yourself look hot; the ultimate party girl looks hot no matter what she does, just show attitude and have fun!

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Often models will have their hair dyed or highlighted, which is fine, as long as you know your limits. For example, if you have extremely wavy and uncontrollable hair, let it be extremely wavy and uncontrollable! Individuality is the key, and you want to emphasize your attributes to be what a model essentially is: a trend setter.

How to Become a Model, Get some Photos Done

You will need to consider having some photos done. These don’t have to be professional but they should be created for the purpose of showing your ability as a model. Although agencies say they are happy with snapshots, that doesn’t mean they want to see an out of focus shot of you out partying with your friends with a little note attached saying that you’re the one on the right!

The standard size for the photos is 9 by 12 inches and you’ll need around 10 – 12 photos. Make sure you focus on quality rather than quantity, and your portfolio will need a selection of both head shots and full body shots. Also be sure you get a variety of different looks such as swimwear, catalogue and lingerie, you get the idea, and I would get a couple of black and white shots in there too.

Avoid using pictures of the same shot as well. Now it can be very advantageous to have photographs from different photographers in a portfolio. This will show the versatility in terms of styles, and will prove that a model can work with a variety of different people. I would certainly try to get the photos professionally done.

Because Professional photography, even if it’s expensive, will give you a better idea of what kind of “look” you project. And you will eventually need these photographs, so think of it as a worthwhile investment! Before going ahead with a photo session ask to look at the photographer’s portfolio to see if you like his style of photography.

No doubt if you go to the photographer’s studio to book the appointment he will have examples of his work on display anyway. If you’ve never done Modeling before and you are still learning How to Become a Model, this will also be an excellent practice run for you. Avoid photographers wanting to take nude shots, if possible take a friend with you to the shoot.

Now if you are planning a photo shoot with a photographer you have met online, it is always highly recommended that you do take a friend to the shoot. It’s for your own safety, as you never know who is online!

If you can’t take a friend (because you are unable to find one, or because the photographer doesn’t allow chaperones), then make sure you do a background search on the photographer, first check out things such as who they have worked with before, and call somebody when you get to the shoot, and when you leave the shoot.

Again, when Learning How to Become a Model, Be professional, Be polite and always turn up on time to any appointment or Photo shoot. If you’re late or rude, word soon gets around and then nobody will want to work with you. And remember to be organized!

Models often get called off places at the last minute, and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things, if you want to succeed And Become a Model. So buying a day-to-day planner can really help.

How to Become a Model, Find a Good Agent

Now we’ve already covered quite a lot, and if you’re desperately trying to discover just How to Become a Model the right way, then its important to keep this in mind: all Good Models have agents! So you need to find yourself an agent, but not just any agent, you want, and need one that is going to fight for your career.

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The only way to do this is to approach agents that you’ve researched, and who you think will be the best for your career. If your agent is good, and helpful, then they’ll get you the work. And more work means more exposure.

Ask to see what work their models are currently doing? Ask for names and phone numbers 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. And be concerned if they claim to be looking for ordinary people. Reputed agencies/coordinators, might have open interviews during the week, so give them a call and find out.

Just remember as I said before, when Learning How to Become a Model be wary of any agency that asks for money up front. The majority of agencies get their money through commission, meaning they take a certain percentage of your pay for every job that you do.

If you don’t work, then they don’t get paid. If you’ve already paid up, there’s no incentive for them to find you work. However, don’t dismiss everybody who asks you for up-front fees as a scam. If you are sure that they are an agency, listen carefully to what they are asking for the fees for.

Bigger agencies in bigger markets will often pay for these for you, or at least loan you the money, but smaller agencies, or agencies in smaller markets can’t afford to do this. If the fees are to cover actual representation, this probably isn’t a good deal.

Although there are some good agencies out there who work on this basis, the majority are nothing more than con artists. So find Models, who they represent, get in touch with them and ask them what they think of the representation they are getting?

Again, when learning How to Become a Model another thing to be aware of, is if you are invited to a foreign country (i.e. Hong Kong, Macau etc.) for an audition or job, have enough funds to purchase a return ticket yourself. While legitimate jobs exist, there are many scams that provide one way tickets, and then trap young girls into prostitution rings, when they cannot afford to leave and go back home.

Be careful when signing contracts or releases. Some contracts may require you to Model exclusively for a particular agency. A lot of releases (which are more like mini-contracts that are done for a single shoot), will emphasize the photographer’s right to an image, saying that they may do whatever they wish, but don’t mention the Model’s rights.

While learning How to Become a Model always remember its your image they are using, and you have a say in what is done with pictures taken of you. So make sure to discuss this before signing anything.

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As I mentioned before always be aware, it’s up to the agency/coordinator to provide you with a safe working environment. And look after the legalities, and things like the paper work for the different jobs. They provide their clients with Professional Models. This is what they do.

But also keep copies of all-important papers, such as contracts etc. You may need these if you have a dispute with the agency/coordinator. So it’s always wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully, because ideally you will want to stay with them.

It’s important to know your limits as well, especially on style and nudity. If you don’t want to do glamour work, and maybe be a Glamour Model, or are uncomfortable doing full nudity, then speak up and don’t let people push you past those limits.

Also, consider where you want your career to go in the future. Sure, while learning How to Become a Model you may be comfortable doing glamour now. But what if you decide you want to do Fashion Modeling, or catalogue work in the future? You might be discriminated against if they know you have done this line of work.

If, for whatever reason, you’ve decided signing with a Modeling Agency isn’t right for you, then you could consider going freelance. But be warned: the pay is usually considerably less and there are fewer safety precautions.

How to Become a Model, the Comp Card

When Learning How to Become a Model another thing to consider is the Comp Card. You’ll definitely need one of these. A comp card is what your Modeling Agency will use to market you. So what is a comp card? A composite card (sometimes called a ZED) is a Model’s business card.

In most cases, your comp card is your one and only opportunity to make a good first impression. And with that in mind it is important that the images on your card are your absolute best and nothing less. Additionally, the printing and reproduction quality is extremely important.

Poor reproduction makes your images look bad, and as a result makes you look bad. Besides a great head-shot, the comp card will have other photos that show your experience, your versatility, range, and what type of work you are seeking.

For the best results, all of the photos should be the highest quality you can obtain at your stage in your Modeling Career. Make sure that you have them printed on rigid card that will withstand a lot of wear and tear.

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Be careful! Do NOT have a Modeling Agency print your comp card. If you do, they will put their logo on it. Now, you are going to want to sign with as many Modeling Agencies as possible, and if you are serious about How to Become a Model, and getting work.

Then Comp Card printing can be expensive, however try and consider having these printed yourself, and give each agency copies. They will have stickers that they can put on them, with their own contact information on.

How to Become a Model, and Grow your Career

Once you have an agent, the work doesn’t stop there. It’s your responsibility as a Model to promote yourself, you must get your name seen and heard, by people in the Modeling Industry.

There are several ways to do this, but the best way these days is to get a website. It helps spread the word that you’re out there, and also serves as a place for your adoring fans (yes you will get them). Learning How to Become a Model takes hard work, so remember that it’s up to you to expand your network and promote yourself.

Think of yourself as a self-marketer, and find out how to grow your personal brand online.

How to Become a Model, Things to Remember

• 1. Always be on time, if you can’t be, then let the Photographer know. Punctuality is very important. “Safety tip”: If you are not taking anyone with you to the shoot, then let someone know where you are, and who you’re with. And be sure to tell the photographer that someone knows where you are!
• 2. Always go prepared; with clothing changes that you know will fit you. Don’t always assume that they will have everything that is needed for the shoot.
• 3. Always take your own make-up; even if you’ve been told there will be a make-up artist there. There may be the odd occasion where you are required to do your own make-up. If there is a make-up artist, then arrive fresh faced.
• 4. Get references, as many as you can. That would include other models and/or assignments that the photographer has had. Check and double check. And be sure that a legitimate photographer is doing the same with you. Never take anything for granted.
• 5. Get phone numbers and addresses if possible, if he/she is hesitant. You might want to rethink the shoot.
• 6. Make sure that you know exactly what the shoot consists of, and never feel pressured to do anything that you do not feel comfortable doing. If nothing else, go by your gut feeling.
• 7. Always take along enough “cash” for cab fares etc. In case the photographer cannot provide adequate transportation. Most will, but always be prepared for the “just in case”.
• 8. Keep in mind that Modeling is a business, not a personal venture. You need to be prepared to negotiate with prospective employers, regarding everything from pay to content. Don’t just drop out of contact because you don’t like what’s offered – either negotiate or say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” You never know, the employer you turn down could well have your dream job later, and if you treat him or her rudely or with disrespect, you’ll likely miss out.
• 9. Don’t ever do anything that you might be sorry for later. What you do today can affect your career, later on in the future. “If you pose for a photo that you cannot show your family and friends, and be proud of it, it wasn’t worth doing”.
• 10. If you have a verbal or signed agreement on travelling expenses etc. Make sure that it is followed up on. Written is sometimes the best.
• 11. Learn to accept rejection or criticism politely, and thank the people for their time.
• 12. Be truthful about your measurements. Don’t say you’re skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there the stylist will have problems, and you will get found out. Word will get around, and you could find yourself without a career!

These tips and things to remember are just a few select ways that you can discover How to Become a Model, using the right mindset and work ethic. If there’s one final thing you need to know about Modeling, it’s that most Models give up before they make it.

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So Stay focused on your goals, and measure every decision that you make, so that you can give yourself the best chance possible of Becoming a World Class Model.

I wish you every success in learning How to Become a Model. Have a wonderful Career and Good Luck.

Kind Regards

Andrew Valentine