What does it take to become a model?
My friends have always told me that I look great in pictures and I should try to get into modeling, but I honestly have no clue where to start. It seems like it could be fun, I just have no experience or idea how to even begin in the industry. Does anyone have any hot tips to make it as a model?
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For a complete guide to this topic, read the wikiHow article How to Become a Model.
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First of all, if you want to be a model, do your research on modeling agencies and the category that you're trying to be in. Each agency kind of has specific guidelines, and you want to sound like you are informed when they interview you and when you submit to them.
Almost every agency goes through online submissions, so check the requirements and send exactly what the agency is asking for. If you get an interview, look through the prep list telling you how to wear your hair and makeup. Don't overdress and just be yourself. Show your confidence, and don't be shy.
In your portfolio, include a beauty headshot that's a pretty picture of you from the shoulders up without a lot of makeup and your hair in a down style. Then, also include a full-length shot of your body with good lighting and without using any filters.
Ambition is important. You have to have that desire and motivation to start looking for agencies and shooting for a portfolio. But the reality is you have to deal with rejection. Remember not to take any rejections personally.
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Almost every agency goes through online submissions, so check the requirements and send exactly what the agency is asking for. If you get an interview, look through the prep list telling you how to wear your hair and makeup. Don't overdress and just be yourself. Show your confidence, and don't be shy.
In your portfolio, include a beauty headshot that's a pretty picture of you from the shoulders up without a lot of makeup and your hair in a down style. Then, also include a full-length shot of your body with good lighting and without using any filters.
Ambition is important. You have to have that desire and motivation to start looking for agencies and shooting for a portfolio. But the reality is you have to deal with rejection. Remember not to take any rejections personally.
I believe that every single person on the planet can be a model, but not everyone can work as a model. Ask yourself, "do I want to be a model, or do I want to work as a model?" Make sure you aren't doing this because you feel a need for external validation. Instead, you should have a genuine love of fashion and want to participate in a creative space. The industry can be quite cutthroat, and if you are lacking in self-esteem, it will be very hard for you.
Make sure you know what you don't know. If you're a complete beginner, you'll be far more susceptible to scams — being trafficked, being coerced, and being manipulated — which means you need to be educated. In order to be educated, you need to get into an agency that's trustworthy and reputable, or you need to find yourself a model coach.
The next thing that you need to consider is your finances. When you're starting out, you need to come in with some savings, or you need to come in with a backup career. A lot of people start when they are much younger and living at home, but I started at 24, so I'd already had a significant period of time in a corporate career and had savings behind me to fall back on. It takes you two years to fully establish yourself if you're trying this full-time, so you'll need to make sure you can support yourself for those two years with savings or low costs.
Next, look at things like your health, your fitness, and your wellness. You need to amplify these because your brain, body, heart, aesthetics, and soul will be essential for your modeling career. Once you've dialed in your physical and mental self, you need to start taking photos. Know that you do not need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a portfolio. The only quality images that you need to start with are called "model digis." I have all these resources on my website at kateheussler.com. Look for comp card curation and model digis.
Find a photographer. Where I'm based, you don't need to pay any more than $80 USD. Get some high-quality digis: a great headshot, a full-length shot, a partial back shot, a left side shot, a right side shot, a full back shot, and a full front shot. From there, submit these to agencies, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
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Make sure you know what you don't know. If you're a complete beginner, you'll be far more susceptible to scams — being trafficked, being coerced, and being manipulated — which means you need to be educated. In order to be educated, you need to get into an agency that's trustworthy and reputable, or you need to find yourself a model coach.
The next thing that you need to consider is your finances. When you're starting out, you need to come in with some savings, or you need to come in with a backup career. A lot of people start when they are much younger and living at home, but I started at 24, so I'd already had a significant period of time in a corporate career and had savings behind me to fall back on. It takes you two years to fully establish yourself if you're trying this full-time, so you'll need to make sure you can support yourself for those two years with savings or low costs.
Next, look at things like your health, your fitness, and your wellness. You need to amplify these because your brain, body, heart, aesthetics, and soul will be essential for your modeling career. Once you've dialed in your physical and mental self, you need to start taking photos. Know that you do not need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a portfolio. The only quality images that you need to start with are called "model digis." I have all these resources on my website at kateheussler.com. Look for comp card curation and model digis.
Find a photographer. Where I'm based, you don't need to pay any more than $80 USD. Get some high-quality digis: a great headshot, a full-length shot, a partial back shot, a left side shot, a right side shot, a full back shot, and a full front shot. From there, submit these to agencies, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
If you're thinking of going into modeling because you think it will be "fun," maybe take a pause to consider if it's really what you want. Modeling is a competitive industry and it can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, so you should really feel motivated to be a model if you want to go into the industry. You may never be able to make it, and even if you do it could take years of working for very little money and working hard to build up your portfolio. To start, you may even have to work for free. You can try getting in contact with the photography department at a local college to see if there are any photography students who are willing to shoot you for free to build their portfolio.
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After you've done your research and got professional pictures taken, call the unions for actors SAG Screen Actors Guild. Ask to be connected to the
Agency department and request a list of
Franchised Agents for Commercials.
This should give you a lead for legitimate
agencies and not the phony ones.
They do not charge you anything upfront and only work on commission for the jobs they get you. Usually 10%. Do not pay them to take pictures. Have them give you
suggestions of good photographers.
Hope this helps. Allanjay
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Agency department and request a list of
Franchised Agents for Commercials.
This should give you a lead for legitimate
agencies and not the phony ones.
They do not charge you anything upfront and only work on commission for the jobs they get you. Usually 10%. Do not pay them to take pictures. Have them give you
suggestions of good photographers.
Hope this helps. Allanjay
Study the work of other models. Observe different poses, expressions, movements, etc. and make note of the ones that you think will suit you best. Try to work with many different photographers. This will add diversity to your portfolio and will help you explore what kind of photography style flatters you best. Take care of your body and be kind to yourself, it can be brutal working as a model.
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