How to become a model

Take care of yourself! Features indicative of good health are a must. Eat and drink healthy foods and beverages, work out, take care of your outer appearance (and inner peace of mind), and look good in clothes. It’s a simple equation, but it’s harder than you might think to execute.

  • Focus on keeping your skin clear and glowing. Wash your face in the morning and at night, exfoliate once a week, and remember to wash your makeup off before you go to sleep.
  • Shiny and healthy hair is important. Some agencies and Managers prefer the “natural greasy look” so if you prefer to minimally shower that is okay too.
  • Fitness is important. Consider working with a trainer who works specifically with models. Tell them your modeling goals and how you want to look. Tell them how you feel and your opinions.
  • Eat right. Contrary to what some people tell you, you should eat healthy foods, as well as healthy amounts of food. Veggies, fruits, whole grains, and proteins should make up the basics of your diet. Sugars, starches, empty carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats should be avoided as much as possible.

    Decide what kind of model you hope to be. 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).

    • A Plus Size Model: If your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model (for example, Crystal Renn).
    • A Runway Model: Most women on the catwalk are at least 5’9, and commonly small-breasted. Men are mostly between 5’11 and 6’2. This does not fully pertain to Victoria’s Secret models.
    • A Print Model: Most editorial female models are at least 5’7, but a beautiful face with great personality are really important for print models.
    • An Underwear Model: For women, this requires large breasts but small hips. For men this requires broad shoulders but slim waists.
    • A Promotional Model: Some companies want their customer base to interact directly with models who are generally attractive with like-able personalities to promote their brand. You may see these models in grocery stores, events or clubs promoting things like food, liquor brands or new products.
    • A Spokesmodel: Models who are hired to be consistently associated with a specific brand. Contrary to popular thought models don’t always have to verbally promote the brand.
    • A Trade Show Model: Hired by companies or brands to advertise to attendees at a trade show tent or booth. Typically not employed by the company but hired as “freelance” models for the event. (Ex. Magic Market Week in Las Vegas NV)
    • 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. There’s also the option of being an alternative model.
    • Consider your “look”. There is more of a curvy California look, a svelte and sophisticated New York look, a waif-like European look, girl next door, swimsuit 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.

    Educate yourself. There is a lot you can learn from reading books and articles on modeling. Reading quality guides, articles, and books will both help you to improve important skills (like posing) and to better understand how the industry works (how to find an agent, etc.).

    • Realize that it’s tough. The modeling world is jam-packed with pretty faces. Just because you are good looking does not mean that you can succeed as a model. In the modeling business, it is not just about looking great. You have to fit the need of specific jobs just in order to get a chance. Modeling is only for serious people who carry unique looks and characteristics. Since there are so many people trying to become models in today’s world, it’s very challenging to get a breakthrough and will only come with patience and perseverance.
    • Realize that a model does not always have to look like a supermodel. With a lot of effort, however, you may reach that supermodel status. One of the most important things to remember is to never be shy and don’t apologize if you mess up! Yes, some models tend to act “stuck-up” and “overly confident” but as long as that makes you feel good, go ahead! Be yourself, and remember to act. Modeling requires a lot of acting skills so acquire a little attitude.

Tips:

  • Don’t let one or two bad comments by people that are not important let you down. Everyone else thinks you are great!
  • 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. It is your image they are using, and you have a say in what is done with pictures taken of you. Make sure to discuss this before signing anything.
  • If you get rejected it’s important how you react. Just because you didn’t make it doesn’t mean you won’t next time. Be confident.
  • Know your limits on style and nudity. If you don’t want to do glamour work or are uncomfortable doing full nudity, 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, you may be comfortable doing glamour now, but what if you decide you want to do fashion or catalog work in the future? You might be discriminated against if they know you have done this line of work.
  • You can also enter modeling contests. However, make sure you check that these are being run by a reputable agency.
  • 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 agencies even say that attending a modeling school can teach you bad habits that are hard to unlearn! They are also expensive.
  • Get your parents’ permission if you’re under the age defined by your country as being an adult.
  • Girls / Ladies – when on a Go-see it is recommended that wear an easy to remove outfit without tight straps or any details that will leave marks on your skin, no bra and flesh coloured thong underwear. This will optimize your ability to look good in any outfit the designer or fashion show organizers want you to try on.
  • If, for whatever reason, you’ve decided signing with an 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.