Anyone who has ever watched America’s Next Top Model knows that modeling isn’t all smilizing and free designer clothes. It’s tough work — if you can even break into the industry, that is.
If you think you have what it takes to conquer the early morning photoshoots and long hours under bright lights, read the guide below to find out how to become a model!
1. Figure Out Your Market
You don’t have to uproot your life and move to NYC to start your career as a model, but where you live can determine the types of gigs available to you. If you're down to star in a local magazine, commercial, or catalog, check out the agents in your hometown. Another tip is to identify a few models who look like you and ask them for modeling gig advice. They may be able to set you up with an agent who can get you a lot of work in whatever modeling niche you want to pursue, whether that be in the plus-size, fitness, or cosmetic spheres.
If you have your sights set on high fashion, though, you may want to consider a move to a big cosmopolitan city like New York City, London, or Paris.
2. Take Headshots
It’s a common misbelief that aspiring models should go all out and take the most glam headshots ever to present to scouts and agencies. Save your money. Instead, have a friend take a few photos of you in natural light with little-to-no makeup rocking simple hair and clothing. On top of a headshot, be sure to get pictures of yourself from your chest up and a full body shot of yourself in swimwear or athletic gear (like a sports bra and shorts). If you can impress agents in friend-shot pics, then odds are you will SLAY in a full-on photoshoot.
3. Find an Agent
Wondering WTF modeling agents ACTUALLY do? Well, they match you with bookings and oversee your career. That being said, finding a reputable agency to take you on before you have experience can be tough.
Here are a few tips outlined by the Better Business Bureau to help you find your dream agent:
- First-off, never "pay-for-play." Agencies should never ask you for money to connect you to clients, or try to sign you to just any client.
- Search online at the Better Business Bureau to find a reputable agency, and call the bureau to see if the firm has been the subject of complaints or legal issues.
- Never go with an agent who makes you feel uncomfortable and who would put you in any dangerous situations. There are a lot of people out there looking to cash in and take advantage of aspiring models. Remember that no one is doing you a favor by hiring you for your talent, and you deserve to be treated and compensated fairly for your work.
- Do not pay fees for classes, registrations, or test shots.
- Avoid agencies that pressure you into taking their courses. They are simply trying to profit from you, regardless of whether they think you could actually model.
- Don’t go with an agency that can’t answer questions on what specific types of assignments you might book with them.
- Avoid agencies that have a photographer on site.
- Don’t meet with managers after hours and bring a friend with you if you feel like the meeting is sketch.
4. Get A Comp Card
A comp card or composite card is like a business card for models. They are also sometimes called a z card, zed card, or sed card. It features a few more polished headshots, your measurements, and your contact information. You’ll need them when you go on casting calls as a way for clients to remember you and reach out if they'd like to book you. You can purchase an inexpensive template to make your own card on Easy for $8.
5. Get Exposure
Meeting more agents and clients can lead to new opportunities and connections. You can try emailing your photos to agencies or mailing hard copies to their offices. If you live in a big city, you should also attend open casting calls, which you can find by searching online. Just check out the agency’s site beforehand to see how they would like you to dress.
6. Practice! Practice! Practice!
It’s a pretty safe bet that the models you know and love didn’t go to modeling schools. ModelScouts, an industry resource site, says these schools can help teach poise, makeup and hair techniques, but agencies will book you mainly for your look.
ModelScouts does, however, recommend that aspiring models enroll in acting classes and workshops. They’ll teach you proper audition skills and how to work around cameras on set. Models also occasionally get cast for small roles in commercials and TV shows, so acting is a great skill to have to pick up more money.
You should also work on your walk, as a good model prowl takes more than just a swing of the hips. Watch Youtube videos of the greats (like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks) and practice your walk in the full length mirrors in your room or at the gym. Learn different styles of walks — from the 'Clydesdale clomp' to a Naomi Campbell-style strut — and find one that feels like *you* on your journey to becoming a model!
