So you have this ambition, this dream for your future. You know you have what it takes to be a model. But you are a bit uncertain about how to become a model. That’s okay, let’s take a look at the basics to help you set a strong foundation and get started on your dream career.
How to get started on becoming a model
When you start on the road to becoming a model, there is some preparation and work to do. While there are cases of people just being picked up before they do anything, these are few. For the majority of models, there is work involved.
Get some snapshots
To start with, you need some basic snapshots to show your modelling ability. As you become a model, you might want to upgrade these but for now, keep them simple. Make sure you have:
- Face shot smiling and not smiling
- Left and right profiles of your face and body
- Full-length shot
- Back shot
Wear some clothes that are form fitting such as leggings or skinny jeans and a simple tank top. You can also go with a swimsuit shot if you are comfortable with this.
Understand your market
Every model has an ideal market. This might be a geographic location such as London or Paris. Or it might be a type of modelling such as petite, plus size, or teen. You need to decide which market you are aiming for and which you are most likely to succeed in becoming a model within. There’s no point going for a petite modelling career when you are average height! By understanding your market, you can better position yourself when you start marketing yourself.
Get an evaluation
You know you have what it takes to be a model, but it is a good idea to have an evaluation from an industry professional to back up that belief. Look for one who specialises in your market – there are some who only work in high fashion, petite models, plus-sized models, child or teen models, male models and so on. Talk to a few different agents in the modelling market.
Start getting exposure
To become a model, you need for people to see you and that means exposure. But in the early days, you want to get exposure to agents and scouts because they are the ones with clients. By getting your snapshots in front of the right people, you will increase your chance of that first job.
There are various options. One is to email photos to agencies, another is to print them and send them in the post. This has variable results because not all agencies take much notice of unsolicited mail. Another option is to try a modelling convention, but this can be expensive – although the chance of catching someone’s attention when in person is greater than images sent via the mail.
A modern option is to use social media to create exposure with Facebook being a good option. Look for Facebook groups where people advertise for models. There are also websites out there that work the same way. You can even record videos for YouTube and start your own channel.
3 Common myths about modelling
If there’s one thing about the industry it is this – there are loads of myths about modelling that people fall victim to. And this often causes them to abandon their dream of becoming a model. So let’s clear a few of those myths to help you see your future clearly.
1. You have to be tall to model
This one is a partial myth – runway and high fashion models doing editorial work may have certain height requirements, but this isn’t the case for all markets. Just look at Kate Moss – she’s just 5 foot 6 inches and was one of the first to break the height myth!
2. You need to be thin to model
Again, this is a myth because there is a huge demand for plus size models and even ‘real’ women who have more natural shapes and curves than the classic catwalk model. As the average size of women’s clothing increases, the demand for people to model these also increases.
3. Agencies will pay for everything if they like you
The third common myth can be devastating if you get caught by it – that agencies will pay for everything when they like you. If an agency expresses interest, you will next need to hire a photographer, makeup artist and maybe a stylist to help you get the photos needed for them. And these will usually be at your own expense.
Build your dream on strong foundations
There’s no reason you can’t realise your dream of becoming a model. But it is important to build your career on strong foundations, following steps to make sure you get the exposure you need and that you are ready for the costs you will face when starting out.
If you want to know more about what it really takes to become a model and have a successful modelling career, click the green button below to get advanced tips, tricks and the best reliable information to make your modelling dream a reality!