How to become a model
What is a model?
According to Wikipedia a model is a person who is posed or displayed for the purpose of art, fashion, or other products and advertising. Types of models include glamour, fashion, fitness, bikini, fine-art, and body-part models.
Remember not all models are beautiful: character models portray ordinary people and humorous types, mostly in print work and in commercials Fashion models are used mainly to promote apparel. Fashion Modelling generally can be divided into two categories (editorial and runway), and into the following sub-categories Ad campaigns Fashion catalogue modeling, Fashion catwalk or runway modeling, Fashion editorial (magazine spreads etc.) modeling, Fashion print modeling, Fashion lingerie modeling, Fashion showroom modeling, Fashion swimsuit modeling Fashion fit modeling, Fashion fitness modeling Petite modeling Plus-size modeling Generally to be a model (Women) you need to be of height (minimum) 5ft 8 ins and no bigger than a size 8/10 (UK). For Catwalk or Runway modelling a height (minimum) 5ft 9 ins is preferred. For men a minimum height of 6ft ins is preferred but there are always exceptions With Glamour modelling height is less important but a well toned body in proportion is desirable, as well as good skin, teeth and hair!Petite modelling –without stating the obvious!!! height is not important but good vital statistics are!!Plus – size modelling – Remember even though this is for larger girls, a well toned body in proportion is necessary and generally a minimum of height of 5ft 7 ins is also required.Fashion fit modelling (A fit model (sometimes fitting model) is a person who is used by a fashion designer or clothing manufacturer to check the fit, drape and visual appearance of a design on a 'real' human being, effectively acting as a live mannequin. ) – Height is not so important as models are expected to reflect ‘the woman on the street’ however again body must be in proportion and vital statistics kept at a constant measurement.Print Modelling & Commericals – No restrictions as the ‘model’ will be selected per client’s brief for the job.. Many model agencies now have sections for ‘Real’ models on their books and will generally cover all the diverse sections of today’s society!
How to become a model
To become amodel you must promote yourself as a model, first you will need a portfolio. If you think you are suitable for fashion modelling, generally sending a snapshot or Polaroid to an agency is sufficient for them to see if you have potential. If they like you, they will then send you for a test shoot with a photographer where you will have to pay a fee for any prints you order. For other types of modelling, it is worth getting yourself a few professional pictures as agencies rarely send models other than fashion/editorial models for test shoots. Make sure you only use Professional industry photographers who have a strong portfolio of professional work. Also make sure you ask if hair and make up is included as getting these professionally done can make all the difference to your photographs. Remember these pictures are your advertising tools so make sure you spend time in getting it right. It’s worth asking around other models (If you know of any!!) to see which photographers they recommend.
What to do at the photo shoot!
Okay you may think we are stating the obvious here but you have no idea how many models turn up to a photo shoot with absolutely no idea of what to do….. You think it looks easy…. Well for some models ‘posing’ comes naturally and the camera just loves them no matter what they do…but for the rest of us we have to work at it and the more confident you are in your ability to perform in the front of the camera the better your pictures will be. Good pictures = Happy Client! Educate yourself. Perhaps not what you would expect from a model advice site but it is always good to know about the industry you want to work in.
Remember this is your career so keeping up with fashion trends, and what’s going on in your particular field of modelling can only benefit you. Remember knowledge is power! There are enough magazines and books and tv shows out there for you to peruse.
