How To Become A Model

Being a model sounds like the easiest job in the world.  You show up, put on some clothes, smile, and get your picture taken.  Easy enough, right?  Not so.  The world of modeling is highly competitive and being a model is more than just having a pretty face.  To become a model, you must have very solid self promotion skills, and be fortunate enough to have the right look for the job at hand.  Fortunately, there are modeling jobs for people with a variety of looks, but this does not change the fact that you have to go out and find the job.  Don’t assume that good looks alone will carry you through.

Speaking of looks, if you’re a model you will be expected to maintain your looks.  This will require eating right and exercising regularly.  For some types of models, such as fitness models, this might become almost a full time job in itself.  Even if you are gifted genetically, eating right and looking your best will still help keep you looking your best and give you a leg up on the competition.

Incidentally, while it is good to stay in shape, not all female models have to be six feet tall and stick thin, and not all male models have to have rippling muscles.  There are many different types of models that serve different purposes.  The tall female supermodels that many think of are the runway models.  These models typically have very strict height, weight, and figure requirements, but runway modeling isn’t the entire modeling world.  There are models who only appear in magazines and publications, not necessarily showing off clothes (think the background people in ads).  There are models who specialize in certain parts of the body, hand models being a classic example.  There are swimsuit and fitness models, who are required to have very fit figures.  There are even models who get to dress in flashy costumes and hang out at booths in trade shows (often known as “booth babes”).  Limiting yourself to one area of modeling is a poor idea.  Check out all the options, and find your niche.

Building A Portfolio

So, if you’ve decided to become a model, one of the first things you will need to take care of is getting a portfolio together.  A portfolio is a collection of photos that show off your “look.”  Your portfolio will show potential clients what kinds of looks you have to offer.  To build a quality portfolio, you must be sure to work with a quality photographer.  Look through the photographer’s own portfolio, and see if he/she can capture “the look” that you are going after.  Build your portfolio from the work of several photographers, and choose only the very best photos of yourself to go in the portfolio.  It is often useful to ask the photographer which photos are best, since he/she will have a good eye for what photo editors will be looking for as they go over your portfolio.

Use a variety of different photos in your portfolio.  You want to have some solid headshots, full body shots, and perhaps some “arty” pictures.  You want to give prospective clients a very good idea of what you have to offer.  Variety and quality are key.

Now, building a portfolio from multiple quality photographers could be tricky.  Some photographers will work on a “trade for pictures/CD” (abbreviated TFP or TFCD) basis.  These means that you give them your time in exchange for photos of yourself to use in your portfolio.  With this arrangement, both parties get photos for their portfolios.  Not all photographers will do this, though.  Also, it pays to be careful which photographer you choose. Try to find one with a good, professional reputation who is known for doing solid work.  It is unfortunate, but there are some sleazy “photographers” out there who don’t have your best interests in mind, so do your homework.  However, most are professional, and will help you greatly in building up a high quality portfolio.

Marketing Yourself

So, you have a portfolio, now it’s time to start getting your name out there and find some work.  There are two approaches to doing this.  One is to strike out on your own and find work, the other is to find an agent who will get you work in exchange for a cut of the money.  Let’s talk about the first method now, freelancing.  If you are freelancing, you will need to become a skilled marketer.  Develop a web presence, which will probably require the help of a professional developer.  Make sure your site is well targeted to what you offer.  To help you get found in search engines, consider the keywords you put in your title.  For example, don’t just call your site “Sarah Evans Modeling.”  Instead, go for something like “Denver Editorial Model – Sarah Evans.”  This increases your chances of being found by a random search, since it is rare that someone will search for just your name until you are well known.

You can also join sites that connect models with photographers, editors, and others.  See the resources below for some of these.  Be careful on these site to make sure that you are dealing with legitimate professionals, and not scammers.  However, wise use of these sites can definitely help you find some jobs to start with.  They might not be the best, but they can get you going.  Once it starts going well, you might even find yourself an agent.

And, really, finding an agent or agency is hitting the big time in modeling.  With an agent, marketing becomes their job, leaving you free to focus on the modeling.  Of course, the agent will be taking a cut of your fees, but most successful models will ultimately wind up with an agent or get signed to an agency.  In order to get signed with either of these, you need to have a very solid portfolio and have the perfect “look” that is needed at a given time.  To accomplish this, you will need to market yourself well at the beginning, using the techniques above.  So, ultimately, becoming a model is all about becoming a good marketer.

Stay Smart

No discussion of becoming a model is complete without talking about avoiding scams.  Since some many people want to break into modeling, there are many scammers out there try to cash in on this dream.  Don’t let them do it.  To avoid scams, be sure to hold on to your common sense.  Get everything in writing.  Search for the party in question on the internet, and see if there have been any complaints.  Ask for references and check them out.  Most people out there are legitimate, hardworking people, but there are a few scammers out there that will take your money and leave you with nothing.  Doing a little homework goes a long way in avoiding this.

So, that is a basic outline on how to become a model.  It’s not an easy path, and it’s more about marketing and promotion than it is about being really, really good looking.  However, for those who can make it, it can be a very rewarding career.

Resources

Model Mayhem – A good resource site for models.  You can post your portfolio, connect with photographers, and get good advice on the forums.

Modeling Advice – Some good general advice about breaking into modeling.