How to Become a Model

• by Darcy Logan

Introduction

• To be a model, all you need is to be beautiful, right? Wrong. Plenty of attractive men and women who want to be models are unsuccessful.¹ Besides, modeling is not only about beauty. It is about having the "right look," and that depends on what type of model you are.

• VideoJug: Tips For Aspiring Models: Do I Have to be a Size Zero to Be a Model? (Time: 0:39)

Step 1: Understand the Types of Modeling

• When the term "model" comes up, it usually conjures the image of someone like Heidi Klum, Christie Brinkley or Cindy Crawford. While they are models, they are only one type of model: a fashion model. One does not need to have supermodel looks to be a model. There are many different types to fit different needs. Once you have made the decision to become a model, you should consider what type you want to become or best fits you.

Fashion Model

• A fashion model is a model that is hired to promote clothing and apparel.
  1. There are several subcategories of fashion models such as editorial models, high fashion models and catalogue models.
  2. Fashion models sometimes specialize in a specific body type, such as:
     • - Petite models, which are between 5'2" and 5'4" tall and wear a size 2 to 4.
     • - Plus models, which are between 5'2" and 6'1" tall and wear a size 12 to 14.²

High Fashion Model

• A high fashion model works for a famous fashion house or designer.
  1. Needs strong and distinctive features such as high cheekbones, square jaws and long necks.²
  2. Makes the most money in comparison to other types of models.³
  3. Requires extensive experience and a proven track record before fashion houses will hire them.³
  4. Female fashion models are generally between 14- to 19-years-old² and have specific standards for their bodies:
     • - Typical measurements: 34B-24-34²
     • - Height: 5'9" and 5'11" tall
     • - Weight: 108 to 130 pounds (proportionate to height)
     • - Dress size: 6 to 8²
  5. Male fashion models have a broader age range, from late teens to late twenties and have slightly more flexible body standards²:
     • - Height: between 5'10" and 6'2"
     • - Waist size: 32 to 36²

Editorial Model

• An editorial model is similar to a high fashion model.²
  1. They only work for a particular publication.²
  2. The pay for an editorial model is much less than that for a high fashion model.³
  3. Editorial models need to understand how to pose in front of the camera and produce the right facial expressions.²

Runway Model

• A runway model is a fashion model who works at a fashion show.
  1. It has the most rigorous standards regarding body size and type.
  2. Runway models must meet specific clothing size measurements and have long legs.^{3 4}

Showroom Model

• A showroom model is a fashion model who has been hired to display clothes at a fashion party or a boutique.²
  • - This can involve standing around or walking around a party.²

Commercial Print Model

• A commercial print model is hired to model a specific product for photographs are found in magazines, newspapers, billboards and on the sides of buses.⁵
  • - To be a successful commercial print model, you need to be able to provide a variety of looks, emotions and body positions during a photo shoot.⁴

Catalogue Model

• A catalogue model (also spelled catalog model) is hired to appear in catalogues, either to illustrate clothing or products.
  • - The heights and measurements of the average catalogue model varies since each catalog tries to appeal to its consumer base.⁴

Promotional Model

• A promotional model works at either a convention or a trade show.
  1. They are hired to display items, demonstrate products, answer questions or hand out brochures.³
  2. This work is good for beginners and can lead to print work.²

Specialty Model

• A specialty model is a model that models a part of his or her body, usually one that is exceptionally attractive.
  1. Typical parts include the hands, legs, torso, neck, hair or feet.
  2. The body part in question must have no flaws including scars, wrinkles or blemishes.²
  3. These models typically focus on modeling items about their specialty.³ For example, a leg model would most likely model razors or pantyhose while a hand model would model lotion, jewelry or nail polish.

Character Model

• A character model is a model that has an everyday look, rather than one that is extremely beautiful.
  1. They are often used for commercial photography to portray ordinary people.
  2. Models in television commercials are usually character models.³

Glamour Model

• A glamour model focuses on the model rather than the product, for example nude or swimsuit photography.
  1. Pay rates are usually slightly higher than other types of modeling.³
  2. There are no set physical requirements for glamour modeling, although an oval face is often viewed as sexier.²

Teen or Junior Model

• A teen model or junior model is a model that is between the ages of 13- and 21-years-old.⁶
  • - They must be between 5'7" and 5'10" tall and appear young.⁶

Step 2: Avoid the Scams

• If you want to be a model, you need to learn how to avoid the scams. Modeling scams have become so common that the Federal Trade Commission has issued its own warning about them.⁷ However, you don't have to become a victim. Learn which agencies to avoid as well as a few basic tips to follow to protect yourself.

Agencies to Avoid

• There are some signs right up front that an agency might be less than reputable. As a good rule of thumb, avoid any Agencies that:

1. Charge upfront fees. They might be called "signing fees, new account fees or evaluation fees."⁸
2. Require you to use a specific photographer. They might call it a "test shoot." Real agencies will provide you with a list of photographers you can use.⁸
3. Offer you a free photo shoot but charges you for the makeup artist or similar service.⁸
4. Require you to go through their classes, for which they charge a fee. Again, this is asking for money up front.⁸
   

   Investigate prospective agencies to weed out any shady deals. (Creative Commons photo by Charline)
5. Guarantee you work.⁸ Getting booked as a model depends on several factors, most out of the agency's control.⁹
6. Advertise. Good modeling agencies receive plenty of inquiries and have no need to advertise.⁸
7. Have you come in on weekends or in the evening.¹⁰ A successful agency does not need to work nights and weekends.
8. Claim you can earn a high salary or work full- or part-time.¹¹ Modeling is by nature irregular and very few models earn high salaries.⁷
9. Only accept payments in cash or by money order.⁷
10. Claim they are the "biggest" or a "major player" in the industry.⁷

How to Protect Yourself

• In order to protect yourself from any scams, there are a few simple things you should do. Remember, legitimate agencies have no need to pressure you into a situation. Beyond that, make sure you do the following before you agree to anything:

1. Get everything in writing. Do not accept any verbal promises.⁷
2. Do not sign anything without reading it thoroughly first.⁷
3. Ask if they are licensed or bonded, if required in your state.⁷ Your state's Attorney General's office or consumer protection agency should be able to tell you what is necessary in your state.
4. Do your homework:
   1. Check out the agency with the Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General. See if they have any unresolved complaints.⁷
   2. Check out any claims the agency makes in their brochures or advertisements.¹¹
   3. Check out any client claims by contacting the company to see if they have hired from the agency.⁷
   4. Search the Internet. Doing a Google search by typing in the company's name and the word "scam" or "rip-off" is a good way to discover any warnings that might be online.
   5. Ask for names and contact information of models the agency has recently secured work for.¹¹ Make sure you contact them to verify this information.

Step 3: Improve Your Looks

• While people might disagree on what looks beautiful, there are a few things everyone can do to improve his or her looks. Dieting, plastic surgery and similar devices are rarely necessary to becoming a model. One must simply work at staying healthy.

1. Be meticulous about your personal grooming. Your skin, hair and nails should all be clean, healthy and look good at all times.¹²
2. Learn how to dress.¹² The right clothes can help emphasize your body's good points and downplay the negatives.
3. Start a regular skin care regimen.¹³
4. Learn how to apply makeup.¹² Learning to apply your own makeup to achieve different looks is essential.
5. Eat a good diet.¹⁴ No, you don't have to starve yourself down to a size zero, but you will be better off if you cut the sweets and focus on fruits and vegetables.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Exercise.¹⁴ Again, the focus is not on being thin but being in shape.
8. Get plenty of sleep. No one looks good with dark circles under his or her eyes.
9. Practice good dental hygiene. You should also stay away from cigarettes and coffee because they can turn your teeth yellow.¹⁵
10. Take care of your hair.
11. Work on your posture.¹²

• • Check out Mahalo's How To pages on Beauty, Health and Fashion for more information.

Step 4: Practice Your Moves

• Unless you plan on being a body part model, at some point you will be required to provide the camera with a specific look. There are a few ways you can learn how to do this.

1. Take classes on acting, dance and speech.¹² These classes will help you learn how to portray different images and emotions.
2. Take photography or fashion classes.
3. Find a few examples of the modeling you want to do and practice the poses in front of the mirror.¹⁶
4. Learn how to work in front of the camera.¹⁷
5. Learn how to communicate emotions in front of the camera using body language.¹⁸

• YouTube: How to Be a Model : How to Model Clothes: Part 1 (Time: 2:31)

Step 5: Create a Portfolio and Comp Card

• There are two things that every model needs: a portfolio and a comp card (also called a composite card, zed card or sed card). However, before you can create either of these things you need to decide what type of modeling you plan on doing. This will help you decide what type of photographs you need. Here are some tips on how to get great photographs for your portfolio and comp card:

1. Use a professional photographer.¹⁹
2. Never use just one photographer for your entire portfolio.⁸
3. Use only the best photographs, even if it means using less.²⁰
4. Don't over edit your photographs.¹⁹
5. Update your portfolio regularly and add tear sheets whenever possible.¹⁹ Tear sheets are pages "torn" out of a magazine, newspaper or similar medium that you appeared in.
6. Use a variety of pictures', including different angles, profiles, hair styles, expressions, etc.¹⁹
7. Never use two pictures wearing the same outfit or that obviously taken at the same time or place.²⁰

What to Include in Your Portfolio

• Eventually, you will want a portfolio that includes 12 to 20 photographs and tear sheets. However, initially your portfolio can be much smaller and include only three to five photographs. These shots should include a head shot, full body shot and an action shot.²¹ Beyond that, what you include will depend on the type of modeling you do. Just don't forget to get a nice portfolio case to put your photographs in.²²

• YouTube: A Look inside Delphine's Model Portfolio (Time: 2:47)

Comp Card

• A comp card is a combination between a resume and business card for a model. It is traditionally a two-sided sheet of card-stock. The front side includes a head shot with the model's name, contact information and vital statistics (height, weight, measurements, nationality, shoe size, hair color, eye color, etc.).²³ The back side includes a collage of pictures. The industry standard is to have four shots.²⁴ However, you can have anywhere from three to seven pictures.²³ When you start out as a model, you will only need to print about 100 to 200 comp cards. These will typically cost you about $1.00 to $2.50 a card.^{10 23}

• Here are a few examples of comp cards online:

1. Body Parts Models
2. Ioanna Papadimitriou
3. Bianca Gubser
4. Do Your Print
5. Minningmedia
6. Flaunt Models (body parts models)

Step 6: Find an Agent

• You are not required to have an agent as a model, however most of the top models have agents. An agent will seek out and negotiate employment for his or her models for a percentage of the fee, anywhere from 10 to 33 percent.¹⁸ There are three methods you can use to get noticed by a modeling agency:

1. Dry Call, which involves mailing your comp card in to them.²⁵
2. Walk In, which involves making an appointment and visiting the agency.²⁵
3. Open Call, which is when the agency sets up a time and place for new models to interview with them.²⁶

• Again, it is important to thoroughly check out any agency before signing a contract with them to avoid modeling scams. Make sure you make a good impression when you meet with a modeling agency.²⁷ Remember, it is a job interview so you want to be at your best.

Conclusion

• While you might not be the next Tyra Banks, if you work hard you can make it as a successful model. Today, modeling is not about looking thin or beautiful but about looking good on camera and presenting the right image. While it might take a lot of work, you will find that is true any time you pursue a dream.

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References for How to Become a Model

1. ↑ MarketWatch: The 10 Worst Jobs in America
2. ↑ ^{2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14} ModelingPage.com: Different Types of Modeling
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7} E-Model.net: Types of Modeling  
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2} COACH Models Blog & Model Guide: Types of Modeling (October 26, 2007)
5. ↑ Petite Modeling Tips: Where Would I See a Commercial Print Model? (May 28, 2008)
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} Models Fashion Advice: Teenage Models
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8} Federal Trade Commission: If You've Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6} Modeling Advice: Modeling Scams, Rip Offs and Bad Business
9. ↑ COACH Models Blog & Model Guide: Modeling Scams October 26, 2007
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1} Joe Edelman Photographic: Modeling Agency Scams
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1 11.2} The Consumer Law Page: Modeling Agency Scams (January 1993)
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4} Net Industries: Model Job Description  
13. ↑ E-Model.net: Natural Skin Care  
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1} HubPages: Become a Teen Model: Practical, Proven Advice
15. ↑ Family Gentle Dental Care: How to Look Like a Model
16. ↑ Joe Edelman Photographics: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
17. ↑ Modeling Advice: Working in Front of the Camera
18. ↑ ^{18.0 18.1} Modeling Advice: What You Can Work on to Become a Model
19. ↑ ^{19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3} ModelingPage.com: The Professional Portfolio
20. ↑ ^{20.0 20.1} Joe Edelman Photographic: Do I really need a portfolio
21. ↑ E-Model.net: How to Avoid Modeling Portfolio Mistakes  
22. ↑ ModelingPage.com: The Portfolio Case
23. ↑ ^{23.0 23.1 23.2} Barry Dale Currence Photographs: Modeling
24. ↑ Joe Edelman Photographics: Comp Card Design
25. ↑ ^{25.0 25.1} COACH Models Blog & Model Guide: How to Get your Foot in the Door at a Modeling Agency (October 26, 2007)
26. ↑ Modeling Advice: How to Find Work as a Model
27. ↑ Joe Edelman Photographics: How to Make a Great First Impression with a Modeling Agency

How to Become a Model Videos

• VideoJug: Tips For Aspiring Models: Do I Have to be a Size Zero to Be a Model? (Time: 0:39)
• YouTube: How to Be a Model : How to Model Clothes: Part 1 (Time: 2:31)
• YouTube: A Look inside Delphine's Model Portfolio (Time: 2:47)

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