The most common question asked of model agents and aspiring model scouts is, “How do I become a fashion model?” There is so much information in books, websites and modeling forums that it can be very confusing and overwhelming for a new model just starting out. Here are five simple steps to get you started.
01
Take some basic snapshots
To start, the only photos you need to provide to model agents and scouts are a few simple snaps. You want a nice photo of your face—both smiling and not smiling—a left and right profile of your face and body, a full body photo, and a back photo. Wear figure-hugging clothing like skinny jeans or leggings and a simple tank top or t-shirt. If you are comfortable in a bathing suit, you should also take some shots in the bathing suit; a one or two piece swimsuit is fine.
Male models are required to demonstrate their fitness level to agents. Therefore, it is recommended that male models wear swim trunks or boxer shorts or jeans without a shirt in at least one of their photos.
02
Get assessed by a professional model agent or scout
Many new models start their search because their family and friends have told them to model, or because they are the prettiest girl or boy in school. Some may even have won some local modeling contests. While that’s a good start, it’s not necessarily what agencies are looking for. It is important that you have your potential as a model evaluated by an experienced modeling agent or scout before investing too much time or money in your endeavors. This step can be tricky because it’s difficult to determine if the agent or scout evaluating you has the experience and knowledge to help you.
Many new models find that they live in a smaller market where many agents are affiliated with a modeling school or photo studio, so they may not get an accurate assessment because the agency is more interested in selling courses or photoshoots.
That doesn’t mean the agent isn’t good or that the courses or photoshoots they offer are bad; it just means that you should think about what makes him want to tell you whether you can be a model or not.
03
Get as much attention as possible
Many agencies only specialize in a certain area. Some only represent high fashion models (editorial models), others only represent advertising models, oversized, petite or children’s models. If an agency is unable to represent you, don’t be discouraged; it is important that you are seen by as many agencies as possible and regularly.
If you live in one of the major markets you may be able to attend an open call or go-see with the agency. If you don’t live in one of the big markets, it’s best to send your photos to as many agencies as possible to be seen.
This can be a very time-consuming and expensive undertaking, especially if you are making copies of all the photos and mailing them out. The cost of prints, envelopes, and stamps can quickly add up to over a thousand dollars. Another option is to email your photos, but with the thousands of photos sent to modeling agencies every day, they can easily get lost in the crowd.
To increase your chances of being signed by an agency, you should work with people who have experience and direct connections to agencies in different markets. Online agencies may be the most reputable and cost-effective way for you to get the attention you need to be seen by many agencies around the world in the quickest way.
04
Know the best model market for you
The term “market” refers to the different geographic locations where models work and make their living. New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo are examples of large model markets. A market can also refer to the category your particular look falls into, e.g. B. Fashion, Advertising, Plus or Petite.
While the supermodels you see in the major magazines walking the runways for top clients tend to work in all markets, many successful models only work in one or two markets. If you are not represented by an agency in New York or Paris, you could very well be suitable for Tokyo, Singapore or other Asian markets. An experienced agent can help you find the right market for your specific look.
05
Be persistent
Becoming a professional photo model is a long process and rarely happens overnight. Even the models who say, “I was walking down the street one day and the next day I was on the cover of Vogue” are exaggerating. Many of today’s top models weren’t signed to an agency from the start. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen was rejected over 40 times before finally being signed by an agency. Stay positive and remember, just because an agency couldn’t represent you today doesn’t mean they won’t be interested tomorrow.