Real-world advice from the viewpoint of an amateur model.
Disclaimer: These are not rules. Even if they were, there are always exceptions. I never considered making a career out of modelling, it's just something I had connections to and did for fun. However, during my six year involvement in the industry I was able to gain a lot of knowledge and insight. I simply would like to share that with others. May you achieve your dreams, whatever they are.
1. There are many different types of modelling. Fitness, glamour, fashion, erotica, runway, print. This will focus strictly on fashion and runway, since that follows the theme of the site. This guide is also for women (sorry guys). Also, these numbers are in no particular order.
2. If you are at least 5'7", you will have 90% more opportunities than shorter girls. Most designers follow a standard sizing, and if you are shorter, the clothes will simply not fit you. This is not always the case for print, but especially applies for runway. (this is also not necessarily true for unpaid work)
3. The younger you start, the more advantage and time you will have. 14 is not too young if you have a figure. The majority of modelling careers are over by the time you reach your early twenties.
4. There are rarely opportunities for sizes larger than a 4. This doesn't mean starving yourself. When people are looking for models, they are generally looking for fit (or trim) women with a healthy glow.
5. If you aren't eating right, or looking after yourself, it will show. Drinking lots of water is key. So is eating healthy. Be active. If you are healthy on the inside, you will be healthy on the outside. Stay away from junk food and especially alcohol. These things ravage your skin.
6. Perfect skin is nice, and affords for more opportunities, but not always necessary. When on the runway, the amount of makeup you have on is astonishing. Generally it takes at least 40 minutes to put on. For print, nearly everything is photoshopped. Anything that saves time makes you more valuable though, so don't ignore your skin.
7. Learn to do your own hair and makeup - again, this opens up doors.
8. Network network network. Being scouted is really quite rare, you need to depend on yourself for jobs. There are many online sites where you can find photographers, designers, artists etc. If you don't want to pay for a startup portfolio, you will also need to contact photographers.
9. The starting cost to get into this industry is quite high. A good beginners portfolio costs around $1000 for 2-3 shoots with different photographers and about 6-8 looks total. Unless you network with photographers for TFCD or TFP.
10. TFCD (Time for CD) and TFP (Time for Prints) is a trade with a photographer. Their services for yours. You model for them, they give you the shots (edited if you are lucky). Usually only starting photographers are willing to work with starting models, but never hesitate to ask. On occasion a really good photographer will be feeling generous or you might have just the look they want to add to their book. Just remember, always be polite and professional.
11. Not many of the casting calls for a beginning model will be paid - they just afford you the opportunity to network.
12. Attend local modelling events, before you know it, you will have made many industry contacts - if you aren't too shy and are brave enough to chat with people.
13. Be friendly. All the time, no matter where you are. Always smile. No one wants to work with a downer - or talk to someone that looks miserable.
14. Be prepared - there are lots of sites on the internet that list things that are important for a model to carry to a job with her. Always overpack when you're going to be working with other models - makeup artists and other girls will be really happy if you happen to be carrying something they've forgotten - this is a great way for them to remember your face, and they'll be thinking of your name if someone happens to be looking for a dependable model.
15. Don't overpack if you're going to be doing a "moving" outdoor shoot - a travel suitcase with a good set of wheels is a handy thing to have along. Bring flip-flops, walking around in heels is not fun - your feet will thank you!
16. Don't flake out. If you don't show up for a shoot the word will spread like wildfire. Your career will be over before it even started.
17. Don't lie - if your portfolio says you are 5'7" and you are really 5'4" and you show up for a job - everyone will know right away and you won't be called back. You might even be sent away on the spot.
18. Most importantly, be safe. Never attend a job alone, if you aren't an adult, make sure your parents know where you are. If you are an adult, make sure someone knows where you are.
-Written by Zinjaa
(permission is given to copy this to your presentation or blog providing you don't remove this credit)
