Imagine having an exciting high-paying job as a professional model. Imagine walking down a runway at a designer fashion show, or having your photo taken for Vogue or your favorite magazine.
As a model you may have the opportunity to travel to beautiful locations, be pampered, attend events with celebrities, and earn thousands of dollars a day. Modeling can also lead to many other fabulous opportunities including acting. While a lucky few can become a super model like Tyra Banks, it is possible to become a model and have a successful modeling career even if you are not very tall, thin, or young.
In fact, many items sell better when they are promoted by models who look more like "real" people. Consumers want to see what clothes or beauty products look like on someone "just like them." As a result, there are modeling opportunities for people of all shapes and sizes. Which category do you fit into?
- High fashion modeling
- Glamour modeling
- Petite modeling
- Plus size modeling
- Teen modeling
- Mature modeling
- Body part modeling (hand modeling, etc.)
- Character or "real people" modeling
In addition to fashion, models are also needed to advertise a wide variety of products and services - from cars to food. If you become a model your work may involve:
- Runway modeling
- Catalog modeling
- Showroom modeling
- Fit modeling
- Promotional (trade show) modeling
- Television
- Videos
- Editorial (magazine and newspaper) modeling
- Print advertisements
The guide covers topics of vital importance to anyone in the U.S. or Canada who wants to become a model, including:
How to Get Ready for a Modeling Career
- How to look the best you can. Simple tips to help you improve the appearance of your:
- Hair
- Eyebrows
- Skin
- Makeup
- Body
- The best insider resources for models to help you develop your fashion sense
- 7 personality traits you can develop to give you an advantage over other models
- Tips for choosing a modeling school
- Plus why you do not need to take any modeling classes to get hired as a model
- Information about the different categories of modeling so you can decide which type of modeling is right for you
- How to get discovered and become a model through
- Modeling conventions
- Model searches
- Beauty pageants
- Modeling contests
- Your portfolio
- How to get free or low cost modeling photos of you taken by professional photographers
- Photographers to stay away from
- Posing tips for models
- How many and what types of shots to include in your modeling portfolio
How to Get Modeling Jobs
- What you need to know about modeling agents
- What agents can do for you to help you become a model
- Finding legitimate agents
- Which type of model agency is best for you?
- Model agency contracts (exclusive versus non-exclusive) and fees
- How to contact model agencies
- Contacting a model agency by mail (includes a sample letter)
- Attending an "open call"
- Submitting your photo by e-mail
- How to do well in a model agency interview
- tips on what to wear and do
- questions you may be asked
- questions you should ask
- Model management companies that can help you become an international model and get international modeling assignments
- How to find freelance modeling opportunities in your home town
- What to put on your modeling resume (includes a sample)
- How to prepare for "go-sees" (meetings with clients that are looking to hire a model)
- What happens when you get your first paid modeling job (also known as a "booking"), and how to make a great impression so you can get future jobs
Plus you will find even more resources and advice to help you become a model, including:
- How to spot modeling scams that could cost you thousands of dollars
- Information about legal matters such as model release forms and copyright
- Tips for models about overcoming rejection and achieving success
- Advice on creating a web site to promote yourself as a model
- How to keep track of your money when you become a model (and how to get tax deductions for clothing, cosmetics, meals and modeling books)
- A brief overview of 7 related careers you can get into after modeling - from modeling agent to fashion stylist.
