How to become a model
 The
glamorous world of Modeling, offers an exciting, adventurous as well as a lucrative
career to youngsters. As a model you may have the opportunity to travel to beautiful
locations, be pampered, be able to attend events with celebrities and earn an
attractive pay packet. But in spite of the glamour and popularity this profession
needs hard work and sacrifice. Dedication and perseverance is needed to be successful
in this field. In the beginning you may have to face rejections. Once you choose
modeling as your career, don't give up when you get frustrated and things don't
move quickly. You need to be physically, mentally and emotionally strong to
succeed as a good model. This highly competitive career requires a lot of stamina
and patience. Here are some tips on how to start modeling.
Requisites for Modelling
The main quality to become a model is
the looks - he/ she should be tall, slender, attractive or good looking.
Perfect skin, good teeth, healthy and well cut hair are assets for those looking
forward for a modeling career. Moreover one should be photogenic. Being photogenic
is one of the most important quality to have for a model.
There are standard measurements that
are required for becoming a model. The model must have a well-proportioned body.
They should be tall, fashion industry criteria for best models are 5'7"
to 6' or 6' plus. For a man, height should be 6' or 6' plus and he should be
muscular. The best measurements for female models are 5'9" , 34 bust, 24"
waist, 34" hips. If you are within one inch of these measurements you will
be very ideal to model almost anything. There are also models who fall
in the Plus size category with a well-toned and proportioned body. Though age
doesn't matter much, ideally, a young woman starting out must be between 15
to 22 years old. There is no perfect weight. But a model must be slim and well
proportioned.
He/she must be thoroughly professional-be
on time for assignments, open to flexible timings and must be able to handle
criticism. Other qualities include willingness to travel alone, self reliance,
communicative skills, patience, stamina, will power, business skills
etc. A good knowledge of acting, camera friendly attitude also helps in the
field. A models professionalism, character, good looks, and above all photogenic
qualities will reward success in this profession.
Portfolio
A models basic promotional tool is a
portfolio which consists of a series of photographs taken by a professional
photographer. Only the best pictures of standard size ( 9 by 12 inches
) must be included in the portfolio. The portfolio should ideally have a casual
head shot, styled head shot, body shot (conservative swimsuit or lingerie),
a fashion shot (sexy), action shot, an editorial shot and even a catalogue shot.
Avoid using 2 pictures of the same shoot. You can keep on adding photographs
from works you do, once you start getting assignments. Try to keep your portfolio
at the agency as they may have clients who comes for an immediate pick.
How to start your career as a model
Submit your portfolio to reputed coordinators,
Agencies or Fashion designers and set up an appointment. Some Modelling agencies
may have a time each week where a new model can go and see an agent. It is advisable
to see several agencies before committing or signing a deal to anyone. Choose
an agency/coordinator carefully so you can stay with them for sometime as constantly
changing agencies gives you a reputation of being flighty and unprofessional.
Once you get a negative reputation it is difficult to sustain in the field,
especially in the beginning. Another way to enter into this career is to apply
for the contests sponsored by magazines, cloth manufactures, cosmetic companies
etc and participating in beauty pageants.
Once the agencies approve of the portfolio,
they may call you for an interview. They may have a photo session. If they like
you they will promote you among the clients and will look after legalities of
the paper work for the job. The agency will charge the client and pay you after
deducting their commission. Be professionally at your best on the job, that
may help you get more assignments from the client. Get the pictures from the
session you have done and add them to your portfolio. Maintain contacts-
keep in touch
with your agency/coordinator, visit them once in a while. Read also.. Career
Option- Modelling
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