The modeling industry is fun and exciting, but there are some things that you should avoid. I will attempt to outline some of them below.
- Nude Modeling: This is the #1 way to ruin your career in the beginning. If you do choose to pursue this facet of the industry after you gain years of experience, fine. Your career will be established enough to have something to fall back on. If you choose to do Nude Modeling, do not include any nude photos in your book when seeking a fashion assignment. It is in bad taste.
- Unscrupulous Agencies: Make sure that the agency you are with is respectable.It does not take much effort to get a business license and hang a name on an office door. Some agencies may try and charge you money. Yes, they are entitled to a percentage of your wages for finding you the work (and rightfully so), but no respectable agency charges you money up front for their services. In addition, watch out for agencies that try and make you purchase expensive photography, books, make-up, clothing, hair care products, vitamins, or anything else that you do not need. All that is needed is a simple tote bag with some basic make-up (women), deodorant, a hair brush, blow dryer, socks, tooth brush/paste, etc... for when you go on assignments. Clothing, and hopefully a make-up artist, are usually provided by the client.
Check the agency's references and, if possible, talk with a model represented by them. More importantly, make sure the agency you decide to work with checks out their clients thoroughly. You do not want to be placed in danger because your agency failed to check the credibility of a client.
The more you work in the modeling industry, the more you will become familiar with what agencies are reputable and which ones are not. Word gets around. You can always contact the better business bureau to see if an agency, or modeling school, has a negative standing.
- Contracts: It is important that you read and understand all contracts that are presented before you sign them! This goes hand-in-hand with unscrupulous agencies! You do not want to be placed in a position where your career is stalled at an unproductive agency for a long length of time.
- Get Rich (and Famous) Schemes: There is no free ride when starting in the modeling industry. If you are serious about becoming a fashion model, then you will have to be dedicated to your dream and work hard to get there. Be very weary of get rich quick schemes!
- Purchasing Expensive Photos: All that is needed to start in modeling is some basic photos with natural make-up to show who you are. You can have these photos done by a professional or a very good amateur. If an agency is interested in your look, they will arrange to have a test shoot done. You want to avoid paying a photographer hundreds of dollars to create a portfolio that you really don't need to start. It's nice, and looks professional, to have book to show prospective agencies, but not required.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
How to get started (How To Be A Model 3)
Getting started in modeling is not based on luck, but on hard work and dedication! Modeling agencies do have scouts that travel around and seek out potential models, but you could be waiting forever to be found by one. You must take the steps to get started! In this area of the book, I outline some basic ideas that you should consider when planning your entry into the modeling industry. Albeit, it is not an all inclusive guide, but it should get you started down the right path. If you are under 18 years old, then seek the help of your parents. They will have to represent you when contacting agencies, etc...
- Dress and look the part: If you want to be a model, then you should feel comfortable looking like a model. Modeling is more than sitting in front of camera and smiling. Modeling is how you carry yourself around the public (and potential employers). Make it a point to dress nice for all occasions (don't wear baggy clothing, baseball caps, sweat pants, or anything else that might look trashy) and, if female, apply your make-up to today's fashion standards. If you are the least bit uncertain about how to dress nicely, or how to apply make-up correctly, you might want to consider a fashion consultant, make-up artist, or modeling school who can teach you. The more often you dress nice and fashionably, the more comfortable you'll feel. This comfort, coupled with experience and training, will build confidence! This confidence will show through during photo shoots, meetings with modeling agencies, and possible employers. Most importantly, always be friendly and polite (and not conceited). This will carry you far.
- Get photographs (Basic, Book, Comp/Zed): In the beginning, you will not need anything more than some basic photographs that show "you". These photographs are not to display your versatility like composites or your book, but merely a way for you to show modeling agencies who you are. It is advisable to use "real" film in lieu of digital cameras because the quality is much better. If you are just getting started in the industry, it is a good idea to get one or two photos of yourself and take them in to an agency during their "open call" (usually a specific day and time). The modeling agency will look at your photo(s) and resume, to determine if your look fits what they (and their clients) are seeking.
Another alternative is to create a portfolio (book). A book contains at least one head shot and several other shots that show the models versatility (the more versatility a model shows, the more assignments they'll get). The photos can be color or a color/black and white mixture. Tear sheets, which are examples of ads you have done, should be included as well. You do not want to include too many photos in your book because it can become quite exhausting to the viewer. Stick to a maximum of 10 pages of your best work. It is very important to constantly update your book to reflect the latest styles and work that you have done.
Comp./Zed cards are 5X7" cards that usually contain one head shot and 3 to 4 other shots that, again, show the model's versatility. In addition, Comp./Zed cards contain the model's name, age, measurements, eye and hair color, and modeling agency (if represented by one). Comp./Zed cards are like a model's "book," but they are left with agencies and possible future clients. These cards should be made professionally and not done by computer.
If you go to a professional photographer, they will probably have you sign a release stating that they own the negatives and certain rights to use your photos. You, and your agency (if represented by one), are provided with proof sheets (a large picture that shows photos shot). You, and/or, your agency then decide what photos you want and contact the photographer for copies. The photographer then charges you, or the agency, for the copies.
- Get Training: If you want to enter the modeling industry easily, I would suggest some sort of training. Is it required? No, but it can help you with learning about the industry (posing, preparing your make-up, working the catwalk, and attending open calls). Attending a modeling school is not going to make you a model, but it will give you some tools that will make the journey a little easier. I am not going suggest any modeling schools in your area because I have been out of the industry for several years and can't honestly refer you to any of them. But, I am planning on adding a listing of modeling schools on this Lesson. You should call around and compare their prices to what is offered. And, check to see if they help you find work after graduation from their program. Remember, if it sounds to good to be true... (you know the rest)
- Seek an Agency: Ad agencies and companies called model agencies looking to hire models for a specific project. They usually have a set of guidelines that they are looking for (e.g. female 28-32, 5'08-6'00, 24-34-24, size 4 shoe). The modeling agency then looks through their model's books/comp. cards to find any matches and sends the model(s) to an interview with the prospective client (called a go-see). The best place to start looking for an agency is in the telephone book that serves your area under the heading, "Modeling." Call around to the various agencies and find out if they have an "open call" day and time. If they don't, tell them that you are interested in modeling and that you would like the opportunity to meet with them. Make sure you bring your pictures and dress professionally (you are a professional...right?). Three things to ask during your interview are:
1. What percentage of your earnings does the agency take for their services.
2. How much work does the agency estimate is available (client base?), and
3. Does the agency have a height and weight requirement? There is some work for plus-sized models, but representation varies from agency to agency.
- Take every job that is offered to you: If you are just starting out modeling, or even if you have been in the industry for awhile, you need all of the experience that you can get. If you don't get experience, then you will not get the high paying assignments with high profile retailers. Its a long road and everyone has to start somewhere, so don't pass any reputable opportunity up. If you start passing modeling assignments up, your agency, as well as people in the industry, will consider you lazy. This is a bad thing when you are just starting out.
- Update your book: Always keep your book up-to-date with all the currant best work. Your book is, in essence, your resume. It shows prospective employers the work that you have done. As you build experience, you will accumulate tear sheets. Include them as well. As you take on more assignments, your book will develop diversity and show that you are capable of a variety of settings. This is very important! Be flexible!
- Re-evaluating your agency: If you are honestly trying your best, taking every job that is offered to you, and doing what your agency is telling you to do, and are not advancing in the industry. Or, if you feel that you are not getting the assignments that you are capable of, or you are not happy with your income. Ask yourself this one question, "have I put in enough time and effort?" If you have and are not satisfied, talk with your agency representative and express your concerns. If you are still unsatisfied, contact other agencies and see what they have to offer. It is better to shop around after you have experience!
- Dress and look the part: If you want to be a model, then you should feel comfortable looking like a model. Modeling is more than sitting in front of camera and smiling. Modeling is how you carry yourself around the public (and potential employers). Make it a point to dress nice for all occasions (don't wear baggy clothing, baseball caps, sweat pants, or anything else that might look trashy) and, if female, apply your make-up to today's fashion standards. If you are the least bit uncertain about how to dress nicely, or how to apply make-up correctly, you might want to consider a fashion consultant, make-up artist, or modeling school who can teach you. The more often you dress nice and fashionably, the more comfortable you'll feel. This comfort, coupled with experience and training, will build confidence! This confidence will show through during photo shoots, meetings with modeling agencies, and possible employers. Most importantly, always be friendly and polite (and not conceited). This will carry you far.
- Get photographs (Basic, Book, Comp/Zed): In the beginning, you will not need anything more than some basic photographs that show "you". These photographs are not to display your versatility like composites or your book, but merely a way for you to show modeling agencies who you are. It is advisable to use "real" film in lieu of digital cameras because the quality is much better. If you are just getting started in the industry, it is a good idea to get one or two photos of yourself and take them in to an agency during their "open call" (usually a specific day and time). The modeling agency will look at your photo(s) and resume, to determine if your look fits what they (and their clients) are seeking.
Another alternative is to create a portfolio (book). A book contains at least one head shot and several other shots that show the models versatility (the more versatility a model shows, the more assignments they'll get). The photos can be color or a color/black and white mixture. Tear sheets, which are examples of ads you have done, should be included as well. You do not want to include too many photos in your book because it can become quite exhausting to the viewer. Stick to a maximum of 10 pages of your best work. It is very important to constantly update your book to reflect the latest styles and work that you have done.
Comp./Zed cards are 5X7" cards that usually contain one head shot and 3 to 4 other shots that, again, show the model's versatility. In addition, Comp./Zed cards contain the model's name, age, measurements, eye and hair color, and modeling agency (if represented by one). Comp./Zed cards are like a model's "book," but they are left with agencies and possible future clients. These cards should be made professionally and not done by computer.
If you go to a professional photographer, they will probably have you sign a release stating that they own the negatives and certain rights to use your photos. You, and your agency (if represented by one), are provided with proof sheets (a large picture that shows photos shot). You, and/or, your agency then decide what photos you want and contact the photographer for copies. The photographer then charges you, or the agency, for the copies.
- Get Training: If you want to enter the modeling industry easily, I would suggest some sort of training. Is it required? No, but it can help you with learning about the industry (posing, preparing your make-up, working the catwalk, and attending open calls). Attending a modeling school is not going to make you a model, but it will give you some tools that will make the journey a little easier. I am not going suggest any modeling schools in your area because I have been out of the industry for several years and can't honestly refer you to any of them. But, I am planning on adding a listing of modeling schools on this Lesson. You should call around and compare their prices to what is offered. And, check to see if they help you find work after graduation from their program. Remember, if it sounds to good to be true... (you know the rest)
- Seek an Agency: Ad agencies and companies called model agencies looking to hire models for a specific project. They usually have a set of guidelines that they are looking for (e.g. female 28-32, 5'08-6'00, 24-34-24, size 4 shoe). The modeling agency then looks through their model's books/comp. cards to find any matches and sends the model(s) to an interview with the prospective client (called a go-see). The best place to start looking for an agency is in the telephone book that serves your area under the heading, "Modeling." Call around to the various agencies and find out if they have an "open call" day and time. If they don't, tell them that you are interested in modeling and that you would like the opportunity to meet with them. Make sure you bring your pictures and dress professionally (you are a professional...right?). Three things to ask during your interview are:
1. What percentage of your earnings does the agency take for their services.
2. How much work does the agency estimate is available (client base?), and
3. Does the agency have a height and weight requirement? There is some work for plus-sized models, but representation varies from agency to agency.
- Take every job that is offered to you: If you are just starting out modeling, or even if you have been in the industry for awhile, you need all of the experience that you can get. If you don't get experience, then you will not get the high paying assignments with high profile retailers. Its a long road and everyone has to start somewhere, so don't pass any reputable opportunity up. If you start passing modeling assignments up, your agency, as well as people in the industry, will consider you lazy. This is a bad thing when you are just starting out.
- Update your book: Always keep your book up-to-date with all the currant best work. Your book is, in essence, your resume. It shows prospective employers the work that you have done. As you build experience, you will accumulate tear sheets. Include them as well. As you take on more assignments, your book will develop diversity and show that you are capable of a variety of settings. This is very important! Be flexible!
- Re-evaluating your agency: If you are honestly trying your best, taking every job that is offered to you, and doing what your agency is telling you to do, and are not advancing in the industry. Or, if you feel that you are not getting the assignments that you are capable of, or you are not happy with your income. Ask yourself this one question, "have I put in enough time and effort?" If you have and are not satisfied, talk with your agency representative and express your concerns. If you are still unsatisfied, contact other agencies and see what they have to offer. It is better to shop around after you have experience!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Can I do it?(How To Be A Model 2)
One of the hardest things in life to do is wonder if you have what it takes to do something. You will never know unless you go and try! If you have the genuine interest to pursue a career in modeling, then you should try. But be forewarned, the modeling industry can be ruthless! If you have visions of showing up for a photo shoot at noon, working for 30 minutes, and then calling it a day with lots of money in your pocket, you are wrong! Modeling requires much self discipline, dedication, and long hours. In addition, many modeling assignments require a model that is a certain height and build. The following are some additional things you should think about:
Firstly, and most importantly, a model must take care of themselves (think of it as a job within a job). If they plan on going to school, or working a full time job, while modeling, care must be taken. Modeling is very demanding work and requires plenty of sleep, good nutrition, and exercise (to maintain weight within standards). In addition, the model must maintain their completion (acne/blemishes). A daily regiment of personal care of must be made and adhered to!
Secondly, a model should try and gain as much experience as they can! This can require working small assignments for little pay! A new model rarely has the opportunity to pick and choose what assignments they want to work (within reason). They should take everything that is offered for the following reasons:
1. It shows ambition.
2. It creates tear sheets and/or photos of assignments for inclusion in a portfolio (book).
3. It gives the model experience in working within a large range.
4. It offers some money.
Thirdly, models face competition when looking for work. When represented by an agency, models are sent out to auditions (open call) with their portfolio (book). There, they compete with other models for assignments. The employer usually knows the look that they are seeking for that particular assignment, so some people will not get the job because they don't have that "look". No assignment, no money. The modeling agency does not pay a model to sit with his/her book for several hours while waiting to have it reviewed. This is just part of the job. But in order to make it, and gain more experience, the hopeful model should stick with going to open calls and not give up.
Its tough, but I honestly believe if you really want to be in modeling, you can. It requires lots of effort on your part! Agencies can only help you find assignments. You are the one who has to get up at the crack of dawn and go to do the work. You are the one who has to stick to a stringent regiment of taking care of yourself. You are the one who has to be a good business person. And you are the one who has to keep trying! You can make it if you try!
Firstly, and most importantly, a model must take care of themselves (think of it as a job within a job). If they plan on going to school, or working a full time job, while modeling, care must be taken. Modeling is very demanding work and requires plenty of sleep, good nutrition, and exercise (to maintain weight within standards). In addition, the model must maintain their completion (acne/blemishes). A daily regiment of personal care of must be made and adhered to!
Secondly, a model should try and gain as much experience as they can! This can require working small assignments for little pay! A new model rarely has the opportunity to pick and choose what assignments they want to work (within reason). They should take everything that is offered for the following reasons:
1. It shows ambition.
2. It creates tear sheets and/or photos of assignments for inclusion in a portfolio (book).
3. It gives the model experience in working within a large range.
4. It offers some money.
Thirdly, models face competition when looking for work. When represented by an agency, models are sent out to auditions (open call) with their portfolio (book). There, they compete with other models for assignments. The employer usually knows the look that they are seeking for that particular assignment, so some people will not get the job because they don't have that "look". No assignment, no money. The modeling agency does not pay a model to sit with his/her book for several hours while waiting to have it reviewed. This is just part of the job. But in order to make it, and gain more experience, the hopeful model should stick with going to open calls and not give up.
Its tough, but I honestly believe if you really want to be in modeling, you can. It requires lots of effort on your part! Agencies can only help you find assignments. You are the one who has to get up at the crack of dawn and go to do the work. You are the one who has to stick to a stringent regiment of taking care of yourself. You are the one who has to be a good business person. And you are the one who has to keep trying! You can make it if you try!
How to be a Model
Areas of Modeling
There are several areas modeling to get involved in. We explain here how to be a model. Some people may be suited better in some areas than others (based on their qualities and weaknesses). The best person to judge where a future model may be best suited is a modeling agency. Modeling agencies know what the fashion industry is looking for in models and seek accordingly. Below are some of the areas that you might be able to become involved in followed by a brief listing of advertising mediums, so you know how to be a model.
-Fashion: Fashion models advertise clothing (dresses, pants, skirts, shirts, coats, etc...) and accessories to help retailers sell their products. Fashion models work for local retailers and national chains.
-Hand / Foot: Hand and foot modeling is needed by retailers that sell shoes, socks, jewelry, gloves.
-Eye wear: Eye wear models display the latest Eye wear fashions. They are employed by retailers that sell sunglasses and prescription Eye wear.
-Hair: Salons and hair care manufacturers employ models to help sell services and hair care products.
-Teeth: Dentists, orthodontists, and tooth paste manufactures hire models to help sell their services and products.
Advertising Mediums
-Print: One medium of advertising that is overabundant is print. Print advertising includes newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and company adverts.
-Fashion Shows: Often, models are employed by retailers to participate in fashion shows. This allows consumers to see how clothing hangs on a live person in motion. Fashion shows are used by local retailers and by clothing manufacturers.
-Television: Models may be employed by businesses to help sell their services and/or products with television advertisements.
-Test Model: Test models are employed by clothing manufactures to "test" new clothing lines and styles.
-Radio: Radio advertising is not in the fashion industry, but if you have a distinctive, clear voice, this may be something that you may want to look into. It requires a mastery of the English language and good ability to act.
There are several areas modeling to get involved in. We explain here how to be a model. Some people may be suited better in some areas than others (based on their qualities and weaknesses). The best person to judge where a future model may be best suited is a modeling agency. Modeling agencies know what the fashion industry is looking for in models and seek accordingly. Below are some of the areas that you might be able to become involved in followed by a brief listing of advertising mediums, so you know how to be a model.
-Fashion: Fashion models advertise clothing (dresses, pants, skirts, shirts, coats, etc...) and accessories to help retailers sell their products. Fashion models work for local retailers and national chains.
-Hand / Foot: Hand and foot modeling is needed by retailers that sell shoes, socks, jewelry, gloves.
-Eye wear: Eye wear models display the latest Eye wear fashions. They are employed by retailers that sell sunglasses and prescription Eye wear.
-Hair: Salons and hair care manufacturers employ models to help sell services and hair care products.
-Teeth: Dentists, orthodontists, and tooth paste manufactures hire models to help sell their services and products.
Advertising Mediums
-Print: One medium of advertising that is overabundant is print. Print advertising includes newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and company adverts.
-Fashion Shows: Often, models are employed by retailers to participate in fashion shows. This allows consumers to see how clothing hangs on a live person in motion. Fashion shows are used by local retailers and by clothing manufacturers.
-Television: Models may be employed by businesses to help sell their services and/or products with television advertisements.
-Test Model: Test models are employed by clothing manufactures to "test" new clothing lines and styles.
-Radio: Radio advertising is not in the fashion industry, but if you have a distinctive, clear voice, this may be something that you may want to look into. It requires a mastery of the English language and good ability to act.
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