So you want to be a model? As an aspiring model you only see the world of positive things; exciting international adventures and of course magazine publications. The life of a model, is the best job in the world…or is it? Well, that question can only be answered in a few ways. Do you want to model or Do you want to be a Model?
The first step is to ask yourself what type of model would I like to be. Would you like to do commercial, fashion "editorial" print or runway? let's see if I can provide you with some helpful tips to sort of guide you on your journey to becoming The Next Top Model.
High fashion
Let's say you decide to become a High fashion or editorial model. Agencies in the High fashion industries are located in Paris, New York, London Milan, and Tokyo. These agencies are usually looking for models that are 5'9 and over for women and 6'0 and over for men. However, there can be exceptions to every rule some editorial agencies have been known to represent models under the usual height requirements but that's only if you have really unique features a personality and work ethic that the agencies would love. To name a few short models that made it big, Devon Aoki ( 5'5), Eva Pigford (5'5)
shoot by: shawl
shoot by: elite Paris
Commercial
The commercial agency represents commercial models by mostly fashion or talent agencies. Wilhelmina Model is a perfect example of a strong commercial division. Commercial modeling agencies represent pretty much all types of models from mature, plus size, petite and models of diverse ethnic groups.
Whichever type of model you choose to be more than likely there will be an agency that represents your type. Remember the first step is to know what type of model you are and or would like to be, then you'll need to get noticed by taking some basic snapshots of your self. You don't need to invest in a professional photo shoot or modeling classes at first.
There are lots of ways to get agencies to see your images by submitting them online or by using the app “Mode Management”. Mode Management is an app used for modeling agencies to scout for new talent and for inspiring models to connect to the right people to help build their portfolio.
Few things I also would like for you to be mindful of is that having an agency representation doesn’t mean you’ll end up becoming the next top model or on your way to riches. Agencies see hundreds of faces in their books and only a small percentage of those receive regular work. Freelance jobs will fill up most of your time and many models that appear to be living the high life actually work a part-time job as a waitress or at a retail store.
Models can also be super self-conscious, after all, your appearance is always in the forefront its part of the job. Lots of models get into modeling by accident and Never really considered themselves to be attracting some of the best models are ones you wouldn’t even look twice at in normal public or social gatherings.
Shoots can appear from any time before sunrise to sunset. you would have to start your alarm clock as early as 3-4am just to start hair and makeup on a dark beach or in some exotic cave. The term 'TGIF’ does not exist if you are a freelancer. Weekends start to look like Weekdays.
Your skin is regularly caked in thick makeup and your hair is often backcombed and bleached without care – as long as it looks good for that day on set, the long term effects are regularly ignored. There is nothing worse than the fear of disease when an MUA is coming at you with brushes she’s just used on the girl before you, waving a mascara wand pulled straight out of the bottle. Of course, most will find a way to sterilize them, but who’s to know if they’re clean.
Now I don’t want you to read this article and walk away with second thoughts about being a model. This article is to inform you, not to scare you. In the beginning, I asked “ Do you want to model or Be a model” there is a difference. At this point, it is up to you to decide.