Don't Change

Many aspiring models think that they have to change the way they look or tweak themselve in order to impress an agent and get signed. That couldn't be further from the truth. If you've been scouted or signed to an agency, don't do a thing to change your appearance.

Even if you think your hair looks funky or your eyebrows aren't shaped enough, your agent hired you as you were for a reason. They liked what they saw. With that being said, if you've been signed or are being considered for representation, don't do any great makeovers or fancy stylings in an attempt to look even better to them.

Doing that may hurt your chances and can make a difference between being signed or not. Trust the people who work at the agency--they're professionals and know what they're looking for. Don't add insult to injury by walking into their offices looking totally different (or even slightly different) than when they first met you.

This will cause them to not only question your motives but whether they are seeing the real you. What aspiring models have to understand is that agents want to hire you based on your looks but also your personality and the amount of self-confidence you carry yourself with. They want to know that you're comfortable as is. When you start developing your portfolio, you'll be made-up and dolled up with hair stylists and makeup artists. It's their job to worry about how to achieve the right look for you.

So be happy that you've been selected for consideration and take things from there. Wait for your agent to go over what they think needs to change physically, whether it's hair, makeup up, whatever. Don't try to read their minds and do it yourself. Once you've been signed and have been doing work, if you decide you want a change, please consult with your agent first! Dyeing your hair or cutting it into a new style means you have to do whole new headshots and portfolio pictures.

This will be your agent's call to decide whether to let you do it or not. And if they decide to not let you or if they change your hair or whatever else and you don't like it, you have to realize that this is a part of the business that you signed up for. There is trust that needs to develop between talent/model and agent. You can't get something without giving something in return and unless you're ready to truly fulfill that, don't waste an agent's time.

Basically, be yourself and don't try to mold yourself into what you see in the magazines prematurely. Let your agent decide the best route for you and communicate with them each step of the way so that you both get the most out of your working relationship.