Skip to main content

Where Do You Start?

So you want to model but don't know where to begin? The process can be somewhat time consuming, but definitely not impossible.

Figure It Out

The first place to start is to figure out what part of the modeling industry you want to pursue. This includes fashion/runway, commercial/print, petite or plus-size.

Then you have to research the requirements (which you can find on my post titled "The Different Types of Modeling") to see where you fit in. And be realistic--if you're short and know you aren't going to grow any taller, then go for the commercial/print industry. If you know you'll grow taller but not right away, try out for both commercial/print and fashion/runway and see what happens.

If you're a female and between 5'5"-5'7" then you're ideal for commercial/print.
If you're a female and between 5'8"-6'0" then you're ideal for fashion/runway/editorial.
If you're a male and between 5'11"-6'3" then you're ideal for fashion/runway/editorial.
If you're a male and are 5'10" or shorter then you're ideal for commercial/print.

***These height requirements aren't absolute but are typically the norm for large markets like New York, Miami and Los Angeles. Medium size to smaller markets may be more flexible with the height for female and male models but it is important to check the agency websites to find out exactly what the requirements are for each one.***

Cast The Net

Once you know where you fit in, it's time to make a list of the proper agencies that represent the type of modeling you're trying out for. It's helpful to start locally and work your way outwards. If you live in a small town or a state that isn't a hot spot, you may have more of a challenge in starting your modeling career. The common rule of thumb is to look for agencies that are no more than a two hour's drive from where you live.

Narrow It Down

After making a list of the potential agencies that you feel you'd make a good match with, go to their website (if they have one) and look up the guidelines for submitting pictures. Better yet, note if they have open casting calls so you can meet with them in person.

This is the best way to introduce yourself instead of being just another photo submission in a huge pile in their office. Lay out which ones you'll submit photos to, either via email or snail mail, and the ones you'll go to in person.

 ***If you're concerned about photos or if you've never done a shoot before, don't stress. Agencies welcome snapshots and photos taken by your parents or friend. As long as they meet the requirements listed in the guidelines, don't worry about going out to hire a photographer.***

Put Your Snapshots Together

The keyword here is "snapshots." New and inexperienced models DO NOT need a portfolio, headshot, comp card or professional portfolio filled with glossy photographs. 9 times out of 10 it says directly on agency websites that they want non professional, digital snapshots with no makeup. Below are examples of snapshots agencies look for:



Models with experience that have had agencies before are allowed to submit their professional materials and photos. However, it helps to also have snapshots available so the agencies know exactly what your current look is.

Get Started

Now it's time to pound the pavement. This can be the trying part of the whole process because it involves a lot of rejection and waiting. Be sure to have your list handy and make notes of the ones you were rejected from, which ones said to come back at a later date and so on. Many agencies will allow you to resubmit or come back to another open casting call after six months to a year.

Only through careful research and consideration, waiting and patience, can you make it into the business. You may get signed right away or it may take a while. Just remember that you're not the only person applying and it does take some time for agencies and their staff to go through photo after photo until someone jumps out at them so be patient. It took only a few weeks for me to get signed by my first agent, but when I decided to find better representation, it took almost a year for my current agent to interview and sign me.
Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
What are the chances of being a runway model in NYC at 5'8?
June 14, 2011 at 5:03 PM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #151." Thanks for reading!
June 16, 2011 at 9:52 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who ...
6 comments
Read more

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It...
37 comments
Read more

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks ...
4 comments
Read more