Answering a Reader Question #23

Eleni Wrote:

ooohh...thanks...you make me really confident!another thing...what exactly is the portfolio??the Comp/Zed card??and if they contact me and tell me to go to New York for example,I'll pay the plane and all my expenses?[normally yes,right??]

1.000.000 thanks again!!

You’re very welcome, Eleni! =) To answer your questions…

A portfolio is the main body of work that a model has done…portfolios are either shown online in a photo gallery on the agency’s website or printed and displayed in a portfolio case, also called a model’s “book.” New models put their first photoshoot pictures in it to show to clients that want to hire them. Once a model has started booking shoots, they then add the photos from the publications (called tearsheets) into the portfolio. It is basically the model’s resume of work. No model can get work without a good portfolio.

To learn more about comp/zed cards, check out this link to a post I did about the topic in detail. You’ll find all your answer there: Comp/Zed Cards.

As far as traveling, yes, you’ll have to pay your own way since you’d be coming from overseas, however, it would be a great shot and well worth the money to potentially be discovered and signed.

Comments

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

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

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

Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Search This Blog