How To Get Started As A Fashion Model
Careers: How To Get Started As A Fashion Model ...by Bill Knell
Start by watching this post on YouTube
It was created by a legitimate model working with a top agency. IMG is the world's largest. She has nothing to sell or buy, just honest advice that is worth a lot to model wannabes.
Let me begin by assuming that you are young, perhaps a teenager. You do not have to be young to become a model, but it is where most people get their start and it is a good place to do that. The first mistake that most model wannabees make is the same one made by most singer and actor wannabees.
They get involved with agents, agencies or businesses that exist merely to bilk them out of cash. The first rule of getting started in modeling is never pay up front for representation.
The ads for young models, actors and performers are everywhere. Sadly, many of them are connected to businesses that charge their clients up front fees for just about everything you can imagine. They also sell them unnecessary makeovers, portfolios, recording sessions, customized web sites, ads, clothes, job lists and so on.
These are firms that exploit young people trying to break into the fashion or entertainment industries. They are useless because they lack the ability to find their clients well-paying jobs or get them signed with reputable agents or agencies. Don't waste your time and money on them.
Begin your quest to be a professional model by trying to contact young models who are already working in the industry. That's not as hard as it sounds. Most have YouTube and Instagram posts. Some welcome messages from their followers, fans or just interested parties. Include what you consider to be the best photo of yourself and ask for an unbiased critique of your potential. You can also ask for advice, but do not be offended if they do not get back to you or provide a negative response. It's just a first step that may or may not pay off for you.
There are all kinds of model competitions out there. Many local or regional competitions want to make money by charging entrant fees and will not necessarily help your career. Others are likely to provide you with excellent career opportunities and welcome newbies without charging fees. If a competition does not cost you anything to apply or participate, give it a try.
Examples: America's Top Model or local and national competitions sponsored by corporations. If a competition does not cost you anything to apply or participate, go for it. Getting started in modeling is all about getting your face and photos out there, and being noticed by the right people. It's also about common sense. Do not make any changes to your face or body until you try your natural look first.
Before you begin sending photos to the modeling agencies, you have choices to make. You can invest in a professional makeover and portfolio. You should know that most of the reputable modeling agencies recommend snap shots that show off the 'natural' look of your face and body.
These should be taken by someone who knows how to use a camera, not necessarily a professional photographer. Many photography students are happy to use their talents for free as long as you give them credit for their work. These opportunities look good to their Instructors.
Visit the web sites of top modeling agencies with teen divisions (most are in New York and L.A. if you live in the USA) and see what type of photos they recommend for submission. Most require face, full body and profile images. If you feel like you need a little help with your look, consider a mini-makeover.
Try to locate a hair salon in your area that is known for creating excellent hairstyles and providing professional make-up sessions for teens. Ask for references and check them. Make sure the salon you choose has done work for teens looking to show off at a prom or wedding. Do not allow them to stray too far from your natural look because that is what agencies really want to see.
Negotiate with the salon and get the best price you can. Negotiation is something that all new models must learn to master as soon as possible because they will be doing that throughout their careers.
Keep any resume or portfolio as brief as possible for your initial contact with any of the agencies you find. There are lots of free examples online. You can also purchase a portfolio kit for models online or try these free templates on
ALWAYS follow Agency submission guidelines to the letter. Provide excellent contact information. If they are interested, they will probably contact you right away to schedule some sort of an appointment or tell you that they have chosen to review your portfolio and will contact you soon after that.
These are the top agencies in the world...
In the mean time, you can watch for legitimate modeling job ads online. These are placed by businesses seeking teen models with or without experience for online gigs, national catalogs, local commercial ads or for local television commercials. Avoid freelance photographers. Always go to interviews with a parent until you know who to trust. If you're under 18 they will have to sign any contracts or agreements anyway.
While I was in high school I dated a girl that got started in modeling by responding to a newspaper ad placed by J.C. Penney. They were looking for catalog models. Although she had no experience, she was hired. She modeled clothing and swimsuits and appeared in their ads and catalogs for several years. I also have extensive experience working with models.
There are some creative ways to get your face out there. Attend important local events that attract press coverage. Get yourself interviewed by TV news reporters or photographed by newspapers. Be a guest on Influencr podcasts. Save any articles with your photo. Post those podcast interviews on You Tube. Have friends and family post your image on their web site. Have someone video you commenting on something interesting, dancing or singing (if you can do that well) or acting and place it on You Tube, Instagram and so on.
Here's a freebee suggestion worth a lot. If you have a unique ability, talent or story (or don't mind making one up) contact the top rated morning radio or local TV shows in your area. Ask for producers. Tell them outrageous things like...
I will become an amazing model because guys and girls fawn over me.
I will become an amazing model because I am the best looking, most talented girl you ever met.
I will become an amazing model because I am beautiful and smarter than a twelth grader.
You get the picture. Local morning radio personalities are always looking for interesting and dynamic people for bits that will make their phone lines light up.
I have been on hundreds of shows and was top rated on a DJ only site called Bitboard and others. Why? Because got listeners excited enough to call the show. Ten minute segments often turned into full hour or more segments.
Local TV news shows also need interesting time fillers. Just be dynamic and charismatic. Local early morning, noontime and evening news programs love booking interesting local guests. You don't get paid, but you receive publicity you can't buy.
Finally, apply for modeling scholarships. Barbizon and a few other agencies occasionally offer this kind of opportunity and its one you cannot afford to ignore. Many come to local areas once a year. Barbizon does this looking for inexperienced models and actors. They often fill acting gigs for Disney+.
Remember that no one is going to care as much about getting you noticed as you are. Models that shape their own careers and futures always fair better than those that place their destiny in the hands of others. Be smart, be responsible and be creative.
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