If you are photogenic and like to pose for photos, maybe you are playing with the idea of becoming a model. Starting as a teenager is perfectly normal in the fashion world: Tyra Banks started working at just 15 years old! However, entering the sector is not easy, and it is certainly not all glamor, photo shoots and fashion shows. To succeed, you need to be motivated, determined and willing to work hard.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Starting Your Career
Step 1. Do some research
Before you understand if you are passionate about the world of fashion or if you have what it takes to work with it, it is good to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the sector. It is important to remember that there are different specializations: you can model, work as a plus size model or advertise. It is therefore normal that every potential model is more suited for certain areas than for others. Try to figure out which path you would like to follow.
- The models work in the world of high fashion and are usually hired to parade on the catwalk or for photo shoots in magazines. They are usually at least 1.70m tall, thin and not very shapely.
- Plus size models are usually at least 1.70m tall, but typically the size is 44 or more. In principle, they promote plus size clothing and accessories.
- Commercial models pose for print advertisements, magazines and catalogs. The size and general appearance tend to vary according to the specific needs of each campaign, so it is possible to have a height of less than 1.70m and a few more curves.
- There are also models who work with specific parts of the body, such as hands or hair. A certain type of physicality is not required for this sector, as long as the part of the body you work with meets the right requirements.
Step 2. Be realistic
Just like acting and other careers in the entertainment industry, fashion is an extremely competitive field, not to mention that it relies almost entirely on physical appearance - if you don't look right, you won't be successful. For example, if you dream of a fashion show and you are only 1.60m tall, better consider other possibilities, you cannot propose to become a supermodel. Also note that most models don't make a lot of money. In fact, in 2015 the hourly rate was only 17.91 dollars, about 16 euros.
- If you are passionate about fashion, you shouldn't give it up, but it's also important to graduate and think about other jobs you might like.
- If you've just entered adolescence and haven't grown that much for now, you may want to postpone it for a few years.
Step 3. Talk to your parents
If you are a minor, you need their permission to start working as a model, so it's essential that they agree. Explain to them why you feel it is important to pursue a career in this industry. You can also show that you are serious by sharing factual data and information, for example explaining why you would be particularly gifted for a certain industry. Reassure them that school will continue to be a priority, regardless of what happens with work.
- To help them understand why you find it important to work as a model, you could say, "I think it will help me boost my self-esteem a lot" or "I think it will allow me to fully express myself."
- If they oppose, don't get angry and don't feed yourself into disagreements. Wait a couple of months for them to get used to the idea, then try to tell them again.
- To reassure them that school and other businesses will not be affected, you may want to offer to set rules with them. For example, you will only have the opportunity to pursue this career if you keep a certain average at school.
Step 4. Consider enrolling in a modeling school
If your parents have given you permission to work, you may want to consider taking a course. It is not necessary to become a model, but it can help you become more confident in front of the camera and get to know the most practical aspect of this world. Search online to find schools and classes in the area.
- Most of the lessons are paid, so you'll need to ask your parents to help you out. You could offer to help around the house more often to pay for your course.
- Some courses are real scams. Be wary of anyone who asks you for payment to take pictures or give you other additional services. Better find out about the school you are interested in and look for reviews online.
Step 5. Study the magazines
If you don't want to sign up for a class and aren't quite sure how to pose in front of a camera, it can help to watch other models in action for inspiration. Take a look at newspapers, catalogs and print advertisements to get an idea of the most suitable poses and movements, in this way you will understand better how to position yourself in front of the lens.
You could also try to recreate in front of the mirror the looks you see in magazines and other printed materials. Practice until you are sure, then try to come up with your own movements. You will feel more comfortable and spontaneous when it comes time to pose
Step 6. Look for opportunities in the area
While being an amateur, at least for now, gaining experience can help you enrich your portfolio and resume, but also cultivate greater self-esteem, become more confident in front of the camera and on the catwalk. Learn about local opportunities, such as small businesses looking for models for a print campaign or a show for a charity.
- Little experiences in the fashion world can also help you decide if this job really interests you. Before considering a real career, make sure you enjoy it.
- An experience doesn't necessarily have to be paid for to benefit you. Take all the opportunities that are offered to you on the path to learn how to juggle better and better. For example, accept the proposal from that friend who needs a model for a photo project assigned to school.
Step 7. Try to maintain a good weight
Physical appearance is extremely important to a model, so you need to make sure you are fit. You don't have to get fat or lose weight, otherwise you risk having an unhealthy image. Your weight will vary depending on your specific field, but you should strive to eat right and exercise regularly.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains (such as oats and brown rice) and proteins (including chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu). Avoid foods high in saturated or trans fat, sodium, and sugar.
- You also need to drink a lot of water. In principle, 2 liters per day are recommended, but the amount can vary depending on the climate and the type of physical activity performed.
- As for exercise, look for activities that interest you to be consistent. Running, cycling, and swimming are good cardiovascular workouts, but dance or gymnastics classes and sports that you love, like soccer, volleyball, or basketball, could also have fun and help you keep fit.
- Make sure you sleep well. Photoshop can perfect photos, but agencies want naturally beautiful and healthy girls.
Part 2 of 3: Contacting the Agencies
Step 1. Before applying for a job or looking for an agency to represent you, prepare a photo book
A model's portfolio typically contains photos of past work, but beginners hardly get professional shots. If you have the opportunity to pay a photographer, you should go this route. You can ask a friend or relative to take pictures of you too, just make sure they have a good quality camera and that the light is fine.
- The book should include some close-up photos taken from different angles, but also full-length images of your size wearing clothes that don't hide your body.
- To have a complete book, take shots depicting different expressions: smiling, neutral and so on.
- In some shots you should have a soap and water look, so that the agency examines your face without makeup.
- You should also add a page indicating all of your physical characteristics: hair color, eye color, height, weight and other measurements.
Step 2. Find out about open calls
If you live in a big city in Italy or abroad, call the most important fashion agencies and ask if they are planning an open call, an event to which potential models are invited for information purposes. It is useful because it allows you to personally meet the managers of the agency, so you can also impress your personality, not just your physical appearance. If you don't live in a big city, contact major agencies and ask if they work with smaller ones in your area.
- Research the agencies you intend to contact to make sure they have a good reputation.
- When you go to an open call, take the book with you. If you haven't prepared it yet, try to have at least a few photos to show your professional profile.
Step 3. Send the book
You don't have to wait for an open call to get in touch with an agency. Instead, you can mail the book and let the photos do the talking for you. Visit the websites of the agencies you are interested in and find out about the procedure to follow to submit your portfolio. Some will allow you to do this online, while others will require a hard copy.
If you send a copy, do not forget to indicate your contact details, so that we can be called in case of interest
Part 3 of 3: Meet an Agent
Step 1. Behave professionally
If you're lucky enough to hit an agent, it's important to show them that you take the fashion world seriously and understand what it entails. So try to be punctual and prepare yourself properly for the appointment. You certainly don't have to put the book in place two minutes before the meeting - it should be ready in advance. It's also important to make a good first impression, so dress well.
- The book is not enough for the appointment. Some agencies also require informal shots, so bring spontaneous or instant photos.
- The agency will want to know the real you, so wear little makeup and keep your hair natural.
- You don't need sophisticated clothes, like an evening dress or a business suit. Informal garments will be fine, the important thing is that they fit perfectly on you. A pair of skinny jeans paired with a fitted top or t-shirt will do the trick.
- Before your appointment, find out about the agency in question. Find out which models she represents and who she has worked with in the past, in this way you will get a better idea.
Step 2. Show your personality
Look is not enough to impress: the agency also wants to make sure that you have a casual and interesting personality. The best models are confident and know how to express themselves naturally, so during the meeting try to say what you think without sounding rude or unprofessional.
Agencies want to make sure that a candidate is genuinely interested in fashion, that she isn't forced into casting by her parents or other people. Let all your passion for this world emerge. You could say: "I love that fashion gives me the opportunity to express myself" or "The moment when I feel most confident is in front of the camera or when I walk on the catwalk"
Step 3. Use body language correctly
When you're on a date, you don't have to look nervous or uncomfortable. This is why body language is so important. Stand up straight both when standing and sitting and keep your head up to look more confident. It is equally important to maintain eye contact and smile during the meeting.
- Try to control nervous gestures, such as constantly shifting your weight from foot to foot, playing with your hair, or tapping your toes on the table. Staying straight and relaxed conveys a more confident image.
- Try not to cross your arms on your chest, otherwise it will appear that you are on the defensive.
Step 4. Prepare for rejection
Since the fashion industry is quite competitive, you will likely get a lot of no's as you go looking for a job or agent. You have to learn not to take it personally - sometimes you won't have the look you need for a certain campaign. Even the most famous supermodels have received rejections throughout their careers.
To become a model, you will have to insist and be very determined
Step 5. Be careful when signing a contract
It's great to get an offer, but an underage girl usually needs her parents' signature. They should read the contract thoroughly before agreeing and perhaps even ask a lawyer to take a look at it. Make sure you understand it yourself, after all, your career is yours.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about the contract, whether it's your parents or your agent. It is important to clarify all the details
Advice
- Always try to have a positive and professional attitude. If a client or photographer enjoys working with you, they are likely to hire you again in the future.
- If your career doesn't seem to be advancing, you may want to consider related fields, such as studying fashion marketing or fashion merchandising.
- Don't be afraid to deepen other knowledge. Many models move to acting or other areas of entertainment.
- It will help you to have a mentor. If you have the opportunity to work with experienced models, ask for advice on how to develop your career and attract more clients.
