Being a model doesn't just mean having free passes to access the best parties in town. This profession requires a lot of effort, long working hours and the pay is not always the best. That said, breaking into the fashion industry is a little easier for men than for women: the physical requirements for a model are often not as strict as those of the female counterpart and can work for many years … some of them manage to continue to do so even after the age of 50. To find out if you have what it takes to become a model, just keep reading.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting known
Step 1. Try to respect industry standards
Models have a little more flexibility than models when it comes to physical appearance, but there are still some general standards to be respected to carry out this profession. But if you can't satisfy them all, don't be discouraged. If you have a certain look, you may have the opportunity to find work even if your physique is not within the average of the parameters normally required to be a model. Here are some points to consider to help you decide whether or not to enter this world:
- Industry standards provide for a height between 180 and 190 cm.
- Unlike models, who typically retire after age 25, men can find work up to age 50.
- Children aged between 15 and 25 form the "youth" market.
- Men between the ages of 25 and 35 constitute the one for "adults".
- In general, a model weighs between 65 and 75 kg, but this depends on the body mass index.
- The average chest measurements are between 100 and 105 cm.
- Generally, the men's fashion industry does not prefer men who have excess hair in the chest and arm area. Be prepared to do some waxing before embarking on a career.
Step 2. Decide which fashion industry you are interested in working in
The type of field you choose can affect how you look for a job, the photos you need to take for applications and the approach you need to take to start a career in this world. For example, there are different standards between a model walking on the runway and one posing for a catalog; in fact, in the second case it is necessary to offer a male image closer to reality. Here are some types of templates:
- Commercial wearers, who promote clothes and styles within everyone's reach.
- High fashion wearers, who collaborate with famous houses or stylists.
- Editorial templates only work for certain publications.
- Catwalk models work at fashion shows.
- Showroom models wear dresses at fashion parties or in boutiques.
- Models who are photographed for commercial advertisements pose for magazines, newspapers, billboards, and other printed promotional material.
- Catalog templates are required for this type of publication.
- Promotional models work at conferences or trade shows.
- Special models are only required for one part of the body, such as with hands, legs, neck, hair or feet.
- Characters, are models required as a representation of ordinary people.
- The glamor sector focuses more on the model than on the actual product.
Step 3. Try to get some exposure
While you can skip this step and go straight to finding an agent, it doesn't hurt to get some industry experience to get some exposure. This way, you will have something to put on your resume before going to an agency. Try to appear in local newspaper ads, TV shows, magazines, or even fashion shows. You could get the attention of the right people without even going through an agent.
- In any case, this Not it means that you absolutely have to accept any job offerings they make to you. Remember that you are trying to build and maintain a certain image, so don't do things that dangerously affect your dignity, don't work with fake photographers and avoid shots that don't represent you at all.
- Don't take nude shots unless they pay you. Maybe they proposed it to you to get some free images, but better avoid such offers. Avoid photos of this type unless they are for a reputable and reputable professional company that pays you for your work. If you pose nude for untrustworthy photographers, you never know where these images might end up.
Step 4. Take some professional shots
While you will be able to enrich your portfolio after being taken by an agency, having some quality photos taken before applying will make you look more professional. It will give you a point of reference to get the attention of someone who works in the industry. Do not go to a person who has a low quality camera and little experience. Instead, opt for a professional photographer, so that the quality of your photos is above average.
- Make sure that any photographer you work with signs a release or such document for you. This ensures that you know exactly what use they will make of the photos they take of you.
- Don't waste time with a portrait photographer. You have to pose as a model, not for the photo on your license.
- Make sure you have a standard portrait and several full-length photos.
- Since people who will be requesting your service will probably want to know what kind of physique you have, include a full-length shot wearing a pair of shorts or briefs and a tank top.
- Include two more shots: one in which you dress casually and another in more formal clothes, or a men's suit.
- Photos should be in black and white and in color.
Step 5. Avoid scams
Unfortunately they are on the agenda among fashion agencies. You can be duped pretty much any step of the way - they might convince you to pay handsomely for photos taken by a questionable professional photographer, or convince you to sign up with a fake or reputable agent. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Photographers who require excessive amounts of you to make your portfolio. After signing up with an agency, you will be able to develop one, so avoid persistent photographers who would like to charge you thousands of dollars by stating that this is the only way to get an agent's attention.
- Agencies that require exorbitant prepayments from you. If an agent has high fees when it comes to registration or portfolios, run away. These professionals should only earn a percentage of the work they are able to get you. Infamous agencies generally don't have many clients, have recently entered the industry, and don't have the connections to get you to work.
- Expensive fashion schools. Keep in mind that there are no certified institutions to give you such a title. Sure, they can help you learn to walk, pose, and manage your facial expressions, but you can definitely gain this knowledge online or by reading a book. These schools may promise you a job, but don't get involved unless they can show you that they've helped other models get their way.
- People who appear out of nowhere. Sure, some models have happened to be accidentally approached at an event or even a nightclub because they hit an agent with their look. In most cases, however, this is done by shady characters who think they can scrape your money by fueling your ego. If they ask you for advance payments and you realize that something is wrong, this is another wake-up call to understand that you should avoid any contact with such people. Of course, if they show you that they have real connections, then you've had a great deal of luck.
- People who offer you money by putting your personal data online. Forget websites like Model Mayhem, where people might offer you money in exchange for personal information. This would make you an easy target for identity theft.
Step 6. Consider moving to a big city
If entering this industry is your dream, then you won't be able to make it come true by living forever in a town that has two traffic lights. You should live in one of the biggest fashion metropolises, such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan or Paris. Don't be discouraged if you can't afford to move right away; try looking for bargains in your area to get started, or get in touch with agencies directly from home (more on that later).
Part 2 of 3: Sign with an Agent
Step 1. Take part in an open call
These events are organized when agencies invite candidates to come to their offices for an audition. You have to wait in line along with several other models until you are individually called into a room. Agents will review you to see if you are a good fit for their requirements. Often, you end up waiting for hours and hours and being seen for less than a minute. It can be nerve-wracking, but let's face it, becoming a model is also that.
Step 2. Sign up for a traveling model selection
These meetings are similar to open calls, only they are organized by agencies that travel to smaller towns in search of candidates. Since they take the trouble to travel from one location to another, you have to pay an access ticket (nothing excessive, it should cost around 20 euros). This is a great opportunity if you live in a small town and there are few opportunities to work in the industry. Just like during an open call, the odds of being selected are not high, but you could make some useful contacts.
Step 3. Enter a modeling contest
It's hard to win one, but if you make it through it can be very beneficial for your career in the fashion world. Make sure it's a legal competition run by a well-known institution. They shouldn't even ask you for too high an entry fee. Many of these contests allow you to be hired by an agency if you win. While not winning, it will still be another opportunity to get noticed.
Be sure to read the rules to know the specific requirements of the contest. Chances are you need to prepare a series of photos
Step 4. Go to industry conventions
It's a perfect way to at least get a little exposure and get to know other models and agents. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to participate in one of these events (often the fees can be around 200 to 4000 euros). So if you do, you need to make the most of it by behaving professionally and bringing home as many contacts as possible.
Step 5. Do it yourself
That's right. Another way to get caught by an agency is to contact them yourself first. Look for lists of reputable fashion agencies on the internet, such as Elite or Major Model Management, and get their email addresses. Next, send an email with some professional shots in different poses. This will require you to create a portfolio before being hired, but it can pay off.
Step 6. Join a talent scout agency
It's a useful and relatively inexpensive way to get noticed, without having to do all the promotional work yourself. Find a reputable company, such as www.modelscouts.com or www.minxmodels.com to help you get a job; you will have to pay a fee between 50 and 100 euros. You will have to submit your profile and they will send your details to the larger agencies.
Step 7. Search for an agent
Once you've managed to find an agent who appreciates you, it's time to sign a contract. Again, make sure it doesn't ask you for upfront payments. A real agent should only make a profit after allowing you to make money. As good as a professional seems to you, ask a lawyer to review the contract with you to make sure it is an honest agreement.
- When you talk to the agent, you can inquire about the unions you might join and whether you can accept additional jobs yourself.
- If you've signed up with a well-known agent and have the potential to earn large sums, you may also want to make an appointment with an accountant to discuss earnings management.
Part 3 of 3: A Model's Lifestyle
Step 1. Start looking for work
After signing up with an agent, you will develop your portfolio, which will help you get hired. Agencies will give you the opportunity to participate in industry auditions, also known as go-see. So, start attending these events, behave professionally, and don't be upset if you can't get a gig right away.
- The agency can't guarantee you a job, but a good agent wouldn't let you participate if they didn't know you have a good chance of getting a great deal.
- Persevere. You won't be able to land a gig with Calvin Klein from the very first casting; don't believe what they tell you.
Step 2. Always be professional
Whether you've achieved success or are just starting out, don't get a reputation for being ungrateful, rude, or laggard. If you want to thrive in the industry, here are some things you can do to meet the standards of this profession, just like you should do with any career.
- Arrive on time for your appointments.
- Be kind and professional to everyone you come into contact with.
- Consider hiring a personal trainer to help you follow a balanced diet and exercise routines to achieve and maintain optimal muscle tone.
- Try to be meticulous about personal hygiene and skin care.
- If you have to work the next day, go home early the night before. Sleeping well will help you avoid dark circles and give you a more rested and healthier appearance.
Step 3. Keep your current work
We've all heard the story of that model that was discovered on a Russian cargo ship or at three in the morning in a Las Vegas bar. The truth is, most models don't get caught overnight and have to work hard even after finding an agent. Unless you are one of the lucky few who can only make a living on the earnings of this job, you need to continue in your current profession, or find another source of income to get by.
If your daily job is too strenuous, find another source of income that best suits your needs. Many models work part-time as waiters or bartenders
Step 4. Stay healthy, physically and mentally
The men's fashion industry is a little less hostile than the women's one, but despite this, models can also be victims of the same problems that plague co-workers - low self-esteem, profound sense of insecurity or, worse, eating disorders. Here are some things to keep in mind as you try to keep fit:
- Make sure you continue to eat healthy, exercise, and remind yourself that you are someone special. Don't let this lifestyle put you down.
- Rejection is part of the game. If you already tend to be insecure and low self-esteem, then modeling may not be the right path for you.
- While part of this lifestyle is to go to parties and heal your circle of acquaintances, avoid abusing alcohol or drugs. Not only would it ruin your physical and mental health, it would also have a bad impact on your physical appearance.
Warnings
- When working with an agency, protect yourself by putting everything in writing. Read the contracts carefully. You have to understand them completely, without signing them in a poke. Before hiring, make sure you know the agency well. You have to be sure that it has everything in order, according to the local rules governing this type of trade.
- Avoid scams by staying away from fashion agencies that require prepayment, those that have paid courses, force you to work with a specific photographer, charge you for makeup or other services … but offer the photo shoot for free.
