It is not necessary to be tall, thin and statuesque to become a model. Women and men of 1.65m or less can sign with an agency, as long as they know their limitations and strengths. Tall, slim models dominate the world of high fashion, but there are many other professional opportunities. If you work in an area that allows you to value your strengths, it will be easier to be successful.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get in the Game
Step 1. Get in touch with a photographer
Before applying as a model, you should look for photographers in your city. It's best to hire a face and make-up expert. For a portrait, you will need a veil of makeup.
- Look for online photographers who meet these criteria.
- You may also be lucky enough to find a good photographer through an agency you are in contact with.
Step 2. Pay for the portraits
That's right, to take pictures you need to pay a good photographer. It is a delicate phase to become a model, but in reality the whole profession is. You have to have the highest quality you can afford. It is preferable that the photographer or agency is also able to do your makeup.
- A good photographer will take several shots, sometimes a hundred, then help you choose which ones to use.
- Some shots are taken outdoors, others indoors, in a studio. Both types are useful, if done by the right photographer.
Step 3. Do a research on modeling agencies
Talk to friends who work in this industry to find out if they have contacts in an agency. If not, go online and look for one in the area. Better to choose a nearby one than an hour away from you.
- If the nearest agency is an hour or two away, consider if this is truly your dream. If yes, go ahead. Distance cannot shatter a dream.
- It is possible that your photographer has contacts within fashion agencies. If an agency urgently needs a model, they can take a look at your photographer's portfolio of shots.
Step 4. Get in touch with an agency
If you can, go there directly; it's best to introduce yourself in person. Go to the offices with photos at your fingertips. Be confident, but open to suggestions. Also email agencies that you think might hire you for some project.
- Look for an agency that hires models who specialize in certain parts of the body or that offers jobs suitable for different types of physique.
- Be professional when contacting an agency. If you send an email, be sure to attach the photos.
- Indicate any pertinent information about past jobs or experiences associated with acting.
- It is not a bad idea to contact more than one agency.
Step 5. Create an online profile
There are several websites that serve as a database, connecting models and companies looking for models. You can join one of these sites, usually for free. All you need to do is provide general information about your career goals and physical appearance. When creating a profile, be honest about your height and measurements.
- You may think giving detailed information about your height is limiting, but agencies appreciate honesty. There are works for different types of bodies.
- Check out this site - it has a good interface and lots of resources.
Step 6. Move to a big city
Maybe it's not practical at first, but big cities are the epicenter of the fashion world. This is where great opportunities can be had. You don't have to move to Los Angeles or New York to be a model, although that wouldn't be wrong. If you live in a small town or town, find out which city is closest to you for this profession.
For example, if you live in the south, you could move to Rome
Step 7. In the beginning, accept any job
When you are a beginner, it is important to gain experience to enrich the portfolio. Unless a job goes against your ethics, you should accept it. Plus, gaining experience as a model will show future employers that you know this profession well and know what it means.
- It may be easier to start as a model for certain parts of the body. This work focuses precisely on a specific part of the body, such as the hands.
- Another sector open to different models is that of catalogs. It is becoming increasingly popular to represent different sizes and the reference market of these companies, made up of ordinary people.
Method 2 of 3: Create a Portfolio
Step 1. Determine which industry you are interested in
There are several types of jobs suitable for lower models. The world of high fashion is reserved for tall, skinny professionals, but there are many other options. Consider one of the following professions to enrich your portfolio:
- Editorial templates.
- Commercial models.
- Templates for catalogs.
- Great shapes models.
- Templates for sensual shots.
- Body parts templates.
- Templates for television advertising.
- Models representing ordinary people (television / film extras).
Step 2. Prepare a series of photographs
As a novice model, you should put 5-8 shots in the portfolio. In order for the portfolio to have an impact, it must convey the environments in which you can work. If you have professional shots taken with a single photographer, contact other artists and collaborate with them. The beauty of photography is that it rarely allows you to understand the height of the subject, unless it is placed next to something that clearly demonstrates the difference.
- Avoid photographs next to people much taller than you.
- You should prove yourself capable of representing various characters. You can do this by trying out different styles of makeup and clothing.
- If you have a black and white photo that you find beautiful and different from the others, put it in your portfolio.
Step 3. Try to stand out
Online you can find several portfolio examples; they will guide you to create your presentation, but they will also show you where to add a touch of personality. You could include a high-quality photo of yourself pursuing a hobby. For example, if you love to cook, include a nice photo taken in the kitchen.
- Include a large assortment of photos, but don't think you can't include personal shots.
- It presents your own unique quality that has nothing to do with height. For example, you can portray different facial expressions. It is a distinctive element that will demonstrate your skills, so agencies will focus less on your height.
- Sometimes personalized photos impress agencies more.
Step 4. Prepare your presentation kit
Print photos in high definition and of the appropriate size. Most of the larger markets accept the standard size of 20x30cm. Some agencies require lower formats, others higher. On the first page, indicate some personal data:
- Name, address and telephone number.
- Brief description of your job and your goals.
- Relevant skills, such as second language, acting, singing and so on.
Method 3 of 3: Have More Opportunities to Be Discovered
Step 1. Try to keep fit with a healthy lifestyle and diet
In the world of fashion there is certainly room for less tall people, but there is none for those who do not have a professional ethic. To be a serious and determined pro, you need to be fit. Drink lots of water.
- Exercise at least twice a week.
- Limit your alcohol and drug use.
- Eat lots of vegetables and grains. Choose organic foods as much as possible.
Step 2. Develop several expressions
Focus on your eyes and learn to convey various emotions without moving the rest of your face. Follow other models on social networks and study their expressiveness. Practice in front of the mirror to try out different expressions and poses with the body.
- If a photographer asks you for a certain emotion out of the blue, you should be able to represent it. Work to develop expressions that manifest typical emotions, such as happiness, sadness, frustration, confusion, or wonder.
- Develop subtle and exaggerated versions of each emotion to broaden your expressiveness.
Step 3. Attend a modeling convention
Instead of enrolling in a school and spending a lot of money, attend a meeting where you will come into contact with many agents and talent scouts. Do a search to find the event closest to you and get ready. Before you go, make several copies of your portfolio and portrait.
Faces West is one of the most renowned conferences in the world. It's ideal for an agentless model wannabe, the only catch is that it's held in Canada, so it's not for everyone. However, if you manage to participate, you can make a qualitative leap
Step 4. Get discovered as a low model
If you sell yourself the right way, you will find companies looking for short professionals. Some may hire you as a teen role model (even if you're 25) for your height and measurements. Another possibility is to focus on a certain part of the body or on the face.
- Determine which parts of your body you find most attractive. For example, if you think you have better-than-average feet, promote them.
- If they always compliment you on the eyes and face, focus on this part of the body to pursue a career in the makeup industry.
Step 5. Try to have realistic goals
As hard as you worked, sometimes the height will limit you. Instead of insisting on parading on the catwalk, go looking for jobs within your reach: if you are less than 1.68m tall, it would be unrealistic to have certain ambitions. However, there are many other jobs in the advertising, cataloging and printing industries.
