Fashion is one of the most competitive business sectors in the world. Aspirants can't just win the genetic lottery, they also need to be professional, ambitious, efficient and particular. Not everyone is cut out to enter this industry, but if you're willing to give it your all, consider that one day you may find yourself on the cover of some magazine.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Create your own Photo Book
Step 1. Take some close-up photos
To have great material to send to agencies, you need to get pictures that show what you are like. Photos don't have to be professional, but they still need to show your current appearance.
- Schedule a photo shoot with a friend who has a good camera.
- Make sure you take at least one nice close-up and another equally good full-length.
- Do not wear makeup and try to dress simply (a t-shirt and a pair of jeans will do).
- Take photos outdoors to take advantage of natural light.
Step 2. Collaborate with several photographers
In order to have a convincing photo book, you need to take an infinite number of personal photos, each one different from the other. By posing for various photographers in different services, you can expand the "repertoire" of images to choose from for your photo book.
- When posing during photo shoots, try to be immortalized in a wide range of facial expressions and body movements.
- The more photographers to work with and the shoots to do, the more comfortable you will feel in front of the lens.
- Some photographers manage to bring out the best in models. Find professionals with whom you have a certain affinity and collaborate with them often.
- Also consider novice photographers. They will be more likely to work with a new model.
- You can find photographers by searching online or by creating a profile on websites such as Model Mayhem.
Step 3. Determine your "gender" and accept it
The fashion industry tries to classify people, so to move effectively in this market, you need to know and understand what "gender" you belong to.
- If you have a simple type of beauty, you are ideal for modeling for magazines and catalogs;
- If you have an interesting and unusual face, you are perfect for magazines dealing with fashion;
- If you have an amazing body, you are suited to lingerie and swimwear services;
- If you are quite tall, you are good for wedding dress photo shoots and catwalks;
- If you have a perfectly symmetrical face, you are ideal for posing for beauty products;
- If you have a rather toned and fit physique, you are suitable for posing for the world of fitness.
- If you have perfect hands and / or feet, you are good for photo shoots dedicated to these areas of the body.
- If you are very outgoing and, at the same time, attractive, you are perfect for a career in the world of advertising.
Part 2 of 3: Make sure you have a representative
Step 1. Do some research on agencies
Use Google to find out which modeling agencies are in your vicinity. Find out what models they currently represent, what kind of jobs they offer, and how often.
- Check if the agency has a good reputation. If you find any reviews online, read them to see how much hired models appreciate working with them.
- If you are interested in working with a smaller agency, find out how big the agency you have been eyeing is.
- If you live in an area away from urban centers, look for a modeling agency in the larger neighboring city.
Step 2. Submit your application to agencies
Most agencies provide online application forms through which you can submit your personal information and photos. Be honest about the height, weight, and other measurements required.
- If an agent is interested in representing you, they will contact you; typically within four weeks.
- Don't be disheartened if you don't get any calls. The agency is likely to already represent someone who looks a lot like you.
- Do not give up! Keep submitting your applications to agencies until you find the right one.
Step 3. Attend meetings organized by agencies to learn about new models
Search for model casting events and castings near you. Sometimes agencies organize them when they are looking for new talent to work with. Take part in the selections by wearing sober makeup, dressing simply and wearing heels (if you are a woman).
- Women should wear jeans and a black tank top;
- Men should wear jeans and a fitted black t-shirt;
- Make sure you bring copies of your full-length and close-up photos;
- If you have done any other fashion work in the past, print the images and take them with you;
- Be on time! Professionalism will make you stand out in the fashion industry;
Step 4. Show your personality
If you have a chance to talk face-to-face with an agent, be yourself. These professionals want to work with interesting, prepared, intelligent and unique models. If you know how to introduce yourself, you will have less difficulty getting a job.
- Explain the interests you cultivate outside of this industry. This will impress stylists and agents and make it harder for them to forget about you.
- Learn about the fashion industry, and when you talk about it, try to frame the topic as a whole.
Part 3 of 3: Becoming Competent
Step 1. Take a course
Modeling courses are a great way to build a network of contacts in the industry, learn about this world of work and get an opinion on your appearance and photographs. In a professional modeling course you will learn how to pose, walk and promote yourself effectively to secure the most engagements.
- Be sure to research the school before enrolling. Some modeling courses turn out to be real scams, so you should avoid them.
- You don't have to take a course to become a successful model, but it's a great place to start.
Step 2. Practice posing in front of a mirror
Actors and singers rehearse in front of the mirror, so models should do the same. It is important to be able to see what your face looks like while making different expressions. So, do this exercise for five minutes a day and in the long run you will find that you have gained much more control over the muscles and expressions on your face.
- Practice smiling without squinting or showing your gums too much;
- Focus on perfecting a single facial expression at a time.
Step 3. Prepare your repertoire of poses
Each model should have ten different poses to exhibit upon request. Practice in front of a mirror until you have mastered ten different poses, then practice switching between them.
- Everyone has a different body, so focus on identifying poses with which to highlight your best physical features and mask your flaws at the same time.
- Consult the magazines to discover new poses;
- Make sure you have a pose that shows off all your beauty in a swimsuit or lingerie.
Step 4. Take care of your body
As a model, don't forget that the body is the most important element that allows you to make a fortune, so you need to keep yourself in top shape. Create a fun training program so that you have more incentive to follow it.
- Models do everything from yoga to spinning classes. There is no right way to keep fit, so focus on your favorite physical activities;
- Try to train at least four times a week.
Step 5. Eat right
Models have busy schedules and spend a lot of time traveling, so eating right is essential. Think about the best way to get a large amount of protein, such as from egg whites, yogurt, or protein shakes.
- Always drink water to keep you strong and keep your skin clean;
- Complete your diet by increasing the intake of vitamins;
- Drink green juice to add nutrients.
Warnings
- If at any time a fashion agency asks you for an upfront payment, be careful. This is a scam, so avoid working with them.
- Don't put yourself in situations where you don't feel safe. If you think a photographer or agent is taking advantage of you, forget it.
