Getting Started In Modeling

Remember the story of the three blind men describing an elephant. One man felt the trunk, another the tail and the third the leg. Each had a different description of what the elephant was like. The modeling industry is the same way. The modeling industry is big with many specialties. What I have experienced is quite different from what fashion photographer Richard Avidon experienced. And what he has experienced is quite different from what glamour photographer Jeff Dumes has. And what we all have experienced is quite different from what the modeling agencies are going to tell you.

Another part that leads to different views on the industry is that we are all small business people - each one running their own business in their own way, and hopefully better than the competition. This leads to a lot of different ideas of how things work and how things should be done. It can also lead to confusion and present opportunities for con-artists. There is a set way to become a doctor, there is, however, no set way to become a model. This leaves the door open for the "expert" to "guarantee" to make you a top model for only a small, non-refundable fee. Watch out and try to educate yourself on the many parts of the modeling industry.

An aspiring model should be at least 5'8" in height with clear skin, healthy hair, straight teeth and a toned and well proportioned body. At the same time, a model has to have the following things:

Ambition. A model goes after her goals. You won't become a model by sitting at home and waiting for agents to come to you! (Note: Never sign with the first agency you visit. Always go to at least five before making a decision!)

Intelligence. To succeed, a model must be an intelligent business person. She must know how to spend and invest money wisely. Also, she must know how to conduct business with agents, photographers and clients. She must appear professional and businesslike at castings and go-sees.

Confidence. Clients are looking for someone who is self-assured and whom they think can sell their product. A model must be able to sell herself before she can sell a product. It is also important to be able to handle the rejection that every model must face. No model could meet the expectations of every possible client. It is always best to go into a casting not caring whether or not you get it. That way it's a pleasant suprise if you get the job but you aren't let down if you don't get it.

Independence. Because models must sometimes travel away from their friends and family for a job, or move to a big city to pursue a full time career, it is important to have a great deal of independence. You must be comfortable being by yourself for long periods of time.

Organization. A model must be organized in order to keep track of the different dates, times and locations of appointments so that she can show up at appointments and go-sees on time.

Stamina. A model is sometimes on her feet all day in the freezing cold or the hot sun. She must be healthy and in shape to be able to work all day and still look good. Eating healthy, going for walks/jogs and working out at a gym three times a week is a must.

Will-Power. Unfortunately, the international modeling scene does often involve drugs and partying. A model must have strength of character and will-power in order to stay away from drugs and too much partying. An agency will drop a model very quickly if it becomes known that she takes drugs or parties a lot.


	African American International \| home Getting Started In Modeling Why is everyone giving different advice on modeling? Remember the story of the three blind men describing an elephant. One man felt the trunk, another the tail and the third the leg. Each had a different description of what the elephant was like. The modeling industry is the same way. The modeling industry is big with many specialties. What I have experienced is quite different from what fashion photographer Richard Avidon experienced. And what he has experienced is quite different from what glamour photographer Jeff Dumes has. And what we all have experienced is quite different from what the modeling agencies are going to tell you. Another part that leads to different views on the industry is that we are all small business people - each one running their own business in their own way, and hopefully better than the competition. This leads to a lot of different ideas of how things work and how things should be done. It can also lead to confusion and present opportunities for con-artists. There is a set way to become a doctor, there is, however, no set way to become a model. This leaves the door open for the "expert" to "guarantee" to make you a top model for only a small, non-refundable fee. Watch out and try to educate yourself on the many parts of the modeling industry. The Be Know And Do Of A Model An aspiring model should be at least 5'8" in height with clear skin, healthy hair, straight teeth and a toned and well proportioned body. At the same time, a model has to have the following things: Ambition. A model goes after her goals. You won't become a model by sitting at home and waiting for agents to come to you! (Note: Never sign with the first agency you visit. Always go to at least five before making a decision!) Intelligence. To succeed, a model must be an intelligent business person. She must know how to spend and invest money wisely. Also, she must know how to conduct business with agents, photographers and clients. She must appear professional and businesslike at castings and go-sees. Confidence. Clients are looking for someone who is self-assured and whom they think can sell their product. A model must be able to sell herself before she can sell a product. It is also important to be able to handle the rejection that every model must face. No model could meet the expectations of every possible client. It is always best to go into a casting not caring whether or not you get it. That way it's a pleasant suprise if you get the job but you aren't let down if you don't get it. Independence. Because models must sometimes travel away from their friends and family for a job, or move to a big city to pursue a full time career, it is important to have a great deal of independence. You must be comfortable being by yourself for long periods of time. Organization. A model must be organized in order to keep track of the different dates, times and locations of appointments so that she can show up at appointments and go-sees on time. Stamina. A model is sometimes on her feet all day in the freezing cold or the hot sun. She must be healthy and in shape to be able to work all day and still look good. Eating healthy, going for walks/jogs and working out at a gym three times a week is a must. Will-Power. Unfortunately, the international modeling scene does often involve drugs and partying. A model must have strength of character and will-power in order to stay away from drugs and too much partying. An agency will drop a model very quickly if it becomes known that she takes drugs or parties a lot.