Where to Learn More

Big modeling agencies will teach you what they want you to know for the type of work that they want you to do. Just run off and become a super model and don't worry about any of this. For the rest of you, here are some suggestions

Books, Magazines and other Media

There are always new books coming on the market about modeling and how to be a model. Some I have seen relate only to the top fashion market, some are just gossip books and some have good starting information. Add to this specialty areas, like makeup books, and there is quite a base of knowledge available on modeling. If one wants to learn about the modeling industry all you need to do is take time to read. I have book reviews and a list of modeling related books on the Book page. Can you learn to be a model from just reading a book? Well no, but it will give you some understanding of the industry, what it will take to be a model, and help you avoid some of the scams. I checked with my local library for books on modeling and found they had only nine books and only one of those was published in the last ten years. You may want to start with your school or local library, but you may have to purchase a book to get current information.

There are magazine and newspaper articles popping up on modeling all of the time. Most relate to the top level of fashion modeling and being a super model but sometimes other things will slip through. These articles do not teach you the how-to of modeling. They do, however, give some insight into the industry. I understand there are programs on cable TV about the modeling world. I have seen references to these shows and comments that they give some good insight into the world of fashion modeling. Sorry, I have not seen them. My MTV was 15 years ago.

Modeling Schools

I have worked with some modeling schools and I found most of them were harmless. One I worked with was more of a finishing school than a 'how to be a model' school. If you could find a school that really knew what a working model needs to know (in secondary market there is a lot to know) and could teach it to you quickly, it might be a good investment. All of the ones I have seen are better at teaching their model wannabes how to look and move well in public rather than how to work in front of a camera or on a cat walk. Remember, a school that promises you work when you graduate is giving you a "come-on" line.

The only way you will learn to model is to get in front of the camera. Any school that is teaching modeling and does not spend 50 to 75% of your training time in front of the camera is questionable. This time in front of the camera can be dry shooting (shooting without film) while video taping, digital shooting, or best, actual test photo shoots.

Now with that said, here is how I am view the current state of the modeling school market.

Franchise Schools

Many of the modeling schools around are franchise operations. Local operators buys into a franchise just like a hamburger joint. They may have no experience in the modeling industry, but after putting down a good chunk of change, they are now experts teaching classes. Chain operations include Barbizon Modeling Schools, John Casablancan Modeling, John Robert Powers Modeling and there are others. These chain schools can vary in quality just as independent schools can. Some operators do have extensive knowledge of the industry and can give students good insight into the industry - many don't. Although what these schools teach may not lead to a career in modeling, what one learns in their "image enhancement" or finishing school classes can be useful for later life. If you can afford one (these schools are very expensive), they can be a lot of fun and can improve one's self-esteem and confidence. A few of these school's students, and I do mean a very few, may even go on to a career in modeling. The main point is that these schools rarely lead to modeling careers and people who do go on to careers probably would have been accepted into agencies anyway had they never attended the school.

Schools tend to do a fair amount of advertising to attract new students, so they generally have high visibility with the general public. One of their favorite recruitment methods is to go to malls where they will tie in with a fashion show. They also advertise for model screening where any one who has money for tuition will look good to them. They often use pressure sales tactics like ‘there are only two spots left for our class so sign up now' or ‘when you complete our modeling classes you can be part of our modeling agency.' Don't get pressured into one of their contracts and no one in a major market hires models out of these schools.

Competition Schools

There has been a new aspect added to modeling schools recently. This deals with the model competitions and conventions. Twenty years ago modeling schools were tied into the whole beauty pageant system. Back then part of the school's program was getting young women ready for these competitions. It seems these days the pageant system has fallen out of favor with the general public, but the market demand for the beauty contest has continued and now the modeling contest is filling that demand. As with the pageant system, the wannabes pour lots of money and time into the process of trying to make it to the top as they hope that some type of excellent career is waiting if they win; and it's Ok if thousands of others spend lots of money and end up with just an interesting (hopefully, personally rewarding) experience. It seems there are now a number of the chain schools and local schools that focus on the model competition path. Does this have much to do with modeling on the runways of Paris? Well, about as much as becoming Miss America has to do with becoming a famous Hollywood actress. It might lead to it but it is no guarantee. If your desire is to be a top fashion model and you have what it takes, there are more direct routes to a career then going through modeling schools, conventions, and competitions.

Local Schools

Local modeling schools can vary a great deal in quality. Many are like the chain schools and are better as finishing schools than teaching what you need to know to model. Others are run by individuals who are former models and really have worked at the top rungs of the fashion modeling industry. You would need to study carefully the qualifications of the instructors, what the classes cover, how much actual in-front-of camera time you get, and the biggest part, how many of the graduates go on to actual careers in modeling. These schools strive to get one or two graduates out working as professional models and use this as the hook saying "yes, you too could be a successful, high paid model" (top schools or agencies will have dozens of working models). A lot of these school, however, are run by individuals with no real experience in the modeling industry (maybe even as a hobby) and the classes are more finishing school oriented (how to stand up straight, put on street make-up, coordinate your wardrobe, and go to a job interview).

Modeling Coaches & Camps

Modeling coaches and camps are a very special form of schooling and there are very few around. A modeling coach is someone who has extensive knowledge in one aspect of modeling and works one on one with a model in that area. An example is a runway coach who might work with a model for just a couple of hours of intense training. Another example is a photography coach who will photograph and teach in a short session how to work in front of a camera. Of course there are acting and voice coaches that we all hear so much about, too. A coach might be used if a model is weak in one curtain area or is having difficulty breaking through to a new skill level. Modeling coaches have many years of experience in their areas of expertise, are normally located in larger markets, and are expensive. A coach comes into a model's career after she/he is already signed with an agency and is starting to work. You do not start a career with a coach; they are more for improving your skills after you have started working.

Modeling camps, often tied in with acting camps, provide another short but intense learning situation. There are only a few of these around and they tend to be very selective and are fairly expensive. Modeling camps tend to be hard to find and you have to be "in the know" to locate one. So far, the scam artist and bad business folks have not reached into this area. I am sure it won't be long before they will.

Web Sites

I have found a lot of web sites on the net either have bad info or have hidden agendas (scams) behind them. There are a few sites that do have good information and will give you another perspective on becoming a model. You can find these sites on the Site with More Information Page.

Experience

The number one teacher in this business is doing. Once you have been through a photo shoot things start to make more sense. And as you work with other professionals you can learn from them. But getting photo shoots when you are starting out can be hard to impossible. If a photographer has a job, he or she won't want to risk it on a wannabe model. And if you can't find a photographer to do test shoots, you may be left out. If you have to pay for shoots, that can truly be expensive and with no guarantee of ever earning your money back. Hopefully, a good agency can find test shoots, shoot where they want a new face or shoots where they want a less expensive model for you. Getting shoots, gaining experience and building your portfolio are the greatest challenges a new model faces

How to Become a Model

A lot of people want to be a model because it's glamorous and sexy. However, it's an extremely competitive and grueling business that will more likely break you than make you. Here are some cold, hard truths about becoming a model, as well as some realistic advice to make it happen.



STEP:
1. Realize that there are qualities every model needs to have, depending on the type of model one wishes to become. Generally, any feature indicative of good health is a must--clear skin, a full head of hair, and overall symmetry. Other qualities such as height and weight depend on what you're modeling. Consider working with a fitness trainer, especially someone who has a good reputation and experience with models. Tell them your modeling goals and how you'll need your body to look




2. Decide what kind of model you'd like to be. Technically, anybody can be a model. However, do remember that if you don't meet certain requirements, the work available to you will be incredibly limited, and you may have to compensate in other departments (reliability, technique, etc).

* If your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model.




* If you're tall (at the very least 5'7 for editorial & 5'8 for catwalk.) and very skinny but with a small breast size, you can be a catwalk model.

* If you have large breasts but not very wide hips, you can be an underwear model.

* If you don't fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair or hand model.

* Consider your "look". There is more of a curvy California look, a svelte New York look, a waif-like European look, girl next door, swim suit or lingerie (usually requires the bust to fill out the suits and a very thin waist)...Know what you're equipped with, but also work to pull off other looks.

3. Get some photos done. These don't have to be professional but they should be created for the purpose of showing your ability as a model. Although agencies say they are happy with snapshots, that doesn't mean they want to see an out of focus shot of you out partying with your friends with a little note attached saying that you're the one on the right! As a bare minimum, you will need one headshot and one body shot.


* Get your favorites and take the photos to be printed into 8x10s. Save these in case you are asked to leave a photograph anywhere before you have professional ones done. Don't force these on people or try to hand them out. You'll be better off waiting for the professional shots instead of taking risks with an amateur photo.

* Consider getting the photos professionally done. Professional photography, even if it is expensive, will give you a better idea of what kind of look you project. You will eventually need these photographs to snag an interview, so think of it as a worthwhile investment!




4. Look up the number of a reputable modeling agency. You can find these in your area phone book or by running a search on the Internet. Make an appointment.



5. Be prepared. When you attend your appointment, they might ask you to pull certain faces like laughing, happy, sad, or seductive. Practice in front of a mirror beforehand. It may help to look at pictures of models in magazines to get an idea. Be ready to have a Polaroid close up of your face taken. You really only get one chance for this photo. They'll use this to compare to your headshot. They will ask you to walk and take your measurements, so be prepared for all of that as well. Learn to accept rejection or criticism politely (see Warnings below). Thank the people for their time.



6. Be professional. Be polite and always turn up on time to any appointment or shoot. If you're late or rude, word soon gets around and then nobody will want to work with you.


* Be organized! Models often get called off places at the last minute and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things if you want to succeed. Buying a day-to-day planner can really help.

*Confirm whether or not there will be a make-up artist on site for any work you are doing. 99 times out of 100 there will be but there may be the odd occasion where you are required to do your own make-up. If there is a make-up artist, then arrive fresh faced.



* Be truthful about your measurements. Don't say you're skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there, the stylist will have problems and you will get found out. Word will get around and you could find yourself without a career!




TIPS :



* Sign up for acting classes or take acting workshops when the opportunity is available. Pantomime classes are a great tool for models. Any skills you can add to your arsenal will only help your future career.

* You can also enter modeling contests. However, make sure you check that these are being run by a reputable agency.

* If, for whatever reason, you've decided signing with an agency isn't right for you, you could consider going freelance. But be warned: the pay is usually considerably less and there are fewer safety precautions.

* Get your parents' permission if you're under the age defined by your country as being an adult.

* Some modeling schools are licensed by the Board of Education. However, whether or not they will teach you how to become a model is questionable, and some agencies even say that attending a modeling school can teach you bad habits that are hard to unlearn! They are also expensive.

* Get a website. It helps spread the word that you're out there and also serves as a place for your adoring fans.

* Know your limits on style and nudity. If you don't want to do glamor work or are uncomfortable doing full nudity, speak up and don't let people push you past those limits. Also, consider where you want your career to go in the future. Sure, you may be comfortable doing glamor now, but what if you decide you want to do fashion or catalog work in the future? You might be discriminated against if they know you have done this line of work.

* Have a portfolio it helps when bringing to clients. Go to a Go-SE, and go- see the clients

How to Be a Model

The idea of modeling brings to mind the "glamorous" high stakes world of the supermodel, complete with fame, fortune, and addictive disorders. But what about the majority of women who make a living on catwalks, billboards and in magazines? Filmmaker, and ex-model, Allison Beda sets out to demystify the profession by mapping the 12 steps on the road to success. Yet, faced with a job that prioritizes virtually unattainable external qualities and promises daily rejection by prospective clients, it quickly becomes apparent that modelling also entails a process of recovery. From New York to Paris and Toronto, Beda follows her friend, international model Peggi Lepage, as she embarks on what will likely be the final year of her career; given that a youthful appearance is a prerequisite, the need to move on to new endeavours is inevitable. With "go-sees," agency meetings and castings, the myriad challenges and contradictions of Peggi's career emerge. Many of the most insightful moments in the documentary arise when Beda must confront her own role as filmmaker. As she finds herself drawn back into the world of modeling, she re-experiences its lure firsthand but also re-discovers its pitfalls. Drawing on interviews with agents, former models and even Peggi's mother (who is protective but supportive), Beda ultimately tests the limits of Peggi's resolve. Their divergent perspectives begin to drive a wedge in their relationship and Peggi threatens to withdraw from the project. The end result is a revealing guide to being a model, filmmaker and friend