5 Key Steps to Starting your Modeling Career on the Right Track!
There are basic steps that you should take into consideration as an aspiring model when starting out. The first important step is to know your goals. You should know what type of modeling (editorial, print, catalog, runway, commercial, etc.) you want to do and how big a part you want modeling to play in your life. When you know this, it’s much easier to get started.
1. Modeling is a business, and as a model, you are your own business! Like any business, it takes time, effort, commitment, and patience to become a successful model. Remember that success does not happen overnight.
When you are ready to embark on your modeling journey, you should make sure that you have read enough about modeling and that you know what to expect. Get educated! Take advantage of the various resources available online for new models, talk to friends in the industry, research as much as you can so that you are keenly aware of the type of potential career you are about to embark on.
As you are doing your research, take some time to find a list of modeling agencies you could contact. This is an important step as by now you should know how to choose a modeling agency that best matches the kind of modeling you want to do. If the modeling agencies of your choice are in a close proximity to where you are located, why not pay a visit to the agency in person. It’s always better to get information straight from the source; let them educate you on the type of agency they are, what they look for, and what they expect from their models. Moreover, be aware that you should not have to pay an agency to be considered as one of their models, as they will make their money from a percentage of the models future jobs. It is very important to be informed of this before you start the process of contacting modeling agencies. Be alert to any potential scams or modeling schemes; unfortunately there are many, simply trying to take advantage of the new and naïve.
2. Present yourself as the perfect candidate: show confidence, have a good attitude and a friendly personality. Show your personal style, but keep it clean and simple and always make a good first impression.
When you feel confident about the modeling agencies you have found, you should either start calling them or contacting them by email. And this is where photos come in. As an aspiring model, one of your main tasks is to arrange a photo shoot with a reliable model photographer. You want to project a good and professional image of yourself and for that reason it is important to focus on the quality of your photos. If you are unable to have photos taken by a professional model photographer, you could also consider selecting some quality pictures that you already have of yourself. Take a look at other models photos or portfolios to get an accurate idea of which photo to choose of yourself. Quality is what counts!
3. Keep a healthy lifestyle: drink a lot of water, look after your skin and your hair, hold on to a healthy diet, work-out regularly, get sufficient sleep and avoid cigarettes and alcohol.
Another effective way of getting exposure as a new model, you could try to find a source on the internet that could list your information and pictures. Websites, such asTalentRising.com, provide an excellent way of getting started as a new model, as they offer a great platform that allows you to upload and constantly update your professional information, photos and video as a “living/working resume”. Moreover, it’s a great way to get connected with other working professionals in the industry, promote your talent and boost your chances of getting noticed!
4. Apply and attend as many castings and “go-sees” as possible: For models, a casting or a go see is a job interview, and should be regarded as such. Be professional and be prepared!
5. Model agency representation: If you are looking for representation within a model agency, or if a model agency contacts you, make sure the contract is reliable and includes the standard conditions of the industry. Keep an eye on the following points: percentage of commission, duration of contract, cancellation terms, exclusiveness, any hidden costs or fees (always read the small print!). Don’t sign a contract if you do not feel 100% sure!
As long as your goals are set from the very onset of your modeling career, you should have a much clearer and more secure picture of what you should know as an aspiring, new model. And should you encounter rejection, do not give up! All new models experience rejection at one point or another. It is just a fact of the business; nature of the beast so to say. So stick to your goals, work hard and start connecting with the right people in order to make your dream of being a model into a reality.