Becoming a Model
Industry Terminology
First option refusal/hold
Booker
Booking
Casting
Agent
Talent
Extra
Industry Mediums
Print
Editorial
Commercial
Advertising
Lifestyle
Commercial
National
Regional
Union/Non-Union
Screen Actors Guild
Residuals
Runway
Movies
Conventions
Obtaining an Agent
The first step in becoming a model is to locate an agency that will represent and promote you as a model. An agent should sell you like if you were a new product, but you must be prepared to pay them a commission for the work they do for you. As a caution, a lot of agencies are scams, so be selective in whom you decide to do business with.
When looking for an agency to represent you, never pay to join an agency or sign with an agency that wants you to take meaningless classes. If they are legitimate, they will teach you everything you need to know for free. Never sign with agencies that sell in-house portfolios where one person shoots all your photography. Several photographers who will capture different looks and who have different photography styles will shoot a good portfolio over time, but never in one day.
Getting Started
Have about two roles of film taken so you can have one good shot. Take some face shots with minimum make-up, if any at all, as well as some full-length body shots in outfits that show off your figure (swim suit, nice underwear, etc.). Again, avoid wearing lots of make-up to avoid a "Glamour Shots" look.
Next, select one each of your best head and figure shots, choosing the photos with the best complimentary lighting and the fewest shadows so your features will not look odd. Write your name, address and telephone number on the back of each photo and prepare to mail them to agencies.
Mailing to Agencies
Call many agencies to find out what department accepts inquiries. Forward a short letter to the appropriate division, making sure to send all your photos with an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope). Include your height, bust and cup, waist and hip measurements (in inches), and age, hair and eye color, dress and shoe size.
Visiting Agencies
Call some agencies to find out what time they see new faces, their location, and whether or not you need an appointment. Next, go in and show your photos. They will tell you if they are interested in your or not. If they are not, LISTEN to their reasons why and ask for suggestions of agencies that accept the qualities that they deny. Please note: If you are refused by six or more agencies, you should probably decide on a career other than modeling. However if you feel like this is YOUR career, try again in about six months. Looks and fashions change, and by that time, you will have gained enough knowledge of the industry and know how to pursue a career in it!
Height Requirements(Note: Exercise is a MuST for all models)!
Height requirements vary with each agency. Contact the agency you are interested in for their exact requirements.
Females
Fashion/Editorial Work (runway/magazine)
Height. 5'9"Ñ5'10" minimum for catwalk. Some major agencies may not accept female models under 5'9". Bust. 34 B for this genre of modeling. Waist. 23"-24" Hips. 34"-35 1/2". The agency will measure you across the fullest part of your buttocks, almost at thigh level. Weight. 120-122 lbs. You will need to be able to slip easily into a standard size 8/10 without buttons or seams that protrude.
Commercial Work(Catalogue and magazine/television advertising)
Height. 5'8"
Glamour Work (Topless and/or nude work) Height. 5'0"
Petite Work (Petite fashion and commercial work)
Height. Most agencies use models 5'6"-5'8" and no less than petite models under 5'6". Competition for petite agencies is high.
Plus Size Work (Plus Size Fashion/Commercial work)
Height. 5'8" and up
Dress. 12-18
Age. 25-35 years old
Males (the requirements for males are pretty standard for genres)
Height. 5'11"-6'0"/6'2") Males over this height will tower over females in the shoot and may not be accepted.
Jacket. 40 Regular
Waist. 31"-32"
Weight. Approximately 165lbs for a 6' tall male model.
WhatÕs Next!
Modeling can be a very demanding profession but rewarding if treated correctly. The following guidelines can lead you in obtaining the most success from an agency and the modeling industry. Testing
Testing is the practical training base to develop camera technique for new models, and for professional models, it is advantageous for updating portfolios. Testing requires taking head and full-length shots (with hair up and down), sporty, lingerie/swimwear, outdoor, natural, and knitwear shots, and shots with another model. On all of these poses, various expressions are necessary to show, but smiles are most important. Test photographers charge for their services, and you will need to hire a make-up artist. These expenses can become costly if you need to test often to capture each look. Usually, after you have obtained an adequate selection, your agency will arrange as many free tests as possible with assistant photographers who you will meet on your go-sees. Model Kit
A Model Kit includes:
Comp Cards
Agencies will usually arrange for 1,000 to be printed on the first run. They will send them to all clients on their client list. You will also be given cards of your own to issue to each client on every casting or go-see. Your first comp card is expected to last about 8 months, but the agency may advise you to change your look within this time. Of course this means obtaining new cards.
Model Book
A Model Book is the initial selling tool that contains photos of all the models represented by a particular agency. Each model takes space to and each model is asked to take space (quarter, double or single page) to advertise themselves and their different looks. The book is usually updated every 18 months.
All of the above methods of advertising are at the modelÕs expense, but can be claimed against tax at the end of each year.
The Modeling Store
This is an excellent tool to use when seeking freelance work with your online portfolio because you will be provided with a web address to give out to potential clients, and your work can be displayed on the Internet.
Portfolio
A modelÕs portfolio is the most essential selling tool for their career. Presentation, quality and variety of shots are all very important factors of the portfolio. Although the portfolio is the modelÕs responsibility, when not in use, it should be kept at the agency so that clients that come through the agency will have access to it. This is a good reason to have two portfolios. Either a second hard copy one, or an online portfolio that can be viewed on the Internet. Always keep your portfolio updated and presentable, and put a sticker on the back of your photos with your agencyÕs contact information on it, in case your portfolio is lost or stolen.
Wardrobe
Most advertising jobs will require that you bring a wide variety of clothes, commonly many suitcases as possible of your clothes, and/or borrowed clothes from friends and relatives. Keep your clothes clean, pressed and neatly displayed in the changing room at the studio. Limit the use of brightly colored clothes, unless requested. Plain or lightly patterned clothes in neutral shades are better selections than loud patterns and logos that might clash with the product you are promoting. Think classic more than fashionable because trends change quickly and date your photos. Avoid wearing your modeling shoes daily and keep them separate from everyday ones. Never show up to a job without the correct clothes. Report any problems that occur to your booker immediately when booked and they will speak to the client to sort out the problem.
Model Bag
You should always carry a Model Bag when attending a job or test. It is better to look prepared and impress the client rather than be asked for something you do not have. A female model's bag should contain the following:
Undergarments. Nude/flesh colored strapless bra and g-strings, nude/flesh colored and colored tights, underslip, pantyhose and body stocking.
Make-up and accessories. Face cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, clear nail polish/remover.
Hair accessories. Hairdryer, heated rollers, brush/heated brush, hairspray, mousse, etc. Miscellaneous necessities. Pins, tissues, baby wipes, eye drops and deodorant. Jewelry Clean shoes and white tennis shoes
Index Cards
Iron
An A-Z of your area (if living in a big city)
Short dressing gown or face scarf (to prevent upsetting your make-up when getting dressed). Castings
Once your agency has launched your promotion to the clients, you will be requested to attend castings where you will meet a client either at the agency or at a studio. Always take along your portfolio and some index cards.
Types of Casting
Agency
The amount of models attending an agency casting varies depending on the client and their requirements. There can be a few to as many as 30 models. Therefore, actual time spent with a client could be 5 minutes, but the wait might take up to 2 hours. Be patient!
Studio
At a studio casting, a photographer might take a Polaroid of you, or put you on video. It is important to exude confidence and to always be helpful. Always dress according to the required look, and if it is a figure job, take a bikini or nice underwear. Sometimes this will be supplied, however if they are interested in you, be prepared to model the outfit for the client. A Casting is synonymous with a booking and must NEVER be missed. If problems occur, always immediately speak with your booker.
Bookings
When a client wants to book you for a job, he or she will check your availability with your agency. Therefore, it is crucial that your agency always knows your whereabouts so that they can contact you whenever necessary. If there are ever times that you will not be available to work, you will need to book out with your booker. If they make a booking for you on a day that you have not booked out, you will need to make yourself available. Not doing this will earn you a bad reputation and you will be their least choice when choosing models to work with. Remember, your agency works for you, not the other way around, so show the utmost respect!
The following is information are casting details that a booker should give. If not, ask for them. Client/Photographer
Time, Date and Address of location
Job description and Fee
Type of look and necessary clothes and accessories
Hair and Make-up: whether or not you are required to do your own
Professionalism
In addition to having a pretty face, other critical qualifications to be a model include attitude, self-discipline and confidence. Your agency will expect you to always be pleasant, and you should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your job. If problems arise, phone the agency immediately. Money Issues
All models are self-employed and therefore responsible for their own taxes and insurance. Keep all receipts from everything you purchase or any service that has been used in relation to your modeling career. The following are items you should keep records of:
Test shots
Photos
Index Cards
Model Book
Clothes
Travel expenses
Sun-bed
Gym membership
Hair care, make-up and accessories
Mobile Phone and mobile phone bills
Long distance telephone calls
Once you began working on a regular basis, you will need to hire an accountant to process your accounts for tax and insurance purposes. Your agency should provide advice on this and/or offer assistance and recommend a reputable accountant.
Invoicing
Your agency will invoice all clients for you. Under no circumstances should complete your own invoicing. Therefore, it is imperative that you notify your agency with your hours immediately after your job. Please note, the time you finish is the time you leave the set, not the time you leave the studio. Also, call your agency each day to check castings/jobs availability and to book out times when you are not available.
Pay
Your agency will receive a commission from you on all your bookings as their pay for working for you. A standard commission is about 20%. When a client pays the agency for your work, your agency will prepare remittance advice for you that will contain details of each job paid and payment for the total amount. Take into account that it can take up to 3 months for clients to pay! Write down any outstanding accounts and give them to your booker for collections.
Wishing you immense success in your modeling career! For any information not provided here, please feel free to contact us via email at ______.