How To Be A ModelThe Basic CategoriesOk… here’s the deal. I want to help you. If you want to become a model, I really want you to become a model! Modeling has been an amazing career for me and the business is full of great opportunities, however, it’s also full of scam artists and people who want your money. You must educate yourself so you can make smart choices along the way! It’s time to take it out of the day dream and put it into your real life. See if it’s really something you want to spend your time and energy pursuing. Let's start with the basics, it's important for you to understand the categories and which one is potentially right for you. So, what category is potentially right for you?It’s up to you to be realistic here. Now is a great time for modeling because the categories have gotten much broader. Agencies have added more divisions to serve a growing demand for “real people” models, but there are still guidelines. Understand your category and what is required.
High Fashion:This is what you would think of as a “model” in the traditional sense. Think the typical contestant on “America’s Next Top Model”. Agencies will see girls 13-22 (or so) who are 5’8” and taller. If you are shorter, younger, look older or heavy set, this is probably not your category. These are the girls in the fashion editorial shoots for Vogue, on the runways, and in the cosmetic ads. I always suggest to these girls to go straight to the agencies for advice. Almost ALL the agents (even the big ones like FORD and ELITE) have open calls for this category. Call them, they will tell you! Do NOT start spending money before you see a legitimate agency. Note: if you are female and look over 22 or so, it may be hard to start in the high fashion division. If you are over 5’8”, contact the agencies and see if they accept submissions from your age group. Generally, it’s difficult to begin a career in the high fashion category if you are mid 20s or older.
Commercial/Life Style Print:This is a relatively new category invented for models who don’t fit the high fashion stats. There is a demand for attractive people who photograph well for advertising. (a print ad for a bank for example) They will look at all ages, male and female and look for people with a lot of personality to sell products. This category includes a lot of actors who are talented in front of the camera, but don't have the height for fashion. Not all agencies have this category... look the agencies up online or call and ask.
General and Classic:These divisions are for female models over 25 or so, 5’8” and taller. It’s difficult to begin modeling at this age… but, there are exceptions to every rule. These girls shoot catalogues, magazines, and beauty campaigns as well. Each agency has its own policy and may call their divisions by different names. I suggest you contact a commercial print division first.
Men:Your category is more broad. Age is less important than actual appearance. The basics are 6”0 and 40/42 regular. Contact the men’s division and ask their submissions rules.Kids:There are specific size requirements for different age categories. Call an agency and they will tell you what they are looking for as is different for every age group.
Sports/Fitness:This division is for true athletes. There is demand for athletes who take pictures well. If you could be on the cover of a fitness magazine, contact a commercial print division for more info.
Plus Size:This category is generally, for women larger than a size 8. You still need to be taller than 5’8”. Not all agencies have this division and they are very selective. The new winner of "America's Next Top Model" is a plus sized girl!
Runway, Fit, Petite etc...These divisions are in the larger markets. Runway girls are typically atleast 5'10" and slim. Fit girls are a specific size for designer showrooms... trying on the clothes as the designer creates. Petite is a very specialized, very small market. Unless you are in a large market (NY, LA) these categories aren't profitable.So... get real!If you fit into one of the categories above and want to pursue modeling, start with your local agent. Look it up online… or pull out the old phone book. My first agent was in Atlanta and was very professional and hooked in. There is a local agency in most cities, who can offer you advice and evaluate your situation. Don’t be afraid to contact them and see how to schedule an appointment. In the bigger cities, most agents have open calls for the high fashion girls or will accept submissions by mail or email. Be aware, you do not need to take professional pictures before you contact them, snapshots are good enough.If you don’t fit into one of the categories above, consider that modeling may not be the right career choice for you. As much as I hate to say it, there is no book, or video, or dvd or trick that is going to make you a model. Contact your local agency and get more information on what they have to offer you. You may enjoy a local class or consider it a hobby, but for a career I would encourage you to look more towards acting and commercials if you want to be in front of a camera.
Not Sure?If you are not sure what category you fit into . . . or what snapshots to take in to a meeting . . . or if an agency is a scam. . . contact me! I will be glad to help you and answer any questions I can. Upload your pictures on the model's page . . .or go to "contact me" and email me your question.Related articles:Modeling Scams - Beware!
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