MODEL 101: GETTING STARTED AND FINDING WORK



There are many ways to get started in a modeling career. Different models have reached success through different routes.
Modeling agencies
The bulk of the work in modeling is booked through Modeling Agencies. Agencies have the necessary contacts and are the best place to start. The best way to approach agencies is to go to the front door of the modeling agency. You can approach a modeling agency through their open call, schedule an interview or by submitting a cover letter and photographs. It is also a good idea to give them a call or email them and ask how they want new talent to contact them since each modeling agency may have different submission requirements. There is a list of the top modeling agencies on this site that you can contact to submit your portfolio, pictures and information. If they see potential talent, they may contact you.
Fate
Modeling agencies are constantly looking for new talent, particularly in fashion modeling. This can be modeling agencies' personnel, photographers, art directors, and model scouts. Some agencies are large enough to employ staff that are just out looking for new faces and potential talent. There are numerous stories of models being discovered at the mall, on the beach, or other public place but since there are many scam model scouts it's normal to be somewhat suspicious of them. (Read tips on how to avoid modeling scams to know what to look for). If you are serious about modeling, waiting to be discovered on the street is not the best approach, however, being seen at certain types of events or parties where you think model scouts would hang out couldn't hurt.
Hard work
Some models put together portfolios, study and practice being a model by working on their expressions, posing, runway walking, hair styling, make up, working in front of a camera, and how the business works. Starting out by getting small contract jobs and doing commercial modeling and hoping to be discovered. If you enjoy the process of modeling then all of the time and expense that go into this process can be its own reward. If you want to be a high fashion model and do not have the size or look requirements, no amount of hard work will make you a career model.
This area can also include attending modeling school, modeling camps, model searches, Internet listing services, modeling contest, modeling conventions, and pageants, which can often be very expensive. These activities can be interesting, educational and fun but most of these organizations will take on and take money from almost anyone who wants to be a model. This leads to a very low percentage of career models who actually come from these activities.

Model searches
Many agencies will advertise a model search event claiming that scouts from all over the world are going to attend. This may be the case but be wary. In every big city there are always a few model searches each year. They are a good opportunity to meet people from agencies in person if you can't afford to go to New York. There are also national and international searches that seem more legitimate and have more success stories.
Modeling contests
Modeling contests can be local competitions in your town to international events. There are the well-known “Miss America/Miss Universe” pageants but there are also contests that are organized by modeling schools or agencies. Contests are slightly different from model searches because contests include stage events such as walking, posing, dressing in different styles of clothing and often can include a talent portion, whereas model searches are typically an opportunity to meet agency employees or a call for submission of pictures.
The Internet
Developing your own webpage can increase your chances of being discovered. Just like some models have been discovered on the street of a small town, a top model scout could find you while he or she is browsing the Internet. In today's society you have to be creative in order to get the attention you want and consider new options in approaching the career of your choice. If you want to be a model, the most important part is being seen and what better place than the Internet?
Many photographers have also said they browse the internet looking for new ideas, new poses, new colours as well as new faces. If you have interesting new ideas and post them on your webpage then there is a chance you will be recognized by a photographer that may want to use you for his or her own portfolio.
Webpages also provide an opportunity for making money. There are plenty of collectors out there willing to pay for good photos. If you already have a number of shots, it is easy to have a webpage created and post these on your site. Although many of these collectors may not be connected to the modeling business, you never know who may see your pictures.
The most important aspect of a webpage is to ensure that your contact information is always up to date.
Learn more about using the Internet to your advantage.
How to apply for modeling jobs
Although each agency may have different submission requirements, all of them need to see pictures. The best way to get into the business is to create a portfolio and send it out to as many agencies as you can. Most have similar photo submission requirements (usually a head shot and a few body shots) so it is just a matter of getting good photographs and making plenty of copies.

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