5 Easy Steps to a Fashion Modeling Career

Do You Want To Become A Model?

Would you like to become a fashion model or commercial model, but you have no idea what this type of model does? Let me tell you a little about fashion models. Their photos appear in magazines and catalogues to promote clothing or other accessories to customers and fashion buyers.

If you are confident, aggressive, intelligent, resistant to peer pressure and willing to listen and learn, you have many of the traits that may help you to become a successful model.

But, before you get started in modeling, please consider reading the tips below.

1. Get Advice

Talk to someone you know that is already involved in the modeling world. Ask them about the following:

- How Do You Avoid Model Agency Scams?
- How Do You Choose The Right Photographer?
- Should You Go To Modeling School?
- How Important Is A Portfolio?
- What Is Open Call?

Knowing the answers to these few questions will hopefully help you a lot in making your decision about becoming a model.

2. Do Your Research

Look at fashion magazines to see what the latest styles are. Read and learn as much as you can about fashion designers. Research every aspect on the Internet about this industry.

3. Set Your Goals

Decide if you want this to be a full or part time career. Also, if you want in it just for fun or to make an income.

Be comfortable when you set these goals and be determined to reach them. You will face many rejections, so be very persistent and Never Quit.

4. Physical Attributes Of Models

If you plan to become a model, the following physical attributes are a necessity.

a) You need to be at least 5'8" tall or taller ( Especially for runway )
b) Your height should be flattered by your body weight(average for a model 108-125 lbs.) and proportions.
c) Your skin should always look radiant and without lots of pimples or blemishes
d) Your hair should always be clean, styled and vibrant. Avoid excessive over-dying and split-ends.
e) Your teeth should be well taken care of, straight and white. Stay away from coffee and cigarettes. Remember, agents love to see a model give a vibrant smile.
f) Your posture has a big affect on how people perceive you. Keep your chin up and shoulders back.

5. Modeling Agencies

Now that you have decided becoming a fashion model is definitely what you want, your next step is to find a legitimate model agency that will manage your new career for you and hopefully find you work.

You can find agencies in your area by checking your phone directory, searching on the web or asking people you know already in the industry if they have any suggestions.

Just always remember you should never have to pay an agency any money upfront. If they ask for any, call another one.

Hard Work Will Pay Off

Even though, this may sound like a lot of advice, just remember if you really want to get started as a fashion or commercial model, it will take a lot of time and hard work.

Modeling is a very competitive business and "Only The Strong Models Survive."



September 25, 2009
By Bob Pardue
Bob Pardue is a professional stock and female fashion model portfolio photographer located in the Southeastern USA. You can view some of his work and read other interesting model tips by visiting http://www.bobpardue.com

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Model

When you think of the word "model", images of men and women with perfect complexions, incredible bodies and wonderful wardrobes are probably the first things to come to mind. But modeling is much more than that and the need for "non-traditional" models is probably more prevalent than you imagine. If you consider advertising, media and books that use photos of real people and places, you can see that you don't have to be a perfectly-proportioned person with a flawless look to find modeling opportunities. That gives rise to the question, "Do you have what it takes to be a model?"

If you're interested in modeling but you need experience, you should likely begin your search locally. Every city that has an advertising company probably needs ad models. In the larger cities where magazines and other media are produced and printed, you'll also find a need for people willing to model. Almost every catalog, flyer and circular that arrives in your mailbox includes photos of at least a few people who were willing to model for that publication. The opportunities are out there but you have to be willing to go after them.

Consider the local advertising agency. Especially if you're talking about an agency in a smaller city with limited financial resources, the search for quality models is continuous. They need people willing to model with and be spokesperson for area businesses that are intent on producing commercials with local faces.

Magazines are also a good source of modeling opportunities. For example, a magazine accepts a story from a freelance writer about mothers to be printed in the Mother's Day edition. Stories are always more appealing if there is art to catch the reader's eye and the magazine begins its search for appropriate models for this story. They don't need a cover girl - they need a mother (or at least a woman who can look like one).

Think you don't have the figure for modeling? Catalogs are another good source of modeling opportunities. Apparel companies don't just sell clothing for the men and women with perfect bodies. The fact that not every woman is a "perfect size six" means that not all clothing offered will be a size six. What better way to entice the smaller than normal woman (or those larger than normal) to choose a particular product than by showing how it looks on other small or large women? This creates an excellent opportunity for those who will never fit into a size six dress to give modeling a try.

If you are fortunate enough to have the perfect body, complexion and look for traditional modeling, you still might need to start with the less-traditional modeling jobs. No matter what kind of modeling you want to do, remember that it boils down to hard work in sometimes less-than-ideal conditions. Catalogs, magazines and advertisers will do photo shoots well ahead of the season. That means that you could find yourself modeling swimsuits on the beach while it's still too cold to be on the beach, or wrapped up in ski gear in front of a crackling fire in mid-summer. But if modeling truly appeals to you, you might just find that you do have what it takes to become a model.

Copyright 2005 by Lynn Walls. All rights reserved.



September 22, 2009
By Lynn Walls
Looking for information about modeling? Go to http://www.atozmodeling.com. A to Z Modeling is a Fashion Modeling Information Directory and Resource Site which provides a consolidated listing of the best Modeling and Fashion sites in one easy to navigate location.