Becoming a Model
Our guide
The modelling world is a daunting one if you don’t know it, it often very confusing and having some help from experts is imperative to great success. Your best chance of success is having a middle man service, we have listed some below, all of which are honest, reputable and industry leaders:
Here are some further tips and advice:
Portfolio- Your holy grail, your most important tool! This goes for any model and is something that should never be over looked. It works as CV into the industry and is a industry standard. So it needs to be high quality, contain 6-12 of your best images and show diversity.
Agencies: Get in touch with agencies this will kick start you career and get your name out there. Check out whos best to go with by talking to other industry professionals or using the services mentioned above. Never pay joining fees with agencies!
Open Calls: Attend as many as possible. They can appear a little overwhelming but you will soon get used to the process as this part of the modelling world. Smile, be confident but not arrogant and if you get a knock back, dust yourself off as this part and parcel of being a model. Say you, remain polite and move on to the next one. A portfolio is must for attending castings and if you want to be signed to an agency.
Key attributes needed: Be committed and hungry for success, modelling is a competitive industry and takes lot of hard work, so only the determined succeed. Keep in mind ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ so hard work will pay over but do not expect success over night. Be professional at all times, this shows your take your line of work seriously. Always listen and be willing to learn this shows you’re adaptable. When you are contacted always return contact promptly as you may miss the opportunity. Practice makes perfect!!
Unfortunately, the industry of modelling comes with scammers. Scams can leave you feeling abused, mistreated and completely deflated, so it’s best to get your head around some tips on how best to avoid them. A modelling scam generally involves someone stopping you in the street and telling you that you could be a model. They are hard to spot because when you are scouted by an actual legitimate agency, they will tell you a very similar thing. What you don’t want, however, is to be caught unawares by someone that is trying to sell you a poor service. Companies that approach you on the street to do this should not, generally, be trusted.
Be wary if, when you show up to the place they have told you to go, they start getting pushy. For example, if they tell you that you can only use a specific photographer, the service is likely to be a scam. You should always have a choice over which photographer you want to use to build your portfolio, especially if you’re paying a lot of money.
Secondly, take a big step back if the company asks you to pay any kind of initial fee for them to “be your agent”. An actual agency will not expect you to pay any money to work with them. They may ask you to sign exclusively with them, but they won’t charge an upfront fee.
As tempting as it may be to succumb to pressure, don’t fall for the “this is your only chance, without taking this you probably won’t make it as a model” line. This is a way of putting pressure on to ensure you fall for the scam. A legitimate company will be welcoming and encouraging; they will not be trying to do a hard sell.
Finally, be wary of anyone that guarantees that you will get work. No one in the industry can make this promise as a legitimate guarantee. Further, if they persistently talk to you about large salaries and a glamorous lifestyle, take caution. Modelling work can be irregular, and whilst it can lead to large salaries, a legitimate agency won’t be promising this in your first meeting, if ever.
Paying to have a great portfolio created with a legitimate photography studio is one thing, paying for someone to be your “agent” is another.
Modelling scams are unfortunately a part of entering the modelling industry, but don’t have to affect you if you keep your wits about you. Don’t be flattered into submission, don’t hand over any cash without doing your research, and hunt out your own photography studios, rather than being conned into using an illegitimate service by someone on the street.