How to Become a Model – The Basics of Fashion

The most common question that modeling agents and scouts receive from aspiring models is, “how do I become a fashion model?.” A lot of people want to be a model because it’s glamorous, lucrative, and they may want to be recognized in the modeling world. Modeling is extremely competitive, and the industry is filled with rejection, but successful fashion models are doing something that they love.

To become a model for work in Fashion Worls you need to follow these three steps

In this post, we are explaining only the first step. We split this article in some post (like a separate post for each step and a post for Tips and Warnings). Find the links at the end of the post.

Learn Basics to become a Model (for Fashion World)

1. Be Healthy

Take care of yourself! Features indicative of good health are a must. Eat and drink healthy foods and beverages, work out, take care of your outer appearance (and inner peace of mind), and look good in clothes. It’s a simple equation, but it’s harder than you might think to execute.

• Focus on keeping your skin clear and glowing. Wash your face in the morning and at night, exfoliate once a week, and remember to wash your makeup off before you go to sleep.
• Shiny and healthy hair is important. Some agencies and Managers prefer the “natural greasy look” so if you prefer to minimally shower that is okay too.
• Fitness is important. Consider working with a trainer who works specifically with models. Tell them your modeling goals and how you want to look. Tell them how you feel and your opinions.
• Eat right. Contrary to what some people tell you, you should eat healthy foods, as well as healthy amounts of food. Veggies, fruits, whole grains, and proteins should make up the basis of your diet. Sugars, starches, empty carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats should be avoided as much as possible.

2. Match your modeling goals to your body type

Decide what kind of model you hope to be in fashion world. Technically, anybody can be a model. However, do remember that if you don’t meet certain requirements, the work available to you will be incredibly limited, and you may have to compensate in other departments (reliability, technique, etc).

• A Plus Size Model: If your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model (for example, Crystal Renn).
• A Runway Model: Most women on the catwalk are at least 5’9, and commonly small-breasted. Men are mostly between 5’11 and 6’2. This does not fully pertain to Victoria’s Secret models.
• A Print Model: Most editorial female models are at least 5’7, but a beautiful face with the great personality is really important for print models.
• An Underwear Model: For women, this requires large breasts but small hips. For men, this requires broad shoulders but slim waists.
• A Promotional Model: Some companies want their customer base to interact directly with models who are generally attractive with likeable personalities to promote their brand. You may see these models in grocery stores, events or clubs promoting things like food, liquor brands or new products.
• A Spokesmodel: Models who are hired to be consistently associated with a specific brand. Contrary to popular thought models don’t always have to verbally promote the brand.
• A Trade Show Model: Hired by companies or brands to advertise to attendees at a trade show tent or booth. Typically not employed by the company but hired as “freelance” models for the event. (Ex. Magic Market Week in Las Vegas NV)
• Other Types of Modeling: If you don’t fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair, or hand model. There’s also the option of being an alternative model.

3. Consider situational modeling

If you do not think the runway or magazines are the place for you, look into other types of modeling. Companies use models for special events or to promote specific products. There are fewer restrictions on body type and more emphasis on personality for these modeling jobs.

• A Promotional Model: Some companies want their customer base to interact directly with models who are generally attractive with likable personalities to promote their brand. You may see these models in grocery stores, events, or clubs promoting things like food, liquor, or new products.
• A Spokesmodel: Spokesmodels are hired to be consistently associated with a specific brand. Contrary to popular thought, spokesmodels don’t always have to verbally promote the brand.
• A Trade Show Model: This type of model is hired by companies or brands to advertise to attendees at a trade show tent or booth. These models are typically not employed by the company but hired as “freelance” models for the event.

4. Consider your “look”

There is more of a curvy California look, a svelte and sophisticated New York look, a waif-like European look, girl next door, swimsuit or lingerie (usually requires the bust to fill out the suits and a very thin waist). Know what you’re equipped with, but also work to pull off other looks.

5. Educate yourself

There is a lot you can learn from reading books and articles on modeling. Reading quality guides, articles, and books will both help you to improve important skills (like posing) and to better understand how the industry works (how to find an agent, etc.).

• Realize that it’s tough. The modeling world is jam-packed with pretty faces. Just because you are good looking does not mean that you can succeed as a model. In the modeling business, it is not just about looking great. You have to fit the need of specific jobs just in order to get a chance. Modeling is only for serious people who carry unique looks and characteristics. Since there are so many people trying to become models in today’s world, it’s very challenging to get a breakthrough and will only come with patience and perseverance.
• Realize that a model does not always have to look like a supermodel. With a lot of effort, however, you may reach that supermodel status. One of the most important things to remember is to never be shy and don’t apologize if you mess up! Yes, some models tend to act “stuck-up” and “overly confident” but as long as that makes you feel good, go ahead! Be yourself, and remember to act. Modeling requires a lot of acting skills so acquire a little attitude.

6. Do not be shy

You will have to promote yourself and look for opportunities to step up and prove your abilities. Standing back and being “polite” will not get you where you are going. Be yourself, let your personality shine, and have a confident attitude. If you don’t feel confident, fake it; modeling often requires acting skill as well!

Create Portfolios and Contact with Agencies

1. Take some snapshots

This doesn’t mean candid shots of you and your friends, but rather shots of you up close without a lot of makeup and on a plain background. You should shoot them in nice natural light without a lot of distraction in the photos. These are meant for agencies to get a look at you in a raw state. Consider a head shot, a body shot, and profile shots.

2. Consider getting some professional shots taken

Professional photography, even if it is expensive, will give you a better idea of what kind of look you give off. You may eventually need these photographs to snag an interview, so think of it as a worthwhile investment!

• Get your favorite professional shots printed into 8x10s. Save these in case you are asked to leave a photograph anywhere before you have professional ones done.
• If you’ve got enough of these photos, consider putting everything into a portfolio, or “book.” Bring this portfolio with you to castings or to agencies.

3. Take and know your measurements and stats

These will help to model agencies place you.

• Basic measurements are height, weight, and shoe size.
• Know your clothing measurements such as dress size, hip, waist, chest etc.
• Know your own personal stats, such as hair color, eye color, skin tone etc.

4. Visit a modeling agency

Almost every major city has multiple modeling agencies, and almost every agency has “open-calls” where they look at new talent.

• Bring your snapshots and/or portfolio. They will often ask you to walk or pose for them. They may take a headshot or take your measurements as well. If they reject you, don’t get disheartened; often an agency is looking for a diverse set of models, so you may just not fit their model lineup right now.
• There are many problems presently with some modeling agencies. Too many people don’t know about the business and end up getting conned. No agency should be asking you for more than $20 when meeting you. The agency will charge you a commission when you model, but shouldn’t get much up front. If they ask for hundreds of dollars beforehand, walk away. Don’t take their offer.

Your on job behavior

1. Be truthful about your measurements

Don’t say you’re skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there, the stylist will have problems and you will get found out. Word will get around and you could find yourself without a career!

2. Be professional, polite, and courteous

Remember that, even though you’re not working in an office, you need to be professional. Treat the people you work with respectfully.—You never know who they know or what sort of a recommendation they might give you. Never look down on anyone. You may be a model, but that doesn’t give you the right to be snooty, affected, or pompous.

• Always show up on time to any appointment or shoot. If you’re late or rude, word soon gets around and then nobody will want to work with you.
• Be organized. Models often get called off places at the last minute and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things if you want to succeed. Buying a day-to-day planner can really help.
• Develop relationships with photographers. Not those kinds of relationships! Professional, You help the photographer look great, and they will help you look great. It’s a win-win situation, so be sure to treat photographers with respect.
• Treat modeling like a real job. Girls that don’t take it seriously have small chances of succeeding in their modeling career. Realize that it is harder than it appears and there’s a lot of work behind all that glitz and glamor at fashion shows. Modeling is a full-time occupation that requires constant attention. One week away from it and your career can be over. Understand that modeling has only a small window of opportunity, and even if you take a short break, you may never be able to return. Models usually only work in the business for a limited amount of time. If you become famous inside of the business, it might be otherwise.

3. Confirm whether or not there will be a make-up artist (MUA) on site for any work you are doing

Sometimes you are expected to bring certain things with you (such as base foundation) and if they don’t have a makeup artist booked you need to prepare accordingly.

4. Be creative on shoots

Photographers want to see you pose in various poses with different props and backdrop. Changeability is key, so, work for the camera and interact with the world around yourself. Runway coordinators want you to put attitude in your walk or to project a very specific emotion.

Tips and Warnings

Tips

• Don’t let one or two bad comments by people that are not important let you down. Everyone else thinks you are great!
• Be careful when signing contracts or releases. Some contracts may require you to model exclusively for a particular agency. A lot of releases (which are more like mini-contracts that are done for a single shoot) will emphasize the photographer’s right to an image, saying that they may do whatever they wish, but don’t mention the model’s rights. It is your image they are using, and you have a say in what is done with pictures taken of you. Make sure to discuss this before signing anything.
• If you get rejected it’s important how you react. Just because you didn’t make it doesn’t mean you won’t next time. Be confident.
• Know your limits on style and nudity. If you don’t want to do glamor work or are uncomfortable doing full nudity, speak up and don’t let people push you past those limits. Also, consider where you want your career to go in the future. Sure, you may be comfortable doing glamor now, but what if you decide you want to do fashion or catalog work in the future? You might be discriminated against if they know you have done this line of work.
• You can also enter modeling contests. However, make sure you check that these are being run by a reputable agency.
• Some modeling schools are licensed by the Board of Education. However, whether or not they will teach you how to become a model is questionable, and some agencies even say that attending a modeling school can teach you bad habits that are hard to unlearn! They are also expensive.
• Get your parents’ permission if you’re under the age defined by your country as being an adult.
• Girls / Ladies – when on a Go see it is recommended that wear an easy to remove outfit without tight straps or any details that will leave marks on your skin, no bra and flesh colored thong underwear. This will optimize your ability to look good in any outfit the designer or fashion show organizers want you to try on.
• If, for whatever reason, you’ve decided signing with an agency isn’t right for you then you could consider going freelance. But be warned: the pay is usually considerably less and there are fewer safety precautions.

Warnings

• If you are invited to a foreign country (i.e. Hong Kong, Macau etc.) for an audition or job, have enough funds to purchase a return ticket yourself. While legitimate jobs exist, there are many scams that provide one-way tickets then trap young girls into prostitution rings when they cannot afford to go back home.
• If you are planning a photo shoot with a photographer you have met online, it is highly recommended that you bring a chaperone to the shoot. It’s for your own safety, as you never know who is who online! If you can’t bring a chaperone (because you are unable to find one or because the photographer doesn’t allow chaperones), make sure you do a background search on the photographer first- check out things such as who they have worked with and for – and call somebody when you get to the shoot and when you leave the shoot.
• If you become one of the top models like Kate Moss, the people you work for might ask you to take drastic measures to stay a top model. For example, they might ask you to get nose jobs, liposuction, or have breast implants. The pressure of modeling can cause a lot of long-term mental health problems, including eating disorders. Don’t be afraid to speak to somebody if you think it is getting all too much. If you just can’t handle the pressure, it may be time to start thinking of a new profession. A job isn’t worth your health!
• Almost all agencies will ask you to fill out a contract. Be sure to read through it thoroughly and make sure you know what every word means, even use a dictionary if you have to! Better know what you are signing for before you accept.
• Modeling scams are very real and very easy to fall victim to. They are very common as they are effective as they play off the hopes and dreams of the innocent. It’s sad to say but most models bump into scams several times in their career and often times quit early in their quest for becoming a model.
• It might be a good idea if you know a lawyer to look over a contract or release before you sign it just to make sure there aren’t any loopholes. It’s never a bad idea to be extra careful!
• Be wary of any agency that asks for money up front. The majority of agencies get their money through commission- meaning they take a certain percentage of your pay for every job that you do. If you don’t work, then they don’t get paid. If you’ve already paid up, there’s no incentive for them to find you work. However, don’t dismiss everybody who asks you for up-front fees as a scam. If you are sure that they are an agency, listen carefully to what they are asking for the fees for. Bigger agencies in bigger markets will often pay for these for you or at least loan you the money, but smaller agencies or agencies in smaller markets can’t afford to do this. If the fees are to cover actual representation, this probably isn’t a good deal. Although there are some good agencies out there who work on this basis, the majority are nothing more than con artists. Find models who they represent, get in touch with them and ask them what they think of the representation they are getting.