7 Effective Tips On How To Become a Model
Modelling? What usually come into our minds when we hear the word ‘modelling’? Many would say ‘Fashion’, ‘Runways’, ‘Tall’ and ‘Attractive’. But those are just half of it. The modelling market is vast, so it is not just high fashion. It ranges from editorials, commercials, TV Commercials(TVC) and even body parts.
The world of modelling is more than just being tall and pretty. It is extremely tough and competitive; many do not realize how much effort firms put into shoots and fashion shows as it looks so effortless on our screens. And even more, the amount of practices models do to achieve their dreams as a high fashion model like Karlie Kloss, Liu Wen, and Adriana Lima. [wp_ad_camp_1]
Fashion and modelling have changed over the years. A typical model back in the days is tall, slim and beautiful. Today, we see models of varying heights, size, colour, features, and nationalities. Unique features that weren’t well accepted back then like thick eyebrows, rare skin pigmentation and albinism are now taking the world by storm. Cara Delevingne is known for her unique eyebrows, and Winnie Harlow who was teased for looking like a zebra back in her childhood is now landing shows and shoots all over the world with top designers. Last but not least, Shaun Ross, who has albinism, has modelled for many top designers like Alexander McQueen. Food for thought for those who feel like ‘Oh, I’m not good enough to be a model.’
Every model has their story, on how they have discovered or the countless emails they’ve sent to modelling agencies in hopes of being invited for castings and the numerous times they failed to book shows before being where they are today – a successful model. No model started their journey easy, although it seems like they’ve never known how it feels to ‘start tough’.
So here are seven practical tips on how to become a model.
Do your research
It is essential to know thoroughly about modelling. Google up articles, watch YouTube videos. Hence you can prepare for what to expect in the industry and see the type of modelling you would like to venture in. Whilst, look up for some potential agencies that you’d like to work with and make sure they’re legit and not out on the run for your money.
Settling in for the final decision
Once you’ve found a few agencies you’d like to work with, start contacting them in every way possible. Be it via email, calling them or even go over to the agency to meet them in person. That is the ideal approach to get a much more precise and accurate impression as you planned to work with the agency. This approach is an imperative stride as at this point; you ought to know how to pick the best fit agency that ticks all the box for you. The agency should guide you in starting up your portfolio once contacted as it is a vital tool for your potential clients to know how you look. A strategically planned and taken portfolio is crucial as it will help you land jobs.
Know what you’re signing
Once you sign a contract or anything of such, read the terms and conditions carefully as you do not want to sign up for something that will make you uncomfortable! Many models tend to overlook this critical step as they’re overwhelmed with excitement after being offered a contract.
Be yourself
After signing a contract, you’d probably spend a lot of time thinking about how to impress your future clients. Don’t waste your time doing that, because the only way to impress your clients is to be yourself indeed! Appearance is one thing, but clients do want to pick a beauty with a great personality.
Here’s another tip. When you attend castings, clients would have a conversation with you to dig up some necessary information from you so they can know you more than just a model if you’re shy, you better not be in front of your clients! They want someone confident to represent their brand. Here’s another hot tip for a model, always keep it simple whenever attend castings! Wear something body fitting so clients can estimate your size and wear minimal makeup! No falsies and thick eyeliner for you, ladies! All of these are so your clients can have a more accurate image of you in their products.
‘Niceness’ goes a long way
Always be nice to everyone you meet throughout your journey! There will be models who are mean and snobbish. So you got to stand out by being the opposite! Treat everyone with respect. The world is round, so whatever you do, it will eventually come back to you. So, be nice and smile!
‘Be like water.’
Okay, not literally like water. But be easily adaptable! You will meet all kinds of people, doing shoots in environments you never thought possible and sometimes even need you to push your body to maximum limits to get that perfect shot that might worth millions. You can’t call it quits halfway because that might affect your future as a model and maybe you won’t be able to re-book shows or shoots. Every client, shoot and shows is different from another. Take everything you do as a learning experience.
Moreover, it gives you more exposure, as well. So you will be even better prepared as times goes by. Every model would tell you that.
Live a healthy lifestyle
Many models neglect that. As you know, many models starve themselves and suffer from eating disorders, so they could be skinny enough to fit into more clothes or even to impress designers. Don’t be one of those models! Instead of starving yourself, eat healthily, hit the gym or sweat it out on the court! It’s better to be lean and maybe a little muscular than to be unhealthily thin.
If you haven’t heard, many countries have banned the recruitment of ultra-thin models. According to Reuters, the French legislature voted for a bill to ban the activity of models whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is lower than levels proposed by health authorities and decreed by the ministers of health and labour.” So if you want to land jobs still and impress clients, quickly hit the gym and work out. Get a personal trainer if you need to! And last but not least, get sufficient sleep and avoid cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol.
Know that being a successful model is no overnight work. It takes a lot of precious time, dedication and hard work. You will face all sorts of criticism throughout your modelling journey, so don’t take it too much to heart and most of all, don’t let it affect your emotions as seen in the end product. Stay positive and take everything as a learning experience! Please don’t call it quits so quickly.
Remember your dreams, goals you’ve set for yourself. Note that, there will never be ‘the best model’. Because trends are always changing and fashion constantly revolutionizing, be sure to keep yourself in your best game, and you are ready to embark the journey to modeldom.
In conclusion, keep striving for the best and never give up. Work with your flaws and always improve yourself from projects to projects. Little did you know, you might be in the front covers of Vogue or walking on international runways for top designers.