How to get Started in Modeling

From 3arf

You might have “the look,” but it takes a lot more to get started in modeling.  If you’re ready to launch a career in this competitive industry, open up your pretty eyes and find out what you need to do to get started.

Beyond the catwalk: Nature of the work

When many people think of modeling, they think of beautiful women and men sashaying down the runway at designer shows. However, there’s much more to the nature of the work than just the catwalk. Models of all shapes and sizes are used to generate consumer interest in a variety of products, including clothing, house wares, food, cosmetics and more. This means you can still enjoy a successful modeling career if you aren’t the lanky size zero seen on most runways or fashion ads: More voluptuous women with fuller figures often model plus-size clothing; disabled models can display products and fashions specifically designed for disabled users.

Getting started

According to career information from theBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),many modeling agents are constantly on the lookout for fresh faces. Many models are “scouted” by agents and launch careers this way, according to the BLS. If you’re serious about launching a modeling career, working with an agent can help you gain valuable industry insight and information. Models and their agents work together to assemble promotional information about themselves, including extensive portfolios and composite cards.  Traveling is an important part of the job, as models usually need to visit potential clients in person when seeking work; this type of visit is called a “go-see.” It’s important that models seeking to get started carry portfolios and composite cards with photos and body dimensions with then to all go-sees.  Agents can advise you how to dress and act at these go-sees to maximize your chances of being hired. They can also help you promote yourself so that you’re able to find more opportunities for work.

Education and training

According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several ways to launch a modeling career. Though opportunities for formal training are somewhat limited and education beyond high school isn’t typically required, many aspiring models choose to attend a professional modeling school.   Modeling schools can teach aspiring models about posing for photos, walking on the runway and makeup application, but data from the BLS shows this type of training won’t always lead to jobs.

What else do I need to know to get started?

If you’re thinking of launching a modeling career, it’s important to be aware of advertiser and designer needs. Though specific details can vary by client, models should be photogenic and have a general knowledge of style. It’s important for models to preserve their appearance, so skincare, hair care, diet and exercise are priorities for many working models.

According to the BLS, there were about 2,200 working models in the United States in 2008. Many of these models were self-employed. The BLS projects 16 percent job growth over the next decade, aspiring models are likely to find increasing opportunities. Most models work part-time, and hourly ranges can vary. BLS figures show that the median hourly wages for models were $13.18 in May 2008, with the middle 50 percent earning between $10.09 and $17.23.

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