How to become a Model
Continue...
How to get started
and some tips to Succeed?
An agency or coordinator should represent models. The model must
have a portfolio, and compcards. The agency/coordinator provides
you with work (That is their main purpose. It is safe to say that
they work for you!) They make a commission on your fee (15 to
20%). Be warned about agencies/coordinators who ask for money
up front! Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine.
The agency/coordinator should provide you with a few photographers
name.
It's your choice
to get the photographer you want.
Pay the photographer for the photo shoots not the agency/coordinator.
The agency/coordinator provides you with safe working environment
and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. They
provide their clients with "Professional" models. Keep
copies of all-important papers, such as contracts etc. You may
need these if you have a dispute with the agency/coordinator.
It is wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully so you can
stay with that them. Constantly changing them gives you a reputation
of being flighty and unprofessional
How to find
an agency/coordinator?
Since in India there is no system for accrediting Modeling Agencies
per sa. It would be best advised for you to look up our coordinator
section. If you are outside India, please check out the INTERNATIONAL
DIRECTORY of MODEL and TALENT agencies & schools, a book with
phone and address of all agencies across the world. Printed by
Peter Glenn Publications, Ltd.
How to approach
an agency / coordinator?
The oldest way to go about it is to visit them. Book an appointment
ahead of time by phone. Bring at least 2 pictures. They don't
have to be professional pictures. A head shot, natural and clear.
Also a full length shot that somewhat reveals your figure, a clingy
dress , swimsuit, figure flattering clothes or other tight fittings
garments should be worn.
Forget about baggy clothes! It will tip
off viewers that you have something to hide. Ask lots of questions.
Ask to see what work their models are currently doing? Ask for
names and phone number of clients and call them to verify the
information, be concerned if they promise you work right away
or promise you high salaries. If they don't allow you time to
think about it or if they use pressure techniques to sign the
contract, be concerned.
They should not ask for money up-front for
classes or training. Be concerned if the they claim to be looking
for ordinary people. Reputed agencies/coordinators might have
open interviews during the week, give them a call and find out.
Also you can send your photo and resume as mentioned earlier.
Portfolio: What
is it?
It's a collection of your modeling pictures. How many pictures
you need varies. You should only keep strong pictures, you are
only as good as your worst picture! Models should aim for quality
not quantity! Avoid using 2 pictures of the same shoot (same look)
Black and White is the favorite of the industry. 9 by 12 inches
are the standard size. Your agency will require you to buy an
11 by 14 inches for their book (portfolio). A basic but versatile
portfolio would have a casual head shot, styled head shot, body
shot (conservative swimsuit or lingerie), a fashion shot (sexy)
, action shot, an editorial shot and even a catalogue shot. As
you gain experience replace the older pictures with newer one.
Keep your best picture at the end to leave a lasting impression!
Do not wear jewelry for those prints, it takes the attention away
from you. The wrong choice of undergarments may show panty line
or bra straps and will distract the viewer (on the job, or in
interviews it can mean the difference between looking professional
or not). Tailor your portfolio for your strengths and the type
of modeling you are doing.
What is a Comp
card (not applicable in India)?
Comp card is a card with a few pictures on it. It also has the
information on how to reach modeling agency. It contains your
statistic and measurements. They cost between USD 200 to 300 for
200 cards. The model pays for them and your agency will tell you
how many you need to get started.
Tips on how
to choose a photographer
Avoid "portrait photographer" they often don't understand
the need of the fashion industry. See the photographer's portfolio.
Do you like it? Does it represent the style and format your looking
for? Commercial photographers might be a good source of work!
Keep that in mind. Be concerned about photographers who seek to
take nude pictures of you or claims to be working on a swimsuit
calendar. Photographers should be professional and respectful
and you should bring a friend along. Always be cheerful, you never
know when you might get a free shoot or a free picture or an extra
roll done at no extra cost! If you bring your own clothes to the
shoot, always bring extra. If the photographer for example like
your look and decides to do an extra roll you will be ready to
benefit from it. Keep an open mind photographers loves to do editorial
shots.
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