entertainment and arts online: The 5 Simple Steps to Becoming a Model

Here are some great tips to help you on your path to becoming a successful model:

Step 1. Check yourself. What kind of model are you? There are all types of models. High fashion, runway, swimsuit, commercial, plus size, young, old, and everyone in between.Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Ladies, If you're 5'7" or taller you can try for runway and high fashion. Not so tall? How's your bikini body? Swim suit and lingerie models can get away with being shorter, however, 5'6" is usually the minimum, but there are many, many exceptions-I have seen them!. Plus size models are typically a at least a size 10. For commercial modeling, any height is acceptable and a great smile is a plus. The world of advertising needs all shapes and sizes. Take a close look at ads and commercials. You'll see families, and all ages and races in them. Someone has to model for things like BBQ sauce and nasal spray, and those jobs pay really well.

Step 2. Find an agency. You should live within an hour of a major city. Modeling agencies are located where the business is. When you work as a model, you spend a lot of time going to castings (auditions), so you don't want to drive three hours for a 5 minute casting and find out you're one in three hundred girls who are going for the same job. If you're in a big city, find some agencies online, and check out their websites. Most agencies will have instructions for new models on their sites. They will ask you to email photos or go to an open call. This is where anyone is welcome to come in and meet with an agent to see if they are interested. Make sure and check their requirements first. When you show up to the open call or send a photo, remember less is more as far as make-up goes. Too much make-up looks like you're covering something up. Agents know what models look like with no make-up, and that's what they want to see. Be confident in your natural beauty.

Step 3. Photos. If you find an agent, they will recommend a photographer for you to work with. Some agencies pay for these photos and take the money out of your earnings; that is the ideal situation, and what the top agencies will do. Some photographers will work with you for free if they need new photos too. Some agents refer you to a photographer who will charge for photos. Make sure you stay within your budget; if you fell like it's a scam, it probably is. If you're not having luck finding an agent, you can get some photos done yourself. Look for photographers whose work you like. Set up a shoot with a few different looks, and get your hair and make-up done. One good photo will make all the difference in your portfolio, but it's best to show versatility. A headshot, a full body shot, and one showing your smile are all important. Photos cost money, but don't go broke. See if a photographer can work within your budget, or find someone who needs photos as well and will work for free. The photos may not be as good, but you should get lots to choose from, and getting in front of the camera is always good practice.

Step 4. Be Aware. There are scams out there. If no one is interested in you as a fashion model except for one place that wants to charge you $1000 and has never booked a model work, be worried. Modeling schools can be fun, but they aren't agencies and you do NOT need them to be a model. An agency should never charge you to be a model. They are supposed to make money from the work they book you on, that's it. Do your research with agencies, and the same goes with photographers. There are dishonest and/or dangerous people out there. Be confident and trust your instincts.

Step 5. Be professional. This is a real job and a real industry. No one wants to work with someone who is always late, or whose portfolio is warped and dirty. Take it seriously, and people will take you seriously.

Hope those tips are helpful and you're one step closer to making your dreams come true!

Angela Daun has appeared in Maxim, Cosmo, Ugly Betty & more. She's been the face of major cosmetics campaigns, appeared in hit movies & TV shows, and travelled the world walking the runway.

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