How to Become a Model: 2015 Edition

There will always be someone out there looking for ways on how to become a model. Aspiring models want to be the next Tyra Banks, Kate Upton, and even the highest paid super model of 2014, Gisele Bundchen. However, a model isn’t just getting paid. There is always going to be more to a modeling job. Your quest for the answers to how to become a model is about to come to an end. As you read on, you will learn the definite keys to making it in this career. So, if you have the desire, talent, and most of all, the passion for modeling, take note of these and make them the guiding points of your career.

1. Get to Know Your Market

This is the first and most important way to becoming a successful model. You can’t just sign any contract from any modeling agencies out there. Rather, for starters, it is best to research on the kind of modeling job that would greatly fit your skill. Getting to know your market simply means having the knowledge of the different modeling jobs. For instance, if you realize your height, beauty, and body would fit in a runway, then, you have to get to know what it takes to become one. You can become a commercial model if you have the talent. On the other hand, it is also wise to know which type of job requires the higher demand. In other words, find out which career needs your talents and skills. This is a good way to determine the path to your success. At this point, there may be quite a number of areas to choose from, carefully choose the right market that would fit your qualifications. Think of it as if you’re applying for a job and looking for one that would match your credentials. After all, to become a model is just as getting the position you have been dreaming of. Here’s a simple list of criteria you might want to compare with yours. If you meet each one of them on the list, then, you can say, about one in a hundred chance of fame or fortune. Look closely on each of the points, who knows? You will be on your way to one of the runways in NYC.

You stand between 5’9” to 6’0”.
You are between the ages of 15 to 19 years old. (You can always give a room for other aspiring models here)
You have to be thin. This means you have to weigh between 105 to 115 lbs. Unless you wanted to become a plus size model, then thin is not in.
You are beautiful. Even if they say, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, at least, when you want to land a job in this kind of industry, beautiful means unique-looking. No, you don’t necessarily need to have a drop-dead, gorgeous beauty, but must have the right image of a model.
You have enough breast size. As a matter of fact, a 34C is enough for you to do the catwalk.
Having a dark skin is okay, but having too much tan is no longer good.
You have the right personality. No agent, photographer, or director wants to have a model with an attitude. In short, let them know that you are committed and have the passion for the job.
You are willing to travel or be in any location for the sake of the show or the shoot.
In addition, say when your agent wants you to be relocated, you should be willing to.

Now, if you meet all these criteria, chances are, you would be walking in the runway or posing for a product on the next day. In other words, your chance to become a model is getting higher.

2. Choose the Right Location

Consider this next key one of the most important factor that you should look into when you want to become a model. This will determine whether or not you will be able to become one. Most people would look on the physical appearance as one of the criteria of being a model. Truth is, that’s not all what it takes to make your dreams come to reality. Practically speaking, it is better to live in New York if you want to become a model in NYC. Sure there are a lot of opportunities in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and in some parts of the US, your goal is to look for the best location that offers a career.

At this point, say you may be looking for ways on how to become a model in Chicago since you lived in this state. After a while, you found out there isn’t that much opportunity that has been offered for the moment. The idea is simple; all you need is to be willing to be where the market is.

3. Find the Right People

Now that you have recognized your talent and skill, not to mention, learned a good location for your career, it is about time to find some good and legit people who can take care of your career. Think about models as diamonds. And it needs to be polished before you form it into a gem.

Your mother agents (most models call them that) are responsible for revealing your potentials. Someone has to tell you about your talent. This is where the right people come in. Moreover, scouts and agents look into your potential and the moment they do, they get ready to bring you to the market. And since you have learned about where and what the market is, achieving your goals can possibly come smoothly. Perhaps, you could be asking yourself, ‘Is it hard to become a model’? Sometimes, you have to realize that there are no easy paths to success. In short, you have to make your way in order to reach the top. Keep in mind that agencies do not ask for money up front. No, modeling agents are not even hasty when it comes to signing in contracts. Be careful with those agents or scouts who tend to run off with their model’s money. What do you have to do to become a model? Do a little research. Being aware of the things that would lead you to the success of your career is crucial. Check the Better Business Bureau and find out the best people who will lift you up in the industry. Moreover, good people understand your capabilities and potentials as well. They wouldn’t dare to put your life at risk or in danger for the sake of money. They would never compromise with the situation for no reasons. Lastly, once you have found the right people who would take care of you and your career, activate that button where you will learn how to trust them. Obtain good relationship with them. Otherwise, you will never be able to see results in time if you do not maintain a good agent-model relationship.

4. Practice Makes Perfect

So, you may now have the right agency at hand. Most of them provide forms for you to completely fill in. Meanwhile, there are those where you will have to meet personally. Either way, they would usually ask for your profile including your photos. Although achieving the right photo takes time, not to mention, you will be able to learn every detail of posing in front of the camera once you have the job, practicing it continues lead you to meeting your goal. Photographers may have a better idea for your profile image; trusting them isn’t bad after all. They know exactly how to create the best shot. Additionally, learn how to choose the perfect headshot to insert in your profile and be hired. Just because you are beautiful, have the height, and knows how to walk on a runway doesn’t mean agents will have to offer you a contract. Don’t expect them to sign you in after a few twirls. Get ready for some natural and confident walk and nail it during the auditions. Don’t look you’re faking it, but let the agents and scouts know that you have what it takes to have that job. Call it passion and desire combined. The moment you are working in the industry, models continue to practice posing. Again, practicing the craft over and over enables you to master it and excel in your career. Isn’t this what you wanted to achieve? During this time, you may have to assimilate and understand your values. No matter how long you have been in the industry, it is important continue learning how to become a model. Let each day be a learning process.

5. Be Aware

Lastly, it is important to be aware to everything including yourself and your future career. If you feel that you do not have the power of becoming a model, pause, and realize that the power is within you. This is the reason you have to be with the right people. They act as your mirror. They know how to recognize your talent. And most of all, these are the people who would lead you toward making your dreams come to reality. If you think you do not know how to walk, don’t hesitate to learn from the right people. Let them teach you how to go about it. Find the right information and use this to improve yourself.

Be aware that in the modeling industry, you have to start from the bottom before you can be on top. All it takes is to be patient. Trust your elders (scouts and agents), they will direct your path to success. There are times when you will meet the odds. Believe it or not this is one of the most difficult jobs to maintain and achieve. Most models may want to start as early as 16 or even younger. Some have quit, and some have not. Be strong enough to face challenges along the way. You could be asked to strike a pose that can be against your belief. Do not fret. It is alright to keep your values. You don’t have to say ‘yes’ all the time. Above all, know the odds of what will happen in the future of your career. What do you do when you have met one? Just be yourself. This is what a model is to be. Modeling can be considered your path to a better you. These are the kinds of jobs that will allow you not just to have money, but gain confidence as well. These keys will bring out the best in you as a model and as a person. Are you ready to become a model?