Modeling has been the desire of almost every teenager (male & female), many have been inspired by the likes of a Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Giselle Bundchen and Kendall Jenner to become models. For a long time, male modeling was not such a popular venture. However, now that men are also becoming fashion savvy, they too are getting into the world of modeling.
Some people think that becoming a model is all about looks. You might have the face of an angel, the perfect height and shape that everyone would admire but still fail to get the jobs offered by modeling agencies. There are several things that you need to consider as an aspiring model. You must have good looks of course. Also consider:
How is your body structured? Most times considering your modeling niche, but most agencies require you must be a bit muscular for men. Tall and muscular are the factors that are being looked for to add onto the handsome face. However, you should not be as muscular as the bodybuilders. For women, a tall and lean figure is most appreciated. Nowadays you do not have to be reed-thin to get the job placement. Look at the people who are being plastered on the magazine covers and those walking the runways and you will get to know what you need to be doing.
Style is what all agencies seek from all models. Every model should have a unique concept not imitating other models. As an aspiring model try to be unique and develop your own style. Most models live and breathe fashion. This is for the fashion models. It is of great benefit to have a fantastic sense of a style if you want to be successful in the world of fashion.
If you are not a person who likes associating with people, then you might have a problem with modeling. Modeling agencies want someone who is easy to work with. A positive attitude towards the work and dedication to get things done together with the rest of the team is extremely important. Are you showing up on time for the assignments? Are you the kind of person who lights up the room when you show up or do you make people feel exhausted when they see you? Attitude is very important particularly for the corporate events models.
There must be something unique about you; something that draws people to you. Models tend to be very vibrant individuals. They are just normal people but then they have discovered their x-factor and they are not afraid to showcase it. As a matter of fact, they do showcase it and that is why people are drawn to them. If you become a model, you should be ready to prove that you are unique to stand out from the rest. You have to show that you can continually redefine yourself over time to become a better and more outstanding individual as well.
Also let's hear what professionals in the modeling industry say to aspiring models.
“Educate yourself on the REALITY of the industry, not what you see on reality television.Unfortunately there is not a book or manual you can read to be a successful model but do your research. Look at professional blogs; read up on the agencies before you send photos, know what they are looking for and how you can fit in. If you are 5’4 and trying to be a fashion model, the REALITY is that you are too tiny in height but the commercial world could be a fantastic fit.” -Marissa Surmenkow, model agent
“Don’t get caught up in comparing your career to anyone else’s; every model will have their own unique and individual journey through this industry because we all look different. Every model has something different to offer, so no two careers will align perfectly. Know who you are and what you want; be happy and be humble, be the person you want to be, and no matter what you want to do in life, whether it be modeling or any other passion, it will naturally blossom.” -Alison Hamilton, model
“If this is something you are wanting to pursue, give yourself some time to actually focus on it. I see a lot of models who do it for 2 months in the summer, then go back to school, then do it for a couple months. That’s hard, because I think you need to get the ball rolling, go market to market, and try to get a snowball effect.” -Charan Andreas, model
“Patience. If you steadily improve and always strive to get better in all areas of life, the work will follow. But you have to have trust and determination. So many people want this amazing career with major campaigns and this and that— immediately. They don’t realize that they aren’t ready for it, and it won’t last because of it. Build a career.” -Logan Macrae, model
“You’ve got to have an end goal with modeling.You have to think about what you want to do with it before you get into it. You’ve got to be working towards a goal because that’s what keeps you going in this industry. Go into modeling with an open mind and figure out what truly makes you happy and pursue that with all your heart. In the end, life’s only about happiness and love, big campaign or not.” —Mark Perini, model and author
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| Mabel David Odiri - Glamour model |
Some people think that becoming a model is all about looks. You might have the face of an angel, the perfect height and shape that everyone would admire but still fail to get the jobs offered by modeling agencies. There are several things that you need to consider as an aspiring model. You must have good looks of course. Also consider:
Physique
How is your body structured? Most times considering your modeling niche, but most agencies require you must be a bit muscular for men. Tall and muscular are the factors that are being looked for to add onto the handsome face. However, you should not be as muscular as the bodybuilders. For women, a tall and lean figure is most appreciated. Nowadays you do not have to be reed-thin to get the job placement. Look at the people who are being plastered on the magazine covers and those walking the runways and you will get to know what you need to be doing.
Style
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| Alisa Rudnev |
Style is what all agencies seek from all models. Every model should have a unique concept not imitating other models. As an aspiring model try to be unique and develop your own style. Most models live and breathe fashion. This is for the fashion models. It is of great benefit to have a fantastic sense of a style if you want to be successful in the world of fashion.
Attitude
If you are not a person who likes associating with people, then you might have a problem with modeling. Modeling agencies want someone who is easy to work with. A positive attitude towards the work and dedication to get things done together with the rest of the team is extremely important. Are you showing up on time for the assignments? Are you the kind of person who lights up the room when you show up or do you make people feel exhausted when they see you? Attitude is very important particularly for the corporate events models.
X factor
There must be something unique about you; something that draws people to you. Models tend to be very vibrant individuals. They are just normal people but then they have discovered their x-factor and they are not afraid to showcase it. As a matter of fact, they do showcase it and that is why people are drawn to them. If you become a model, you should be ready to prove that you are unique to stand out from the rest. You have to show that you can continually redefine yourself over time to become a better and more outstanding individual as well.
Also let's hear what professionals in the modeling industry say to aspiring models.
“Educate yourself on the REALITY of the industry, not what you see on reality television.Unfortunately there is not a book or manual you can read to be a successful model but do your research. Look at professional blogs; read up on the agencies before you send photos, know what they are looking for and how you can fit in. If you are 5’4 and trying to be a fashion model, the REALITY is that you are too tiny in height but the commercial world could be a fantastic fit.” -Marissa Surmenkow, model agent
“Don’t get caught up in comparing your career to anyone else’s; every model will have their own unique and individual journey through this industry because we all look different. Every model has something different to offer, so no two careers will align perfectly. Know who you are and what you want; be happy and be humble, be the person you want to be, and no matter what you want to do in life, whether it be modeling or any other passion, it will naturally blossom.” -Alison Hamilton, model
“If this is something you are wanting to pursue, give yourself some time to actually focus on it. I see a lot of models who do it for 2 months in the summer, then go back to school, then do it for a couple months. That’s hard, because I think you need to get the ball rolling, go market to market, and try to get a snowball effect.” -Charan Andreas, model
“Patience. If you steadily improve and always strive to get better in all areas of life, the work will follow. But you have to have trust and determination. So many people want this amazing career with major campaigns and this and that— immediately. They don’t realize that they aren’t ready for it, and it won’t last because of it. Build a career.” -Logan Macrae, model
“You’ve got to have an end goal with modeling.You have to think about what you want to do with it before you get into it. You’ve got to be working towards a goal because that’s what keeps you going in this industry. Go into modeling with an open mind and figure out what truly makes you happy and pursue that with all your heart. In the end, life’s only about happiness and love, big campaign or not.” —Mark Perini, model and author