Getting into Modeling

Part 1: Preparation and Contact

Introduction
So, you've wanted to be a model for as long as you can remember.

What do you do about it? Where do you start? Who should you approach? What preparations should you make?

We've had a lot of interest from our readers both male and female about getting into modeling. We decided to do some research and write it up. We picked a dozen or so well-known agencies randomly from our lists elsewhere on this site and started calling. The reactions we received ranged from pure rudeness (Ford in NYC won the gold medal there - Ford in Massachussetts were nice), through to the surreal (Wilhelmina we wish we could have been filming down the phone), and finally to some professional people who made some time for us. Thanks go to Elite Models in New York, and and L.A. Models in - where else but - Los Angeles.

Our Advisors
Our hosts to modeling career start-up advice were Jessica Aufiero from Elite Models and Lynn Venturella, Director of New Faces for LA Models. Thanks Guys.
The following is based on the advice they gave.

Getting Started
The first thing we realised is that although it's smart to know your field before trying to get into it, the three things the agencies are mainly interested in are looks, looks, and looks. If you just flunked modeling 101 and have a face and/or physique that is likely to be in demand, the agencies are in the business of knowing you look right, and selling that look - not your diploma, failed or otherwise. They are in the swim and they will know. However, common sense tells you that if it comes down to a choice between you and an uneducated flunkie, your professional diligence is likely to give you an edge.

Preparation and Training
You may think that getting a portfolio together would be a good idea to take along with you to your first interview, but, Jessica from Elite advises against it. Your portfolio may not represent the look that the agency wants to convey. Wait until you get accepted, and the agency will arrange that part for you.

It's as well to remember that the older you are, the harder it is to break into modeling. LA Models, in common with many other agencies, take children. It turns out very often that older models have been modeling since early on.

Remember too, that different agencies have differing criteria; you may be accepted by a different agency if it doesn't go your way with another. If an agency in Tokyo, New York City or London doesn't accept you, try another one - perhaps a more local company. You can always work your way up afterwards.

Model agencies are more often on the lookout for people around the 13 - 22 age range. A favoured height is 5' 9" (about 175 cms), but for someone who has exceptional qualities they will consider you at 5' 7" (173 cms).

We asked if attending a modeling school would give you a foot-up in a modeling career. At Elite, a modeling school training is not a necessary requirement.

If you feel you must put one together, a personal portfolio for your interview should consist of about ten different photographs which include:

wearing no make-up
3/4 length
full length
from your chest upwards
waist upwards
front and back view
and profile views

Talent Scouts and Model Searches
What happens if someone comes up to you on the street and says he is a scout for an agency? Here's what you should do. Call the agency he purports to represent and ask if he does work for them; he may really be a freelance scout. The stories that you hear of someone being spotted while picking up a loaf of bread really do happen. But beware, check it out. It may be just a store detective.

Model searches take place in malls and convention centers and are organised to gather a few agencies together. If you are considering going to one of these, find out which agencies are going to be represented, then call the agency to verify that information before you go. continues in part 2...