So You Want To Be A Model? (Part #1) Before posting, you must read post #1

[style_star]

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[jjbunny79]

Originally Posted by BetteT

Uh ... I beg to differ ... even petite models are usually 5'6". Plus ... there is not a high demand for them ... it's a very, very small market. Almost nil ... just a few part time models doing it. That's why you don't see "petite" divisions in the big agencies ... not enough business.

Her best bet would be commercial modeling, if she's got the right look that they might be looking for. And she's got a better chance at that if she's in a city with a lot of commercial shoots and productions going on (L.A. or NY, for example) and if she's got some acting chops, too. There's no height restrictions (or age, ethnicity, size ... they use all types for ads and commercials) only that you have a likeable face, good skin and hair and a beutiful smile. She wouldn't be modeling fashion ... but selling other things in ads ... like cel phones, laundry detergent, insurance, Pine Sol ... stuff like that.

what is a right look?!?!?! what they typically looking for right now?!?!

[eurofashionjunki]

I remember calling storm in London when I was 16 and asked if they take a size 12 (UK size). Whoever answered it, laughed at me!

[jjbunny79]

^ it must be a toothpick who answer the phone. i dunno how big a UK size tweleve is, but they sure envy ur bod (not in a sexual purpose)

[homeboy]

Originally Posted by jjbunny79

what is a right look?!?!?! what they typically looking for right now?!?!

It is really hard to pin point what a "right look" is since there are models with very different looks. The ideal model has a distinctive look and is photogenic. Those are the most important features and the rest like posing and career path are up to the model.

[BetteT]

Well said. homeboy!

And the "right look" for commercial models is even broader than for fashion modeling. Today they may need a "grandmother type" and tomorrow a "red headed 10 year old boy". But being photogenic is the basic requirement ... many people are good looking, but they don't photograph well... and some people are just the oppisite ... average to less in person, but they light up a phototgraph. Other requirements for commercial modeling are good skin, good teeth and smile, a warm friendly face, personality that shows and ease in front of the camera.

So it's not one thing ... it's many ... and it depends on what the agency and their clients need on any given day. The only way you will know if you have "it" is to go to open calls and get feedback from the agents.

[eurofashionjunki]

^ Yup....good teeth, clear skin, good hair, good bone structure e.g. cheekbones and body, and photogenic, and a personality that is confident in front of the camera or catwalking. Also catwalk female models need to be at least 5ft 8.

[VICTIM]

i'm not sure if this is the right thing to say but my advice is (well if you're in a city with agencies) is wait to be scouted if you're right then surely they'll scout you no?

[diorable]

Hello!
I'm conducting informal interviews about various modeling markets (LA, SF, Milan, NYC, etc), and I was wondering if anyone could PM me with general information about any particular modeling markets, and possibly answer these questions for me:
What are the most predominant types of modeling jobs do you represent, and are most popular in your market?
What are the hourly rates, daily rates, and year incomes for a working model?
How should one get started in modeling in your market?
Are there any other specific information about the modeling market in your area?
If you're an agent or booker, I will gladly cite you and your agency. Thank you so much!!

[eurofashionjunki]

^ Yeah that's a good idea. Walk on the streets where the model agencies are and hang out there.

[BetteT]

I disagree .... that's not the best way to do it.

Why hope to be "scouted" when there's thousands of scams out there and most of the time the person approaching you is not really legit? There are "photographers" who "scout" .... but are really just looking for a free model, or worse yet, a victim. There are "scouts" that sell web sites to wannabe models ... but they are not affiliated with any agencies at all ... no matter what they tell you ... they just want your money. Dangerous stuff!

And with millions of people in the city ... it's a very very long shot that you will be plucked out of a crowd (even right in front of the agency) or that you will be in the right place at the right time.

Agencies either take photo submissions or have open call days where you can just go in ... it's free, it's easy and you'll soon find out if you have what they are looking for. That is how probably 90% of the agency models got signed and it's how it's usually done ... send photos and go to open calls.

[tristan]

^sometimes we also assume that you're already a model and don't scout you.

[BetteT]

Another good point, tristan!

[smokebreak]

Originally Posted by EdenRoc

I have my very first test shoot this week!!! I'm a little nervous... any advice from some models would be much appreciated!

Test shoots are fine, they know you're brand new so there's no stress involved. They'll help and guide your movements and poses obviously. It's not like tv, no one freaks if you're inexperienced :-p
Just don't overthink it, there's nothing to be nervous about. Just be comfortable and cheerful. Show some character, talk about hobbies or interests, everyone likes individuals -it makes the shoot seem less like work and more enjoyable for all sides

[BetteT]

Smokebreak ... Welcome to tFS!

You probably didn't notice but the thread and last post where you posted this comment is 2 years old so your advice will fall on deaf ears ... so I'm moving it to the current thread in progress, because someone asked a similar question here ... a few days ago. It's good information ... so I wanted the people asking about it to see it.