So You Want to Become a Model? (PLEASE READ POST #1 BEFORE POSTING)

[Lackadaze]

Yeah, send your photos and info to the agencies directly. Some reply, some don't, but they won't make you pay for anything.

That sounds like a plan lol
Though I doubt that I am model material. I am short for a guy. 5'10" Or so.

 

[Bgeltunsd]

Give it a shot, some agency might think your look is strong enough to get work even though you're "short".

 

[BetteT]

Here's what I've been told by an agent about this sort of "modeling convention" or "modeling contest" ... so it probably applies here, too. They, of course make their profit from all the aspiring models (and in this case actors, too) .... but they have to deiver something for that money. So, yeah ... there will be reps form some agencies there. But ... it's how they get the agencies there that is interesting .... they usually pay the agency. Then the agency sends someone (not always a booker/agent) who may be looking for new faces ... or not. The agreement is usually that the agency must "call back" a certain number of people ... so they have a quota of call backs to fill. However, they don't have to sign anyone ... just do one formal call back. So, does getting a call back that mean they have any real interest in you? No. They must just go through the motions.

Do they ever sign ? Yeah, occasionally .... but not more frequently than via photo submissions and open calls at the agencies. What you are paying for is to see numerous agencies at once .... but it's not really as good as it seems. You won't have control of who is there so you don't even know if they are looking for your "type".

So, I think this call back thing sort of preys on wannabe model's asirations ... and gives them hope, when nothing will happen.

At least, if you go to open calls at the agencies in your city (almost all agencies have them), you'll get the truth. You will know on the spot if there is some serious potential there, or not. And Open Calls, don't cost you anything other than time.

 

[aMMbitious]

Hi, what should I wear to a first meeting at an Agency?? I'm meeting them to apply as a model and it's winter! =)

 

[BetteT]

Heels, slim jeans and a tank top always worKs well. It lets then see your body and proportions. You can always pop a sweater over the tank and pull it off if they want to see you. And if it's icy, you can wear boots that slip off easily, but bring heels in a tote in case they want you to walk. Minimal makeup, pull your hair away from your face ... they are not interested in seeing you "made up" ... in fact that hides what they want to see: your skin and your bone structure.

Good luck ... hope you have what they are looking for.

 

[aMMbitious]

Hi, thanks for the advice. I was thinking of wearing a tight fitting short black dress, ankle boots and stockings, or is that too over the top for a daytime first impression? A lady from the agency "spotted" me on the train, so I'm going there tomorrow with simple fotos.

 

[BetteT]

If you were already a model ... you'd most likely wear jeans or a short skirt .... so the simpler the better. But as long as they can see your shape, anything will work, I would think. No stockings ... if you can avoid them. Just not current ... unless you mean tights.

However, I also think that black isn't best, IMO ... because of two things:

1. It can give the impression that you are trying to hide something (black is often worn by women who want to look slimmer or who feel uncomfortable with their own bodies, not a good impression about how you feel about yourself, if you want to model).

2. Black clothing doesn't photograph well, because it doesn't catch light and looks rather flat ... especially with a flash on the camera. And ... if they are interested in you, they will probably take a few polaroids.

 

[iRyan]

So i'm 18 and applying for college this year, but as much as I want to go to college I also want to pursue modeling. Obviously I know college is more practical than being a male model, but I can't help but feel passionate about it and I want a career in the industry eventually (but in the business side).

If I waited until after college, would 21/22 be too old to start as a successful male model? Also, my top college is in Los Angeles - would it be impossible to balance working as a model in LA (but after college going to NYC) and attending college classes at the same time?

 

[BetteT]

Man can start a little later than women when it comes to modeling. And so much in L.A. is more commercial or catalog modeling anyway ... and they will use men of any age, depending on the image they want to promote. Yeah ... most of them are young, but men with grey hair are used, too. So your age won't be a big deal if you have the looks they want.

As far as balancing it all ... that's up to you. If you can skip classes at the drop of a hat to go on casting calls and take paid jobs for a few days at a time, and find a way to make it up somehow, then you might be able to do them both.

 

[hfhommes]

(I'm a male) I'm having a meeting with an agent for a modeling agency here in Atlanta, and it's pretty reputable. They have a branch in Chicago and the models they've signed do pretty well in commercial work.

So what should I wear to the "meeting?" The agent wants to take a few polaroids of me. Should I shave any excessive body and facial hair?

 

[hfhommes]

^ Also, one of the agents was pushing for me to go to his apartment to take digitals and I wasn't really comfortable with that....He wasn't really being sympathetic towards my reservations of going to a stranger's house alone. So I'm starting to wonder about the kind of reputation he has. What do you think?

 

[BetteT]

What to wear:

Jeans and a shirt ... they will probably ask you to remove your shirt, if they are interested. Body hair won't be an issue if it's not obscuring your muscles. If they sign you ... then they will probably have your remove it. But it depends on what type of work they envision for you. But heavy facial hair that obscures your jaw line is probably not a good idea ... since you need to show off your bone structure.

Re: going to the "agent's" house .... Did he say he was an "agent" or did he say he was a "scout"? There's a big difference. if he's an agent for the company, there is no reason why you can't meet him at his office. If he's just a scout ... that means he's not really working directly for them, but instead is a freelancer who sends pics in to various agencies in the hopes the they will rep a few of them (he will get a fee or a percentage of earnings for anyone they sign). I supsect he's a scout ... so he won't have an office.

The way you can find out is to call the agency and tell them that this guy approached you and you wanted to know if they know who he is. If he's their agent ... they will say so. If he's a scout who they know ... they should be able to tell you that, too.

He might just be a photographer, who likes to send photos to the agencies (a quasi scout) but he should tell you that and not say he's an agent.

If they don't know who he is ... then I'd be suspiscious. No matter who he is, you don't have to go to his place to get photos taken ... because they are only digitals. For dgital shots to send the agency, you don't need a studio and it doesn't even have to be indoors. He can shoot you in a public place, against a plain background in open shade and that is good enough to send to any agency. And you may take a friend ... as long as you friend just sits quietly and doesn 't interfere. If he won't accept either of these options ..... I'd say it would be a major red flag.

 

[Deleted member 130879]

After one year waiting for my agency to find me some agencies abroad, I'm having some feedback.
A Uno Barcelona agent was interested in me, I met him in September, at my mother's agency office. But since my agents were too slow sending them pictures (months...), seems like they lost the interest.

Now I have a Greek agency interested. "New Model". I saw the website and I wasn't sure about it.

First, Greece doesn't come as the best job opportunity now. Second, the agency seems... not worth the worry, you know?

My question is... do I try this agency? Or do I wait for another?

 

[BetteT]

What does you agent say about it? If they are your mother agency, and it sounds like they are if they are looking for you) .... they should be advising you about the best moves for you and all of your potential options.

 

[Deleted member 130879]

I'm not sure they are really seeing it.
I had a shoot featured in Contributor Magazine Website, a shoot in an italian magazine and they just "erased" them from my book. In the website, most of the picture have more than 2 years, before the haircut and hair colour change.
They have no idea of the models I mention when I'm telling them the kind of models making "big" now (like Aymeline Valade or Franzi Mueller... even Stephanie Seymour).
And they keep trying to send me to commercial jobs, even knowing my look is too "regal" and "sharp" for commercial.
I think I'm losing precious time.

 

[fritmayo]

My question is... do I try this agency? Or do I wait for another?

No, dont go to New, it is really crap.

now, also dont think that an agency loose interest just because they dont get picture. if an agency is really interested by a girl, they will push to ger her.
in you case, they saw you in real and i guess when they saw you , you had your book too, so they hardly needed pictures to make final decision anyway

 

[BetteT]

Sorry that your mother agency doesn't seem to be promoting you as they should.

I can understand them removing some photos, even published ones, if they think that they are not as good as your other shots ... that happens all the time. You should only have the very, very best shots in your portfolio. But you absolutely must have photos of how you look now ... after the hair color change ... so that sounds like they are pretty much ignoring you, now. So, yes ... it's possible that they are not as interested in you as they once were. It they are sending you out for commercial gigs and you say you don't have a commercial look, perhaps they just don't have any other kinds of jobs to send you on. And if that's the case ... you are loosing time.

I think that you need to read your contract you signed with them (to find out what it will take to leave them) ... and consider finding another local mother agency who will work with you more closely and try to promote you more ... and who are willing send you to other agencies in other countries, as well.

 

[Mariann]

Hey, not sure if this is the same thread I used before but I remember talking about the income models get and money they make and at the time I wanted to get into modelling so I didn't want to believe they don't make that much money and was in denial. I have come back to say that from my own experience, almost 6 months modelling though I am still working my way up in high fashion modelling, I have to say income is very little, I haven't made a lot of money and do free work, I am not complaining because of course the more exposure, work I do, the better the money will be but I am starting to consider doing something on the side, thinking of something model related. Any ideas?

 

[Mariann]

So i'm 18 and applying for college this year, but as much as I want to go to college I also want to pursue modeling. Obviously I know college is more practical than being a male model, but I can't help but feel passionate about it and I want a career in the industry eventually (but in the business side).

If I waited until after college, would 21/22 be too old to start as a successful male model? Also, my top college is in Los Angeles - would it be impossible to balance working as a model in LA (but after college going to NYC) and attending college classes at the same time?

They aren't too fussed on age and I think with men the can be taken on older than 21, I know with agencies there is a limit but you may develop experience and portfolio before then, it's possible and speaking from personal experience it would help you. It's helped one agency sign me on, they liked the experience I have and attitude for success.

 

[msdarlyn]

Because of my age (26), I am limited to commercial print modeling. I have noticed that the vast majority of commercial print agencies in NYC don't have open calls. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a mother agency for commercial print models. I have invested in images to send to agencies this past Spring but I didn't have any luck (commercial print agencies probably receive more submissions than fashion agencies being that the requirements are more lenient).

I am wondering if I should go to this seminar: http://workasamodel.com/

It doesn't seem AS scammy as going to a modeling convention. Some commercial print agencies in NYC do accept snapshots and others require you to have a portfolio already, so I wanna make sure that I have the right images this time around.
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