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

[BetteT]

As a wardrobe stylist, I've noticed one thing about shoe size in models. The taller they are the bigger the feet ... usually. In most cases, if I know a model's height, I can guess the shoe size ... and come close enough that they can wear what I bring.

Men usually seem to wear about a size 11 or 12 ... most of these guys are about 6'1" tall.

Shorter, commercial models, who are about 5'7" to 5'8" usualy wear a size 8 1/2 (give or take a half size). Girls who are 5'9" or 5'10" usually wear about a size 9 1/2 and the really tall girls ... up to around 6' wear size 11 or 12.

It's really hard for me to find stylish shoes for anyone who wears an 11 or above ... so I buy them when ever I find any on sale .. just to have some in stock at all times, just in case. Some of the really tall models do the same because they know that at most of their gigs, the stylist/photographer/client won't have that size shoe there for them.

But, no ... model shoe size doesn't really matter to the client ... unless they are a shoe designer/manufacturer/retailer . In this case, the model must fit into one of the available sizes so the "shoe size 12" girls probably won't be picked for the job..

 

[KhaoticKharma]

I did proscout...like last march

Did it work out? o.O

 

[adsurgo]

how exactly would a 16 year old boy go about pursuing a career in modeling?

 

[ms.jade]

It's really hard for me to find stylish shoes for anyone who wears an 11 or above ... so I buy them when ever I find any on sale .. just to have some in stock at all times, just in case. Some of the really tall models do the same because they know that at most of their gigs, the stylist/photographer/client won't have that size shoe there for them.

That was a point I really thought of. I'm around 6ft. tall and have an US size 11. It's so anoying! I got used to buy fitting shoes whenever I see them... I don't go looking for shoes, in that case I never find some. eBay is a really good place, since shopping isn't that stressful and dissapointing and the're sometimes really good shoes on auction!

 

[model_mom]

Please keep this on topic...there is a thread on shoe sizing problems in the shoe forum...check there.

 

[model_mom]

how exactly would a 16 year old boy go about pursuing a career in modeling?

Please go back and read this thread if you are really serious about modeling...It contains all the info you will ever need to answer your question. Good luck.

 

[pinksatin]

Since this seems to be the place to post annd share if you're an amateur model . . .

I just finished shooting a commercial for CocaCola japan. It should be out in May they said and you can see it at the website but I am not sure how because I can't read japanese. It was a lot of fun and good money. It's a pool party musical scene kinda like a Gap commercial with dancing and synchronized swimming and all.

One thing though . . .one of the primary model/actresses on set has been all over (Rome, London, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, Milan, etc.) was telling us how terrible it was in Milan. She said almost all the girls there have drug problems and also they have to prostitute themselves because the pay is so bad there. Even the big name girls. She said they used to always call her to go to parties and tell her she had to hang out with so-and-so. A lot of the girls would go to parties and then they were expected to sleep with certain men and that was how they got jobs. She refused to (she's married) and she said they don't give you jobs if you don't go to the parties. How sad! That's so terrible. She said a lot of girls she started out with who stayed in milan have had such hard times (like the mentioned "escort" parties and drug use). I can't believe it. I mean I can but that's so bad! I know things can be very unglamorous but I didn't realize it was so "required". She made it sound like if you want to get jobs in Milan you have to be a crackwhore. Literally. But still tall and beautiful. Has anyone experienced such things there?

 

[model_mom]

Party Promoters are in every fashion city. They are paid by the clubs to bring the models to their parties. It is a models choice to participate in such events. Every model should do a certain amount of networking in order to meet the right people that might further her/his career. Everyone in the fashion circles know that the drugs and comprimising yourself is an option and it's true that there are models that get to the top this way. To say that ALL models act in this way is too big a generalization. Modeling presents many pitfalls and the stakes are high. Very few have succeded without a run in or two with the underside of modeling. It takes a smart lady to play this game and keep herself above all of it.

 

[Ksanochka Vanmra]

I visited a local model agency today (because I was told to look for one in my city first and then go to Barcelona) and they were interested in me. But they said that I should do a course until july which is half paid by the agency and the other half by me. They will teach me runway, make-up and photography. There are only 16 or 20 girls there and they will make an exception with me, because the course has already started (and I don't have to pay some things because I couldn't have attended those classes). After doing that course, I will automatically become one of their models, and during the course I can get some paid jobs. He said he has experience and that he doesn't want to have many models, but a few who get jobs and earn money.

What should I do? He said I have potential, although I am about 174 cm. He didn't even measure my bust, waist and hips because he said that just looking at me he could see I was "perfect".

 

[imagine14]

i live in london and is select modelling a good agency, because when i went to the clotheshow live there were scouts and they liked me.

 

[yourbestfriend]

Since this seems to be the place to post annd share if you're an amateur model . . .

I just finished shooting a commercial for CocaCola japan. It should be out in May they said and you can see it at the website but I am not sure how because I can't read japanese. It was a lot of fun and good money. It's a pool party musical scene kinda like a Gap commercial with dancing and synchronized swimming and all.

One thing though . . .one of the primary model/actresses on set has been all over (Rome, London, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, Milan, etc.) was telling us how terrible it was in Milan. She said almost all the girls there have drug problems and also they have to prostitute themselves because the pay is so bad there. Even the big name girls. She said they used to always call her to go to parties and tell her she had to hang out with so-and-so. A lot of the girls would go to parties and then they were expected to sleep with certain men and that was how they got jobs. She refused to (she's married) and she said they don't give you jobs if you don't go to the parties. How sad! That's so terrible. She said a lot of girls she started out with who stayed in milan have had such hard times (like the mentioned "escort" parties and drug use). I can't believe it. I mean I can but that's so bad! I know things can be very unglamorous but I didn't realize it was so "required". She made it sound like if you want to get jobs in Milan you have to be a crackwhore. Literally. But still tall and beautiful. Has anyone experienced such things there?

Well, lets think of it this way. Models dont stay in Milan forever, so to say that Milan specifically has issues with drug induced models is a hard thing to say. These girls will most likely be going everywhere else too, so im not sure how she can generalize the girls in Milan.

Congrats on the coca cola commercial!

And imagine14, select is a very good agency, if you did get scouted, go see them B)

 

[AbdiVontain]

HeeY everyone...

It's kind of sad that this thread has stalled abit, so i'll try to kickstart it with a question I have been wondering about for a long time ( which isn't in the thread ).

Would someone please explain the process of a walk-in..?

 

[yourbestfriend]

The agencies have days and times when they allow the general public to come into the agency where they can be looked at by the agents. Usually they pile the group together, and they take a look at everyone, if they are interested in anyone, they would ask them to stay and everyone else would leave. They would then take polaroids of you (if they are interested) to see how you look on film. From then on they may sign you if they want you, or they will kindly let you go.

 

[AbdiVontain]

Thanks alot for that YBF.

 

[pasu1]

I was wondering how much of photoshop and air-brushing goes on for catalog pictures?
I have had people say that they know some models who in reality don't look like they look in magazines at all.
Does anyone know?

 

[MySweetSeptember]

^ I am pretty positive some extensive photoshopping goes on. But photoshop can only go so far and still look natural, so they "base" picture has to be pretty nice to start with. I guess. I don't know.

I do some of my own photoshopping and "virtual" makeovers...haha, I have been told I am pretty good. I probably have a better job starting a career in airbrushing then I do modelling!

Oh by the way, I have a it of an update - in my first post here, I said I needed to loose weight to become a model (which is most definately true.) Anyway. I have finally lost a bit! 9 pounds in fact, and in less then a week. And I didn't do anything crazy or unhealthy either. Just a lot of determination and self control By summer, I should have enough confidence to go to some walk-ins. I am excited!

Oh, speaking of summer...does anyone know if Hong Kong had any great firms? I am going there this summer (so excited!) 2 two weeks for my 18th birthday...I was wondering if I could maybe talk to an agency or drop by....or whatever you do...Because I would love to work in HK or anywhere in Asia...But I wouldn't know where to begin...? You can't just exactlywalk into their office building...

 

[Pastry]

^definitely. your doll-like face and big eyes are perfect for the current "look"

bt, welcome..and do look around tfs: we have model's threads if you're intersted, a thread with model members' photos, threads aboute exercising if you feel like it...

 

[adsurgo]

i know what to include in an email to an agency... but what should i say in it? and how should i go about addressing it, etc.?

 

[Artemis]

Oh, speaking of summer...does anyone know if Hong Kong had any great firms? I am going there this summer (so excited!) 2 two weeks for my 18th birthday...I was wondering if I could maybe talk to an agency or drop by....or whatever you do...Because I would love to work in HK or anywhere in Asia...But I wouldn't know where to begin...? You can't just exactlywalk into their office building...

I posted a link to a list of Hong Kong Agencies a few pages earlier. The open call seems to be non-exsistent there because I called a few and they all ask "open whaaa...?". Most of them ask that you submit polaroids and some will give you an appointment.

 

[green.tea]

Hello, my name is Jane and I want to be a model. I am 5'8" and I weigh 118 pounds, but I'm dieting, so I'll be aiming to weigh around 98 pounds. I measure 34-23-36. Am I pretty enough? Am I too fat? Please be honest! Thanks!

98 pounds? perhaps you should focus more on your measurements than actual weight...instead of dieting to loose 20pounds, excersize certain areas of your body and you'll see a more positive result.