How to Break Into Plus-Size Modeling

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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If you're a photogenic, self-confident and fit size 12 to 16, plus-size modeling may well be in your future. Before you pack your bags for New York, however, consider some practical tips on breaking into the industry.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Swimsuits
Photographs Of Face And Body
Modeling Agents

Step1

Be proactive. Visit your local department store and offer your services for in-store modeling. Many stores have models walk the floor in select outfits as a way to promote the business. They also need models for special events and fashion shows.

Step2

Call the top three modeling agencies in the largest town or city near you. Ask if they represent plus-size models. If so, schedule time to meet with them during their next open call for full-figure women.

Step3

Dress simply and wear little or no makeup when visiting agents. Bring two photographs: a full-length shot of your body in a swimsuit and a facial close-up. Keep your hair and makeup simple in the photographs, and choose subtle colors that highlight your natural beauty.

Step4

Retain your day job. Although plus-size modeling is a lucrative business, it's also very competitive and will challenge your self-esteem on a regular basis. Build a foundation at the local level, in which a full-time career may flourish.

Step5

Focus on you. Depending on the trends and whims of the fashion industry, you may not possess the right look every time. Be yourself and allow opportunities to present themselves without changing your appearance drastically to accommodate what's of the moment.

Step6

Persevere! Get out there and sell yourself. Keep your name in the minds and Rolodexes of those who can move your career forward. Always remain flexible during the highs and the lows.

Step7

Speak up. As a full-figure beauty, you have the power to influence stores, fashion houses and magazines. With the majority of American women over a size 12, there is a huge market to woo. You might create a position for yourself by reinforcing the need for diversity in runway shows and magazine editorials.

Tips & Warnings

Stay healthy. A successful plus-size model embraces her unique figure and natural beauty. She consistently eats well, stays active in body and mind, and resists the downward spiral into crash dieting and yo-yo exercising.
Be passionate. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude with agents, photographers and store personnel. Modeling is a business, and success within the industry demands the same hard work you would apply to any profession.
Don't spend money before you have to. Avoid any agency or photographer that insists you pay for a portfolio or other services up front. A modeling agency will help you build a portfolio, and a reputable one never expects to see one from a girl or woman just breaking into the industry.
Modeling schools aren't recommended, as they don't teach you anything you can't learn on the job.

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Comments

cwalker3 said

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on 3/31/2008 It is also important for women to exercise and diet properly to look their best. Many women mistakenly think exercising will make them a size two. You and exercise and diet properly while maintaining the curves we all love.

cwalker3 said

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MichaelBenabib said

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on 1/23/2007 More current style - The trend is moving away from the traditional BW photo. People still want the person to be shown and not the photo.

That means too dramatic of lighting can be bad if there is too much black shadow. Casting directors want to see if you have a lazy eye or a huge mole. But BW is seen as traditional, and many actors (especially in bigger cities) are going with color. The cheesy glamor photos should always be avoided, no matter what purpose.
www.modelingportfolios.net
o get that all-important edge, you need striking, dramatic images that demand the viewer’s attention. The modeling portfolio you present must showcase both the uniqueness of your look and its versatility.

Whether you’re an established professional model, just looking to update your modeling portfolio, or even if you’re new to the business, I’ll work with you to create modeling portfolio that will land you the job you want.

Anonymous said

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on 9/23/2006 Just know that you have to be photogenic, and have a certain unique style. Model Search America is one that I went to, and they teach you how to walk the runway (or at least improve), and have seminars from real models and actors. They also explain that you could do print modeling locally. If you do go to conventions, make sure you get pictures - that gives you an extra boost when visiting agencies, because they will see that you have at least a little bit of experience over someone who has never done anything or tried to do anything before.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Send your photos to agencies online. Most agencies accept online submissions. There is no need to pay $400 to pro scout to discover you. If you are really interested try posting a profile on a free website. There are also many photographers that are willing to do TFP shoots (time for photos) that can help you build a portfolio for free. Programs like pro scouts just build up false hopes. They tell almost everyone that they could be a model or an actor without even seeing how you photograph or act. Yes, they will put you in front of agents, but often not the big agencies that they promise. Save your money, go to free casting calls. Hook up with a good photographer, if you have what it takes they will help you for free.

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