How to Get Started in Modeling

It is easy to get started in modeling, honest. Getting successful at modeling is the tricky part. There are a couple of things you can start doing now that will help you take the first steps on a modeling career. Here are some tips that may help you get noticed by a modeling agency, and put you on track to becoming the next Tyra Banks.

Things You'll Need

• Fashion Magazines

Instructions

1. Gather inspiration. Get a few fashion magazines and study the pictures. Notice the poses and make-up the models use to generate effects. You should also pay attention to the quality of photos. Those professional production values are what you need to aim for when you are getting started as a model. Also, check out "America's Next Top Model" for a few behind the scenes pointers.

2. Get healthy. A sensible diet and exercise program will help you look your best. Modeling agencies are always looking for healthy, vibrant and young models for work in print and electronic advertising, and staying healthy and fit enhances your body's good qualities.

3. Practice your craft. The modeling world is full of stories about complete unknowns who walk by a photo shot and land a million dollar contract, but those people won the fashion world equivalent of the lottery. Wishful people play the lottery. Professionals work their craft and create their own luck. Practice poses, walks and expressions for a set period of time every day. Consider the practice your unpaid part-time job that you absolutely love.

4. Set up several test shoots. Before you send anything to a modeling agency, do a couple test shoots with local photographers. Swing by the professional photographers in the area and give them your contact info. Offer to be a unpaid model for advertising shots or if the photographer is testing new equipment. You can also pay for test shots, if you absolutely do not want to wait.

5. Assemble a comp card using the best shots from your test shoots. A composite photo card is usually a single 8X10 glossy sheet of card stock that has a single close-up head shot of you on the front, along with your name and contact info. On the back, several smaller pictures are displayed, along with your vital statistics, like hair and eye color, weight, height and clothing size.

6. Research modeling agencies in your area. Most decent sized metro areas have at least a one modeling agency to handle the advertising needs of local businesses. If you can get in at the local level, you can gain experience which help push you up to the next level.

7. Send your comp card along with a cover letter to your chosen modeling agencies. In your cover letter, introduce yourself and give a very brief rundown of your current experience, and thank the agency for its time. Don't forget to send your comp card to the big agencies in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Sending to the big agencies is a long shot, but you should take it anyway. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• For getting in shape, look for whole body exercises if possible. Exercise that involves the whole body improve your overall grace and agility, which will help you find work as a model. Some ideas to get you started: dance classes, martial arts classes, and swimming.

• Acting classes are a great place to hone your modeling skills. You learn how to play to an audience and how to emote, and those skills will serve you well in front of the camera. Plus, the students in your class may expand your potential modeling network.

• Successful models have to develop a thick skin regarding rejection. it is a part of the business, and while you do not have to like it, you should develop a professional attitude about rejection.

Resources

• More Modeling Advice