How to Become a Catalogue Model

To become a model, you need a special look and the ability to emote with your body language and facial expressions. If you are interested in becoming a catalog model, you need to look good in a variety of different clothing styles as well as be able to convey the spirit and tone of the catalog company you are posing for with your body and face.

Things You'll Need

• Portfolio
• Head shots

Instructions

1. Make sure your body is in shape for the type of catalog modeling you plan on doing. Generally, catalog models will be slightly larger than fashion models, about size 6 to 8. On the other hand, if you want to be a model for a plus-sized catalog, you will need to be size 10 to 16. No matter what size category you are trying for, you need to be toned and generally healthy. This means exercise and good nutrition. Good overall health will make you photograph better because your skin tone and hair will look better.

2. Get your head shots done by a professional photographer. However, before you get your head shots taken, go to a professional makeup artist to get your makeup done. Remember to tell the makeup artist that you will be shooting for a high-resolution photograph and need a matte-finish, airbrushed look. Try several different poses and backgrounds for your head shots. This will give you different options to choose from when you are auditioning for a catalog.

3. Put together your initial portfolio. If you have modeled for catalogs before, then you can use those photographs for your portfolio. However, if you are still trying to break into the business, you will need to create your own photographs for your portfolio. It is a good idea to work with a professional photographer when developing the shots for your portfolio. You will want a variety of action shots and stills. For posing ideas, look through clothing and shoe catalogs.

4. Look for open casting calls for catalog models. These opportunities are usually advertised in local newspapers and on television stations. This is a great way to get discovered, or to at least gain some experience.

5. Bring your portfolio to a modeling agency that specializes in catalog models like Impact Model Agency in Cornwell, U.K., or the Ocean Model Group in Chicago, Illinois. Once you sign on with a modeling agency, they will send you out on "go-sees," which are like job interviews for models, and they will also book jobs for you.

Resources

• Ocean Model Group