How to Become a Model for Magazines

There are many avenues to becoming a part of the modeling industry. Most people believe that modeling always requires you to be extremely beautiful and consists primarily of runway modeling. There are, however, other areas in which you get involved in this field, such as modeling for magazines, where all kinds of looks are sought. There are various genres of magazines that need a variety of models to pose for covers, ads, articles and the like. While it can be challenging to find work, due to the competition, you can achieve success, if you know what steps to take.

Things You'll Need

• Professional portfolio Local and area magazine exposure An agent An online portfolio site

Instructions

1. Work on posing, since this is what magazine modeling jobs entail. You need to be able to look and feel at ease in front of a camera and not look stiff and uncomfortable. You should be able to convey a variety of moods and be able to let your personality shine through. Look through the genre of magazines you are interested in modeling for to get an idea of the kinds of poses their models typically do, then practice the same positions, postures and facial expressions. Also, you may want to consider having a professional photographer take pictures of you in a variety of poses and compare the results with the photos you see in magazines. A photographer may be able to give you tips on how to look relaxed and confident when posing. To find a photographer, get referrals from others, search professional photographer directories and websites and visit photography studios in your area (see Resources below).

2. Get a professional modeling portfolio that you can take along when you go in person for a job interview. A portfolio is a collection of your best professionally-done modeling photographs and is what modeling agencies and magazine editors use to assess your potential. Select those photos that best showcase the qualities that the magazine you want to model for is seeking. Your portfolio should consist of about a dozen photographs. You should include both full length shots and headshots, with a mixture of black-and-white photos and color photos, in different poses and with different looks or facial expressions. Choose three to four of your most exceptional photos to place on the right hand side of your first page, to make an immediate impact. Your remaining photos can be placed on following pages on either side, but remember to put your best photos on the right, since that is customarily where the eye's attention is drawn. Use sheet protectors to make sure your photos hold in place and make your photos look glossy. As you gain more experience with modeling for magazines, you can update your portfolio by adding tearsheets, which prove your print model experience. Your portfolio should be in a portfolio case, found at a professional photography store or shop.

3. Look in local online and offline classifieds to see if there are ads from area publications looking for models or contact local magazines and newspapers directly to inquire about what is required to be hired as a model for them and to find out how you can apply. You may not get paid for doing it at first, but it will give you experience and offer you exposure. The fact is that you need to be seen to garner interest, and local publications are a good way to get the momentum started.

4. Look for magazines for which you might have the right look. For example, if you have beautiful hair, you might be able to get work modeling for a hair stylist magazine or, if you are plus size, you might be able to find a job modeling for a magazine geared toward plus size fashions. There are all kinds of magazines with different focuses geared towards special interests, hobbies and age groups that might be searching for somebody with your particular look.

5. Think about sending your photo into a magazine photo contest. Some magazines ask readers to send in photographs of themselves and then a panel of judges picks finalists and puts their pictures in their magazine. Either the judges or other readers are usually asked to vote and the winning photo is chosen from the remaining group, meaning that the winner may either get the chance to be featured on the cover or do a photo shoot.

6. Get an agent to help your modeling career gather more steam. After you've gotten some consistent gigs on your own, an agent can help you with obtaining increased bookings and interviews and, additionally, may be better able to locate magazines that your particular look is best suited for. To find a reputable agent, check with other models to find out which agents they recommend (see Resources below).

7. Create an online website, featuring a portfolio of your very best photos. This is a good place to refer magazines you want to work for to and give them the chance to see what you have to offer. There are a number of websites that offer free or low cost hosting for your online portfolio (see Resources below). Use ones that already have a selection of built-in templates you can choose from, where all you have to do is pick the templates you want, write any applicable content and upload your photos. It isn't difficult to build an online portfolio this way, but it's wise to pay a fee to upgrade and keep distracting ads off your portfolio site in addition to getting more site-building options Just as with your offline portfolio, the photos on an online portfolio need to be professional-looking and impressive. Look at online portfolios of other models as examples (see Resources below).

8. Have a flexible schedule, as you may have to travel out of town to do interviews, photo shoots and more. Magazine modeling isn't as stressful as runway modeling, but it still requires time and commitment, so make sure you are willing to put in the effort demanded.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you check out an agent's reputation before signing with him or her.

• Never sign any contract without knowing what it involves. Look out for scam artists, who promise you modeling work, only if you give them a substantial upfront fee.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Professional Photographers Directory
• Directory of Modeling Agencies and Photographers by State
• Free Webhosting- Reviews, Ratings and More
• Model Online Portfolio Example