How to Become a Pinup Model

Pin-up models have graced the covers of magazines and represented the months of the year on calenders for decades. The life of a pin-up model can be fun, rewarding and glamorous, but it isn't without its share of hard work and challenges. If you're willing to learn the basics of the fashion industry and have the drive and determination it takes to make it in the modeling world, you can turn your love of being in front of the camera into a high-paying career.

Things You'll Need

• Professional portfolio

Instructions

How to Become a Pin-up Model

1. Decide where to draw the line. There's a difference between being a pin-up model and being a porn model. Pin-up modeling involves suggestively clothed or semi-clothed photography tastefully done. Focus on swimsuits, lingerie, shorts and skimpy dresses. Practice the art of "cheesecake." Present yourself in an artistically seductive manner. This is the legacy of the pin-up models. Think about Marilyn Monroe's classic billowing dress photograph.

2. Put together a portfolio. Include a brief bio of yourself along with several glossy, professionally shot 8x10 photographs showing yourself in a variety of pin-up settings. Don't be afraid to spend money on the portfolio. A professional portfolio will be expensive, but it pays off in the long run. It's your calling card. Do keep in mind that pin-up modeling requires a certain voluptuous body style. Being too thin or not having enough bust is the wrong body style for pin-up modeling.

3. Sign with a modeling agency. Ask questions before you sign any contracts. Who are some of the agency's clients? What kind of work have they gotten for those clients? What percentage of each assignment do they take as their fee? Don't pay any agency to represent you. They will get their money when they find you work.

4. Promote yourself. Get a Web site. Put together a pin-up style calender of some of your best shots. Sell the calender on your site. The more your face and body are publicized, the better your chances will be of getting work.

5. Take on little jobs to earn extra money. Pose for art classes, do catalog work, and query select magazines with some of your photographs. You need to do whatever it takes to get your work seen.

6. Be professional. Word of mouth spreads quickly in this type of business. If you're difficult and unprofessional, people will find out and the work will slow down or stop altogether. Stay professional and you will land the work it takes to make a name for yourself as a pin-up model.

Resources

• Pin-Up Parade