How to Become a Model in NYC

Say what you will about Paris and Milan, there's no modeling Mecca that can hold a candle to New York City. Just ask Giselle, Bar and Heidi. They left homes in Brazil, Jerusalem and Berlin to find high profile jobs in Manhattan, striding down the catwalk during seasonal collection debuts for the biggest designers in the city's garment industry. If your dream is to follow in their path, consider the following tips, get your hands on a great pair of audition shoes and run -- don't walk -- to New York City.

Things You'll Need

• Modeling portfolio
• Model's composite
• Agent
• NYC living quarters

Instructions

1. Prepare to compete with the big dogs before you conquer New York. Cut your modeling teeth at malls, charity shows and other local events, and attend as many casting calls as you can find time to make for print modeling jobs. The easiest routes to getting your career off the ground are the relationships you make with local modeling agencies, advertising agencies and fashion photographers.

2. Compile a model's portfolio that shows the breadth and depth of your local work. Include a selection of your modeling composites, photos taken on the runway, tear sheets from publications in which you appear and professional portraits and body shots in a variety of poses and outfits.

3. Sign with a local modeling agency that has a branch located in New York City. This is the easiest way to make instant connections in the Big Apple. Your body of work and recommendations from representatives at satellite offices will go a long way to establishing your credibility in the industry.

4. Move to New York. Apartment rentals being what they are in Manhattan, resign yourself to dwelling in New Jersey, Brooklyn, Bronx or Queens until your career takes off. The New York transit system can speed you to agent meetings, interviews, open casting calls, photo studios and shoot-locations from any of these locales.

5. Begin pounding the pavement once you're settled in the New York City area if you haven't arrived with representation. Work methodically down lists of modeling agencies as a base effort. Once you begin meeting others in the profession at audition sites, get agent recommendations from those who have been at it longer than you have.

6. Sign the shortest possible contract with your first New York City agent. You can always decide to renew a contract, but getting out of one should the relationship prove toxic is a legal process you don't want to have to battle. Have the document reviewed by an attorney specializing in contractual law before you sign on the dotted line. You'll be glad you spent the money to take this step.

7. Learn to live with rejection. You already know that modeling is a highly competitive career and when you move from a local lake into a huge ocean, feeding frenzies can be fierce. You'll get jobs you didn't expect to get and you'll lose some you felt certain were yours. Develop a healthy attitude for dealing with this reality and you'll stand a better chance of surviving the New York City modeling market.

8. Pay close attention to your career track and reputation by monitoring the quality of your modeling assignments. Having a contract means that you'll make job and pay concessions as you launch this phase of your career, but maintain your boundaries if your agent tries to convince you to step out of your personal comfort zone.

Tips & Warnings

• Be on the lookout for scams and disreputable NYC agents. Don't sign up for classes, sign contracts or pay suspect fees for classes, assignments or casting calls that fall outside the range of a standard model's contract. Contact the Better Business Bureau if red flags go up.

Resources

• Visit the Elite Modeling Agency website
• Ford is one of New York's top agencies
• Learn more about breaking into modeling