From Fashion to Footwork

How to be a Model

A little off-topic, but many a young aspiring woman has asked me. I'm not specifically in the modeling business, but these are some words of advice shared with me by some of the models I have worked with or produced by experience.

-Find your body type and fit it as well as possible. This does not mean starve yourself. If you are healthy and fit, no respectable agent or photographer should tell you to lose a few more pounds (albeit many people will). Very few people have the ultra-lean supermodel body type. It is dangerous for others to attempt to fit into that body type. There are many other body types out there that are useful, so look outside the box. (hint: not every model is a lingerie/swimsuit model)
-Don't get tattoos- they will severely limit your options. Nowadays we can airbrush tattoos out, but it's extra work, meaning your clients have to spend more time and money on you.
-On top of a well-balanced, healthy diet, drink lots of water (half a gallon a day for most people). This is a healthy way to control your appetite and keep you lean, minimizes bloating, and improves your skin complexion.
-Get promotion. Hire a photographer or work with a student photographer (lots of great talent at your local college) for TFP and get some Zed cards (a model's business card) made. Get an agent (an absolute must). Tell your friends, have them advertise for you.
-Make friends with hair dressers, makeup artists, etc. Get your hair done up whenever you want to be seen (which is all the time).
-Make yourself seen. Be sociable. Go to all the clubs, go to all the parties, and throw a lot of parties. Wear good evening clothes at all of them. This will help you out TONS when your client has already seen you at a party and is charmed by your appearance and flattering personality. (right? right?)
-Don't be afraid of rejection. No model gets every job they apply for. In fact, I'm willing to bet no model gets most of the jobs they apply for.

Remember to keep your head up high and beam with confidence (another key step). Always keep your Zed cards updated with the times and current fashions. Always keep applying for jobs. And most importantly, always hold your self-respect.

posted by Torn Red Carpet @ 4:05 PM