Honest Judgment about yourself.

Are you enough honest evaluate yourself? Do you fit in this profession? Just praising of your looks by your friends is not enough. You must posses a package of great looks. Since in this profession you have to make other people to looks like you. A product endorsement banks on models looks. More than looks it is important how photogenic you are? So you are right person to judge your decision whether you are fit for this industry or not?

Great Portfolio

Alright you have great looks that can turn heads while you walking on public place but that is not enough at all. How do you look in photos are key factor for clients or photographers to choose you from the lot. It is quite often so deserving models get lost because of poor portfolio. You port folio should be much stronger than own looks. This would happen only either your portfolio is shot by a commercial photographer or a very talented armature. So before you step in this industry, you must be armed with a great portfolio.

Do you have inner strength?

Beside looks and great portfolio, The model should posses strong will power and confidence to hunt for right opportunity with a determination to work harder and harder. You must be stronger from inside your attitudes, mannerism, communications skills, and patience can put you on the desired place in the industry. Never think that modelling is full of glamour, but if you look in to rationally it is not just glamour as it seems from outside. When you see a beautiful model wearing great smile, there is lot of hard work behind it from the client, photographer and creative people to full fill their set objectives. So your inner personality plays equal role as your outer look.

Do you have right direction?

One more quality you must have is to differentiate between right and wrong people. If you are new to this filed you must choose the right band of people in this profession. Else, there are lots of bogus people in this industry who will misguide you at the cost of your own money. So never make fool out of you. Always go to professional photographers, coordinator, agencies, production houses for films and TV commercial, ad filmmakers. If you in right hands with a quality to become success no one can stop you to be top of the world.

Where are you located?

As it is truth that in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur city is known for advertising agencies, TV production, films, photographers, ad film makers with lots or pre production and post production studios, creative people, events management organization, contest organization, set designers, fashion designers and houses. Obviously, if you are not located in Kuala Lumpur then you must be capable to travel to Kuala Lumpur. It said in this industry that everything is required yesterday. So for any appointment or call with clients, you must be available across the table. And you must spend sizable time for your personal approach under the guidance of your coordination or agency. Again it needs hard work, time and money.

Measurements (Female Model)

The best measurements for glamour modelling are 5′7″, 34″ bust, 24″ waist, 34″ hips. If you are within one inch of these measurements you are fit to model almost anything. High Fashion models are typically 5′7″ to 6′ tall and an extremely thin size 7 with 32-35″ bust, 22-25″ waist and 33-36″ hips. They are not necessarily classically beautiful. PETITE measurements would be 5′5″ to 5′8″ tall and a size 5 to 7. The model MUST have a well proportioned body. PLUS SIZE models are 5′7″ to 5′11″ tall and wear a size 12 to 14, have a well toned and proportioned body with a thin face, good skin and beautiful hair. Always provide very accurate measurements to the agency and to customers. (Helps to save embarrassment if you get hired for a job and the clothes don’t fit because you were not honest). For a man, heights should be 5′11″ to 6′2″ and you must fit in a 40-42″ jacket.

The ultimate test for an aspiring Model

Well almost… Send your photo and resume to reputable coordinators. Set-up an appointment and you will find out very quickly if you have what it takes. These people are very busy, if they don’t like the photo you won’t get an appointment. If they like it you will be invited for an assessment. Then again if you don’t have what it takes they will tell you on the spot. (they want quality models). If rejected don’t give up yet! Each coordinator/agency is different and has different expectations and requirements from their models. Always ask about any immediate physical changes (haircut, weight loss, skin treatment, dental work etc.) and work on it for the future. Some coordinators/established models offer good training (in the form of workshops/courses) for local fashion shows and print work. This can be a great way to gain confidence and experience.

How to get started and some tips to Succeed?

An agency or co-ordinator should represent models. The model must have a portfolio, and comp cards. The agency/coordinator provides you with work (That is their main purpose. It is safe to say that they work for you!) They make a commission on your fee (15 to 20%). Be warned about agencies/coordinators who ask for money up front! Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine. The agency/coordinator should provide you with a few photographers name. It’s your choice to get the photographer you want. Pay the photographer for the photo shoots not the agency/coordinator. The agency/coordinator provides you with safe working environment and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. They provide their clients with “Professional” models. Keep copies of all-important papers, such as contracts etc. You may need these if you have a dispute with the agency/coordinator. It is wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully so you can stay with that them. Constantly changing them gives you a reputation of being flighty and unprofessional

How to find an agency/coordinator?

Since in India there is no system for accrediting Modelling Agencies. It would be best advised for you to look up our coordinator section. If you are outside India, please check out the INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY of MODEL and TALENT agencies & schools, a book with phone and address of all agencies across the world.

How to approach an agency / coordinator?

The oldest way to go about it is to visit them. Book an appointment ahead of time by phone. Bring at least 2 pictures. They don’t have to be professional pictures. A head shot, natural and clear. Also a full length shot that somewhat reveals your figure, a clingy dress , swimsuit, figure flattering clothes or other tight fittings garments should be worn. Forget about baggy clothes! It will tip off viewers that you have something to hide. Ask lots of questions. Ask to see what work their models are currently doing? Ask for names and phone number of clients and call them to verify the information, be concerned if they promise you work right away or promise you high salaries. If they don’t allow you time to think about it or if they use pressure techniques to sign the contract, be concerned. They should not ask for money up-front for classes or training. Be concerned if the they claim to be looking for ordinary people. Reputed agencies/coordinators might have open interviews during the week, give them a call and find out. Also you can send your photo and resume as mentioned earlier.

Portfolio: What is it?

It’s a collection of your modelling pictures. How many pictures you need varies. You should only keep strong pictures; you are only as good as your worst picture! Models should aim for quality not quantity! Avoid using 2 pictures of the same shoot (same look) Black and White is the favourite of the industry. 9 by 12 inches are the standard size. Your agency will require you to buy an 11 by 14 inches for their book (portfolio). A basic but versatile portfolio would have a casual head shot, styled head shot, body shot (conservative swimsuit or lingerie), a fashion shot (sexy), action shot, an editorial shot and even a catalogue shot. As you gain experience replace the older pictures with newer one. Keep your best picture at the end to leave a lasting impression! Do not wear Jewellery for those prints; it takes the attention away from you. The wrong choice of undergarments may show panty line or bra straps and will distract the viewer (on the job, or in interviews it can mean the difference between looking professional or not). Tailor your portfolio for your strengths and the type of modelling you are doing.

What is a Comp card?

Comp card is a card with a few pictures on it. It also has the information on how to reach modelling agency. It contains your statistic and measurements. They cost between US$ 200 to 300 for 200 cards. The model pays for them and your agency will tell you how many you need to get started
Tips on how to choose a photographer

Avoid “portrait photographer” they often don’t understand the need of the fashion industry. See the photographer’s portfolio. Do you like it? Does it represent the style and format your looking for? Commercial photographers might be a good source of work! Keep that in mind. Be concerned about photographers who seek to take nude pictures of you or claims to be working on a swimsuit calendar. Photographers should be professional and respectful and you should bring a friend along. Always be cheerful, you never know when you might get a free shoot or a free picture or an extra roll done at no extra cost! If you bring your own clothes to the shoot, always bring extra. If the photographer for example like your look and decides to do an extra roll you will be ready to benefit from it. Keep an open mind photographers love to do editorial shots.

Always remember good beginning means half work done.

Many aspiring models feel that because they are beautiful, photographers will line up to take their photos. In some rare instances, this might actually be true. But at the same time, you need to position yourself in a way that advances your career and uses all of your available resources to your advantage. I've worked with numerous models that are substantially more attractive than major successes like Brittany Spears or Paris Hilton. So why aren't they also huge successes? Because being extremely successful in this industry generally involves more than just good looks.

It is important to recognize that there are thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of aspiring models out there and they're all seeking work. If you are serious about advancing your career, then it is important that you take steps to distance yourself from the pack and give yourself every advantage you can over the countless others all seeking the same things.

Don't settle for situations where working with someone will not benefit your portfolio or your career. And by all means, if you're at all serious about modeling as a career or a potential source of income, be extremely discriminant about the photos you use in your portfolio. I will say this repeatedly in these pages, your portfolio is not a scrapbook.

With that said, a career in modeling usually requires a model to start from the bottom and work her way up. This means that not all jobs will be glamourous or high paying. And sometimes the best opportunities in your career will barely seem like opportunities at all.

It is important to consider all opportunities very carefully. And if you're already accustomed to getting paid for your time, it is important toconsider when collaborating with a photographer for "free" may be worth more than any monetary reimbursement for time.

For example, photographers may sometimes work on creative projects that don't involve compensating the participants. Yet the results from such a project could end up being worth their weight in gold and one of the highlights of your portfolio. A single photo could get you exposure leading to countless more paid opportunities.

Written by Los Angeles photographer, Zero Dean.

There is no single path to follow for getting started. Different models have found success through success through different routes. If you want to become a doctor, for example, there is a set course of schooling, experience, and testing to follow. But for a career in modeling, there is no clear path. Some of the ways that I know models have gotten started in the past are listed below. Although it is by no means an exhaustive list, it might help you launch your career in modeling.

The bulk of the work in modeling is booked through modeling agencies. So, literally, go to the front door of the modeling agency. This is the number one way for a wannabe model to start. You will have to do some research. First, find out where the modeling agency door is, whether locally or in some big city. Second, determine that it is not a scam agency. The Modeling Advice site has links to a list of modeling agencies and information on how to check out an agency (The Agency). You can also approach a modeling agency through their open call, by scheduling an interview, or by submitting a cover letter and photographs. Give them a call or email them and ask how they want new talent to contact them.

Some models get started because they have an in. You hear stories of someone who has a friend who models and goes to a photo shoot with them and is then "discovered" by the photographer. Or maybe someone has an aunt who modeled or runs an agency and helped him or her get started. Others might work in a related field and one day finds them working not beside the camera but in front of it. In smaller markets child models are most often used because they are an art director's, buyer's, or photographer's child. Knowing someone in the business can help you get started in a modeling career.

Modeling agencies are constantly looking for new talent. This is especially true in fashion modeling. This segment of modeling is composed mostly of young models. By the time a model is 30, his or her career is over. There is always a need to find the next generation of models. Modeling agency personnel (owner, booker), photographers, art directors, and of course the "model scouts" are the ones who are out there looking. Some agencies are large enough to employ an individual whose sole job is to look for that next generation of new talent or to fill the new needs of a client. Unfortunately, rip-off organizations, web space salespeople, and scoundrels often use the term "model scout", so you should be suspicious of those calling themselves model scouts. But there are many stories of models being discovered at the mall, on the beach, or in some other public place. If you hope to start your career in modeling by waiting for the fates to smile on you, you must plan on spending a lot of time hanging in out in public places.

Some models do work their way into modeling (I have also heard models say that modeling is hard work and all models work their way into the business). These models track down test shoots and put together their comp cards and portfolios. They study and practice being a model by working on their expressions, posing, runway walking, hair styling, makeup, working in front of a camera, and learning how the business works. These models may work freelance or have non-exclusive contracts with a number of modeling agencies. In smaller regional markets, where agencies do not have the resources to develop new talent, an agency might not work with a model until they have developed their skills and marketing materials. If you enjoy the process of modeling and doing good work, then all of the time and expense that go into this process can be its own reward. If you plan to earn a living at modeling, i.e. as a career, you should be sure you meet the basic physical and aptitude requirements for the type of model you want to become before you invest your time and money into the process. If you want to be a high fashion model but do not have the size or look requirements, no amount of hard work will make you a career model.

There is a whole industry built around this approach to getting started in modeling. Very few career models, however, actually succeed through this avenue. This area includes many of the modeling schools, modeling camps, model searches, internet listing services, modeling contests, modeling conventions, and pageants. This is not to say that these activities can't be interesting, educational, and fun. But most of these organizations will take on and take money from almost anyone who wants to be a model. This leads to a very low percentage of career models that actually come from these activities. Most of these organizations survive by playing on one's dreams, ignorance, and pocket book and not by finding and developing top modeling talent. But in spite of this, sometimes someone does make it and this is what these organizations feature in their sales pitches and videos.

This is the burning question. The general guidelines for women are height 5'9" to 6', around size 6, 34B-24-34, and 14-21 years of age. For men the guidelines are height around 6' (a couple of inches over or under), size 40R. Are there exceptions to this? You bet. Is it fair? No. Are there petite sizes and plus sizes? Yes. Do commercial, glamour, acting, or smaller markets care anything about these sizes? Not much. Only if you want to work high fashion in the major markets like New York are these numbers important.

Are there jobs for models who specialize in just parts of the body?

Yes. Some models that have photogenic faces and bodies do not necessarily have photogenic hands and feet. Hand models, for example, are difficult to find and frequently a photographer uses one model for the face while another model's hands may be reaching into the picture. Of course the photographer makes it look like one person, but in fact there are two. Jewelry photographers look for good hands, a nice neck, and photogenic ears. As with hands, good ears are hard to find, as they must have the right shape, with smooth skin, and pierced for only one earring, not five. Paying jobs for modeling jewelry, however, seldom come along. Body-parts models follow career paths similar to regular models.

You hear about the fabulous big money that supermodels make, but only a handful of models in the world ever achieve this kind of income, which can be in the millions. Most models earn far less, assuming they get any work at all. Modeling fees for markets outside of New York, as a general rule will be in the same range as a photographer's fees. For example, in Portland, Oregon, when I last checked, modeling agencies fees were $150 an hour. As you move to larger markets fees for photographers and models go up (one agency in New York was asking $250 per hour). While you may not have the income of an elite supermodel, you can make a good living if you can find steady work. And that is a big "if".

First the YES part. Reviewing snapshots of potential models is a normal screening practice used by modeling agencies. You send them a couple of snapshots of yourself, usually a head-and-shoulder shot and a full-length body shot in a bathing suit or tight clothes. Some say they can tell from these snapshots whether you have what it takes for modeling.

You should send good, clear, properly exposed, properly composed photographs in which you are properly positioned. They can use these photos as a screening tool. This means that if there is an opening for someone with your look, the agency will be interested in meeting with you in person to see if, in fact, you look like your picture. This does not necessarily mean that you have or do not have what it takes to be a model. It just gets you an interview and maybe on to a test shoot.

Now the NO part. Most would-be models send bad pictures, or they may look great but they don't meet the agency's needs at that moment, or the agent guessed wrong. Modeling agencies say, "Don't spend money on getting photos taken; a Polaroid by your friend is just fine." But when they talk about sending in a simple snapshot, what they are really looking for is at least an advanced amateur level of photography or a would-be professional photographer level. Having taught photography for a number of years, I know that most beginners have problems with exposure, focus, and composition, let alone knowing how to position models for their best look. You may not want to trust your career to your best friend's ability as a photographer unless they meet the advanced amateur criteria.

You should try sending your photos to several modeling agencies to see if they are interested in you. One agency may be full of blue-eyed blondes while another may have none and be in need of one. It can be as simple as being in the right place at the right time. For example, one agency or photographer may tell a would-be model that he or she doesn't have what it takes; that wannabe model then goes to another agency and becomes a star model. I remember photographing a young 14-year-old whom I thought just didn't have the classic beauty look and told her I doubted if she would accomplish much in this field. Fortunately, she did not listen to me. She started working out, kept up her modeling and beauty work, switched over to the pageant side of things, and became Miss Oregon.

The initial snapshot, interview, and test shot are just screening processes to find those who would have an easier time in modeling. A special few may still find some measure of success in modeling by hard work and developing special talents. They may not become superstars but they can find enjoyment and financial rewards pursuing a modeling career.

I have never personally been to one of these events (nor are any of them asking me to come and check them out) and I have not seen any 60 Minutes type of journalistic investigation on them. I have looked over their web sites and I have seen endless chatrooms that call these events the biggest rip-offs out there. I don't know of any top models that have come out of conventions and searches, although I do know of one TV actress discovered at IMTA. What I do know is that for the money some of these organizations charge, you could fly to New York, stay for week, and do open calls at every top agency in the city. Personally, I don't feel that they are a very good investment. There are better ways to get discovered.

Remember the story of the three blind men describing an elephant? One man felt the trunk, another felt the tail, and the third felt the leg. Each had a different description of what the elephant was like. The modeling industry is the same way. The modeling industry is big and has many specialty areas. What I have experienced is quite different from what fashion photographer A has experienced. And what he has experienced is quite different from what glamour photographer B has. And what we all have experienced is quite different from what the modeling agencies are going to tell you.

Another thing that leads to different views on the industry is that we are all small business people, each one running his/her own business in as many unique ways, and hopefully better than the competition. This leads to a lot of different ideas about how things work and how things should be done. It can also lead to confusion and presents opportunities for con artists. Since there is no set way to become a model, it leaves the door open for the "expert" to "guarantee" to make you a top model for only a small, non-refundable fee. Watch out and try to educate yourself on the many areas of the modeling industry.

I can't keep up with this group. They keep changing their name and their antics. Emodels merged with Options Talent that merged again to be become Trans Continental Entertainment Group, Inc., and then changed its name to Trans Continental Talent, Inc. Then it moved into an agreement with Wilhelmina to form Wilhelmina Scouting Network. More changes have occurred since this last. According to news reports they plan on continuing to do business as usual. I have seen some postings where they are calling themselves Transcontinental Talent.

The following information is what I have found on this changing organization:Options Talent, Inc. part of Options Talent Group is a publicly traded company. All SEC fillings are available to the public. The following is taken from Options Talent Groups Form 10-QSB filed April 30, 2002:

"Options Talent, Inc. (formerly eModel, Inc., hereafter "OTI"), was incorporated in Delaware on August 22, 2000 under the name eModel, Inc.com. OTI maintains a website as a portal for the entertainment industry. Through a significant scouting organization and an international franchise network, OTI enrolls clients into a sophisticated database for a fee, and provides them increased exposure to registered agencies and other industry professionals seeking cost effective access to various talent using the Internet. OTI also markets interactive events to its database of clients and prospective clients to showcase various talents to relevant industry professionals. OTI intends to market additional products, advertising, and other services to this emerging networked database of enrolled talent, registered agencies, and other industry professionals.

OTI generates revenues from enrollment and maintenance fees paid by clients posting profile information on the Company's website (model revenue), through the sale of franchises to franchisees (franchise revenue), to developers through the sale of specific territorial marketing rights (developer revenue), through the sale of interactive events to clients seeking to showcase their talents before relevant industry professionals (event revenue), and until January 2001 through amounts paid by field talent scouts for the right to recruit clients (scout revenue). Model enrollment revenues are recognized upon sale, as substantially all of the services necessary to post client profile information on the website is completed as part of the sales process, and there exist no uncertainties surrounding collection as historically all such sales have been made for cash or as credit card charges. Initial and renewal franchise fees are fully recognized when received, as there are no significant commitments or obligations on the part of the Company to perform future services other than the initial territory designation and to maintain the website. Event revenues and associated event costs are recognized when the event occurs. Advance collections and costs are deferred accordingly and estimated revenue and cost accruals may be required from time to time.

Franchise operations expenses include the direct and indirect costs of personnel associated with franchise marketing, training and support, and operation of remote corporate offices. Sales and marketing cost include the direct and indirect costs of personnel associated with model enrollment and maintenance revenues, including assisting franchisees in the sales process where necessary. Scout expenses include amounts paid to independent contractors for enrollment referrals. Technical operations expenses include the direct and indirect costs of personnel responsible for the design, implementation, and support of the Company's database and website. General and administrative expenses include direct and indirect costs of personnel engaged in corporate executive management, administration, finance, legal, and human resources, depreciation expense and corporate headquarters facility charges."

If you are looking for online paid hosting of your model portfolio there are hundreds of sites offering this service. Do a search at Google.com to find them. Two of the oldest paid sites are Models.com and Model Network.com. For free internet model listing sites check out the Free Model Listing page.