On Becoming a Model...

Who wants to be a model?

The real answer is EVERYONE. True t'ing! Some folks might not want to admit it but deep down every single person wants be a model! Many people dream of becoming a model; few understand what it takes to get into the business. It takes more than beauty; it takes hard work believe it or not, a particular energy or a 'vibe', and a sense of self, confidence. If you have no clue about how to become a model but want to try, then you need to learn what steps to take.

Some of you may already know this, but I love directing people to Google. It is a fantastic tool that can be used to retrieve any sort of information you want from it! Youtube also helps too if you want to model...

To be a model, you only need to be beautiful, right? Wrong! Plenty of attractive men and women who want to be models are unsuccessful. Why? As I pointed out earlier, modeling is not only about beauty - do a pageant if that's all you have. It's about having the 'right look' and that depends on what type of model you are. Further on I'll point out some of the types of models. Our focus at SI, however, is (high) fashion models. It also has tonnes to do with that little thing we call personality.

Ornelia Edwards - Muse, NY; Saint Int'l, Jamaica

A lot of people want to be a model because of the glamor, appeal, lucrativeness and maybe even simply to get recognition in the modeling world. A word of caution to you: this industry is fierce! It's possibly the most competitive and gruelling business that exists and it will more likely break you than make you if you aren't strong enough.

Your look has to be marketable.

Shena Moulton - Muse, NY; Saint Int'l, Jamaica

A client has to believe that your face and/or body on their product will help them increase their sales. If you can handle that constant rejection, because you won't always fit the bill they want you to, then you are only half ready.

There are qualities every model needs to have that will heavily depend on the type of model they wish to become. Generally, any feature indicative of good health is a must - clear skin, a full head of hair, and overall symmetry. Other qualities such as height and weight depend on what you're modeling. Consider working with a fitness trainer, especially someone who has a good reputation and experience with models. Tell them your modeling goals and how you aspire to look and work your ass off like you want to win the Olympic gold medal!

Shaneke Guyher - new face; Muse, NY; Saint Int'l, Jamaica

Get some photos done. These don't have to be professional but they should be created for the purpose of showing your ability as a model. Agencies say snapshots are fine but that doesn't mean they want to see you holding a party cup with your friends with a little note attached saying "I'm the one on the right!" As a bare MINIMUM, you will need one head shot and one full body shot.

Be professional. Be polite and always turn up on time to any appointment or shoot. If you're late or rude, word will get around and fast! Then nobody will want to work with you. If you make your moves right and still get rejected, be polite and thank them for their time. Who knows? Maybe that will be the turn-around for you to get booked. Modeling is a tough business. Try not to be discouraged by rejections. Even top models still get rejected for about 70% of everything they are put forward for!

Be organized! Models often get called at the last minute and, believe it or not, have very busy days. You need to be pon top a t'ings if you want to succeed. Buying a daily planner can really help. Treat modeling like a real job. Girls and guys who don't take it seriously have small chances of succeeding in their modeling career. Realize that it is harder than it appears and there's a lot of work behind all the glitz and glamour of fashion shows and you know SI is known to produce them as best and dramatic as they come.

Start to develop your portfolio - it helps when going in to clients. Go to a go-see, and go see the clients if you get what I mean! Bring all the personality yo' mama and papa gave you.

If you become one of the top models like our sweetheart Shena Moulton or Trissan Holder, the people you work for might ask you to take drastic measures to stay a top model. For example, they might ask you to cut all your hair off, get a nose job, liposuction, breast implants, lose more weight...or even shave your eyebrows, which by the way is a simple no-no for us at SI. Shaving those brows makes you look 20 years older! Who wants that through their doors claiming to be a model? The pressure of modeling can cause a lot of long term mental health problems, including eating disorders. Don't be afraid to speak to somebody if you think it is getting too much. If you just can't handle the pressure, it is time to start thinking of a new profession. A job isn't worth your health! Or is it? Just pulling your leg - IT ISN'T!

While people might disagree on what looks beautiful, there are a few things everyone can do to improve his or her looks. Dieting, plastic surgery and similar devices are rarely necessary to becoming a model. One must simply work at staying healthy. Be meticulous about your personal grooming. Your skin, hair and nails should all be clean, healthy and look good at all times. On the topic of nails too...the horrible fad of those hideous claws women call tips should be left for...hmmm no one really but definitely not for someone who wants to be a model! Nail polish is simply gross. Wear your nails short and clean.

Ashane Rose - Next Models, NY, Saint Int'l, Jamaica

Learn how to dress. The right clothes can help emphasize your body's good points and downplay the negatives. Also learn how to apply makeup. Learning to apply your own makeup to achieve different looks is essential as a model. Plan and stick to a good diet. That does not mean starving yourself down to a size zero, but you will be better off if you cut the sweets, which causes your skin to break out and focus on fruits and veggies! AND drink plenty of water & exercise. Again, the focus is not on being thin but being healthy, fit & in shape.

Get plenty of sleep. No one looks good with dark circles under the eyes. Good dental hygiene and overall hygiene is very necessary. You should also stay away from cigarettes and coffee because they can turn your teeth yellow. Check out the teeth whitening tips I have on my right side bar. Work on your posture as well. No client likes a lousy-looking model to wear their image.

Unless you plan on being a body part model, at some point you will be required to provide the camera with a specific look. There are a few ways you can learn how to do this:

1. Take classes on acting, dance and speech. These classes will help you learn how to portray different images and emotions.

2. Take photography or fashion classes.

3. Find a few examples of the modeling you want to do and practice the poses in front of the mirror.

4. Learn how to work in front of the camera.

5. Learn how to communicate emotions in front of the camera using your body language.

TYPES OF MODELS (as promised):

When you hear the term model, you automatically start thinking of a Raschell O, Sam Taylor, Ornelia Edwards or a Sosheba Griffiths look, no? They are models but only one type of model: a fashion model. You do not need to have supermodel looks to model. There are many different types to fit different purposes. Once you have made the decision to become a model, you should consider what type you want to become or best fits you and work towards getting there.

FASHION MODEL - hired to promote clothing and apparel

There are several subcategories such as editorial models, high fashion models and catalog models. For this you have to be at least 5' 7" ( MINIMUM female) or 5' 11" (male).

High Fashion Model
A High fashion model works for a famous fashion house or designer and needs strong and distinctive features such as high cheekbones, square jaw line and long neck. These make the most money in comparison to other types of models. They, however, require extensive experience and a proven track record before fashion houses will hire them. Female fashion models are generally between 14 and 19 years of age and have specific standards for their bodies.

Typical measurements: 34B-24-34
Height 5'9" to 6'0" tall
Weight 109 to 130 pounds (proportionate to height)
Dress Size 6 to 8

Male fashion models have a broader age range, from late teens to late twenties and have a slightly more flexible body standard.

Height between 5'11" and 6'2"
Waist size 32 to 36

Editorial Model
An editorial model is similar to a high fashion model but they only work for a particular publication. The pay for an editorial model is much less than that for a high fashion model. Editorial models need to understand how to pose in front of the camera and produce the right facial expressions.

Catalog Model
A catalog (also spelled catalogue) model is hired to appear in catalogs, either to illustrate clothing or products. The heights and measurements of the average catalog model will vary since each catalog tries to appeal to its consumer base.

Runway Model
A runway model is a fashion model who works at a fashion show and has the most rigorous standards regarding body size and type. Runway models must meet specific clothing size measurements and have long legs.

Showroom Model
A showroom model is a fashion model who has been hired to display clothes at a fashion party or a boutique. This can involve standing around or walking around a party.

COMMERCIAL MODEL - sells products for household/industrial use

Commercial Print Model
A commercial print model is hired to model a specific product for photographs which are found in magazines, newspapers, billboards and on the sides of buses. To be a successful commercial print model, you need to be able to provide a variety of looks, emotions and body positions during a photo shoot.

Promotional Model
The promotional model works at either a convention or a trade show, hired to display items, demonstrate products, answer questions or hand out brochures. This work is good for beginners and can lead to print work.

SPECIALTY MODEL - has a specialty body type, shape or part

Body Part ModelA specialty model is a model that models a part of his or her body, usually one that is exceptionally attractive. Typical parts include the hands, legs, torso, neck, hair or feet. The body part in question must have no flaws including scars, wrinkles or blemishes. These models typically focus on modeling items about their specialty. For example, a leg model would most likely model razors or pantyhose while a hand model would model lotion, jewelry or nail polish.

Character Model
A character model is a model that has an everyday look, rather than one that is extremely beautiful. They are often used for commercial photography to portray ordinary people. Models in television commercials are usually character models.

Glamor Model
A glamor model focuses on the model rather than the product, for example nude or swimsuit photography. Pay rates are usually slightly higher than other types of modeling. There are no set physical requirements for glamor modeling, although an oval face is often viewed as sexier.

Teen or Junior Model
A teen model or junior model is a model that is between the ages of 13 and 21 years-old. They must be between 5'7" and 5'10" tall and appear young.

Now I hope I never get another question on what it takes to be a model! I think I have exhausted the starting process. Later, I will give you tips on all sorts of stuff once you've got your foot into an agency. Until then... have a superbly fabulous day.