Q.

I want to be a model. How do I get started?
A.

You came to the right place. If you have what it takes to model, we can help you get started the right way. these sections will provide you the information needed to make intelligent choices.

Q.
How do I know if an agency/company is legitimate?
A.
Unfortunately, there is no union associated with the Modeling Industry that keeps an eye out for scam artists. It is up to you to be informed and aware of the warning signs. A legitimate agency does not charge you fees upfront or make you sign up for modeling classes. They should also not require you to purchase photographs through their agency, although top agencies often work with and refer certain top photographers. A good rule of thumb is to spend about $100 per roll of film. A good portfolio does not need to cost more than a few hundred dollars.  You can also check for complaints against a company through the Better Business Bureau

You are about to be educated on every aspect of the modeling industry -- the truth behind the industry that many companies and businesses do not want you to know about. We have made this information as concise as possible for your understanding and convenience. For some of you, this info will guide you to the modeling career of your dreams. For others, it may lead you to the difficult realization that this industry is simply not for you. Either way, THE INSIDERS REPORT is going to save you lots of heartache, headaches and hundreds -- even thousands of dollars. Pay attention to every detail and trust that the professionals at MODELNEWS.COM know what it takes to become a model.

Almost every person at one time dreams of being a model, but the truth is that most people do not have what it takes. While reading this information, the most important thing you can do for yourself, is to be honest and realistic about your qualifications. If you do not fit the requirements, you will not make it as a model. Period.

Keep in mind that there are different modeling categories with different requirements, so just because you may not be able to work in one, you may be right for another. So our first step is to establish what category you fit into.

Supermodels
The largest amount of money goes to the very rare SUPERMODELS. A supermodel is a model whose name is a household word, like Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, Iman, and about a dozen others. These women can make a generous living off modeling alone. For every million girls who attempt to model, one will achieve supermodel status. Supermodels are at least 5'9 and have beautiful bodies and perfect facial features.

High Fashion
All the planet's eyes are on the world of high fashion. The fashion pages of ELLE, VOGUE, COSMO, etc. are filled with high fashion models. Campaigns like those of Calvin Klein and other famous designers have skyrocketed these faces and bodies to unprecedented heights.

Because of the huge amounts of money that are at stake, the criteria has become even more stringent, making the business even more competitive. A female model should be 14 to 19 years old with a minimum height of 5'9 and a weight of about 115 lbs. Attractive looks are essential, but can be diverse. Great body proportions are necessary as well. Males tend to be older, ranging from about twenty to thirty-five years of age. The minimum height requirement is approximately six feet. The men must be in great physical shape and their looks can range from very handsome to bizarre.

The high fashion area has the highest visibility. We are surrounded by these men and women every day on billboards, magazine covers, and television commercials. The pay is high. It is not unusual for a single campaign to pay a million dollars plus. This money is not as high as supermodel pay but high enough to make it extremely competitive. Only about one in 250,000 people trying will ever make it in this category.

Runway Models
The women who walk the cat walk must be at least 5'9/5'10 and have slender bodies proportionate to their height. Clothes are designed to look their best when on the hanger, and a tall slender body helps achieve the same look. Rates of pay are negotiated according to the status and experience of the model, but range from $500 to $5000 per show. Runway shows occur twice a year and circulate from Milan, London, Paris and then to New York. Runway men need to be at least 6' tall and have excellent physiques.

Print & Catalog Models
Catalog models range from the highest paid supermodels on the pages of Victoria's Secret to those you see in newspaper inserts for the local major retailer in your city. Understand most major retailer's ads are shot in the city where the corporate headquarters are located. So if you think you should be in the Sears catalog , you should be living in Chicago. Most markets in the US do have some catalog shoots taking place daily or at least weekly and although the pay is reasonable, it can never support the huge number of people available to model.

Requirements for print and catalog models are the same. Girls should be at least 5'8 and a size 6. Ethnicity is not as much of an issue as it used to be, but a clear complexion is still a must. Guys tend to be around 6 feet tall and wear a 40 regular sport coat. The average age in the US for a male catalog model is 29.

Major catalogs pay 10,000 to 15,000 a day for top models where as local department stores pay roughly $100- $150 per hour.

Commercial Models
If you are discouraged about the height requirement needed in all the categories listed above, commercial print modeling may be the one for you. Commercial models can be different shapes and sizes depending on the specific look the advertisers are searching for. The pay for commercial print, however, may not be enough to make a living off of, but it still could be fun.

Petite Models
There is a category for people of average height, but the market is extremely small. There may not even be legitimate agencies in your area that handle petite models. You should be between the height of 5'3 and 5'6 and weigh between 100 and 110 pounds. Most of the work you will obtain will be print work. You could also look into Television commercials.

Plus Size Models
One third of the women in the US wear a size 16 or larger. Thus the plus size modeling market is huge and the modeling opportunities keep growing. There are agencies that deal specifically with plus sizes, most of which are in New York and Chicago. Plus size requirements vary, but size 13 is the most widely used size.

Okay, so now you realize how competitive the modeling industry is and hopefully you have found a category you will fit into. Now what?

Portfolios
If you have what it takes to be a model, the first thing you need to be able to meet with agencies about representation, is photos. A real portfolio is a history of the work you have done: covers, editorial pages, newspaper ads, etc. It is not a book of one photographer's pictures of you. But before you book jobs you need to have something to show.

Aspiring models tend to waste money on fashion photos. If you are spending thousands on pictures, you're wasting your precious resources. Keep the costs low and invest wisely. The first step is to do what is called a fashion test. Hire a reputable photographer to shoot a couple of rolls of color film. You should have a variety of looks, outfits, and poses. This should cost you about $100 a roll, plus hair and makeup (another $75).

Make sure you own the film. If the photographer makes you buy the prints from him/her, you are probably overpaying. Develop the film into contact sheets and look through a loop to see which photos will look the best when blown up. Pick out the most diversified and flattering shots and have those blown up to 8X10's and put them into a portfolio.

With this one test in hand you can go into an agency adequately prepared and not entirely broke. Never go into an open call with photos from places like GLAMOUR SHOTS -- you are better off with nothing!

Open Calls
Now check the LIST on modelnews.com for some of the legitimate agencies in your area or call the Screen Actor's Guild for a list of SAG franchised agencies. Find out what their requirements for new models are. If you fit them, ask when they hold open calls and attend them. Open calls are free and you will get the agencies' opinions on your modeling potential and one may even want to sign you. When you attend these open calls, bring your portfolio. Wear a flattering outfit that is also comfortable. Do not wear a lot of make-up. The people you are meeting with are professionals and can spot someone's modeling potential immediately.

Photo Submissions
Some agencies may not hold open calls so you will have to send them your photos. You can either send them copies of your portfolio photos or you can have ZED cards/composite cards made up.
To do this, bring your photos and negatives to a copy shop. You pick the photos you want on the card and they will help you with the layout. It should cost you about $65 for 100 color cards. The card should also contain your name, height, weight, measurements and a phone number to reach you. When you have an agency, you would put your agency's name and number on the card.
Send your photos or ZED card to the agencies with a cover letter requesting an interview. You may have to give the agency a follow-up phone call to see if they looked at your submission. Remember that they receive hundreds a day!

Modeling Agencies
How do you decide which agency is right for you? Elite is by far the largest modeling agency worldwide with the very capable John Casablancas at the helm. John has impacted the modeling industry like no other. John's recruiting and marketing capabilities have catapulted models' names to become the household names they are today. He has set the dollar worth of his models to stratospheric heights. He is the leader and will remain so for years to come.

The obvious major agency names like ELITE, FORD, and WILHELMINA are usually the first to come to mind, but almost every major city in the US has strong, independent agencies. Take LA for example. Even though the majors operate offices in Los Angeles, LA MODELS has a strong hold on most of the runway work and is extremely active with print, catalog, and TV commercials.

The point is to also look beyond the majors. Sometimes you may get more attention and more go-sees with a smaller house. A key point to remember is that agencies do not charge you up front. They all work on commission only. If you are being sold classes or charged for portfolio pictures, it is time for you to move on.

Modeling Contests
Modeling contests are a fun way to have agency representatives see you. You should stick to the nations largest modeling contests available. They are free.

FORD's modeling contest which has been going on for over a decade is called the "SUPERMODEL OF THE YEAR". Judging by the name, you can tell the entry requirements are very competitive. Check out their website at http://www.fordmodels.com/ for future information on the contest or call the NY headquarters at (212) 219- 6500.

ELITE's modeling contest is called the "MODEL LOOK OF THE YEAR" and also been around for over 10 years. Their website is http://www.elitemodel.com/. Refer to it for contest information of call the NY headquarters at (212) 529- 9700.

LA Model's contest is called the "LA LOOK OF THE YEAR" Check out their website at http://www.lamodels.com/.

Seventeen and Teen magazine also run modeling contests which you may want to look into. Refer to upcoming issues for pertinent information on dates, requirements, and how to enter. Free, trial subscriptions for both magazines are available here at Modelnews.com.

Modeling Schools

Because they are franchises, the value that they have varies greatly from city to city. You have to look at the individual operator to see if they have a value. Ask for their local placement and booking rates. Talk to previous students and graduates. Don't listen to high pressure sales pitches like "This is the only seat left" or "It is your last chance to enroll." Ask point blank, "Will I model? Yes or no?" Contact the Better Business Bureau and see how many complaints they have had.

Most non-chain operations are just overpriced classes teaching you how to set a table properly. There is nothing a modeling school can teach you that will make you a model -- either you have what it takes or you don't. To model you do indeed need to have your look together, but any agency can remake you if you have the potential.

Modeling schools can be helpful in some cases to build confidence, but you need to be very careful and do a lot of investigating on your own.

Modeling Searches
Modeling searches blast the airwaves on every radio station across America. They seduce you into attending a free seminar by telling you representatives from top agencies will be there. It is all a way for the company who operates it to make a lot of money. But understand that occasionally someone does get discovered and lands a major contract. Most people spend a lot of money and walk away with nothing.

You have to make the decision whether you want to attend these searches or not. If you are truly qualified to be a model, you can simply skip these middlemen and go directly to open calls at the major agencies. If you are not in a major market area, you can always fly into a big city and attend the open calls. If this is not within your financial capabilities, certain model searches may have some value for you. But beware, many times these are just fronts for schools trying to sell you overpriced classes. As soon as you have to pay for something, stop and ask yourself what you are paying for and whether or not you are getting scammed.

Modeling Conventions
In my opinion, they are a total waste of time and money. People spend four to five thousand dollars to attend the conventions in NY and LA. I have had people tell me it was a positive experience in their lives, but I still believe they are simple rationalizing their poor judgment. If you have money to burn, then go ahead, but it is not an intelligent decision and you will probably achieve nothing.

OVERVIEW
The modeling industry is a very diverse, fickle industry- what is in today, can be out tomorrow. Just because you were turned down today doesn't necessarily mean you do not have a shot- if you are being realistic. If modeling is a dream you cannot live without, pursue it. It may take lots of time, energy and patience to make it. If you are not qualified, find an alternative passion. Whatever happens you are now more prepared to make educated choices about your involvement in the modeling industry.