Information about how to get started in the modeling industry.

Getting Started
There is no single path to follow for getting started. Different models have found 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.

Go to the Source
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. There is no reason to try another way of getting started until

Know Someone
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.

The Fates
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.

Hard work
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 nonexclusive 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.

Try to Buy Success
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.

More modeling tips for modeling conventions
While you're getting ready for a modeling convention, read these tips that will help you be at your best during the Convention. Make sure to check out the links for more advice from the insiders.

1. Remember - you only have one chance to make a first impression. Be prepared!
2. Be ready to answer a famous question "Tell me about yourself," and know when to stop talking.
3. Make sure you look terrific, but don't overdo it. Don't overdress, but also don't be overly "casual," even when you travel.
4. Don't assume you can or should wear the latest trends in fashion.
5. Keep your Victoria's Secret a secret…wear your lingerie under your clothes.
6. Remember that it is not chic or smart to smoke.
7. Drinking alcohol before an audition is not smart either.
8. Don't take your pet to an audition even if the little darling fits in your purse.
9. Don't chew gum…ever!
10. Don't use your cell-phone when you are in a meeting, waiting for an appointment or in a restaurant. And when you are on your cell, keep your voice down!
11. Never ever use your cell phone at an audition!
12. Don't tell people how tired or "stressed" you are. The entertainment business needs energy!
13. Read a classic book, study a language and take lessons in a sport you've never done before. And make sure you know what's going on in the world around you, be it environmental issues, politics or arts.
14. Exercise, be flexible and strong, but don't build too much bulk.
15. Take dance and singing lessons, even if you're a model.
16. Realize that not everyone will remember your name (until you're very famous), so be ready to reintroduce yourself.
17. Always be on time, don't make excuses, and don't "apologize" for your performance.
18. Don't put anything on your resume that is not true. Models: don't lie about your height or size.
19. Learn to listen! You're not learning when you're doing the talking. Learning to take directions is an important part of being a successful performer.
20. Learn that criticism from a professional should be listened to and acted upon.
21. Make sure you warm up before your performance.
22. Remember - your reputation follows you for years and years: ask yourself if you'd mind having those photos and a story in one of the tell-all publications.
23. Be polite and kind to everyone: that receptionist or assistant can quickly sink you!
24. You have to realize that becoming a star doesn't happen overnight and takes incredible passion, work and time!
25. Don't try to be anyone else but YOU!