Consider yourself a brave soul for wanting to become a model. Despite its veneer of glamour and ease, this industry is one of the most competitive that you will encounter. You will be tested physically, morally and intellectually in ways that one cannot even anticipate. This post will hopefully assist future models in navigating through this expansive and often confusing career choice.
There is a lot of garbage on the Internet that tries to convince aspiring models to pay money upfront in oder to enter the biz. Such notions are fiction and I do not encourage them. Case in point:
- You don't need to go to modeling school. Clients are generally looking for a specific look, a personality they like, dependability and in some rare cases, experience.
- You don't need a premium online portfolio or paid online composite card. There are enough free resources available that this is not necessary.
- Don't ever pay an agent, referal service or scout upfront. Legitimate booking coordination takes a percentage of your pay afterwards.
- If you don't like your agent/manager/promoter/agency and you aren't contractually obligated to stay, don't hesitate to leave or find additional representation.
- Unless you are have the look of the moment, an excellent track record, have a strong tolerance for criticism and possess perfect skin, don't even bother with dreaming about being a top model. It's not going to happen. Consult agency guidelines prior to sending them photos and resumes. If you know what your client wants, you are ahead of the game.
Although I have posed nude for select assignments, I believe that nudity is not appropriate for most models who simply wish to do commercial work or, want to try out modeling. Fine arts modeling is rewarding and a great way for an artist to gain insights into the craft, but it is also dull and rarely glamorous. If you are interested in becoming a fine art model, the simplest way to break in is to call your local colleges and art schools, and ask them if they have openings for portrait (clothed) and figure (nude) models.
Adult industry models are generally considered to be in a different field than mainstream modeling, however the distinctions have been blurring, primarily because of the increase in competition for modeling work, exhibitionism on the Internet and the advent of "lad" magazines. Do keep in mind, that if you are going to model provocatively, there will be a lot of pressure to go all the way in terms of sexuality, in spite of what your comfort level might be. Keep this in mind if any photographer ever tries to convince you that posing nude on camera will be a great stepping-stone to anything other than adult industry or fine arts modeling.
A note of caution: If you ever pose nude or provocatively, and your photo makes it to the Internet (which is very likely) there is no way to retract it, and it will affect the rest of your life in and out of the modeling industry. This can affect your prospects for employment, your relationship with family and many other factors in your life.
Unless you are getting a good deal of money upfront, NEVER sign an exclusive modeling contract that extends beyond a specific timeline. Most models have more than one agent, and the ones that work constantly find many of their assignments on a freelance basis -- directly from clients. Also realize that the majority of modeling work pays less than $20 and hour -- if at all, especially if you are a beginner. The really cushy jobs require persistance, a specific look (often times arbitrarily dictated by the client) and a good track record. Consult with a lawyer if you ever have questions. Also, here are some helpful safety tips that you should keep in mind prior to accepting ANY assignment or photo shoot that isn't carefully screened by your agency
Before heading down the path of being a full-time model, there are a few things you must consider.
- Are you ready to spend long periods (often months) of time away from friends and family for higher paying jobs?
- Are you going to be aggressive about your health and safety?
- Are you willing to deal with frivolrous lawsuit threats once you achieve a certain level of fame?
- Are you willing to work early mornings or late nights?
- Are you good at scheduling?
- Are you good at networking?
- Are you willing to give up your privacy?
- Can you handle fake "friends" and fans who may or may not develop into stalkers?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you aren't cut out to be a professional model, period. Sometimes, you won't know for sure until you try, but keep in mind that the moment it stops being a satisfying career for you, it is time to quit. If you still want to model, let me direct you to a few reliable and legitimate sources of information that will steer you in the right direction.
http://www.howtomodel.com/
http://www.modelingscams.org/
http://www.modelingadvice.com/
I have been modeling on an amateur and professional level since 1976, and I can confidently say that this has been one of the most rewarding careers I could've hoped for. Although I am retired, I still have affection for the industry and I still get calls. It is my hope that aspiring models can enjoy the opportunity to have a positive experience in this line of work.
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