Becoming a model can be a difficult task, but its not as hard as you think. We will go over all the steps on how to become a model step by step! We have listed out everything from how to get started, becoming fit for modeling, creating your own portfolio and more. Steps On How To Become A Model. This step-by-step guide is filled with tips and information on how to build a successful modeling career.
If you want to know how to become a model, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through the steps of becoming a model, from education requirements and the application process to what it’s like to be a famous model.
First things first: what education is needed to become a model? You can get by with just high school—but it’s going to be harder for you later on. Most agencies will train their models on-site, but if your portfolio isn’t strong enough, they might not take you on. So if you want an easy way into modeling, consider taking some classes in photography or fashion design so that you can build up your portfolio before applying for jobs.
Next: how does someone become a famous model? It all starts with building up your skills and experience as an amateur model by taking part in local competitions and working with local agencies. If your work is good enough, eventually one of these agencies will notice you and ask if they can represent you professionally. Once they do this, they’ll help promote your work until it becomes famous!
Finally: how does someone become a male model? The same way as anyone else who wants to be a model! Male models are just as important as female models;
Let’s Get Physical
The first thing every aspiring model needs to know is what their best features are and how to flaunt them. Inspect your face, free of makeup and with your hair pulled back. Gone are the days when the industry demanded strict symmetry and Eurocentric features. The concept around beauty and the process of finding the perfect model has changed significantly in the industry. What is interesting about your face? Do you have full lips? Sleepy eyes? A gap in your teeth? Any of these can be advantageous when it comes to being remembered by casting agents.
Make faces in the mirror. Practice over-the-top emoting, laughing on cue, and bending your body into interesting positions while still looking natural and comfortable. Get comfortable in heels or other shoes you don’t normally wear. You may be asked to run, jump, and even skip in heels. Learn how to move fluidly, with small movements between shutter clicks instead of completely different poses from snap to snap. Think of each session as if you are trying to create a stop-motion flip book and act for the type of personality of the brand you are modeling for. Your photographer will thank you.. Your photographer will thank you.
What Is The Definition Of Being A Model?
Before you can jumpstart your career as a model, you need to understand exactly what a model is. There are a couple of different ways we can define the term model, so let’s look more closely at each.
A model is defined as:
- One who is employed to display clothes or other merchandise
- A person or thing that serves as a pattern for an artist
- To display by wearing, using, or posing with
We could go on here with various definitions of model, but for our purposes, these three definitions are most relevant.
To sum it up, as a noun, a model is a person who is employed to display, wear, or pose with merchandise (i.e. most commonly clothing).
This can be done in various ways and settings, making the definition of a model open to interpretation. We’ll cover the different types of models in depth down below, but in general, models can display clothing on a runway, they can be photographed for magazines, they can be used in advertising campaigns, and they can even be used by artists who need a model for a piece of art they are working on.
With this in mind, the form, figure, and appearance of a model is the most important factor used when obtaining jobs, which is one of the reasons why this job can be so tough menally.
Model Meaning
While modeling often gets glamorized in the media, when we actually sit down and take a look at what it means to be a model and all that goes into building a modeling career, it becomes clear that the meaning of modeling is quite complex and in-depth. Let’s review.
Modeling requires thick skin/an ability to handle criticism
We already alluded to this, but when you become a model, you need to have thick skin. While the days of handing over your body to a modeling agency are looked down upon, no matter how accepting and body-positive your agency might be, as a model, you will always be using your body and your likeness in some form, whether it be to display clothing, walk down a runway, or sell a new line of swimwear.
If you can’t handle criticism or you’re not confident with your figure, it might be best to stay away from modeling. You might find that people look past you or only see your figure without actually paying attention to how you feel or what you think. While we don’t condemn behavior like this, there’s no denying that this often becomes commonplace in the modeling industry.
Remember that definition of model: employed to display, pose, or use merchandise. It doesn’t sound great, but as a model, you almost become an object within a scene, which can be difficult to wrap your head around, especially if you struggle with confidence and body image.
Before deciding to become a model, be sure that it is something you think you can handle emotionally and mentally.
Modeling requires focus and stamina
Modeling can also be physically demanding.
Sure, modeling might seem as simple as walking down a runway or posing for a couple of pictures, but in reality, modeling requires a great deal of focus and stamina. Long days on your feet, repeating poses over and over again, and an ability to look at ease and comfortable even when you’re exhausted and frustrated are just some of the more draining tasks you’ll have to endure as a model.
Not to mention, in many instances, models not only need to go through the actual modeling portion of the job but there’s also often hair and makeup associated with each job. Getting your hair and makeup done might seem exciting now, but after multiple photoshoots and long days, it can become mundane.
Depending on the kind of modeling or the location of the job it may also be physically demanding to be posing in a challenging environment (like long hours under the hot sun, or in a cold, snowy tundra) or to hike into a remote location.
Don’t be fooled, modeling requires some serious stamina to get through the long days.
Modeling requires an ability to follow direction
While modeling can provide some level of creative freedom, for the most part, you will be following the creative direction of someone else. Whether it be a photographer, a runway director, or an artist, as a model, you’ve been hired to “model” something, which means taking direction to achieve the final vision.
As a model you know your body and you can offer your creative input, try different poses, and work closely with the directors and photographers, but at the end of the day, modeling requires you to give over creative direction to your employer. As a model, you not only need to be okay with this, but you also need to follow direction with ease. Complaining, arguing, and being difficult to work with won’t get you very far as an aspiring model.
Modeling requires a personal grooming regimen
As mentioned, the modeling industry has made great strides to becoming more accepting and inclusive, but at the end of the day, as a model, taking care of your appearance is important, especially if you’ve been hired for your particular look or your figure.
Of course, this never gives anyone permission to make you feel poorly about yourself, but if you’re neglecting your personal care regime, finding work as a model might be more complex.
A personal care regime might include skincare, exercise, hair care, and even things as simple as nail care if you’re working as a hand model.
Build Your Modeling Portfolio
Once you know your angles and your poses, it’s time to hire a photographer. Remember to communicate with the photographer to understand the process and how they will shoot. In order to get your face out there, you’ll need more than a few selfies and party pics snapped on your iPhone. You’ll need to build a modeling portfolio website. Portfolio standards have evolved a lot over recent years and you want to make sure your portfolio is professional and polished.
There are two types of portfolios you’ll need to curate. The first is a traditional, hard copy portfolio. This is like your resume. You’ll bring this with you to all in-person casting calls. It’s should feature your best 8 to 12 images, and be presented in a portfolio case with a brief catalog of your modeling experience.
The second is your online portfolio. This technique is where you can really show the breadth of your experience and versatility. Building a strong portfolio can be a time-consuming process, but shows casting agents just what you bring to the table and what you can do for them. It should be ever-evolving as you gain more experience.
Practice Posing in Front of the Camera
Practice, practice, practice! Modeling is one of those skills where practice makes perfect. Your ability to pose or strut down the runway is what differentiates you from a model and a professional model. Try setting up a simple studio in your home—all you need is a tripod and a camera or phone, set the self-timer on, and you can start document your poses in front of the camera.
You can even try different locations, like a park, convenience store, or a library. Invite a friend to come with you and have them help you take photos. You can review all the pictures taken to see the poses that work best for you and how you can improve.
Make Love to the Camera
Get started on your modeling portfolio with a captivating headshot. However, this may not be an easy process, as it can be difficult to find the perfect one. Headshots can be just head and shoulders or from the waist up. Your headshot should show you in your “natural” state. Simple makeup, minimal jewelry, and minimally styled hair. If you have facial hair, it should be well groomed. In other words, leave the winged liner, statement jewelry, and teasing comb at home. Smiling or serious, your headshot should put your best face forward and be the first image in your portfolio.
Next, you’ll need a full body shot. Make sure your posture and form are proper so that it can accurately display your body. These are usually very simple, wardrobe-wise. You’ll need a fitted white shirt or tank top and a pair of dark wash skinny jeans or a tailored trouser. Long skirts or jackets or too many layers just cover up what the casting agents are looking for. Ladies, break out those heels and gents, a casual dress shoe will do the trick. Keep it simple and classic—you can get creative in other photos.
You might also want to include a swimwear shot. Many people protest at the idea of a swimsuit photo. Just try to remember that some jobs require a uniform and this is one of those jobs. Keep the photo fierce or playful, especially if you want to explore commercial modeling.
Now let’s have some fun! You can form a more well-rounded portfolio by including different types of work. To show your versatility you’ll want to include some editorial work in your portfolio. Find a theme, create a look, and collaborate with a team if you don’t have anything striking enough.
Commercial modeling is arguably the hardest to get across in your portfolio. Take your photographer to a food truck festival and really enjoy those tacos. Use your purse or backpack as a focal point in the shot. Pore over magazine ads, and try to recreate them. Take inspiration from other models and portfolios to see how they pose with products. Commercial modeling is acting in print and can be incredibly hard to sell. But when you do it right, the photographs are incredibly compelling and sell both the product and your abilities as a model.
Lastly, you’ll want to include any tearsheets you have. A tearsheet is a page torn out of a publication where you’ve been featured. For your digital portfolio, linking to the publication will suffice. If you are going to include tearsheets in your physical portfolio, be sure that they have cleanly cut edges and are in protective plastic sheets. It will leave a bad impression if your pages look tattered.
These are your portfolio must-haves. This will leave you with a small collection of photographs. You can fill it out by adding other shots from these categories. Make sure there is at least one of you smiling, and end on a compelling headshot.
